FAQS

Fire Alarm Zone Plans

DO I NEED A FIRE ALARM ZONE PLAN?

Yes.

BS 5839-1:2017 states that zone plans are required on every system of any size in order to be compliant. If your system doesn’t have a zone plan, the competent person or company maintaining the fire alarm system should note this as a major non-compliance.

See BS 5839-1:2017 46.2 (b).

WHAT NEEDS TO BE SHOWN ON THE FIRE ALARM ZONE PLAN?

The fire alarm zone plan should be a diagrammatic representation of the building showing at least the building entrances, main circulation areas and division into zones.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A SAFETY ZONE PLAN TO BE MADE

As each building is different there is no ‘one size fits all’ plan or time – each is different. 

WE HAVE A ZONE LIST, IS THAT OKAY?

BS 5839-1:2017 states that a zone plan is, ‘a diagrammatic representation of the building showing at least the building entrances, the main circulation areas and the division into zones, should be sited next to each CIE’. A list alone wouldn’t satisfy this.

Even with good descriptions, someone unfamiliar with the building wouldn’t necessarily know where these areas are, or the extent of them.

HOW DO I PURCHASE A FIRE ALARM ZONE PLAN?

If you are a trade supplier of fire alarm systems and/or fire alarm system maintenance services, contact us on 03333 441516 or email hello@qdos.biz

If you need a fire alarm zone plan for your premises, please contact your maintenance provider.

Premises Information

WHAT INFORMATION IS ON THE PREMISES INFORMATION PLATES?

Premises Information Plates show the simplified building plan identifying the main entrances, stairs and lifts.

They also show the fire fighting items such as wet and dry risers and indicate the number of hose lengths the fire and rescue service require from the riser outlets to the furthest room on the floor.

WHY DO I NEED PREMISES INFORMATION PLATES?

Essential information on the firefighting facilities and plans of the building should be made available to the attending fire and rescue service on arrival to an emergency call.

The premises information plate captures all this information and is displayed clearly and conspicuously on the exterior of the building.

WHERE ARE THE PREMISES INFORMATION PLATES MOUNTED?

These are usually mounted by the main entrance used by the fire and rescue service when attending an emergency call.

WHAT MATERIAL IS THE PLATE MANUFACTURED WITH?

The Premises Information Plate is manufactured using vandal and weather resistant anoprinted aluminium as standard.

A di-bond aluminium version is also available which is weatherproof but not vandal resistant.

ARE PREMISES INFORMATION PLATES ONLY FOR USE ON HIGH RISE BUILDINGS?

Whilst the main types of buildings using premises information plates are high rise, other buildings with particular hazards or irregular internal layouts can also display Premises Information Plates to benefit the attending Fire and Rescue Service.

WHAT ADDITIONAL WAY FINDING SIGNAGE IS REQUIRED FOR HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES?

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 made it a legal requirement to install Wayfinding Signage in high-rise residential buildings which includes clear markings identifying floor and individual flat numbers.

WHERE DO WAYFINDING SIGNS NEED TO BE DISPLAYED?

The signs should be located on every landing of a protected stairway and every protected corridor/lobby (or open access balcony) into which a firefighting lift opens.  The signs should be visible from the top step of a firefighting stair and, where possible, from inside a firefighting lift when the lift car doors open. 

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TEXT TYPE AND HEIGHT FOR THESE SIGNS?

The floor identification signs should have text in sans serif typeface with a letter height of at least 50mm and a floor number numeral height of 75mm. They should be mounted between 1.7m and 2m above floor level, visible from firefighting stairs and lifts. The flat indicator signs should have text in a sans serif typeface at least half the height of floor identification sign text, showing “Flats X–Y” and arrows if necessary.

Fire Escape Plans

WHERE SHOULD I LOCATE THE FIRE ESCAPE PLAN?

Escape plans should be located at strategic points around the building, such as main entry/exit points on each level, adjacent lifts and stairs, at points where occupants can learn the evacuation route and procedure (such as staff rooms or training rooms), or in every room (such as hotel rooms).

DO FIRE ESCAPE PLANS NEED TO BE PHOTOLUMINESCENT?

All escape plans do not need to be photoluminescent. However, if the premises has a phosphorescent way guidance system, the escape plans may use phosphorescent material, which shall be no less than classification C, according to ISO 17398.

Photoluminescent escape plans from QDOS are printed by HILUX which exceed the classification C, according to ISO 17398.

HOW DO I PURCHASE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN?

Once you have sent your enquiry regarding a Fire Escape Plan, we will send a checklist for your drawings and give you a free quote for your project.

