BS 8644-1 Digital Management of Fire Safety

What is BS 8644-1 – Digital Management of Fire Safety Information?

The new national standard for the Digital Management of Fire Safety Information was established from a recommendation in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. BS 8644-1:2022 enables a standardized industry-wide approach to the management of fire safety information in the built environment.

Who is BS 8644-1 Digital Management of Fire Safety Information for?

The intended audience of the standard includes any individual or organization involved in the design, construction, occupation, and maintenance of a built asset. The digital management of information is a crucial contribution to the golden thread, another recommendation from Dame Judith Hackitt’s report.

It is the responsibility of each organization to contribute to the golden thread. Therefore, the Digital Management of Fire Safety should be referred to and used by every stakeholder throughout a building’s development and lifecycle.

What’s included in the BS 8644-1:2022 Standard?

The standard provides recommendations for managing, presenting, and exchanging fire safety information using digital information management processes. BS 8644-1:2022 covers the following stages of the lifecycle of assets in the built environment:

• Briefing

• Design

• Construction

• Asset Handover

• Operation

• Fire & Rescue Intervention

  
  

The standard also offers guidance to those who don’t directly handle fire safety information. This ensures that all building stakeholders can understand the importance of handling information and how it should be presented and accessed.

Why is BS 8644-1:2022 important?

Traditionally, the management of fire safety information was handled independently at each stage of a building’s lifespan. This led to obscured information and a broken chain of responsibility. To combat this, Dame Judith recommended that “Government should mandate a digital standard of record-keeping for the design, construction, and during the occupation of new high-rise residential buildings (HRBBs).”

The purpose of BS 8644-1:2022 is to ensure that relevant information related to fire safety is made available to the right people at the right time. The standard ensures a transparent allocation of responsibility and a consistent naming convention. This will contribute to a greater knowledge of fire safety and a safer built environment.

UKTC Ensure, BS 8644-1:2022 & the Golden Thread

Established in response to the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review, UKTC Ensure is the first third-party certification scheme that is wholly aligned with the Golden Thread. As a result, it follows the approach and guidance of BS 8644-1:2022.

Unlike legacy systems, UKTC Ensure allows passive fire product manufacturers to create a single source of truth. This is in the form of a secure digital landing page that can be accessed by those who need it, when they need it.

To find out more about UKTC Ensure or start your certification journey, click here: https://www.uktc-ensure.com/

The Importance of Digital Management in Fire Safety

Digital management of fire safety information is not just a trend; it is a necessity. As buildings become more complex, the need for clear and accessible fire safety information grows. This standard ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page, reducing the risk of miscommunication.

Enhancing Safety Through Technology

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing fire safety. By adopting BS 8644-1:2022, organizations can leverage digital tools to manage fire safety information effectively. This not only improves safety but also streamlines processes.

Training and Awareness

Training is essential for all stakeholders involved in fire safety management. Understanding the BS 8644-1:2022 standard is crucial for effective implementation. Organizations should invest in training programs to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

Future of Fire Safety Management

The future of fire safety management lies in digital solutions. As technology evolves, so will the standards. BS 8644-1:2022 is a step towards a more integrated approach to fire safety. Organizations must stay updated with these changes to maintain compliance and ensure safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BS 8644-1:2022 is a vital standard for the digital management of fire safety information. It promotes a unified approach to handling fire safety data, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and responsible. By embracing this standard, organizations can enhance safety and contribute to a safer built environment.

The digital management of fire safety information is essential for the future of construction and building maintenance. It is a responsibility that all stakeholders must take seriously to ensure the safety of everyone involved.