Share
Data sharing and effective partnerships go hand in hand. Ensuring that all data sources are as accurate and up to date as possible, for the benefit of all users, is at the very core of successful data sharing.
As active users of location data, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) are in a unique position. They can both use the data and also provide candidate feedback where necessary. This spotlight piece explores this interactive relationship, and the benefits for both LFRS and the local authorities in their area.
Interaction
Lancashire Fire Services were at a juncture in how they were interacting with the address data. While it is recognised that local authorities are the definitive source of street naming and numbering and address data, LFRS felt they could also offer additional valuable intelligence, and become more of a cross-organisation partner in the maintenance of high-quality address data.
LFRS make particular use of three fields within the Ordnance Survey (OS) AddressBase range of products. Notwithstanding the UPRN, they also utilise the Basic Land and Property Unit (BLPU) state code (the lifecycle stage of the property), and the building height data available on the enhanced gazetteer.
These datasets enable them to determine the use of the building, alongside the OS building height, and establish the need for an in-person visit from an inspector as opposed to being managed remotely. As such, the data detailing building height is crucial, combined with the BLPU data as the baseline. This data has been the basis of their system since 2019, and recently they have been examining how they might be able to improve this further.
Ensuring that the data is as accurate as possible is the key priority, not just for those responsible for its maintenance, but for everyone. Understanding the characteristics of a property is imperative for emergency situations; it can impact how rescues are planned and carried out and has the potential to save lives. Considering this, the value of LFRS’s contributions is magnified - where they are able to make evaluations on site and contribute to the accuracy of the data, it is an evidently brilliant resource.
Visualising
To visualise this contribution, there is value in reviewing an example of how this partnership can come to fruition. Within LFRS’s systems, GeoPlace guidance is used to organise addresses and premises. Nearly every fire and rescue service (FRS) use a system based on local authority data, using a BLPU classification code to look and match up building categories. However, not every FRS uses the same system. Lancashire have created a national methodology on how to create an effective lookup programme, and how to harness local authority data effectively.
The first element of context comes from understanding the inspections that LFRS carry out:
• Risk inspection programmes are carried out on commercial buildings. Of that figure of around 900,000 UPRNs, about 90,000 have a commercial element.
• These are dealt with by two teams - partially dealt with by operational crews and partially dealt with by inspectors.
Lancashire Fire Services undertook a study with Edge Hill University, who have approximately 3,600 UPRNs within their site. The study looked at residential UPRNs, classified as RI03 – residential education. Where the local authority did not have direct access to premises on the site, LFRS were able to provide additional intelligence to assist in more detailed classifications of properties in this instance. For example, when carrying out mandated site visits under their jurisdiction, LFRS were able to offer additional intelligence in the classification of RH02 student cluster flats. This ability to feedback information not only saved them another 200 additional visits for properties listed under RI03, but also shared intelligence with the authority and Custodian that would have otherwise been much more difficult to obtain.
Summary
In summary, the value of interaction between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and their local Custodians is invaluable, and this degree of communication can be viewed as a foundation for a successful working relationship between authorities and fire services across the UK. Making the most of this range of partnerships is highly beneficial in the contribution to more accurate data.
The use of the AddressBase products, combined with the value in inspectors, operational crews, and home fire safety check personnel who are actively visiting these premises, means they are in the privileged position of being able to contribute to the dataset and communicate with Custodians. The benefit then spans across not only the fire and rescue service, the, but also the relevant Custodians and community in general, with the assurance that premises are documented accurately, and that rescue operations can function safely and effectively if necessary.