CAN QDOS CREATE CUSTOMISED FIRE ESCAPE PLANS?

Absolutely! Whilst we have various escape plan templates, all our evacuation plans can be customised to meet the client’s specific requirements.

WHAT ELEMENTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN?

A Fire escape plan should detail a geographical representation of the building showing all doors, rooms and staircases etc. The plan should clearly show all fire exits, the evacuation routes and an assembly point. In addition the plan can detail the location of call points, fire extinguishers and first aid locations. The plan has to include a ‘you are here’ marker so you can quickly identify where you are in relation to your nearest fire exit.

DO ESCAPE PLANS HAVE TO ABIDE BY ANY SPECIFIC REGULATIONS?

Each escape plans produced by QDOS adhere to the latest Britsh Standards; Fire Safety symbols used are in accordance with ISO 7010 and all colours in accordance with BS ISO 23601:2020.

HOW SHOULD FIRE ESCAPE PLANS BE DISPLAYED WITHIN A BUILDING?

The plans are intended to be displayed as signs in public areas and workplaces. They should be conspicuous with their environment, located and permanently fixed at strategic points of the escape route. This could be:
Every floor at primary entry points, Near lifts and stairs, Every room (Hotels).

CAN FIRE ESCAPE PLANS BE TAILORED TO SPECIFIC TYPES OF BUILDINGS OR INDUSTRIES?

Yes. We have a number of templates that cater to the specific type of building. From a general plan that can be used in shops, offices and factories to plans for school and academies which can also include Lockdown procedures. We also have a specific template for Hotels which are often found on the back of every hotel room door.

HOW CAN FIRE ESCAPE PLANS BE USED DURING EMERGENCY DRILLS OR EVACUATIONS?

The main purpose of a fire escape plan is to assist in the quick evacuation of a building in the event the alarm is raised or a fire is detected. The plan will not only show you where you are in the building and your nearest exit, but it will also show the location of the nearest fire alarm call point if the alarm needs to be raised for others. The plan can also detail the location of fire extinguishers. All QDOS fire escape plans include evacuation instructions and the assembly point location that you are to go to on exiting the building.

Fire System Design

WHAT INFORMATION DO QDOS NEED TO CREATE A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN?

As a minimum, we require scaled plans of the property requiring a fire alarm system design, with the requested category of fire alarm system.

Additionally, full specifications and section drawings of the building are also extremely helpful in reducing assumptions made whilst designing a system from plan.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT CATEGORY OF SYSTEM I NEED?

BS 5839-1:2017 has examples of the category of systems for various types of premises.

This is usually decided by risk assessment, fire strategy report or the building insurance requirement.

WHAT IS A FIRE SYSTEM DESIGN?

A fire system design specifies the locations & type of equipment that is to be installed into a new or refurbished building in order to comply with BS 5839.
A correctly designed fire alarm system will ensure the building it is protecting will give the quickest response and alert should a fire arise, ensuring the occupants of the building can exit safely & the fire can be tackled in a timely manner.

CAN QDOS PROVIDE FIRE SYSTEM DESIGN SERVICES?

Yes, QDOS have in-house designers with over 20 years of experience in the industry, ensuring you will always receive a design that fully complies with the latest standards.

WHAT TYPES OF FIRE SYSTEMS CAN BE DESIGNED BY QDOS?

We can design systems for any type of non-domestic & domestic buildings.

Including, Factories, Offices, Shopping centres, Hospitals & HMO’s

Yes, QDOS have in-house designers with over 20 years of experience in the industry, ensuring you will always receive a design that fully complies with the latest standards.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC STANDARDS OR CODES THAT GOVERN FIRE SYSTEM DESIGN?

The main standards we design in accordance with are:

BS 5839-1 2017 (non-domestic premises)

BS5839-6 2019 (domestic premises)

WHAT INFORMATION DO QDOS NEED TO CARRY OUT A DESIGN?

As a minimum we require a set of to scale plans of the building & the chosen category of system (for category L2 systems the specified areas of high risk must also be sent to us)

It is not compulsory, however If you also have a specification for the building, along with a set of sections, this will assist us in providing the most accurate design.

CAN QDOS ISSUE BAFE CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN?

Yes, QDOS are BAFE accredited for design, meaning we can provide you with a BAFE design certificate for your handover documents. We can also provide reviews/certification on designs by a 3rd party.

WHAT SIZE SYSTEMS DO QDOS DESIGN TO?

We design systems up to around 100 devices/ 2 loops. 

Fire Safety Plans

WHAT INFORMATION IS SHOWN ON FIRE SAFETY PLANS?

