Fire Prevention Plan Template

Fire prevention plan
Fire prevention plan template

[Guidance - delete]
How to use this template

You can use this template to prepare a fire prevention plan. You do not have to use it but if
you do it should help you give us the information we need.
This template is not guidance in itself but a tool you can use to prepare your plan. It is
based on our fire prevention plan guidance.
Using the template does not mean that we will accept your fire prevention plan and we
may still ask you for more information.
Download the template from GOV.UK each time you prepare a new plan, to make sure
you have the latest version.
Read our fire prevention plan guidance before you prepare your plan. At the start of each
section in this template there are links to relevant sections of the fire prevention plan
guidance to help you.
Keep all the headings in this template and do not change the order of the sections.
If you think that a heading, section or question does not apply to your operation you must
state that it does not apply and specify why it does not.
If other information is applicable to your operation, you should include it in this template.
Delete all the shaded boxes of guidance text, and other instructions we have provided,
after you have finished writing your plan.
Preparing your plan

You should design your fire prevention measures to meet these 3 objectives:
 minimise the likelihood of a fire happening
 aim for a fire to be extinguished within 4 hours
 minimise the spread of fire within the site and to neighbouring sites
If you submit a plan which includes all of the measures in the guidance, the Environment
Agency is likely to approve your plan.
If you do not put in place and use your fire prevention measures, the Environment Agency
may take enforcement action.
This guidance does not replace statutory requirements or other applicable legislation.
It is your responsibility to check which statutory requirements apply to you.
Page 1 of 19
Proposing alternative fire prevention measures

If you do not want to or cannot follow the recommended measures in the guidance, you
can propose:
 alternative fire prevention measures - if you can demonstrate you will still meet the 3
objectives of the guidance
 that you do not need to extinguish a fire within 4 hours at your site, for example
because it is not close to sensitive receptors - but you must still meet the other 2 fire
prevention objectives
Contact the Environment Agency as soon as possible if you want to propose either of
these options. The Environment Agency will discuss your proposals and the level of
technical detail you need to provide.
If you wish to propose alternative fire prevention measures:
 you must demonstrate that your proposal is proportionate to the risk and that it will
work in practice
 mark the alternative measure clearly in this template
 consider paying for enhanced pre-application advice to discuss the alternative measure
with us and to find out what technical details we need to assess this
[Guidance ends]
Page 2 of 19
[Guidance - delete]
Complete the information below to create the cover page for your fire prevention plan.
[Guidance ends]
Plan version:
Date of plan:
Site details
Site name:
Site address:
Operator name:
Who this plan is for

Under this heading, replace this with a list of the people who should read your plan, for
example this may include your staff, fire officers and contractors working on site.
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Contents
[Guidance - delete]
Please add a table of contents listing the main headings and the page numbers. Your
word processing software can do this for you automatically.
Update the table of contents before you make the final save. If you are using Microsoft
Word, you can update the table below by right-clicking on the table and choosing update.
[Guidance ends]
Types of combustible materials......................................................................................... 5

Using this fire prevention plan............................................................................................6
Fire prevention plan contents.............................................................................................6
Manage common causes of fire.........................................................................................7
Prevent self-combustion...................................................................................................10
Manage waste piles......................................................................................................... 12
Where maximum pile sizes do not apply......................................................................... 13
Prevent fire spreading...................................................................................................... 15
Quarantine area............................................................................................................... 16
Detecting fires.................................................................................................................. 17
Suppressing fires..............................................................................................................17
Firefighting techniques.....................................................................................................18
Water supplies..................................................................................................................18
Managing fire water..........................................................................................................19
During and after an incident.............................................................................................19
Page 4 of 19
Types of combustible materials

