corporate health and safety services health and safety services stage 1: ... filters in ventilation...

Date to be Reviewed: January 2016 1

CORPORATE HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES

STAGE 1: FIRE SAFETY

RISK ASSESSMENT

Ben Jonson Primary School Fire Risk Assessment 10

th January 2014


Introduction The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) 2005 The RRFSO has replaced over 100 separate pieces of legislation, but in particular the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations and the Fire Precautions Act. The order applies to all workplaces and places where people resort, such as the factories, offices, shops, warehouses, schools and other educational establishments, places where people sleep (hotels, boarding houses, houses in multiple occupation, residential care homes, common parts of residential flats), churches, places of assembly and outdoor events etc.

The main requirements of the RRFSO In workplaces where five or more are employed to work, the employer / person in control of premises (The ‘Responsible Person’ under the requirements of the Act) must complete a written fire safety risk assessment that should assess the fire safety standards in the workplace. The risk assessment should identify:

• Fire safety hazards in the workplace

• Identify the persons who may be placed at risk (staff, visitors, contractors etc.)

• The adequacy of structural features

• The adequacy of active systems such as fire alarms, automatic fire detection, fire sprinklers and emergency lighting;

• Provision and maintenance of the means of fighting fire

• Adequacy of the procedural systems in place

• Maintenance of passive and active systems, conducting of fire drills and the keeping of records;

• Regular monitoring, audit and review processes to ensure that standards are being maintained.

The assessment should then go on to assess the adequacy of existing controls and decide whether additional steps need to be taken to eliminate or reduce risk. The assessment must be recorded in writing, or stored electronically and kept retrievable.

High and special risk premises, such as those storing and using highly flammable substances, premises that have a sleeping risk, or premises where occupants have special needs considerations or have physical disabilities must be particularly examined and placed under scrutiny. The following assessment has been conducted to comply with the requirements of the RRFSO 2005. Part 1 of the assessment is the checklist of issues to identify and establish the fire hazards and existing controls within the premises. Part 2 of the assessment contains the recommendations to ensure that adequate controls are in place to ensure the safety, and adequate means of the escape for the premises occupants as required by the RRFSO. Further guidance and information regarding fire risk assessments, and how to complete and progress any identified actions as a result of this assessment, is provided in Appendix A of this document.


Site Details

Name of Premises or School: Ben Johnson

Address Harford Street, London E1 4PZ

Person in Control of Premises Charlie Gorman (Deputy Head Teacher)

Contact phone number 020 7790 4110

Facsimile number 020 7702 8874

School Premises Manager Amol Aloo

Date of inspection: 10/01/14

Premises type and description:

Main Building

A building of 1 and 2 floors, metal truss and sheet roof, concrete truss and metal and timber flooring, 60 x 60 metres 60 x 60 metres Circa 2006-7. New 2 floor addition constructed and finished in 2010, 10 x 25 metres, similar floor and roof construction as existing building but with solar panels on the roof, inter-joining and connecting with the existing building on ground floor level. (Ocean Children’s Centre which adjoins this school still uses this schools north fire exit by a connecting fire escape corridor). Boiler and plant rooms: N/A

Nursery: N/A

De-mountable building: N/A

No. of Employees 110

No. of Pupils 570

Staff / pupils with physical special needs

6

Trainees / volunteer workers / temporary workers:

Included above

Members of the public (on the premises for ½ hour or more per day)

Included above

Others (please specify) 7 cleaners, 4 Kitchen staff

Description of the activities undertaken at the premises:

Primary School


PART 1

PART 1: Checklist

1. CONTROL OF FIRE RISKS: Yes No N/A

1.1 Has there been an outbreak of fire inside the premises during the last 3 years?

1.2

Has there been an outbreak of fire outside the premises in the last 3 years (e.g. within the grounds / car parks or other external areas forming part of the premises)?

1.3

Are highly flammable or flammable liquids or substances kept on the premises or stored in areas outside the building (in external store cupboards, sheds or portable storage unit’s etc.)?

1.4 If yes, are they being stored safely?

1.5

Is there a significant quantity of waste material stored in the premises that presents a significant fire hazard?

1.6

Are there effective arrangements to control high fire risk activities –such as hot works or processes (both own employees and contractors employees)?

1.7

Are there large areas of combustible linings or display materials in escape routes or corridors, including fabric displays and multiple layer paper displays on notice boards etc.?

1.8

Is furniture or other flammable items stored in escape routes (corridors, lobbies or staircases) that pose either a fire risk or are construed as an obstruction to people evacuating in the event of fire (means of escape in case of fire)?

