Sectors
Fire Safety & DSEAR Consultancy for Public Sector
Public-sector buildings — council offices, libraries, leisure centres, community halls and civic premises — serve large numbers of members of the public with varying needs and mobility levels. Fire safety obligations fall on the responsible person, typically the local authority or public body.
Key fire and DSEAR considerations
Public-sector buildings present particular challenges in terms of the diversity of occupants — members of the public who may be unfamiliar with the building, have disabilities, or require assistance to evacuate. The fire risk assessment must consider PEEPs for disabled persons and the adequacy of evacuation arrangements for all likely users.
Many public-sector buildings are historic or have undergone multiple changes of use and refurbishment over the years. Compartmentation and passive fire protection may have been compromised, and fire doors may not meet current standards. A compartmentation review or fire door survey alongside the fire risk assessment can provide a comprehensive picture.
Responsible persons in public bodies often manage large portfolios of premises. A consistent, professionally produced fire risk assessment for each building provides a defensible record and supports prioritisation of remediation work across the estate.
Sector-specific risks
- Large numbers of members of the public, varying mobility
- Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for disabled visitors and staff
- Complex building layouts in historic or civic buildings
- Multiple uses of the same building at different times
- Out-of-hours lettings and community events
- Arson risk in accessible public buildings
- Compartmentation and fire stopping in older buildings
Common questions — Public Sector
Request a quote for Public Sector
Submit an enquiry with details of your premises. A member of the team will review the information and get in touch to discuss the scope and approach.