Fire Safety Plans show all items pertaining to the fire safety of a building, such as the fire alarm system devices, emergency lights, fire extinguishers and signage. Also, the fire compartmentation including fire doors is usually shown.

WHERE SHOULD THE FIRE SAFETY PLANS BE KEPT?

The Fire Safety Plans should be kept in a Premises Information Box, or anywhere they can be kept safely but accessible for review.

WHAT SYMBOLS ARE USED ON FIRE SAFETY PLANS?

Generally, symbols from BS 1635:1990 are used, due to the age of the standard additional symbols are also used to depict new and modern devices and fittings.

As-Fitted Drawings

WHY DO I NEED AS-FITTED DRAWINGS?

As-Fitted (or As Installed) drawings usually show the system layouts of a building and should include any changes/modifications which have occurred on-site from the original drawings.

These drawings are usually required at the end of a project to form part of the project’s handover, provided to the premises manager for the installation of a fire alarm system in accordance with BS 5839-1:2017.

WHERE SHOULD AS-FITTED DRAWINGS BE KEPT?

As-Fitted drawings should be kept safely in a Premises Information Box or operation and maintenance manual for the fire alarm system.

Should the fire alarm system be modified in any way, these as-fitted drawings should also be reviewed and revised accordingly.

DO AS-FITTED DRAWINGS NEED TO BE DISPLAYED?

No. There is no requirement to display the as-fitted drawings, only the Fire Alarm Zone Plan is required to be displayed by each control panel or repeater panel as part of a compliant system.

CAN QDOS ASSIST IN GENERATING AS-FITTED DRAWINGS FOR FIRE SYSTEMS?

QDOS specialise in all aspects of of fire related drawings which include as fitted drawings. We simply require a drawing/sketch of the building together with a all the relevant information and we can then create a professional looking finish for your installation.

ARE AS-FITTED DRAWINGS REQUIRED TO BE KEPT UP-TO-DATE?

Should a system be extended; the existing as-fitted drawings should be updated to reflect the changes/additions. 

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN AS-FITTED DRAWINGS?

An as fitted drawing should show a building plan clearly showing the location of the of the fire alarm system equipment, wiring, address numbers and DB levels. In addition to this the drawing should detail the cable type and also indicate which devices include short circuit isolators and the position of remote indicators.

CAN QDOS HELP WITH UPDATING OR MODIFYING EXISTING AS-FITTED DRAWINGS?

All as fitted drawings produced by QDOS are created in DWG format and then provided to the customer as a PDF. If we have the existing as fitted drawing in DWG format then we can modify and update any existing as fitted drawings. If you only have the existing drawings in PDF format then these cannot be edited without us re-creating the drawing from scratch.

HOW CAN AS-FITTED DRAWINGS BE USEFUL DURING MAINTENANCE OR SYSTEM UPGRADES?

An as fitted drawing will show a detailed plan of the building showing the location of all the fire alarm system equipment, wiring and address numbers. Being able to review this plan means that you can easily identify the location of any devices that may be in fault.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS OR STANDARDS FOR MAINTAINING AS-FITTED DRAWINGS?

Yes! Clause 40.2 ( c ) of the British Standard BS 5839-1:2017 should be consulted when preparing fire alarm as fitted drawings.

General

WHAT FILES DO QDOS USE?

We can work with existing building plans or re-draw the building using:

DWG files – AutoCAD format which are the standard CAD files using the extension .dwg.

PDF files – Some PDF files are able to convert into AutoCAD format, which can be some original PDF files (created within CAD software) but NOT scanned images. To find out if yours converts, please email cad@qdos.biz and we will verify if your file can be converted.

Plan2CAD – We can create AutoCAD plans from your customer’s old paper copies, scanned drawings or site sketches. Send via scans or good quality photos to cad@qdos.biz or post to our office for a competitive quote. We will return any original drawings at your request, free of charge.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY DRAWINGS?


We offer 30-day credit accounts (subject to acceptance), or you can pay online via credit or debit card.

I DON’T HAVE ANY DRAWINGS, CAN QDOS DRAW THE BUILDING?

Yes. We can draw the building either from paper copies of the plans, or from your own sketch of the premises. Just upload any images and/or drawings you may have via the Priority Portal, and we’ll let you know the best solution for your project.

HOW ARE FINISH PRODUCTS DELIVERED?

Framed, acrylic or photoluminescent zone plans, escape plans and all premises information plates are delivered by courier.

CAN I TRACK MY DELIVERY?

All deliveries direct from QDOS can be tracked and amended with FedEx. Some deliveries from our manufacturing partners may not be tracked live.