1.9

Are there any fire accelerants stored on the premise –such as oxygen cylinders, chemical fertilisers, or other oxidising agents?

1.10

Are there any other combustibles stored within the premise that present a significant fire / explosion hazard - such as Propane, Butane, Hydrogen or Acetylene cylinders?

1.11 Are highly flammable / flammable gas cylinders stored externally?

1.12

Are all combustibles, including highly flammable / flammable gas cylinders, stored safely in a secure container, store-cupboard, storeroom or external store etc?

1.13

Are store rooms and store cupboards adequately ventilated to release highly/flammable gas should the gas be released accidentally?

1.14 Are combustible stores highlighted by the prominent display of appropriate signs?

1.15

Are there any activities taking place in the premise that pose a risk of fire-such as cooking, welding, flame cutting or similar processes?

1.16 Does the premises have oil-fuelled or gas fuelled heating?

1.17

Are reasonable measures being taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking activities, i.e., filters in ventilation equipment and ductwork cleaned regularly?

1.18 Any other ignition sources that require consideration?

CONTROL OF FIRE RISKS-COMMENTS:

• New building stairwells contain large hanging material


2. MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT, GAS SERVICES & EQUIPMENT etc.:

Yes No N/A

2.1 If gas boilers are installed, are they being serviced annually by a competent contractor?

2.2

If gas boilers are installed, can you notify the exact date they were last serviced?

2.3 If gas boilers are installed, are automatic gas safety devices fitted?

2.4 Gas boilers: Are thermal cut-out devices installed?

2.5 Gas boilers: Fusible link system installed?

2.6 Other type of cut-out system – such as an integrated system data management panel?

2.7 If oil fired boilers are installed, is a fusible link type system installed?

2.8 Oil fired boilers: Other type of automatic cut-out system installed?

2.9

If oil fired boilers are installed, are they being maintained in accordance with the manufacturers / statutory requirements?

2.10 If oil fired boilers are installed, can you notify the exact date they were last serviced?

2.11 Are there any light bulbs or light fittings fitted too near to combustible materials?

2.12 Are there any electrical cooking appliances on the premises?

2.13 Are they being tested (Portable Appliance Test - PAT)? Date of last test if yes?

2.14

2.15 Are employees allowed to bring electrical equipment onto the premise?

2.16 If yes, is their equipment included in the PAT programme?

2.17

Is the building electrical system - lighting and socket ring-mains, distribution and relay boards etc. - subjected to a thorough test and examination, every five years (e.g. IEE recommended 5-year test)?

2.18 Are there any visibly faulty or damaged electrical fittings or equipment in use?

2.19 Are there any portable or fixed radiant bar electric fires on the premises?

2.20 If yes, do they pose a risk of fire?

2.21

Are there any other types of fixed or portable electrical heaters on the premises-such as LPG fuelled heaters?

2.22 If yes, do any of they pose a risk of fire?

2.23

Is a member of staff responsible for visually inspecting electrical equipment on a regular basis?

2.24 Are multiple-point adapters used in electrical sockets?

2.25 Are cable reels used on the premises?

2.26 Are fused extension leads used in the premises?

2.27 If yes, are they included in the PAT testing programme?

2.28 Where practical, is all electrical equipment switched off at night?

2.29 Are mains circuit breakers (MCB’s) installed in the building?

2.30 Are Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) installed in the building?

2.31 Does the building have a lightning protection system?

2.32 Are there any gas water-heaters, or gas fires on the premises?

2.33 If yes, are they checked / serviced annually?


2. MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT, GAS SERVICES & EQUIPMENT etc.:

Yes No N/A

2.34 Has a manually operated automatic-type gas safety device been installed in the kitchen?

2.35 If no, has a lever handle type gas safety stopcock been installed in the kitchen?

2.36 Has a manually operated gas safety device been installed in the boiler room?

2.37

If no, has a lever-handle type stopcock been installed in the boiler room?

MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND GAS EQUIPMENT / SERVICES-COMMENTS:

• Gas certificates could not be located

• Electrical certificates could not be located

See part 2 for more detail and recommendations.

3. PHYSICAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS: MAINTENANCE OF FIRE DOORS, PARTITIONS, SMOKE STOP DOORS, FINAL EXIT DOORS / MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE.

Yes No N/A

3.1 Are all means of escape routes protected against fire for at least 30 minutes?

3.2

Are fire resistant doors fitted to high-risk rooms - such as laboratories, CDT rooms, boiler rooms, Gym-mat stores, electrical intake/switchgear rooms, laundries, kitchens, curriculum cookery rooms, flammable liquid and technician’s storerooms etc?

