Purpose

The purpose of this task is to enable learners to convert complex fire safety regulatory and technical requirements into a clear, structured, visual process flow diagram. This enhances procedural understanding, improves decision-making, and demonstrates competence in:

• Understanding statutory fire safety obligations in UK buildings
• Evaluating construction design for fire risk
• Reviewing the suitability and performance of fire-related materials
• Breaking down real-world fire safety assessment activities into logical stages

Learners will apply their knowledge to map out a complete, compliant process flow for reviewing fire safety matters in a new building project.

Learner Instructions

You are working as a Fire Safety Reviewer within a UK Fire and Rescue Service Fire Safety Department.
Your task is to design a Process Flow Diagram that visually represents the correct steps involved in reviewing fire safety compliance for a new building.
You must base the flow on UK statutory requirements and recognised fire safety guidance.

Task Scenario

A new mixed-use commercial building, The Alderbrook Complex, is being submitted for fire safety review before construction begins.

The project includes:

• 8 storeys (27 metres in height)
• Retail units on the ground floor
• Office floors above
• External façade incorporating a composite panel system
• Two protected staircases
• A planned L2 fire alarm system
• Proposed materials currently unverified for fire performance

Your role is to create a detailed process flow showing all steps a fire safety professional must follow from initial plan receipt to final approval/non-approval.

The Process Flow You Must Produce

Your flow diagram must contain at least 12–18 steps and follow a logical sequence.
You must cover three major domains, aligned with the unit learning outcomes:

A. Statutory Fire Safety Requirements Review (LO1)

Your flow should include steps such as:

• Receive building plans and verify documentation
• Check duty holder compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Review relevant sections of Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Document B
• Check building height implications (thresholds at 11 m, 18 m, and 30 m)
• Determine if Fire Safety Act 2021 applies
• Identify regulatory gaps

B. Construction Design Fire Risk Evaluation (LO2)

Include checks such as:

• Assess building use, occupancy load, fire strategy
• Review compartmentation layout
• Evaluate escape stair capacity and width
• Analyse travel distances and evacuation strategy
• Assess fire service access and facilities
• Review smoke control strategy (mechanical/natural)
• Identify design-based fire hazards

C. Material Suitability and Fire Performance Assessment (LO3)

Include:

• Review manufacturer data
• Verify EN 13501-1 classifications (e.g., A1/A2 ratings for façades >18 m)
• Check compliance with Approved Document B Volume 2
• Identify missing or non-compliant material evidence
• Request updated specifications if needed
• Record fire safety concerns and recommendations

Deliverables

Learners must submit:

1. A Complete Process Flow Diagram

This must include:

• Boxes, arrows, or numbered steps
• Clear logical order
• Use of process flow language (e.g., Start → Assess → Verify → Approve/Reject → End)
• At least 12–18 total steps
• Divided into the three domains (statutory, design, materials)

2. A Written Explanation (Minimum 400 Words)

Explaining:

• Why you structured the steps in the sequence chosen
• Which UK regulations influenced key stages
• How the process ensures compliance and safety
• How each domain relates to the unit learning outcomes

Example Structure (Do NOT provide this as your final submission—this is guidance only)

The learner may choose something like:

• Start
• Receive building plans
• Check statutory requirements
• Review height implications (18 m rule)
• Confirm dutyholder roles
• Evaluate escape strategy
• Assess compartmentation
• Review staircase protection measures
• Assess cladding EN 13501 rating
• Request missing documentation
• Provide compliance report

(This is only a small example; learners must create a more detailed flow.)

Assessment Criteria

Your submission will be evaluated on:

• Accuracy: Steps must reflect real UK fire safety requirements
• Completeness: Must include all three domains
• Process Logic: Flow must follow a coherent beginning-to-end sequence
• Regulatory Referencing: ADB, RRO 2005, Fire Safety Act, BS standards etc.
• Clarity: Diagram must be clear and professionally presented
• Depth: Explanation must show understanding of fire safety review processes

Short Submission Guide for Learners

Your final submission must include:

• Process Flow Diagram (PDF, Word diagram, or drawn neatly and scanned)
• Written Explanation (400+ words)
• References to all UK fire safety legislation used
• Your name and date