Implementation of Integrated Fire Risk Management - what educational base do we require?

Before we ask such a fundamental question as "What Educational Base Do We Require?", we need to establish what is "Integrated Fire Risk Management?".

I suggest that there are three basic elements to the process of managing the fire risk - they are: Prevention; Protection; and Fire Fighting. However before going on to answering the question we also need to recognise that "Integrated Risk Management Plans" have become the central basis for the future development of the Fire & Rescue Service in England, both at a central & local level.

Are "Integrated Fire Risk Management" and "Integrated Risk Management" the same thing, or is there a difference? The answer is YES - to both questions! If we restricted the question to managing the fire risk, the answer would be the same - but the Fire & Rescue Service also needs to take into account the other risks to society that it is now formally responsible for, such as road accidents, flooding & even the results of terrorist incidents.

However if we remain focused on fire risk, then we need to remind ourselves that the nature of the fire risk itself can vary significantly - for instance are we looking to manage the risk in order to protect: Life; Property/ Asset; Heritage; or Environment? Irrespective of the intention, the factors that need to be considered will be very similar, and invariably include:
  • General layout
  • Building construction
  • Type & No of occupants
  • Fire safety management
  • Activities/ processes
  • Combustible contents
  • Potential ignition sources
  • Fire load
  • Fire alarm/ detection
  • Passive fire protection
  • Human Behaviour
  • Active fire protection
  • Fire Service facilities
  • FRS Practices

It is important that all those involved in the process of managing the fire risk have a common understanding of these issues. Those involved include:- the designer, the building control body, the fire & rescue service, the insurer, and the owner/ occupier.

It is therefore critically important that the individuals or institutions that provide the educational base for those that manage the fire risk also have a common understanding of the issues involved. These include academia, professional bodies (IFE), and the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS - now forming the basis for knowledge development in the fire & rescue service).

However the most critical element throughout, in ensuring that the nature of the fire risk and the processes for controlling the risk are fully understood, is the individual. What is also important is that this knowledge & understanding is underpinned and maintained by Continuous Professional Development.