What is PAS 79?

PAS 79 is a Publicly Available Specification that provides guidance on the fire risk assessment process. It was developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including fire safety experts, building owners, and regulators. PAS 79 was first published in 2005 and has since been updated several times to reflect changes in regulations and best practices.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of PAS 79, its key features, and how it can be used to enhance fire safety in buildings.

The Importance of PAS 79

Fire safety is a critical aspect of building design and management. Fire incidents can cause significant damage to property, loss of life, and long-term business disruption. PAS 79 provides a systematic approach to fire risk assessment, which is the foundation of effective fire safety management.

PAS 79 is designed to be used by a wide range of stakeholders, including building owners, facilities managers, fire safety consultants, and regulatory authorities. It provides a common framework for assessing fire risks, identifying appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, and ensuring that fire safety management is continuously reviewed and improved.

Key Features of PAS 79

PAS 79 covers all aspects of fire risk assessment, from the identification of hazards to the evaluation of fire safety measures. It provides guidance on the following key areas:

1. Fire Hazard Identification

PAS 79 provides a systematic approach to identifying fire hazards, including sources of ignition, fuels, and potential fire spread routes. It also takes into account the occupancy and use of the building, as well as external factors such as nearby hazards.

2. People at Risk

PAS 79 considers the people who may be at risk in the event of a fire, including building occupants, visitors, and nearby residents. It provides guidance on how to assess the potential for harm to people, taking into account factors such as the age, mobility, and vulnerability of occupants.

3. Fire Safety Management

PAS 79 provides guidance on the development of fire safety management policies and procedures, including the roles and responsibilities of personnel, emergency planning, and training requirements. It also covers the importance of regular review and improvement of fire safety management.

4. Fire Protection Measures

PAS 79 provides guidance on the selection and implementation of fire protection measures, including fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems, and fire-resistant construction. It also considers the need for active and passive fire protection measures, and how they should be integrated to provide effective fire safety.

5. Fire Risk Evaluation

PAS 79 provides guidance on how to evaluate the risks associated with a fire, taking into account the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences. It also provides guidance on how to determine whether the current fire safety measures are adequate, and what additional measures may be required.

Using PAS 79 to Enhance Fire Safety

PAS 79 is a valuable tool for enhancing fire safety in buildings. By following its guidance, building owners and managers can ensure that they have a robust fire safety management system in place. This can help to prevent fires from occurring in the first place, and also ensure that any fires that do occur are detected early and dealt with effectively.

PAS 79 can also be used to identify areas where additional fire safety measures may be required. For example, if the risk evaluation process indicates that the current fire suppression system is inadequate, then additional measures such as sprinklers or a fire suppression system may be required.

In addition, PAS 79 can help to ensure that fire safety management is continuously reviewed and improved. Regular review of fire safety management policies and procedures can help to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as changes to the building layout or occupancy. This can help to ensure that the building remains safe and compliant with regulations over the PAS 79 also provides guidance on the importance of regular training and emergency planning. By ensuring that staff are trained in fire safety procedures and emergency response, building owners and managers can help to ensure that any fire incidents are dealt with quickly and effectively.

PAS 79 and Regulatory Compliance

PAS 79 is not a legal requirement, but it is widely recognized and used by regulatory authorities in the UK and other countries as a best practice standard. In the UK, for example, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that building owners carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. PAS 79 provides a framework for carrying out these assessments and ensuring that fire safety measures are appropriate and effective.

In addition, many insurance companies and other stakeholders require compliance with PAS 79 as a condition of coverage or as a demonstration of good practice. Compliance with PAS 79 can also help to demonstrate due diligence in the event of a fire incident, which can be important in legal proceedings.

Conclusion

PAS 79 is a valuable tool for enhancing fire safety in buildings. It provides a systematic approach to fire risk assessment and management, covering all aspects of fire safety from hazard identification to the evaluation of fire safety measures. By following its guidance, building owners and managers can ensure that they have a robust fire safety management system in place that is continuously reviewed and improved.

PAS 79 is widely recognized and used by regulatory authorities and other stakeholders as a best practice standard. Compliance with PAS 79 can help to demonstrate due diligence and ensure that buildings are safe and compliant with regulations over the long term.

For more information on PAS 79, the BSI website provides further details on the specification and its use. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) also provides training courses on fire risk assessment that cover PAS 79 in detail.

At Roman Fire Safety, our team are experienced in using the PAS 79 methodolgy to undertake comprehensive fire risk assessments, get in touch today to dicuss your needs.