3.3 Is the premises effectively compartmentalised to prevent the spread of fire?

3.4 Are the travel distances to fire (final) exit doors acceptable?

3.5

Are the internal staircases adequately protected against fire - e.g. staircase enclosed with suitably fire-resistant materials with 30 minute fire resistant self-closing fire doors installed on floor landings?

3.6

Are all the internal fire doors being maintained in good order - e.g. no broken or cracked fire-rated glass, missing or defective self-closing devices etc?

3.7

Are additional fire doors required (to replace those damaged, beyond economic repair or more are required to prevent the spread of fire etc.)?

3.8

Are the internal escape routes (corridors, lobbies and staircases) maintained in good condition with no tripping or slipping hazards? Are staircase landings, treads, nosing’s etc. in good condition also?

3.9 Are the escape routes and staircases unobstructed?

3.10

Are the escape routes and staircases suitably fire protected with non-combustible linings, gaps, other openings, damage, or missing fire stopping around pipe work, cables or other penetrations?

3.11 Are the premises served by more than one staircase or escape route?

3.12

Do rooms or areas that have a capacity for 60 persons or more (large meeting rooms, halls etc.) have at least two suitable fire exits?

3.13

Does the meeting room or hall etc. have a sufficient number of exits, exit distribution, and exits of the correct dimension (units of exit width) for the maximum number of persons who will be occupying the meeting room or hall at any one time?

3.14 Are there any inner rooms?

3.15 Can the fire alarm be heard in the inner room?

3.16

Do the inner rooms have sufficient vision so that occupants can see if a fire starts and develops in the outer area?

3.17

Inner rooms: Or has the risk been reduced by an engineered solution –e.g. by installing automatic fire detection in the outer room area?


3. PHYSICAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS: MAINTENANCE OF FIRE DOORS, PARTITIONS, SMOKE STOP DOORS, FINAL EXIT DOORS / MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE.

Yes No N/A

3.18

Do all of the designated fire exit doors open in the direction of escape - e.g. do all fire exit doors open outwards?

3.19 If inward opening exit doors are fitted, is the escape route for 50 persons or less?

3.20

Inward opening doors: does the door need to be converted or replaced so that it opens outwards?

3.21 Are the escape routes and fire exits wide enough for wheelchair users?

3.22

Are the escape routes and exits of an adequate width for the number of ambulant and non-ambulant people on the premises, including visitors (where applicable)?

3.23

Is it considered that the premises are provided with reasonable structural features and arrangements for the means of escape of disabled people?

3.24

Are any fire doors wedged open, or held open with anything other than an Electro-magnetic holder or approved automatic device - such as the ‘Dorgard’ type of automatic door release device?

3.25 Are the gaps around the head and edges of all internal fire doors acceptable?

3.26

Have the fire doors been fitted with intumescent strips and are the strips in good condition / order?

3.27

Have the doors been fitted with smoke seal brush strip, are these strips in good condition?

3.28

If installed, are Electro-magnetic holders / ‘Dorgard’ devices deactivated at night (or during unoccupied periods)?

3.29

If installed, are Electro-magnetic holders / ‘Dorgard’ devices checked as part of the test of the fire alarm system to ensure that they are operating and releasing properly?

3.30 Does the premise have an external fire escape installed?

3.31

If yes is the escape maintained in good condition - treads landings and hand-rails in good order, structurally sound etc.

3.32

Escape staircases: Has emergency or manually operated lighting been provided to illuminate the staircase(s) during hours of darkness?

3.33

Escape staircases: is the escape staircase(s) protected against the effects of bad weather – such as ice and snow?

PHYSICAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - COMMENTS:

• Fire door glass BS6206 – Glass should be replaced throughout to comply with BS 476 or BS EN 1364 / BS EN 1634

• First floor corridor open to lower ground via lightwells

• Corridor has uncovered display boards

• Kitchen fire doors wedged open


4. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (ACTIVE SYSTEMS) – FIRE ALARMS, AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION, EMERGENCY LIGHTING ETC.

Yes No N/A

4.1 Has a fire alarm system been installed?

4.2 Is the premise fire alarm in good working order?

4.3 Is the fire alarm system serviced quarterly by a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.)?

4.4 Is the fire alarm tested each week?

4.5

Is there a sufficient number of call points installed, so that staff / visitors etc. do not have to travel more than 30 metres in any direction to actuate the fire alarm system?



