31/05/2014
When submitting building warrant applications and site plans to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Water Planning Department, meticulous attention to detail regarding water supplies is paramount. These submissions are crucial for ensuring that any new development is adequately equipped to handle potential fire emergencies. The SFRS mandates specific technical standards for both domestic and non-domestic properties, all aimed at guaranteeing swift and effective firefighting operations. This article will delve into the essential elements that must be clearly depicted on your firefighting drawings to meet these vital requirements.
Understanding SFRS Requirements for Water Supplies
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service operates under strict guidelines to ensure public safety. Two key mandatory standards, 2.12 Fire and rescue service access and 2.13 Fire and rescue service water supply, are fundamental to all building warrant applications. Standard 2.12 ensures that fire and rescue vehicles can reach any building without obstruction, a prerequisite for any effective response. However, it is Standard 2.13 that directly addresses the focus of our discussion: the provision of an adequate water supply specifically for firefighting purposes.
Both the Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbooks, updated annually and available on gov.scot, provide comprehensive details on these standards. It is imperative for developers and architects to consult these documents thoroughly to ensure full compliance. The information presented in these handbooks forms the basis of what the SFRS expects to see on your submitted plans.
Key Elements to Include on Your Drawings
To facilitate a smooth and successful building warrant application, your site plans and location plans must be exceptionally clear and informative. The SFRS Water Planning Department needs to be able to accurately plot your development and understand the proposed firefighting water provisions. Here’s a breakdown of what must be included:
1. Clear View of the New Development
The drawings must provide an unambiguous representation of the proposed new development. This includes the layout of buildings, their proximity to each other, and the overall footprint of the project. The aim is to give the SFRS a comprehensive understanding of the scale and nature of the development they are assessing.
2. Unobstructed View of Road Layout
As per Standard 2.12, fire and rescue service access is critical. Your drawings must clearly illustrate the road layout surrounding and leading to the development. This includes:
- Access Roads: Clearly marked roads providing entry to the site.
- Turning Circles: If applicable, designated areas for fire engine manoeuvring.
- Road Widths: Indicating sufficient width for large fire appliances.
- Obstructions: Highlighting any potential obstructions such as gates, bollards, or overhanging structures that could impede access.
A clear and unobstructed road layout ensures that fire engines can reach the vicinity of the buildings quickly and efficiently.
3. Unobstructed View of Firefighting Water Supplies
This is the core of the submission. The drawings must clearly identify and locate all proposed firefighting water supplies. This includes:
- Hydrants: The precise location of all proposed public or private hydrants. Their position should be clearly marked with standard hydrant symbols.
- Water Mains: Indicating the connection points to the mains water supply that will serve the hydrants.
- Water Storage Tanks: If dedicated water storage tanks are part of the fire safety strategy, their location, capacity, and connection to the firefighting system must be detailed.
- Access to Water Sources: If the development relies on alternative water sources such as rivers, ponds, or reservoirs, clear access routes and arrangements for drawing water must be shown.
- Pipework: The layout of underground pipework connecting hydrants to the water source should be depicted.
It is vital that these water supplies are shown to be accessible without obstruction. This means ensuring that no permanent structures, landscaping, or other features are planned in a way that would block access to hydrants or other water points.
4. Location Plan with Eastings and Northings
All building warrant submissions require a location plan. Crucially, this plan must include Eastings and Northings. These grid references are essential for the SFRS Water Planning Department to accurately pinpoint the site on their mapping systems. Without them, precise location identification can be significantly delayed or even impossible, potentially holding up your application.
Technical Standards and Compliance
Compliance with the technical standards outlined in the SFRS Handbooks is not optional; it is a mandatory requirement. These standards dictate aspects such as the minimum flow rates and pressures required from water supplies, the spacing of hydrants, and the design of access routes.
Domestic vs. Non-Domestic Requirements
While both domestic and non-domestic properties must adhere to the core principles of access and water supply, the specific technical details might vary. For instance, the volume of water required or the frequency of hydrants might differ based on the occupancy and risk associated with the building type.
Table 1: Key Differences in Water Supply Considerations (General)
| Feature | Domestic Properties | Non-Domestic Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply Requirement | Mandatory (Standard 2.13) | Mandatory (Standard 2.13) |
| Hydrant Spacing (typical) | Generally determined by building proximity and street layout. | Often more stringent, based on building size, height, and fire load. May require multiple hydrants or higher flow rates. |
| Access Roads | Must accommodate fire appliances. | Must accommodate fire appliances, potentially larger or heavier than those serving domestic areas. |
| Dedicated Water Storage | Less common, typically relies on mains supply. | More likely required for high-risk or large commercial/industrial sites. |
Note: Specific requirements will always be detailed in the relevant SFRS Technical Handbooks.
The Importance of Accuracy
Inaccurate or incomplete drawings can lead to significant delays in the building warrant process. The SFRS Water Planning Department will likely request revisions, which means extra time and potentially additional costs for the applicant. Ensuring that all details are precise, clearly labelled, and compliant with the latest standards from the outset is the most efficient approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary purpose of including water supply details in firefighting drawings?
A1: The primary purpose is to demonstrate to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that the proposed development will have adequate and accessible water sources readily available for firefighting operations, as mandated by their technical standards.
Q2: Where can I find the specific technical standards for fire service water supplies?
A2: The specific technical standards can be found in the Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbooks published by the Scottish Government, available on the gov.scot website.
Q3: What happens if my drawings do not clearly show the firefighting water supplies?
A3: Your building warrant application may be delayed or rejected. The SFRS will likely request revised drawings that clearly depict all necessary information, including the location and accessibility of water supplies and access routes.
Q4: Do I need to show existing hydrants on my drawings?
A4: Yes, it is advisable to show existing relevant infrastructure, including hydrants, to provide context and to demonstrate how the new development integrates with existing services, and how access to them is maintained.
Q5: Can I use a private water source for firefighting?
A5: In some cases, yes, but the private source and any associated infrastructure (like pumps and storage tanks) must meet the stringent requirements and flow rates specified by the SFRS. These details must be clearly shown and specified on the drawings.
Conclusion
Submitting accurate and compliant drawings is a fundamental step in the building warrant application process when it comes to fire safety. By ensuring that your site plans clearly delineate the new development, provide unobstructed views of access roads, and meticulously detail the location and accessibility of all firefighting water supplies, you significantly increase the likelihood of a swift and successful approval from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Always refer to the latest versions of the Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbooks for the most up-to-date requirements and guidelines. Proper planning and clear documentation are key to building safety and regulatory compliance.
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