Performance criteria for Fire and Rescue Service access and facilities

It is the view of the Department that the requirements of regulation 37 in Part E will be met – (a) if there is sufficient means of external access to enable fire appliances to be brought near to a building for effective use; (b) if there is sufficient means of access into, and within, a building for firefighting personnel to effect search and rescue and fight fire; (c) if a building is provided with sufficient internal fire mains and other facilities to assist firefighters in their tasks; and (d) if a building is provided with adequate means for venting heat and smoke from a fire in a basement. (e) if where necessary an evacuation alert system is installed for use by the fire and rescue service; (f) if where necessary there is sufficient storey identification signs and dwelling indicator signs; and (g) if where necessary a secure information box to store information for use by the fire and rescue service is installed. These access arrangements and facilities are only required in the interests of the health and safety of people in and around the building. The extent to which they are required will depend on the use and size of the building in so far as it affects the health and safety of those people.