Control measure
Identify and investigate concealed spaces
Control measure knowledge
Refer to the control measure of 'Access concealed areas' in the National Operational Guidance: Fires in buildings.
However, in buildings under construction or demolition, it should be assumed that fire stopping in voids may not be installed or may have been removed or compromised.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
- Develop tactical guidance and support arrangements for the hazards and the actions to be taken in the identification and investigation of fire in concealed spaces
- Ascertain and provide specific equipment, training and process arrangements to enable personnel to conduct identification and investigation of fire in concealed spaces
Tactical actions
Incident commanders should:
- Consult and liaise with owners, occupiers and responsible persons to ascertain the location of and access to concealed areas
- Consider the possibility of any building modifications. (e.g. the construction and/or removal of partition walls and/or doors, addition of plant, electrical and mechanical systems)
- Examine ducting or heating, ventilation or air-conditioning outlets for heat or smoke
Identify firespread in voids and cavities by cutting away and opening up for examination
- Pay attention to the ongoing status of the fire detection system, further alarms or alarms activating remotely from the initial zones
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Identify and investigate concealed spaces |
Refer to Fires in buildings training specification |
Practical application
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Identify and investigate concealed spaces |
Refer to Fires in buildings training specification |
- Control measureIdentify compartmentation
- Control measureSurvey adjacent areas or compartments