[Guidance - delete]
We list examples of combustible waste types in section 4 of the fire prevention plan
guidance. These lists are not exhaustive.
If non-combustible waste is contaminated with combustible waste we will generally regard
the whole pile of waste as combustible, unless you can demonstrate that this is not
appropriate. You must also consider combustible, non-waste materials in your fire
prevention plan as these can cause or increase the impact of fire on a site.
You should list materials such as gas cylinders, aerosols, combustible liquids and
hazardous wastes or anything specific to your site. This should include fuel, for example,
this may include diesel or petrol for plant or vehicles that you store on site.
You need to show these combustible, non-waste materials on the site plan.
They must be adequately separated from combustible wastes.
These materials are covered by Guidance for the storage and treatment of aerosol
canisters and similar packaged wastes on GOV.UK.
If you’re not sure what to do, contact the Environment Agency for advice about other
materials and activities not listed in this guidance.
[Guidance ends]
Combustible waste
Under this heading, replace this text with information listing all the types of combustible
waste that you will have on site at any time. List the associated storage arrangement in the
Managing waste piles section of your plan.
Persistent organic pollutants

Under this heading you need to identify any wastes that contain persistent organic
pollutants (POPs). You need to segregate POPs waste from non-POPs waste and mark
them clearly on your site plan.
Section 4.5 of the fire prevention plan guidance provides more information about POPs
and the requirements of the POPs regulations 2019.
Other combustible materials

Under this heading, replace this text with information listing the combustible, non-waste
materials that you will have on site and also add them to the site plan.
If this section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Page 5 of 19
Using this fire prevention plan

[Guidance - delete]
Staff must know where you keep your fire prevention plan and how to access it.
You must have regular exercises to test how well your plan works and make sure that staff
understand what to do.
Section 5 of the fire prevention plan guidance has further information about actively using
your plan through regular testing and training exercises.
You must keep your plan under regular review and revise it where necessary.
Section 5 of the fire prevention plan guidance has further information about when it may
be necessary to review and revise your plan.
[Guidance ends]
Where the plan is kept and how staff know how to use it
Under this heading, replace this text with information about where you keep your plan and
how staff can access it.
Testing the plan and staff training

Under this heading replace this text with an explanation of how you will test your plan
works and that staff understand what to do. Also state how often you carry out training
exercises. If this section does not apply say that and explain why.
Fire prevention plan contents

[Guidance - delete]
Your fire prevention plan must set out all the measures you will put in place to reduce the
risk of a fire breaking out. Your fire prevention plan measures will depend on the activities
you are carrying out. Your plan must provide details of the different types of activities you
carry out at the site
You must also consider any additional risks posed by planned or reasonably foreseeable
unplanned events.
Your fire prevention plan must also include a site plan(s) drawn to scale. The site plan(s)
must show the features listed in section 6.2 of the fire prevention plan guidance. These
include a separate:
 drainage plan if your site plan does not show drainage runs
 sensitive receptor plan
Add information under the following headings.
Page 6 of 19
[Guidance ends]
Activities at the site

Under this heading, replace this text with a list of activities you carry out at the site
together with a description of each. Include where you do it, how you do it and what
machinery is used.
Site plan
Under this heading, add a reference for the site plan document. Submit the site plan with
your fire prevention plan.
Plan of sensitive receptors near the site

Under this heading, add a reference for the sensitive receptors plan document. Submit the
sensitive receptor plan with your fire prevention plan.
Manage common causes of fire

[Guidance - delete]
You should understand common causes of fire and the measures you can take to reduce
the risk. It’s your responsibility to identify all possible risks, depending on the activities you
carry out on your site.
See section 7 of the fire prevention plan guidance for more information about common
causes of fire.
Add information under the following headings and do not leave anything blank. For
example, if you have no industrial heaters on site you should state that.
[Guidance ends]
Arson
Under this heading, replace this text with a list that clearly describes all the security
measures in place at your site, including out of hours arrangements. Describe the location
of CCTV and alarms and consider marking them on your plans.
Plant and equipment

Under this heading, replace this text with information about plant and equipment. If this
section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Page 7 of 19
Electrical faults including damaged or exposed electrical cables
Electrics certification
Under this heading, replace this text to say when the electrics were fully certified by a
suitably qualified person. If this section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Electrical equipment maintenance arrangements