Yes No N/A

4.6 Are call points tested as part of the test of the fire alarm system?

4.7 Is a different call point tested each week?

4.8

Are all the tests, including weekly and quarterly tests, recorded in a fire alarm logbook and kept available on the premises for inspection purposes?

4.9 Are contractor’s / engineer’s service certificates kept available on the premises?

4.10

Can the fire alarm system be clearly heard throughout the building and above any workplace ambient noise?

4.11

Is the fire alarm of a special design, incorporating flashing beacons etc., for staff, pupils, visitor’s etc. (as applicable) who are deaf or have a hearing impairment?

4.12 Is the fire alarm panel kept locked to prevent tampering?

4.13 If there is more than one building on site, are the fire alarms linked to each other?

4.14

If yes to 108 above; In the event of a fire in one building do the alarms in the others: Activate fully thereby initiating an evacuation of all buildings (‘Single Stage’)? YES Or go into ‘standby mode’ whereby warning occupants of a possible evacuation (‘2 Stage’)? NO

4.15

Are there effective arrangements for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. mains wired smoke detectors?

4.16 Are self-contained battery operated detectors installed?

4.17

If yes, Are they checked regularly and the batteries replaced annually. Are they in good working order?

4.18 Are wired detectors installed, linked into the fire alarm system?

4.19

If yes, are detectors installed in offices / classrooms etc. (as applicable to type of premises)?

4.20 Are wired detectors installed at the head of staircases?

4.21 Are detectors installed in corridors?

4.22

Are detectors installed in rooms of high-risk - e.g. boiler rooms, kitchens, workshops, laboratories, kiln rooms etc. (as applicable)? School kitchen, not boiler room.

4.23

Does the smoke detection system conform to any of the following categories? Life Safety M. Manual systems, which rely on the occupants of the building, discovering the

fire and acting to warn others by operating the system. Such systems form the basic requirement for places of employment with no sleeping risk. Manual cover should be included in all Life Safety systems except L5, where it may or may not be provided. In addition to manual means of triggering an alarm, L category systems will also normally have an element of coverage using automatic fire detection such as smoke or heat detectors. The precise classification depends on the nature of the area(s) provided with automatic protection.

4.24

Life Safety. L5. A ‘custom’ category, relating to some ‘special’ requirement that cannot be

covered by any other category. Where such systems are specified, careful reference must be made to the objective of the cover.

4.25

Life Safety. L4. Escape route and circulation area automatic Fire detection/protection only.

Detectors might be sited in other areas of the building, but the objective is to protect the escape route.

4.26

Life Safety L3. Providing more extensive coverage than L4. The objective is to warn the

occupants of the building early enough, to ensure that all are able to exit the building before escape routes become impassable.

4.27

Life Safety L2. Automatic fire detection / protection in defined areas of the building as well as

satisfying the requirements of L3. The wider cover would relate to parts of the building considered to have a high level of risk.

4.28

Life Safety. L 1. The whole building is covered by automatic fire detection /protection apart

from minor exceptions.

4.29

Property Protection P2. Provision of Fire detection in specified parts of the building where

there is either a high risk, or where business disruption must be minimised.

4.30

Property Protection P1. System is installed throughout the building- the objective being to

call the fire brigade as soon as possible to ensure that any damage caused by the fire is



Yes No N/A

minimised. Small low risk areas can be excepted, such as toilets and cupboards less than 1m2.

4.31

Is the system connected to a central monitoring station – e.g. via a dedicated BT Red-care phone-line, or similar?

4.32 Are the escape routes provided with emergency lighting?

4.33 Are the external escape routes provided with emergency lighting?

4.34 Is the escape lighting working correctly?

4.35 Is the escape lighting tested frequently (occupiers test)?

4.36 Does a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.) service the escape lighting quarterly?

4.37 Is the service carried out as part of the test / service of the fire alarm system?

4.38

Are the test / service inspections recorded in the premise logbook?

4.39 Are the test / service inspections certificates kept on the premises, available for inspection?

4.40

Are there suitable back-up arrangements in place in the event of failure of the fire alarm system - e.g. written procedure in place, hand-bells or hand-held klaxons available, wall mounted hand or rotor bells etc?

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ETC. – COMMENTS:

• Weekly test o.k.

• Fire alarm servicing records could not be located


5. FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES: Yes No N/A

5.1 Are the escape routes adequately sign-posted?

5.2 Are the fire exits adequately sign-posted?

5.3 Are fire instruction notices displayed adjacent to fire alarm call points?

5.4 Are fire extinguisher signs displayed above all extinguishers?

5.5 Are fire alarm (call point) indicator signs displayed?

5.6 Are fire door – keep shut / fire door keep locked / automatic fire door - do not obstruct signs (as applicable) displayed correctly on the appropriate fire doors?

