Health Technical Memorandum 05-01: Managing Healthcare Fire Safety

Document first published:: 18 July 2016
Page updated:: 11 February 2026
Topic:: Estates
Publication type:: Guidance

This Health Technical Memorandum sets out recommendations and guidance for the management of fire safety in healthcare buildings. It should be read in conjunction with other Health Technical Memoranda in the Firecode suite:

Health Technical Memorandum 05-02: Firecode – Guidance in support of functional provisions (Fire safety in the design of healthcare premises)
Health Technical Memorandum 05-03: Firecode – Fire Safety in the NHS – Operational provisions

Some of these documents are not fully accessible. If you require any of these documents in a different format, please contact: england.estatesandfacilities@nhs.net

Document

Health Technical Memorandum 05-01: Managing healthcare fire safety

PDF
1 MB
81 pages

Summary

While HTMs 05-02 and 05-03 provide guidance in respect of the fire precautions and protective measures appropriate for healthcare premises, this HTM focuses on establishing the appropriate fire safety management system to be applied to healthcare organisations.

It recognises the unique operational context of healthcare organisations and the need for a robust system of fire safety management.

The guidance and recommendations contained in this HTM are intended to support compliance with statutory requirements within a structured management framework.

Published 11 February 2026.