Under this heading, replace this text to describe your procedures for regular maintenance.
Discarded smoking materials
Smoking on site policies

Under this heading, replace this text to describe how smoking is regulated on your site.
Hot works safe working practices

Under this heading, replace this text with information describing your practices for hot
works and arrangements for fire watches. If this section does not apply, say that and
explain why.
Industrial heaters
Use of industrial heaters

Under this heading, replace this text to list the written procedures that set out the use and
regular maintenance of industrial heaters. If this section does not apply, say that and
explain why.
Hot exhausts and engine parts
Fire watch procedures

Under this heading, replace this text with information describing the fire watch procedures
that you use. If this section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Ignition sources
Under this heading, replace this text with information describing any ignition sources and
how you keep them away from combustible and flammable waste. List all possible ignition
Page 8 of 19
sources on your site and provide evidence to show they are 6m away from combustible
and flammable waste. Consider showing these on your site plan.
Batteries
Under this heading, replace this text and describe the measures you take to reduce the
fire risk caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries.
Batteries in end of life vehicles (ELVs) (delete this section if you do not deal with
ELVs)
Under this heading, replace this text to explain how you make sure that vehicle batteries
are disconnected or removed. If this section does not apply, say that and explain why. You
must describe how you store the batteries once you have removed them and your
procedure for managing batteries that have become damaged.
Leaks and spillages of oils and fuels

Under this heading, replace this text to provide details of how you will prevent fuels and
combustible liquids leaking or trailing from site vehicles and ELVs.
Describe how you will deal with spills. Mark the location of any spill kits on the site plan.
Build-up of loose combustible waste, dust and fluff

Under this heading, replace this text to describe your procedures for preventing the build-
up of loose combustible waste, dust and fluff and provide evidence of them.
Reactions between wastes

Under this heading, replace this text to describe the written procedures you have to
prevent reactions.
Waste acceptance and deposited hot loads

Under this heading, you must tell us about your procedures for managing wastes when
they are received at the site to ensure that fire risk is minimised.
Describe your use of the quarantine area for hot loads.
Hot and dry weather
Page 9 of 19
Under this heading, replace this text to describe what actions you will take to reduce the
fire risk caused by external heating due to hot and dry weather. Section 7.14 of the fire
prevention plan guidance provides some examples of actions you can take to reduce
these risks.
Prevent self-combustion
[Guidance - delete]
Many wastes can self-combust under certain conditions. You can prevent self-combustion
by carefully managing storage times, pile volumes and height, and the temperature of the
wastes.
See section 8 of the fire prevention plan guidance for information about preventing self-
combustion.
[Guidance ends]
General self-combustion measures

Under this heading, replace this text to explain, in general, how you prevent self-
combustion. Then give further details under the headings that follow.
Manage storage time

[Guidance - delete]
Section 8.1 of the fire prevention plan guidance has information about managing storage
time.
Consider the worst-case situation. For example if waste is stored longer in summer than it
is over winter months.
Give details under the headings below.
You need to provide details about any combustible wastes you store later on in the
‘Manage waste piles’ section of your plan.
[Guidance ends]
Method used to record and manage the storage of all waste on site
Under this heading, replace this text to explain the method you use to record and manage
the storage of all waste on site. If this section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Stock rotation policy

Under this heading, replace this text to explain your stock rotation policy. If this section
does not apply, say that and explain why.
Page 10 of 19
Monitor and control temperature

[Guidance - delete]
Section 8.2 of the fire prevention plan guidance has information about monitoring and
controlling temperature. Provide details about how you monitor and control temperature
under the headings below.
Alternatively, you could summarise your actions in a table using these column headings:
 waste materials stored for over 3 months
 monitoring method
 trigger temperature
 actions taken
[Guidance ends]
Reduce the exposed metal content and proportion of ‘fines’