5.7 Are other fire safety signs or notices required?

5.8 Are all the signs displayed securely fixed in place?

5.9 Is the location of all fire alarm call points immediately apparent, or are fire alarm call point signs displayed to indicate the location of manual call points?

5.10 Do all the fire signs comply with the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations?

5.11 Are all hose reels and extinguishers etc. (as applicable) clearly sign posted, do the signs contain information on the method and safe use of the reel or extinguisher?

FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES -COMMENTS:


5. FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES: Yes No N/A

• Thumb turn signs required See part 2 for more detail and any recommendations

6. FIRE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION: Yes No N/A

6.1

Have all staff (and where applicable agency staff & contractor’s employees – cleaners, kitchen staff etc.) attended fire awareness training during the last 12 / 24 months?

6.2 Have a sufficient number of fire marshals been appointed?

6.3

Have all the fire marshals received appropriate training during the last 12 months. Did the training include instruction on the use of fire extinguishers?

6.4 Are refresher training courses planned to take place in the future?

6.5

6.6

Are fire evacuation drills undertaken in the workplace, with at least 2 drills being held each year at six-monthly intervals?

6.7

Is a record kept of staff training and evacuation drills, including the date of the drill, time taken to completely evacuate the building, comments on outcome of the drill etc.?

6.8 Can the premises be completely evacuated in less than 4 minutes?

6.9 Has a written fire evacuation procedure been produced?

6.10

If applicable, has the evacuation of disabled persons been included in the premises fire evacuation procedure?

6.11

Have all employees / contractor’s staff received a personal copy. If not is it displayed in prominent locations around the building?

6.12

Is the evacuation procedure regularly reviewed and re-drafted (as necessary). Is the procedure reviewed following each evacuation drill, or at least annually?

6.13

Do all new staff, contractors, trainees etc. (as applicable) receive first day induction training, that includes instruction on fire and safety procedures?

6.14

Are there any people with disabilities based at, or resort to, the building (such as the non-ambulant or mobility restricted) who may require assistance from the premise by the fire marshals in the event of a fire? Has this been taken into account in the fire marshal training?

6.15

Does the fire premise fire evacuation procedure include the provision and use of specially constructed disabled person’s refuges in the event of fire?

6.16

Have personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEP) been completed for disabled staff / pupils etc (as applicable)?

6.17 Have these plans been communicated to the appropriate fire marshal (s)?

6.18

Is the fire emergency plan for the evacuation of disabled staff / pupils (as applicable) based on staff evacuating the disabled from the building rather than placing them in a place of relative safety (refuge etc.) to await Fire Brigade rescue?

6.19 If yes, is staff evacuation conducted via using the fire lift?

6.20 Or staff evacuation via the staircase?

6.21

Are fire marshals aware of the correct action to take in order to evacuate people with disabilities into fire refuges to await staff / Fire Brigade rescue?

6.22 Are any refuges provided suitable for use and maintained in good condition?

6.23

If there are disabled persons, who are wheelchair users, resorting to the building - have ramps been installed to an adequate number of escape routes (final exits) in the premises?

6.24 Are the ramps being maintained in good order?

6.25

Are all staff / occupiers aware of the location of fire alarm call points and the method of operating them?


6. FIRE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION: Yes No N/A

FIRE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION – COMMENTS:

• Reception classes routes should be cleared externally

• Ensure that procedure for unlocking gate is included in evacuation plan.

• Include refuge procedure in fire plan See part 2 for more details and recommendations.

7. MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE - FIXED & PORTABLE FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING DRY RISING MAINS AND SPRINKLER INSTALLATIONS:

Yes No N/A

7.1 Is the premises provided with a sufficient provision of fixed / portable fire-fighting equipment in the workplace - e.g. hose reels, water / gas extinguishers, foam, dry powder, CO2 extinguishers etc.?

7.2 Is the equipment readily available, fixed on the line of escape, suitably positioned on the floors or areas (as applicable)?

7.3 Has the equipment been serviced by a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.) during the last 12 months?

7.4 Is the fire-fighting medium appropriate to the area / location being protected - e.g. type wet chemical fire extinguisher in kitchen, Co2 extinguisher in IT suite etc?

7.5 Does the equipment get vandalised?

7.6 If yes are steps being taken to mitigate the level of vandalism?

7.7 Does the building have a wet or dry rising main?

7.8 If yes, is the installation regularly checked and is it tested and serviced annually?

7.9 Does the premise require any additional portable fire equipment or firefighting installations?

MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE etc. – COMMENTS:

• Fire extinguisher servicing record not available

See part 2 for more detail and any recommendations.

8. STAFF & OTHER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT RISK: (Note: This section will not be applicable to most council workplaces, unless there are staff and other people resorting to the premises with special needs or there is a sleeping risk)

Yes No N/A

8.1 Is this section applicable to your workplace?

8.2

Do any employees / contractors work in a remote area within the workplace, or in an area containing high fire risk?

8.3 If yes, are they suitably trained in the correct action to take in the event of fire?

8.4 Are there adequate arrangements in place to ensure their safe evacuation in the event of fire?

Where the workplace is also used for sleeping purposes are there:


8. STAFF & OTHER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT RISK: (Note: This section will not be applicable to most council workplaces, unless there are staff and other people resorting to the premises with special needs or there is a sleeping risk)

Yes No N/A

8.5

Adequate arrangements in place for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. automatic fire detection?

8.6 Short travel distances to protected staircases and final (fire) exit doors?

8.7 Fire protected routes and corridors?

8.8 Sufficient staff on duty to assist with the evacuation of people from the premises?

8.9

Adequate information available (e.g. fire evacuation notices displayed in bedrooms / dormitories) and nearby fire alarm call points?

8.10 Are all night duty staff trained in the use of fire equipment and the fire evacuation procedure?

Where people are confined to bed, or the workplace is regularly used by people who have sensory, mobility or visual disabilities (or who have other special needs), are there:

8.11

An adequate number of trained staff available to assist with the evacuation of mobility / sensory disabled etc. staff, pupils and visitors (as applicable) in an emergency?

8.12 Are there any temporarily disabled staff or visitors in the building?

8.13

Has their needs been risk assessed and controls put in place for assistance in the event of fire –e.g. buddy system?

8.14 Adequate arrangements for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. automatic fire detection?

8.15

Have special adaptations been carried out to alert the deaf to evacuate the building in the event of a fire - e.g. vibrating pager systems linked to the fire alarm or high intensity beacons linked into the fire alarm in all areas where deaf people resort?

8.16 Short travel distances and exit routes/final exits of an adequate width?

8.17 Are all escape routes free from obstructions?

8.18 Escape from all parts of the premises without the need to use lifts?

8.19 Are there any designated and suitable refuge areas?

8.20 Are the floors on escape routes free from slipping and tripping hazards?

If the premises is occupied by large numbers of people, particularly members of the public, are there:

8.21 Adequately sign posted escape routes?

8.22 Sufficient number of staff to assist with the evacuation of the building?

8.23

Appropriate communication systems in place (PA system etc.)?

STAFF & PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT RISK -COMMENTS:

N/A

See part 2 for more detail and recommendations (if any)


9. HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Yes No N/A

9.1

Are the locations of the gas, electricity and water isolation points / turn cocks and drains known and their location indicated by signs?

9.2 At the end of the day is a check made of windows and doors to ensure that they are secure?

9.3 Is the perimeter of the premises secure against intruders (walls and fencing etc.)?

9.4

Are waste bins, paladins and rubbish etc. stored away from the building, with bins etc. chained & padlocked to the perimeter wall to prevent intruders moving them against the building and setting fire to the contents?

9.5

Are all heating appliances (particularly portable heaters) kept a safe distance from combustibles?

9.6

Is rubbish and waste materials removed from the premises each day and then disposed of safely?

9.7

Is there a routine inspection regime in place in respect to housekeeping issues, are electrical appliances routinely inspected as part of the process?

9.8

Have the premises been checked by the Fire Brigade within the last three years (e.g. for advice, inspection under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order or for Fire Brigade access etc)?

9.9 Are electrical intake rooms, boiler rooms and gas meter cupboards used for storage?

9.10

9.11 Is the fire loading in the building of such an amount that it poses a risk to life and limb?

9.12

Are there any chemicals or compressed gases stored on the premises that in the event of fire could pose a risk to the safety of Fire Brigade personnel?

9.13

Are there any chemical processes or activities (workshop activities etc.) in the building that in the event of fire could pose a risk to the safety of Fire Brigade personnel?

9.14

Are all external plant rooms, service rooms and external storage cupboards etc. secure to prevent intruders gaining access?

9.15 Is the building itself secure against intruders?

9.16

Under the smoke free (premises and enforcement) regulations all workplaces and places where people resort should prohibit smoking, is there any evidence that smoking is allowed inside the building?

9.17 Is the smoking prohibition strictly enforced?

9.18

With respect to contractors works on the premises, are there procedures in place for checking and supervising ‘hot works’ (e.g. works that involve flame or heat producing equipment - such as plumbing or roofing works etc.)

HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS COMMENTS:

• Bin area overflowing with cardboard


10. CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS: Yes No N/A

10.1 Have you informed your staff about the outcome of fire safety risk assessments and the outcome and their trade union representatives (if applicable)?

10.2 Have you informed staff of the premise emergency plan and any special arrangements in place to assist disabled staff or visitors to evacuate in the event of a fire?

10.3 Have you given staff information on any dangerous or highly flammable substances held or


10. CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS: Yes No N/A

stored on the premise?

10.4 Do you have arrangements for informing temporary or agency staff of your fire procedures?

10.5 Do you have arrangements in place for consultation with other employers working on the premises?

10.6 And do you consult with other employers who provide guest workers on the premise-such as maintenance workers and cleaners etc?

CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTSCOMMENTS:

• Confirm consultation arrangements between Ben Jonson Harry Roberts and Ocean CC See part 2 for more detail and recommendations.

PART 2: RECOMMENDATIONS –

Key: Priorities:

Priority 1 Action recommended to be completed within one month

Priority 2 Action recommended to be completed within three months

Priority 3 Action recommended to be completed within a year

Priority 4 Long-term action to be taken – e.g. over a two to three year period.

Risk rating:

High Serious and immediate risk. Possible risk to life and limb.

Medium In the event of fire, there is a serious risk to the property /serious property damage is foreseeable

Low Recommended improvement – will improve fire safety standards in the premises and / or to meet London Fire Brigade, British Standard recommendations or industry best practice.

Recommendation / comments Priority Risk rating

1. Control of fire risks

• New building stairwells contain large hanging materials – Material should be removed or treated with an appropriate fire retardant

1

High

2. Maintenance of electrical systems & equipment / gas services & equipment etc.

Priority

Risk Rating

• Gas certificates could not be located – confirmation of gas safety inspection

2

Medium


completion and copy of certificate should be sought.

• Electrical certificates could not be located - confirmation of electrical safety inspection completion and copy of certificate should be sought.

2

Medium

3.Physical Fire Precautions (Condition of Fire Doors, Partitions, exit doors, general Means of escape),

Priority

Risk Rating

• Fire door glass BS6206 – Glass should be replaced throughout to comply with BS 476 or BS EN 1364 / BS EN 1634

• First floor corridor open to lower ground via lightwells – upper and lower corridors are not adequately separated to prevent smoke ingress to 1st floor corridor escape route. Ground floor corridor should have all combustible displays removed, covered within Perspex frame or treated with an appropriate fire retardant

• Corridors have uncovered display boards – remove, cover or treat (as above)

• Kitchen fire doors wedged open – fire doors should remain closed. If this door is required to be open to aid access then it should be held open using an appropriate electro-magnetic door holder to release upon activation of the fire alarm

2 2 2 1

Medium

Medium

Medium

High

4. Electronic systems (active systems) fire alarm, automatic fire detection, emergency lighting etc.

Priority

Risk Rating

• Fire alarm servicing records could not be located - confirmation of fire alarm servicing completion and copy of certificate should be sought.

2

Medium

5. Fire Safety Signs & Notices

Priority

Risk Rating

• Thumb turn signs required for doors to indicate direction of opening

3

Low

6. Fire Training & Instruction.

Priority

Risk Rating

• Reception classes routes should be cleared externally – toys should be kept clear of exit doors and route to assembly point

• Ensure that procedure for unlocking gate is included in evacuation plan

• Include refuge procedure in fire plan – use refuges located on 1st floor should be included within evacuation procedure and communicated to staff

3 2 2

Low

Medium

Medium

7. Means of Fighting Fire

Priority

Risk Rating


• Fire extinguisher servicing record not available - copy of fire extinguisher servicing record should be sought.

