Tactical Fire Plans (TFPs)

These plans are schematic drawings with colour coded symbols. They are colour fast and protected against physical damage.

Tactical Fire Plans are part of the Emergency Services Information Package (ESIP).

Firefighters use these drawings to establish the best strategies to manage and combat a fire, or otherwise deal with an emergency situation.

Fire protection consultants recommend that you install Tactical Fire Plans in the Fire Control Room (FCR) or Fire Control Centre. These plans should be readily available to first responders.

You should also insert TFPs into each copy of the ESIP.

Who needs a tactical fire plan?

Premises require Tactical Fire Plans if they:

• Contain a Fire Control Room or Fire Control Centre or a Facility Emergency Control Centre (FECC)
• are a Major Hazard Facility (MHF) in accordance with the Work Health & Safety Regulation (NSW)
• are an explosives site in accordance with the Explosives Regulation (NSW and QLD)

Tactical fire plan requirements

Tactical Fire Plans detail critical information that assists in a fire or emergency situation. This may include:

• Schematics for mechanical, hydrant, sprinkler, fire detection & electrical systems
• Location of electrical switch rooms, generators, transformers, substations
• Fire/Smoke compartments & doors
• Fire dampers, pressurized stairs, Air Handling Units & Mechanical ducts/risers
• WIP Phones, Break Glass Alarms
• Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) & Emergency Warning Intercommunication System (EWIS)
• Hydrants, hose reels, sprinkler isolation valves
• Sprinkler/Hydrant water storage tanks & pumps

Tactical Fire Plans contain vital safety information. As such it is important to ensure that they are properly made ready.

We specialise in Tactical Fire Plans and are happy to assist with any questions you may have. Contact us to get your TFP today.

Tactical Fire Plan review

A tactical fire plan should get regular reviews and maintenance to ensure its accuracy and that it reflects any modifications. For example, structural modifications, occupancy changes or significant differences in any of the following;

• designated access points. These are usually signified by an external warning device such as a bell
• the placement of electrical switchboards, power  generators, transformers, substations and related electrical isolation points;
• fire compartments and/or smoke compartments;
• fuel sources or other hazardous materials or flammable liquids or metals;
• the location of any material safety data sheets (MSDS) that are applicable;
• the locations of water supplies, booster connections, feed hydrants, fire pump-sets, fire hydrant landing valves and isolating valves.
• the location of fire detection control and indicating equipment (FDCIE), Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE), Occupant Warning System (OWS) and associated zone block diagrams.
• the location of the emergency warning system and intercommunication system (EWIS)
• the location of a fire fan control panel.

What is a fire control room?

A fire control room or fire control centre is a dedicated room. It is an area from which personnel can direct or control fire-fighting operations or other emergency procedures. It contains controls, panels, telephones, furniture, and equipment associated with the required fire services in the building. It is not for use for any purpose other than the control of fire-fighting activities and other measures concerning the occupant safety or security.

In accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) a Fire Control Centre is necessary in:

• a building with an effective height of 25m or more
• a class 6, 7, 8 or 9 building consisting of a floor area of 18,000m² or more

In addition, a Fire Control Centre or Fire Control Room will also likely have schematic diagrams of the:

• fire hydrant system,
• automatic fire sprinkler system,
• fire detection & alarm system,
• electrical systems
• and mechanical services