EACH HISTORICAL building is, by implication, unique. It requires both sympathetic management and flexible enforcement of fire safety measures so that its natural character is not spoilt. This requires a balanced approach with the need to ensure that there is adequate safety from fire on one hand, and on the other, a desire not to damage or degrade the integrity of the original features.
There must, therefore, be pre-planning with the emphasis on ongoing and frequently-revised programmes to make adequate provisions for the safety of life and for the protection of the building, while minimising the need for structural alterations.
The first step is identification of risks -- the strengths and weaknesses of the building (causes of and conditions surrounding possible fires). This can be used to improve fire protection.
The precautions taken must extend far beyond those aspects which generally come to prominence, i.e. that of making doors and screens fire resistant for the safety of life and to restrict the spread of fire. A general risk-minimising policy must be in place, which covers all aspects of day-to-day management, from the type of furnishing to the storage of combustible items. Special restrictions are to be imposed during building maintenance (which is a major risk), including a smoking ban and general presumption against hot-work. Electrical installation must be of a specified standard and inspected at five (5) or two and one half (2 1/2) yearly intervals. Portable equipment must be inspected annually.
Automatic fire detection should incorporate a link to the Fire Brigade or a permanently manned control centre. It would be wise to have staff carrying pagers, who are automatically alerted and given the location of any alarm.
Evacuation plans should be prepared and practised to ensure the safety of the public and the staff; structural fire protection should also be an important consideration.
The value of sprinklers should be accepted, but due consideration should be given to the aesthetic impact of sprinkler heads and pipework installation.
There must be a commitment to training, continuous ongoing assessment with the Fire Brigade playing an integral part.
Any wise occupier or owner will try to be aware of fire risks and take what precautions are possible, but a trained firefighter or visitor to a heritage building will be able to spot hazards which might have been missed due to overfamiliarity with the building. Once a hazard has been observed, a decision has to be taken to minimise the threat to people and property.
If a fire does occur, the sooner it is spotted, the easier it will be to minimise damage. This makes an automatic detection system, including manual call points essential. In addition, effective compartmentalisation contains the fire and smoke and enables fast escape to a place of comparative safety.
Firefighting equipment can be invaluable in fighting a small fire before the arrival of the Brigade, if staff have received appropriate training and the right equipment is where they expect it to be. Training should be given in a range of other areas, including good housekeeping, fire routines, final checks at nights, evacuation and salvage.
A salvage plan should be drawn up, giving details of what is at risk, how it can be protected whether removal is advisable and who should carry out the salvage operation. Consideration should be given to what the Fire Brigade will permit and what equipment, including protective clothing, is available.
Building contractors can present a danger so fire education for contractors is vital.
A safety manager may delegate fire safety decisions, but the responsibility cannot be delegated. It is the manager's duty to ensure that all aspects of fire safety are provided for; that staff follow good housekeeping procedures and know the safety drills; that alarm systems are kept in good working order; that safety lighting actually works; in short, that the building is as safe as can reasonably be.
