Just wondering what programs people use to draw floor plans i.e MS word for basics drawing etc. I am about to do one but can see it being a bit fiddly and wondered if there was an easy program to use. Thanks

I get somebody else to do mine; they are quick and cheap! LB

Also is there a place where you can download icons such a extinguishers etc ? And what program would they be easy to incorporate into ? Thanks

I use MS Visio, but only because it is available to me at the educational price, otherwise I think it might be a little too expensive. There are a whole host of other cheaper software packages available. Check out http://home-design-softw...eview.toptenreviews.com/ for some comparisons. All US though and I haven't experience of using any of them. What is most useful about this type of software is that it contains pre-drawn walls, doors, windows, toilets, etc. Alan

You don't need to produce floor plans for a fire risk assessment. i think it is a nice to have but i have carried out plenty of FRA without using floor plans. luckily on some of the larger FRA i have carried out they have floor plans or even just basic room numbering helps when identifying issues. certainly if they cost in the region of £600 that's often more than i charge for a FRA in the first place. I do however use photographs to identify key safety issues and also to prove what was in place at the time of the FRA. i think agreeing what rooms are to be called or using a room numbering system is adequate. I think specifically producing plans just for the FRA is over the top in most cases and just makes it more expensive for the customer. Phil

Perhaps your Asbestos Risks Register/Written Plan will have something suitable?

I find excel is basic, simple to use and fits the requirement. One square can equal one square metre. Thick lines or dotted lines and colour changes can indicate walls with fire protection of 30 mins or 60 mins as required. For open doors I use / or \. I use letters to ID classes of fire extinguishers etc. Not hard and once done, they are done and easy to update.

Complexity, mainly. On a site with several hundred rooms, I start with a floor plan and annotate it with a pen or pencil. The idea of actually drawing the site each time is a non-starter!

Why not use the drawings which are/may be in place as part of the emergency pack for fire services if they are attending your premises? Two birds?