Fire Prevention Plans (FPP) for Waste Management Sites in England and Wales

A Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) is a critical document required by the Environment Agency as a condition of an Environmental Permit. Any site that stores or treats flammable waste must have an FPP in place to minimise the risk of fire, protect the environment, and ensure compliance with regulations.

At AC Environmental, we understand that developing a comprehensive FPP can be complex and time-consuming. Our experienced team has successfully produced numerous FPPs for various waste management sites across England and Wales, helping businesses secure their environmental permits with ease.

What Does a Fire Prevention Plan Include?

Fire Prevention Plans are detailed documents that must align with the current FPP guidance set out by the Environment Agency. Failure to comply with all elements of this guidance can result in the rejection of your FPP and delay in the issuance of your environmental permit. FPPs are required due to the increasing number of fires reported at waste management sites, prompting the EA to enforce stricter regulations to prevent such incidents.

It must be understood that FPPs are live documents and need regular review. The types of reviews can vary from site to site. Your business/site may need a formal review every couple of years if nothing has changed and there have been no incidents but it may also mean a review much more frequently if the site activities and risk profile changes.

Typical components of an FPP include:

Waste stockpile sizes and locations: Proper organisation of waste materials to reduce fire risk.
Firewalls or separation distances: Maintaining a minimum 6m distance between stockpiles to prevent fire spread.
Firefighting water calculations: Ensuring adequate water availability and the capacity to store firewater on-site after an incident.
Fire detection and suppression systems: Installation within buildings to quickly identify and control fires.
Sources of ignition control: Management of potential sources such as combustion, flames, and sparks.
Waste acceptance procedures: Guidelines for safely handling and storing incoming waste.
Site layout: A clear and safe site design that facilitates easy access for emergency services.
Staff qualifications and training: Ensuring personnel are trained in fire safety protocols.
Maintenance of plant and equipment: Regular checks to prevent equipment-related fire risks.
Electrical testing: Routine testing of electrical items to prevent electrical fires.
Hot works and gas cylinder storage: Safe management and storage of materials that could ignite a fire.

Why Choose AC Environmental for Your Fire Prevention Plan?

Creating an FPP is a detailed and often difficult process, requiring careful consideration of various factors to meet Environment Agency standards. Attempting to develop an FPP independently can lead to multiple submissions and delays, as well as additional fees for third and subsequent submissions.

At AC Environmental, we have extensive experience in producing FPPs that meet all regulatory requirements, significantly reducing the time and effort needed to obtain approval. Our team is familiar with the specific challenges faced by waste management sites in England and Wales, and we tailor our services to meet your site’s unique needs.

Contact us today for expert guidance on developing an FPP and securing your environmental permit. Call 01782 308444 to speak with one of our specialists.

What is a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) in waste management?

A Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) is a mandatory document required by the Environment Agency for sites that store or treat flammable waste. It outlines the measures a site must take to prevent fires, manage fire risks, and ensure safe operations, as part of the conditions for obtaining an Environmental Permit.

Why is a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) required?

An FPP is required to reduce the risk of fires at waste management sites, which have seen an increase in fire incidents in recent years. The Environment Agency mandates that an FPP be in place to protect public health, safety, and the environment by ensuring proper fire prevention and response measures are established.

What happens if my FPP is not approved?

If your Fire Prevention Plan does not meet the Environment Agency’s requirements, your FPP will be rejected, which can delay the issuance of your Environmental Permit. This may result in additional fees for resubmission and potentially halting your operations until approval is granted.

How can AC Environmental help with my FPP?

AC Environmental offers expert assistance in developing and submitting Fire Prevention Plans that comply with all current guidance. Our experience across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire ensures that your FPP will be tailored to your specific site and more likely to receive swift approval, helping you avoid costly delays.

What are the key elements of a Fire Prevention Plan?

Key elements of a Fire Prevention Plan include the organisation of waste stockpiles, firewalls or separation distances between stockpiles, firefighting water availability, fire detection and suppression systems, ignition control measures, and staff training. Each of these components must be carefully detailed to meet Environment Agency standards.