Under this heading, replace this text with information describing how you will reduce
exposed metal content or proportion of ‘fines’ within the waste.
Monitoring temperature
Under this heading, replace this text to describe how you will do your temperature
monitoring. Include the trigger temperature you will use and actions you will take. Explain
how your staff are trained to detect and manage hotspots.
Controlling temperature
Under this heading, replace this text to explain how you control temperature. Explain the
steps you take to prevent self-combustion. Describe how you will release heat generated
within the pile. Show how you will routinely turn piles.
Dealing with hot weather and heating from sunlight

Under this heading replace this text to explain how you will deal with external heating
during hot weather and heating from direct sunlight.
Waste bale storage

Under this heading, replace this text to describe monitoring and storage procedures for
waste bales. Sections 8.3 and 8.4 of the fire prevention plan guidance have more
information.
Page 11 of 19
Manage waste piles

[Guidance - delete]
You must minimise waste pile sizes and store wastes in their largest form. There are
maximum pile sizes that apply to particular types of waste. Section 9.1 of the fire
prevention plan guidance specifies what these are.
[Guidance ends]
Storing waste materials in their largest form

Under this heading, delete this text and add information to explain how you will store
waste materials in their largest form. For example, that you only shred waste just before
removing it from site.
Maximum pile sizes for the waste on your site

Complete this table to provide information about your waste piles. Individually list each
area where waste is stored. For example, do not just list ‘wood’ as a general term for all
wood on site when it is stored in more than one place or form.
If this section does not apply, say that and explain why. If not applicable, delete the table.
Waste Location How it is Max. Max. Max. Volume / Max. time

stream (must stored length / width height m3 it will be
match site For example m /m /m stored
plan) this may
include piles,
bays,
containers,
skips, racks,
bales
Where maximum pile sizes do not apply

[Guidance - delete]
Maximum pile sizes do not apply to whole end of life vehicles, waste stored in containers
(if the containers can be moved) and compost. There are other fire prevention procedures
Page 12 of 19
you must use when storing these wastes. Section 10 of the fire prevention plan guidance
has more information about these measures and what to describe in your plan.
If you store these waste types, provide information about your storage procedures under
the headings that follow.
[Guidance ends]
Whole ELVs (Delete this section if you do not deal with whole ELVs.)
[Guidance - delete]
See section 10.1 of the fire prevention plan guidance covers the measure you must use
and describe in your plan if you store whole ELVs.
Provide information about your ELV procedures under the headings that follows. You must
show that:
 ELVs are accessible from at least one side
 no row is more than two vehicles deep
 if you store vehicles one on top of another, or on racking, you have limited this to 3
vehicles high
 you have a separation distance of 6m between rows or blocks of vehicles
[Guidance ends]
Procedures for storing whole end of life vehicles

If you deal with ELVs, under this heading, replace this text to describe your procedures.
Waste stored in containers

[Guidance - delete]
Section 10.2 of the fire prevention plan guidance has information about procedures for
storing waste in containers that you must put in place and describe in your plan.
Provide your information under the headings below.
[Guidance – ends]
Types of containers you are using
Page 13 of 19
Under this heading, replace this text to describe what types of container you are using and
the dimensions of the containers.
Accessibility of containers
Under this heading, replace this text and add information explaining how each container is
accessible so any fire inside can be put out.
Moving containers in a fire

Under this heading, replace this text and add information explaining the procedures you
have in place to move the containers if there is a fire.
Compost production (Delete this section if you do not produce compost)
Procedures for active management and monitoring of the compost

Under this heading, replace this text and add information to describe your procedures.
Prevent fire spreading

[Guidance - delete]
There are 2 main ways of preventing a fire spreading, separation distances and fire walls.
Section 11 of the fire prevention plan guidance has more information about the measures
you must put in place and describe in your plan.
Provide information about your separation distances, fire walls and bay storage under the
headings below.
[Guidance ends]
Separation distances
Under this heading, replace this text to describe how you will prevent a fire from spreading
by using the correct separation distances.
Fire walls construction standards
Under this heading, replace this text to describe how your fire walls are constructed to
resist fire (both radiative heat and flaming) for a period of at least 120 minutes. For
Page 14 of 19
example, this may include sending the technical description from the manufacturer or
dimensions of the walls and construction materials.
Storing waste in bays

