Paper Exercise or Life Saver?
Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs) are one of those documents everyone in the waste sector has heard of, but how many operators actually stop and think about why they exist?
We all know the Environment Agency makes them mandatory for permitted sites storing combustible waste — paper, plastics, WEEE, tyres, wood, scrap metal — but does ticking the FPP box really stop fires? Or is it just another piece of paperwork to keep inspectors happy?
Why Do We Have Them?
The official line is clear: an FPP must show how you’ll minimise fire risk, extinguish a blaze within four hours, and stop it spreading beyond your site. That’s the theory. But ask yourself — when was the last time your plan was pulled out on site and used as a genuine working tool, not just something to show the EA?
Do They Actually Work?
It depends. If your plan is written by a consultant who over-promises (daily checks, 24/7 CCTV, perfect six-metre fire breaks) but your site staff never see it, then no — it’s just words on paper. And when the EA turns up, you’ll be scored against those promises you’re not actually doing.
On the other hand, if your FPP is realistic — clear pile sizes, proper quarantine space, real processes for hot loads or batteries — then yes, it can absolutely work. Not only for compliance, but for keeping your site and your staff safe.
What If They Don’t Work?
We’ve all seen the headlines: waste sites burning for days, smoke clouds over housing estates, millions in damages. In nearly every case, either the FPP wasn’t followed or the controls weren’t practical in the first place. The plan failed because it was treated as a “submit and forget” exercise.
Questions Every Operator Should Ask
- When was the last time we trained staff on our FPP?
- Do we actually rotate waste in line with our own plan?
- If a hot load came in today, do staff know what to do?
- Can our quarantine really take half of the biggest pile?
- Do we have water on site to meet the EA’s 2,000 l/min requirement — or are we assuming the fire brigade will sort it?
- Have we tested our plan, or is it just gathering dust in a folder?
Why It Matters
An FPP is legally binding once approved. Fail to comply, and you’ll not only face EA enforcement, but you’ll also risk insurance claims being rejected. More importantly, a weak or ignored plan puts your staff, your business, and your community in danger.
The Bottom Line
Fire Prevention Plans only work if they’re written realistically and lived daily. Over-promising to get a permit approved helps no one. Under-delivering when the EA inspects guarantees points on your Compliance Assessment Report.
So, next time you look at your FPP, don’t ask “Do we have one?” Ask instead:
- “Does it work in the real world?”
- “Can my team apply it without thinking?”
- “Would it actually help us stop a fire?”
If the answer’s no — it’s time for a rethink.
