Purpose

This task is designed to strengthen the learner’s ability to identify poor-quality documentation, non-conformances, and breaches of UK fire safety legislation, and to correctly revise such documents to meet industry best practice. Learners must evaluate an intentionally incorrect or incomplete document and demonstrate competency in:

• Identifying statutory fire safety requirements relevant to the building
• Reviewing construction plans for design-based fire risks
• Assessing proposed materials and judging whether they meet UK fire safety performance standards
• Demonstrating professional judgement, technical accuracy, and attention to detail

This task builds skills required for real-world fire safety audits, enforcement roles, and professional fire safety consultancy.

Learner Instructions

You are acting as a Fire Safety Reviewer for a local authority Fire Safety Department

You have received a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and Fire Risk Assessment
Extract for a newly proposed commercial building.

Your responsibilities in this task are

Part A – Fault Identification

1. Review the intentionally flawed documents provided below.
2. Identify all errors, omissions, inaccurate statements, and non-compliant content.
3. Reference relevant UK legislation and standards when explaining the nonconformance, including where applicable:

o Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
o Building Regulations 2010 – Approved Document B (Fire Safety)o Fire Safety Act 2021
o Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
o BS 9999 / BS 7974 / BS 476 / EN 13501

Part B – Rewrite

Rewrite the document correctly, ensuring it meets professional fire safety documentation standards.

Intentionally Incorrect / Incomplete Document (AssessorPrepared)

The following NCR and assessment notes contain multiple errors. They are deliberately incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant.

Faulty Document: Non-Conformance Report (NCR)

• Project Name: Sunrise Commercial Centre
• Building Type: Mixed-use office and retail
• Height: 24 metres (stated as “not high enough to need special fire measures”)
• Assessor: J. White (Fire Warden)

NCR Summary (Faulty Version)

1. Fire Doors

• Fire doors on levels 2–5 were inspected. They “seem fine.” No need to check certification labels as the contractor said they are FD60.

2. Compartmentation

• Walls are “probably fire-resistant enough.” No checks needed as the drawings show thick walls.

3. Material Assessment

• External cladding is “aluminium so it will not burn.” Approved

4. Escape Routes

• The building has two staircases. One is slightly narrower than expected (700 mm), but “people can squeeze through,” so acceptable.

5. Fire Alarm System

• Category “B” fire alarm proposed. Assessor notes: “This seems fine for most buildings.”

6. Smoke Ventilation

• Mechanical smoke ventilation was not included in design. “Probably unnecessary since the building has windows.”

7. Sprinklers

• Sprinklers have not been included. “Not required as building is not considered high-rise.”

8. Evacuation Strategy

• Strategy described as “stay put if it seems safe, otherwise leave.”

9. Construction Material Documentation

• CE markings assumed. No documentation supplied but considered acceptable.

10. Fire Risk Assessment Extract

• Fire risk is low because: “the building is new and new buildings don’t usually catch fire.”

Expected Errors Hidden in the Faulty Document

Learners MUST identify (but the list is NOT shown to learners unless requested):

Do NOT include in learner document — for assessor reference only

• Incorrect assumption that 24 m building does not require additional measures (thresholds at 18 m & 11 m apply depending on regulations)
• Fire doors not verified / missing certification / “seem fine” not acceptable
• Compartmentation not tested or evidenced
• Aluminium cladding can be part of composite panels which may be combustible
• 700 mm staircase width is non-compliant for commercial use
• No such alarm category as “Category B” (should be L, P categories)
• Smoke ventilation not optional
• Sprinklers may be required / at least must be justified
• Evacuation strategy vague, non-compliant
• No CE/UKCA evidence
• FRA assumptions invalid (“new buildings don’t burn”)
• Missing references to statutory requirements

All of these will be identified by learners in Part A.

Learner Task Requirements

Part A – Identify Faults

You must identify at least 20 non-conformances, covering:

• Incorrect fire safety assumptions
• Missing documentation
• Breaches of legislation
• Incorrect technical information
• Unsafe or non-compliant recommendations

Part B – Rewrite the NCR Correctly

Your rewritten version must include:

• Accurate technical content
• Alignment with Approved Document B
• Correct building height considerations
• Correct fire alarm category
• Evidence-based compartmentation review
• Appropriate materials assessment referencing EN 13501 ratings
• A compliant evacuation strategy
• Clear, structured NCR formatting
• Professional tone and assessor responsibility

Alignment with Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcome	How This Task Meets It
1. Define statutory fire safety requirements	Learner identifies breaches of UK legislation and rewrites documents referencing correct requirements.
2. Evaluate plans for fire risks associated with construction design	Faulty design elements (stairs, compartmentation, alarms, evacuation strategy) require technical redesign
3. Evaluate planned materials and their effectiveness	The flawed materials assessment forces learners to reference correct material fire performance classifications.

Short Submission Guidance for Learners

Your submission should include:

1. Part A – Fault Identification Table

o List each error.
o State why it is incorrect.
o Reference relevant UK laws/standards

2. Part B – Corrected NCR (rewritten in full)

o Professional format
o Fully compliant content
o Clear justification of recommendations

3. Word Count Guidance

o Recommended: 1,200–1,800 words
o Clear headings and subheadings

4. Referencing

o Use UK statutory documents only (RRO 2005, ADB, BS/EN standards, etc.).