Under this heading, replace this text with a description of how you will prevent a fire from
spreading if you store waste in bays. Your information should cover the 8 bullet points
about storing waste in bays listed in section 11.2 of the fire prevention plan guidance.
Quarantine area
[Guidance - delete]
Section 12 of the fire prevention plan guidance specifies all the information you need to
provide about your quarantine area.
Your quarantine area(s) must be within the permitted site and shown on the site plans.
It must be large enough to:
 have a separation distance of at least 6m around the quarantined waste
 hold at least 50% of the volume of the largest pile, row or block of ELVs or containers
You must provide justification for the chosen size and volume of your quarantine area and
demonstrate that it meets these 2 criteria.
[Guidance ends]
Quarantine area location and size

Under this heading, replace this text and describe your quarantine area location and the
separation distance. Include the location on your site plan. Also describe your quarantine
area’s size and your justification for this size and volume.
How to use the quarantine area if there is a fire

Under this heading, replace this text and set out how you will use your quarantine area in
the event of a fire.
Procedure to remove material stored temporarily if there is a fire

Under this heading, replace this text to explain your procedures for removing material
temporarily stored in the quarantine area if there is a fire.
Page 15 of 19
Detecting fires
[Guidance - delete]
You must have procedures in place to detect a fire in its early stages.
The design, installation and maintenance of any automated systems must be covered by
an appropriate third party certification scheme such as UKAS-accredited or meet an
appropriate recognised standard such as a British Standard.
Section 13 of the fire prevention plan guidance has more information about fire detection
systems and the information to include in your plan.
[Guidance ends]
Detection systems in use

Under this heading, replace this text to describe the detection systems you use.
Certification for the systems

Under this heading, replace this text to explain how your systems are certified. Attach
evidence of this.
Suppressing fires
[Guidance - delete]
If you store waste in a building you must have a fire suppression system. This must enable
a fire to be extinguished within 4 hours. Section 14 of the fire prevention plan guidance
has information about appropriate types of suppression systems.
[Guidance ends]
Suppression systems in use

Under this heading, replace this text to describe the suppression systems that you use. If
you do not store waste in a building and this section does not apply, say that and explain
why.
Certification for the systems

Under this heading, replace this text to explain how your systems are certified. Attach
evidence of the certification. This could include confirmation that your sprinkler system
meets British Standard BS12845.
If you do not use automated systems and propose manual measures say that and provide
evidence which shows how these will work.
Page 16 of 19
Firefighting techniques
[Guidance - delete]
You must design your site to allow for active firefighting. This will help allow a fire to be
extinguished within 4 hours. Section 15 of the fire prevention plan guidance explains what
active firefighting is and the types of techniques you can use.
[Guidance ends]
Active firefighting
Under this heading, replace this text to explain how your site design allows for active
firefighting.
Water supplies
[Guidance - delete]
You must have enough water available to fight a fire and to manage a worst case
scenario. If you store waste in one area but it’s divided into containers, such as skips, your
worst case scenario would be all the skips catching fire. In that case, the volume to use in
your water supply calculation would be the combined volume needed for all of the skips.
Section 16 of the fire prevention plan guidance explains how to calculate the volumes of
water you will need and which supplies will give the fire and rescue service the best
chance of controlling a fire at your site.
Provide information about your water supplies under the headings below.
[Guidance ends]
Available water supply

Explain where your water supply comes from. For example, storage tanks or lagoons on
site, or access to hydrants or mains water supply.
Show the calculation for your required water supply

[Guidance - delete]
Calculate the amount of water needed on site to extinguish a fire in the largest waste pile,
then confirm the source of water and flow rate. Base your calculation on the actual flow
rates available to the site.
Fill in the table below to demonstrate how you have calculated your required water supply.
[Guidance ends]
Page 17 of 19
Maximum pile Water supply Overall water Total water

volume in cubic needed in litres per supply needed over available on site in
metres minute 3 hours in litres litres
Enter volume, for Pile volume x 6.67 Water supply per
example, 300 minute x 180
Managing fire water

