What is a ‘Stay Put’ Policy?
When a fire breaks out in a building, it is essential that both residents and the building’s construction work together to reduce the fire’s spread. Additionally, it is crucial that firemen can do their job quickly and effectively and are given as much time as possible to do so. In blocks of flats, a ‘Stay Put’ policy is held to ensure that all of these are possible. Continue reading our article to find out what a ‘Stay Put’ policy is meaning, the importance of this policy, and what surveys we offer to improve your building’s fire protection.
Understanding what is a ‘Stay Put’ policy
A ‘Stay Put’ Policy is an evacuation strategy used in purpose-built blocks of flats. This is used to maintain the safety of people who are not in the immediate proximity of a fire. It is recommended that signage informing residents of a ‘Stay Put’ policy is displayed so that they are knowledgeable about the procedure and can therefore follow it effectively.
If a fire is not in a tenant’s flat, it is recommended by the ‘Stay Put’ policy procedure that they stay inside with the doors and windows closed. The procedure advises that a person should evacuate the building and call the fire service on 999 if the fire is in their flat or common areas of the building. There is no legal obligation for a person to ‘stay put’ if they choose to leave the building.
Why is a ‘Stay-Put’ policy used?
A ‘Stay Put’ policy is used for a variety of reasons, chiefly because it significantly improves residents’ safety. By using a ‘Stay Put’ policy, residents in a block of flats are kept safely away from a fire if they are not within its immediate vicinity.
Through using this policy, each individual apartment helps to contain the fire for a length of time until the fire service arrives to extinguish it. When concrete and fire doors are used in a building’s construction, the building itself protects against the fire, containing it and giving the fire department more time to put the fire out.
Though not necessarily an aesthetically pleasing material, concrete’s fire-resistant properties in combination with fire doors mean that heat is transferred more slowly within a building. It also maintains a building’s structure in the event of a fire for longer.
Secondly, for firefighters to conduct their job safely and quickly, clear corridors and stairwells are very beneficial. If people are kept safe from a fire by the compartmentation of their flats, firefighters can focus on extinguishing the fire without the added complication of panic and distress from residents.
The importance of fire prevention surveys
To reduce the spread of a fire if one does occur, it is recommended that surveys are taken to understand where improvements are needed for a building’s fire resistance. The results of these surveys should be acted upon and utilised in combination with the ‘Stay Put’ policy procedure.
A compartmentation survey is a process of subdividing buildings to hinder the rapid spread of smoke and fire. The survey is an assessment of how well a building protects its high-value areas and escape routes. The areas that are assessed are roof spaces, ceiling and floor voids, within service rises, behind boxings and more.
The aim of a compartmentation survey is to assess whether a building’s existing fire compartment walls, floors and ceilings will reduce the potential spread of fire and smoke or obstruct evacuation.
In addition to a compartmentation survey, a fire door survey is equally as important for a building’s fire safeguards. A fire door survey involves a thorough inspection of a building’s fire doors followed by a detailed report on their condition, functionality, and resilience to fire.
This will include noting any counter action that must be taken against your fire doors’ mistreatment or damage over time. It will also involve testing all fire doors to determine their performance in a fire and ensuring they comply with the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform order 2005 for a building’s maximum protection.
Compartmentation and fire door surveys at NW Fire Solutions
At NW Fire Solutions, we offer fire door and compartmentation surveys to help you maintain your building’s fire resistance, keep your tenants safe and keep your building in compliance with fire safety laws. We offer professional services of a high standard to ensure you are able to find the solution your building needs. We have many accreditations, so you can rest assured that you’re using a service that you can trust to do an excellent job.
If you’d like to speak to NW Fire Solutions about our compartmentation surveys, fire door surveys or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0151 665 0124, or email us at info@nwfiresolutions.co.uk.