Key elements of a compliant zone plan

To maintain compliance and ensure usability, clarity and efficiency, a fire alarm zone plan should include the following elements:

It should accurately represent the building layout – The plan should be an up-to-date depiction of
the protected premises, including key features such as stairwells, circulation spaces, fire doors, and
escape routes.

• It should show clearly the defined detection zones – Each fire alarm detection zone should be clearly marked and labelled with a zone number or designation by way of colour coding or hatching to further improve clarity, with boundaries that correspond to the layout of the building.
• It should be orientated to match the viewer’s perspective (correctly orientated) – The plan must be positioned and drawn in a way that reflects the user’s actual standing position relative to the building layout, as viewed from the CIE location. Fire Alarm Zone Chart When the zone plan is on the wall and the CIE is shown in its accurate location, the building layout should be rotated to show the CIE on the top horizontal wall. This way, if an individual is stood facing the CIE, and a door is shown on the left-hand side on the zone plan, it will actually be on their left-hand side.
• It should be permanently displayed – The zone plan should be securely affixed to the building and located on or adjacent to the CIE and any repeat panels2 where necessary3 to ensure accessibility.
• It should have a clear and simple format – Clarity is crucial; overly complex or cluttered plans reduce effectiveness and may result in a delayed response from the viewer. Often, zone plans do include additional information such as locations of fire detection and fire alarm devices and firefighting equipment. Whilst this practice is not precluded, it should be ensured that the inclusion of additional information such as this does not detract attention away from the intended purpose of the zone plan.