Consultation on first fire safety global standard

Supported by the United Nations and the World Bank, the IFSS aims to bring transparency and consistency across the dozens of differing standards being used worldwide. It does this by creating a uniform set of principles and setting landmark minimum levels of fire safety and professionalism.

Around the world, many contrasting approaches and requirements have resulted in significant variations in the design, approval, construction methods, products and operation of buildings. According to the IFSS, fire safety standards have historically been local market specific, out of kilter with technology and research developments, and in some countries non-existent. This has resulted in inefficient and inconsistent approaches to managing risk to life and property, which has reduced confidence in the fire safety of buildings.

IFSS is consulting on the development of new standards which bring together examples of best practice from across the world on all aspects of fire safety at each stage of the property life cycle. In particular, IFSS is seeking feedback on:

• establishing overarching safety principles as a first step towards creating a common framework
• existing fire safety principles and fire codes for buildings to identify current good practice and evaluate deficiencies in local markets
• five principles which should be considered at each stage of the property life: Prevention; Detection and Communication; Occupant Safety; Containment; Extinguishment
• future development of: a glossary of common fire safety terms; a directory of and roadmap to existing regulatory codes; and standards.

Commercial firms, practitioners, clients, the public sector, not-for-profit associations, educational bodies and the general public are all being invited to respond to the International Fire Safety Standard consultation.

For more information visit: https://ifss-coalition.org/consultation/