Fire Alarm Zone Plans are a key component of fire safety. Does your building have one clearly displayed?
Fire alarm zone plans are not just nice to have, they are required. It’s a requirement of BS5839-1:2017 that buildings with a fire alarm system in place should also have a fire alarm zone plan.
a zone plan should be placed next to each CIE (Control Indicating Equipment) to ensure that in the event of an emergency, anyone can easily identify the zone in alarm.
BS5839-1
A clear and accurate fire alarm zone plan can make all the difference in an emergency. It provides essential detail on the layout of the fire alarm detection zones in clear easily to read way. This can be used by emergency responders, occupants and staff to identify where the fire alarm has been activated. It must be correctly orientated to be effective, with a “YOU ARE HERE” icon.
A Compliant Fire Alarm Zone Plan
A compliant fire alarm zone plan accurately represents the building layout. It should be kept up to date with any changed to the building and include fire doors, escaped routes, stairwells and circulation spaces. Each fire alarm zone should be clearly defined and labelled with a number. Colour coding provides even clearer clarity which can be crucial in an emergency. The fire alarm zone plan should be clear and simple. Anything complicated is unhelpful in an emergency situation. If there is a fire, you’re going to want a fire fighter to be able quickly see where the fire is, how to get there, and how to get out. Whilst additional information can be included, like the location of fire fighting equipment, it should not overcomplicate the plan.
A Fire Zone Plan should be permanently displayed on or beside any fire alarm control indicating equipment (CIE). This includes any repeat indicating equipment used for the purpose of fire procedures.
One crucial element is the orientation of the Fire Alarm Zone Plan. There are specific recommendations around this, to ensure that the plan matches the location of where the viewer is standing.
Zone plans play a critical role in helping first responders and responsible persons quickly identify the location of an activated fire alarm and therefore help ensure fire alarms can be quickly located, minimising risks and delays.
The Fire Industry Association
Keybury Fire and Security provide a Fire Alarm Zone Plan with every new fire alarm installation. We also provide them for systems we didn’t originally install, please contact us for a quote to carry this out. We are BAFE Certified for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarm systems. Contact our team today on 0800 458 7486 or sales@keybury.co.uk for all your fire alarm requirements.
