The purpose of a Fire Hazard Analysis (FHA) is to comprehensively and qualitatively assess the risk from fire within individual fire areas in a DOE facility so as to ascertain whether the DOE fire safety objectives are met.  This includes an assessment of the risk from fire and related hazards in relation to existing or proposed fire safety features to ensure that the facility can be safely controlled and stabilized during and after a fire. 

The level of detail necessary for an acceptable FHA is directly related to the complexity of the facility and the potential risk to the public and facility operators. 

The general approach taken to complete this evaluation involves the identification of the fire risks associated with the proposed operations and the fire protection features required to mitigate the adverse consequences from fire.  Concerns for the protection of safety-class systems, for life safety of the building occupants from fire, and for the possible environmental damage from fire are essential considerations in the analysis.

The Fire Protection Engineering Assessment (FPEA) is an in-depth technical assessment of the fire protection and life safety features provided for protection of personnel, the structure, and processes. The assessment is limited to the evaluation of the facility and is limited to current levels of fire protection and life safety in the facility.  The facility assessment is intended to evaluate the fire hazards, life safety from fire, and fire protection features inherent in specific facilities.

The assessment approach includes a review of the fire protection records and drawings, identification of the fire hazards and previous deficiencies, and field reviews of life safety and fire protection features of the facility.  The following Key elements are incorporated into each FHA and/or FPEA: