Interrelation of fire safety provisions

The guidance set out in this Technical Booklet under Sections 2 to 8 deals with different aspects of fire safety. Whilst the guidance appropriate to each of these aspects is set out separately, many of the provisions are closely interlinked. For example, there is a close link between the provisions for means of escape (Section 2) and those for the control of fire growth (Section 3), fire containment (Section 4), facilities for the Fire and Rescue Service (Section 6) and automatic fire suppression systems (Section 8). Similarly, there are links between Section 4 and the provisions for controlling external fire spread (Section 5), and between Section 4, Section 6 and Section 8. Interaction between these different provisions should be recognised when considering alternative solutions, as the adoption of a higher standard of provision in respect of one aspect may be of benefit in respect to the provisions relating to one or more other aspects. Thus the provisions in the Technical Booklet as a whole should be considered as a package aimed at achieving an acceptable standard of fire safety.