Introduction
A zone plan is a vital part of a fire detection and fire alarm system, providing essential information on the
layout of detection zones within a building. A correctly orientated zone plan significantly enhances response efficiency, aiding occupants, staff, and emergency responders in quickly identifying the location of an alarm activation.
BS 5839-1 provides specific recommendations regarding the design and installation of zone plans to ensure clarity and effectiveness. Whilst a “You Are Here” marker is often considered good practice, it is not a recommendation under the standard, which is often a common misconception amongst industry professionals.
What is a zone plan?
A zone plan is a diagrammatic representation of a building, showing specific topographic information, such as the building entrances and the main circulation areas, whilst also identifying division of the building into fire detection zones. Fire Alarm Zone Chart A zone plan can serve multiple functions such as allowing building occupants to determine which area of a premises is affected by an activation, to allow them to investigate and confirm fire alarm signals, but their primary function is for the fire and rescue service to quickly assess and locate a fire. This usually comprises a printed plan of the premises, mounted on or adjacent to the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE), showing relevant information. This can also be represented as an electronic illuminated mimic, or an appropriately designed Visual Display Unit1 (VDU).
The importance of fire alarm zone plans
Fire alarm zone plans are a recommendation of BS 5839-1. The standard states that a zone plan should be
displayed on or adjacent to each CIE. This ensures that any individual responding to an alarm activation can immediately determine the affected area, improving response times, aiding in safe evacuation procedures and allowing faster fire-fighting action.
Failure to provide a compliant and accurate zone plan is defined as a major non-compliance under
BS 5839-1. The absence of a zone plan or the presence of an inaccurate or outdated plan could lead to
delays in emergency response, increasing the risk to occupants and property.
The significance of issues surrounding compliance of zone plans should not be underestimated, as
highlighted in the tragic fire at Rosepark Care Home in 2004, where the subsequent Fatal Accident Inquiry
identified that had a correctly orientated and clearly labelled zone plan been in place, the emergency
responders could have identified the fire’s exact location much sooner, thereby improving their response
efficiency and potentially saving lives.