CAN FINISHED PRODUCTS BE DELIVERED DIRECT TO SITE/MY CUSTOMER WITH A PLAIN LABEL?

Yes. All deliveries can be sent plain label on request.

MY ITEM IS DAMAGED, WHAT CAN I DO?

If you refuse delivery we will automatically be notified and a replacement will be sent. If you accept delivery, please contact us on the day of delivery with any concerns regarding damage or missing items.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A QDOS ACCOUNT?

Just refer to the trade account page on our website and fill out the required form.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY ACCOUNT APPLICATION IS SUCCESSFUL?

We will respond to all trade account applications within 1 working day with confirmation as to whether or not your application has been successful and if not how you can still access our services in other ways.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY DRAWINGS TO BE COMPLETED?

We offer a next day service on all zone plans up to 10 zones as standard and at no additional cost. To qualify for this next day service the drawings and order must be received by us by 2pm to be guaranteed a return of the completed drawing by e mail by the end of the next working day.We aim to return all other completed drawings within a maximum of 3-5 working days from the date of instruction/order. If you have tight deadlines, talk to us when sending the project and we will do all we can to help!

WHAT DO I DO IF MY JOB IS URGENT?

If you ever have a project that is urgent then please let us know on instruction when the job is needed for and we will do our utmost to meet your deadline.

HOW DO I PAY MY INVOICE?

All invoices can be paid by BACS/Bank transfer and our bank details are detailed on every invoice. You also have a ‘pay now’ option to click on the invoice so that payment can be made by card if required.

Log Books

DO YOU SELL BRANDED FIRE & EMERGENCY SYSTEM LOG BOOKS?

Yes, we sell branded fire & emergency system log books. To order our log books, visit our contact page to put in a request and a member of our team will be in touch.

WHAT IS YOUR MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY ON LOG BOOKS?

Our minimum order quantity for branded log books is 50.

WHAT CAN I ADD TO THE LOG BOOK COVER?

We will create a draft cover for your approval adding your company logo to the front cover and contact details on the back. The books are available in red or white and we usually pick a design that suits the colour of your logo. If you want us to add anything else to the cover – just ask!

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF YOUR LOG BOOKS?

Our prices start at £2.75+VAT per log book depending on the quantities ordered. To see the full range of prices, click here.

HOW DO I ORDER MY LOG BOOKS FROM QDOS?

If you visit our contact page and send an enquiry requesting to order log books, a member of our team will be in touch to place an order and fulfil this request. Visit our contact page here. 

WHAT DO OUR LOG BOOKS COVER?

Our log books cover:

• Means of Escape

• Fire Alarm System – User’s Responsibilities

• Fire Alarm System Information

• Fire Alarm System – End-of-Line Device Locations

• Fire Training

• Fire Drills

• Fire Alarm Testing

• Fire Alarm fault & event record

• Fire Alarm Maintenance Record

• Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Hose Reels

• Record of Visits by Enforcing Authorities

• Emergency Lighting

• Disabled Toilet Alarms Information

• Disabled Refuge Alarms Information

dynamicZM

WHAT IS DYNAMICZM?

dynamicZM is a dynamic zone mimic. During a fire alarm event dynamicZM automatically displays an active fire alarm zone plan, identifying the zone or zones in an alarm condition without user intervention. For more information, visit www.dynamiczm.com.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY INTEREST IN BECOMING AN APPROVED INSTALLER?

Register your interest by filling in our quick and easy form at https://www.qdos.biz/dynamiczm/. A member of the team will be in touch from there.

WHERE SHOULD I GO IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

If you have any further questions, fill out a contact form on https://www.qdos.biz/dynamiczm/ or call a member of the team at 03333 441516 who will be able to answer any queries you might still have.

WHAT SIZE IS DYNAMICZM’S SCREEN?

dynamicZM utilises a 21.5” HD display. Keep your eyes peeled for further screen sizes being launched in the future.

WHAT FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANELS IS DYNAMICZM COMPATIBLE WITH?

dynamicZM is a dynamic zone mimic® compatible with a range of fire alarm control panels, both addressable and conventional. Currently, dynamicZM is compatible with C-Tec, Global Fire Equipment and Fike fire alarm control panels.

WHAT INDUSTRIES ARE SUITABLE FOR THIS PRODUCT?

The industries that can benefit from this screen are endless. Please browse our dynamicZM solutions for some of the various uses and industries that will benefit from this product here.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION?

If you are looking for more information on dynamicZM, download our brochure today.

Contact Us

Fill out our contact form below with your enquiry and one of our team will get back to you ASAP.

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