With the new Building Safety regime in effect, the Fire & Emergency File (FEF) is now essential for every higher-risk building. We see the FEF as an opportunity to embed lasting safety, assurance, and value throughout a building’s lifecycle. Achieving compliance with the FEF is about more than ticking a box – it means reaching critical milestones, like passing Gateway 3, that demonstrate robust fire safety measures are in place. This not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also builds trust and assurance among all stakeholders.
Importantly, the FEF is a critical component for demonstrating safety and compliance during projects on relevant buildings. It provides clear evidence to the regulator that, while works are being completed, resident safety and adherence to fire safety requirements (B1–B5) are being maintained throughout.
Upon the completion of building works, properties typically revert to their established fire safety management systems, ensuring a smooth transition back to normal operation while retaining all the improvements, learnings, and documentation gathered through the FEF process.
The FEF is a key component of the Golden Thread – a vital regulatory concept in building safety. This golden thread is a comprehensive, continuous record showing how fire safety is considered, implemented, and maintained throughout a building’s lifecycle. When managed well, it provides confidence for regulators, residents, and duty holders. When neglected, it creates information gaps, increases risk, and can cause costly delays at Gateway 3.
Many projects struggle to deliver an effective FEF due to fragmented data from various consultants and contractors, frequent design and product changes, uncertainty about best practices, and poorly structured, difficult-to-use files at handover.
We help clients turn the FEF into a practical, dynamic resource that delivers value far more than just a static document.
Early strategy & scoping CHPK Fire Engineering will define the FEF structure and information flow from day one. Ensuring the information is gathered and produced in a timely fashion
Data capture & verification are ensured by coordinating inputs and validating changes, allowing CHPK Fire Engineering to ensure everything aligns with the fire strategy.
Digital delivery: creating searchable, structured FEFs that integrate with your CDE or BIM environment. Our integration process involves aligning digital FEFs with existing CDE or BIM systems to ensure seamless compatibility. This entails configuring data formats, establishing connectivity protocols, and implementing any necessary software adjustments. By doing so, we facilitate an efficient transfer of information, minimise disruption, and enhance operational workflows within your existing digital environment.
Ongoing training and assurance are essential to ensure your team can maintain and use the FEF effectively. After handover, a designated fire safety officer or building manager typically oversees the FEF, supporting a smooth transition and continued regulatory compliance. We provide tailored training programs that equip your team with the skills and confidence to manage the FEF, handle updates, and maintain compliance independently.
Whether you are delivering a new HRRB, managing a refurbishment, or developing an FEF for an existing asset, CHPK Fire Engineering offers the expertise and coordination needed to ensure efficient, compliant, and transparent delivery.
The FEF should never be a last-minute task – it should stand as clear evidence of safety and quality from day one.
Click here to contact the Fire Engineering team to learn more how we can support you
