Public Buildings Service (PBS) Fire Protection Program Policy

1.  Purpose

This Order establishes policy, procedures, roles and responsibilities, and program activities for the Public Buildings Service (PBS) Fire Protection Program across all PBS Regions and business lines through the PBS Fire Protection Program Policy Document (Policy Document). This Policy Document also establishes clear techniques for how fire and similar risks are managed in GSA-controlled spaces.

2.  Background

     a. The Office of Facilities Management, National Fire Protection Program Office has developed this Order and Policy Document to ensure consistent implementation of fire protection program activities nationwide. Implementation of the Policy Document will result in: 

          (1)  Providing workplace environments that are safe from fire and similar risks for Federal employees, contractors, and the visiting public; 

          (2)  Protecting Federal assets from fire and similar risks in a cost effective manner; 

          (3)  Ensuring that mission continuity of occupant agencies is not compromised by fire and similar risks; 

          (4)  Reducing the impact on the environment from fire and similar risks; and 

          (5)  Providing safeguards to allow emergency responders to accomplish their missions safely if a fire or similar incident occurs.

3.  Scope & Applicability

The use of this Order and Policy Document is mandatory for all PBS personnel.  This policy applies to all PBS offices (e.g., Office of Facilities Management, Office of Design and Construction, Office of Leasing, Office of Portfolio Management and Customer Engagement and other applicable offices), in carrying out the requirements and responsibilities within the policy. This policy may be shared in its entirety with PBS client agencies and non-Federal entities.

4.  Implementation Action

The Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities Management, is tasked with ensuring immediate distribution of this Order. This Order’s Policy Document, including appendices, may be modified at any time by the PBS Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities Management.

5.  Contact

For any questions on this Order, contact the PBS Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities Management.