[Guidance - delete]
You must be able to contain the run-off from fire water to prevent pollution of the
environment. Section 17 of the fire prevention plan guidance has information about the
containment systems you should use and steps you should take to prevent pollution.
You must assess the risk to groundwater from fire water on the hardstanding areas of the
site. See section 17.1.
You need to consider whether:
 the site is located within a groundwater SPZ1, SPZ2 or SPZ3

 there any private drinking water abstractions within 50 to 100m of the site
 the groundwater vulnerability maps flag that the site is in a high, medium-high or
medium risk category
In these circumstances, you will need to tell us what additional measures you will adopt to
protect groundwater from fire water.
[Guidance ends]
Containing the run-off from fire water

Under this heading, replace this text to explain how you will contain the run-off from fire
water to prevent pollution of the environment.
Include calculations to show that the site can hold the required amount of water calculated.
Make sure that your explanation matches the drainage runs shown on your site plan.
During and after an incident

[Guidance - delete]
Page 18 of 19
Your plan must have contingency measures in place for dealing with issues during and
after a fire. Section 18 of the fire prevention plan guidance explains what you should cover
in your plan.
[Guidance ends]
Dealing with issues during a fire

Under this heading, replace this text to describe how you will deal with issues during a fire.
For example, this may include diverting incoming wastes to alternative sites during a fire. If
this section does not apply, say that and explain why.
Notifying residents and businesses

Under this heading, replace this text with your plan to notify who may be affected by a fire,
such as nearby residents and businesses.
Clearing and decontamination after a fire

Under this heading, replace this text to set out how you will clear and decontaminate the
site.
Section 18 of the fire prevention plan guidance explains that fire residue and firefighting
water may contain POPs which may need specialist treatment. You should explain what
plans are in place to make sure the fire residue and firefighting water will be correctly
treated.
Making the site operational after a fire

Under this heading, replace this text to set out the steps you must take before the site can
become operational again.
Page 19 of 19

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Fire prevention plan

Fire prevention plan template

How to use this template

Preparing your plan

Proposing alternative fire prevention measures

Who this plan is for

Types of combustible materials......................................................................................... 5

Types of combustible materials

Persistent organic pollutants

Other combustible materials

Using this fire prevention plan

Testing the plan and staff training

Fire prevention plan contents

Activities at the site

Plan of sensitive receptors near the site

Manage common causes of fire

Plant and equipment

Electrical faults including damaged or exposed electrical cables

Electrical equipment maintenance arrangements

Discarded smoking materials

Smoking on site policies

Hot works safe working practices

Use of industrial heaters

Hot exhausts and engine parts

Fire watch procedures

Leaks and spillages of oils and fuels

Build-up of loose combustible waste, dust and fluff

Reactions between wastes

Waste acceptance and deposited hot loads

Hot and dry weather

General self-combustion measures

Manage storage time

Stock rotation policy

Monitor and control temperature

Reduce the exposed metal content and proportion of ‘fines’

Dealing with hot weather and heating from sunlight

Waste bale storage

Manage waste piles

Storing waste materials in their largest form

Maximum pile sizes for the waste on your site

Waste Location How it is Max. Max. Max. Volume / Max. time

Where maximum pile sizes do not apply

Procedures for storing whole end of life vehicles

Waste stored in containers

Provide your information under the headings below.

Moving containers in a fire

Compost production (Delete this section if you do not produce compost)

Procedures for active management and monitoring of the compost

Prevent fire spreading

Fire walls construction standards

Storing waste in bays

Quarantine area location and size

How to use the quarantine area if there is a fire

Procedure to remove material stored temporarily if there is a fire

Detection systems in use

Certification for the systems

Suppression systems in use

Certification for the systems

Available water supply

Show the calculation for your required water supply

Maximum pile Water supply Overall water Total water

Managing fire water

You need to consider whether: