The Building Fire Manual
Contents of the BFM

Contents of the BFM

The format of the BFM should normally be based on the section headings and content described below, although there may be a need for some variation to take account of the specific circumstances of the building.

See the information on Guidance for Testing Regimes. For additional guidance and technical advice contact the Fire Risk Manager.

Date of Publication or Last Review

Specifies the date of publication and the date that the contents were last reviewed.

The reason for the review (e.g. periodic or as a result of significant changes) should be recorded.

Responsibilities for Fire Safety

Specifies the Responsible Person (Fire Safety) by name;

Building Fire Strategy

Specifies in outline the key features of the strategy to safeguard life, protect property and avoid business interruption;

Identifies both high hazard and business critical areas in the building;
Describes contingency arrangements for recovery in the event of a fire.

Prevention of Fire

Describes building-specific arrangements in respect of the following matters (based on corporate policy where appropriate):

fire prevention generally;
smoking;
electrical safety;
security against arson;
storage and use of flammable liquids and gases;
housekeeping;
storage and removal of waste;
fire prevention in catering facilities;
fire properties of furniture, furnishings and sets.

Fire Protection Measures

Describes the building's:

Means of escape;
Special measures (if any) for evacuation of people with special needs;
Compartmentation;
Escape lighting;
Fire safety signs;
Fire detection and alarm system;
Firefighting equipment;
Fire suppression systems;
Smoke control systems;
facilities for the fire brigade.
The description may take the form, at least in part, of a set of plans.

Describes the following procedures:

Action on discovering a fire;
Action on hearing alert/evacuate signals;
Action by those with special responsibilities;
Evacuation of people with special needs;
Evacuation of studios during live transmissions (where relevant).

Training, Information and Fire Drills
Describes the arrangements for:

General staff training;
Fire warden training;
Training of others with special responsibilities (including those designated to assist disabled people);
Information for visitors;
Instruction of contractors;
Fire drills.

Testing and Servicing of Fire Protection Equipment
Describes the arrangements for:

Routine testing (periodicity and responsibility);
Periodic servicing (periodicity and responsibility);
Response to faults.

Liaison with the Fire Brigade

Describes the arrangements for familiarisation visits.

Fire Safety Inspections and Audits

Describes the arrangements for:

Checks by security patrols;
Formal inspections;
Periodic audits.

Fire Safety during Contractors' Operations

Describes the arrangements for:

Fire precautions during contracts;
Hot work permits;
Other relevant permits;
Maintenance of existing fire precautions during contracts.

Documentation and Records

Provides information on the nature and location of all relevant fire precaution records, including fire certificates, fire risk assessments, log books, emergency packs, etc.

The Building Fire Manual Contents of the BFM

The Building Fire Manual
Contents of the BFM