3

Low

8. Staff and other persons especially at risk

Priority

Risk Rating

N/A

9. Housekeeping arrangements:

Priority

Risk Rating

• Bin area overflowing with cardboard – rubbish should be removed from the external areas swiftly to reduce the risk of arson

2

Medium

10. Consultation Arrangements.

Priority

Risk Rating

• Confirm consultation arrangements between Ben Jonson, Harry Roberts and Ocean CC – buildings are physically linked and share a fire alarm system. Communication and consultation in respect of emergency evacuations should be confirmed and formalised

2

Medium

Assessor Geoff Schooling Grad IOSH

Date of assessment report completion 16/01/14

Date for next review January 2015

Note: This assessment must be immediately reviewed if suspected of being no longer valid – for example

following any refurbishment or structural alteration to the school building, change in use, or part, of the premises etc. The Officer in Control of Premises is now responsible for developing and implementing a Stage 2 management action plan. An example management action plan is attached to the introduction at the front of this report. Failure to draft and complete a management action plan (Stage 2 assessment) may lead to enforcement action being taken by the local Fire and Rescue Service, under powers awarded to them under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Please note: if this report has identified a serious contravention of the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, failure to action or comply with the advice given in this report may in itself be construed by the Fire and Rescue Service as an offence - e.g. a failure to adequately manage fire safety in the workplace.

Signed: G Schooling GradIOSH


Appendix A

The Fire Risk assessment process involves examining two aspects of fire precautions:

Physical and active fire precautions / means of fighting fire:

• Physical controls include structural fire precautions such fire doors, fire lobbies, fire separation and fire protection to form protected escape routes, fire exits etc;

• Active fire controls include automatic fire detection, fire sprinkler systems & alarm systems & emergency lighting.

• Also the provision of fixed (e.g. fire hose reels) and portable firefighting equipment;

• Means of escape in case of fire;

• Means of fighting fire;

• Fire brigade access and fire-fighting facilities. The assessor would have to determine whether the fire safety measures in place are sufficient for the risk arising from the work activities or functions being carried out in the premises, determine whether the measures are operating effectively, or whether further steps in the form of additional controls, need to be taken to eliminate or reduce risk. As part of the risk assessment process, the assessor will determine the adequacy of the physical fire safety precautions in place and go on to make recommendations for any improvements that are considered necessary. Such recommendations could include upgrading existing structural or active fire safety precautions, or recommend that additional alterations or modifications are required -such as the installation of additional fire doors, installation of automatic fire detection, or emergency lighting etc. These recommendations will be risk rated in the report with a timeline indicated when the additional controls should be implemented by. a) Management Systems

• This includes arrangements for evacuating the premises, a written fire emergency plan detailing the actions to be taken in the event of fire, training of personnel, organising fire evacuation drills, special arrangements for evacuating disabled staff and visitors, those with a sensorial impairment, the temporary disabled etc. Additionally, how the emergency procedures can be communicated effectively to staff and visitors. As part of the process, consulting staff and any other employers also on the premises etc. Other areas to be examined are standards of ‘housekeeping’ and the promotion of fire safety awareness in the premises, staff training, maintenance issues –such as the maintenance of fire systems (fire alarms, emergency lighting, fixed and portable fire-fighting equipment etc. housekeeping arrangements, periodic inspections etc.

• Where the assessment discovers defects in physical fire safety standards or management systems, the employer / person in control of premise must endeavour to rectify the defects so that the risk is eliminated or reduced, so far as reasonably practicable.

• The employer / person in control of the premises must appoint suitably ‘competent persons’ to carry out these assessments. The employer / person in control of the premises must consider whether the persons appointed to complete fire safety risk assessments are ‘competent’, e.g. that they have sufficient skills, training, knowledge, experience and other qualities to fulfil this role.

• Responsible persons (the employer or person in control of the premises) must appoint suitably competent persons to assist them in fulfilling their duties and obligations under the


act. For example, the appointment of a suitably qualified electrical contractor or engineer to repair, adapt or maintain the electrical fire alarm system in the premise, a suitably qualified contractor or engineer to service fixed / portable fire-fighting equipment etc.

• The Fire Safety RRO also requires employers / persons in control of premises to arrange for employees to receive suitable training in the correct action to take in the event of fire and furthermore appointed staff (fire marshals) must receive suitable and sufficient training in the use of hand held portable fire-fighting equipment or other firefighting installations, such as fire hose reels. Refresher training must also be held periodically.

• The Employer must appoint and train a sufficient number of staff to assist with the evacuation of the building in the event of a fire (fire marshals). EXPLANATION OF THE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND DOCUMENTATION Evaluation of existing fire safety standards: This part identifies the activities undertaken at the premises and persons at risk, and examines the existing physical precaution and management systems for control fire risk. The checklist is evidence of the areas and factors that were examined as part of the inspection and assessment process and forms an audit trail. The recording of deficiencies and defects noted and Recommendations made for action. This section details the defects and deficiencies identified in part 1 and recommends action that must be taken to address these deficiencies. FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED BY THE PERSON IN CONTROL OF PREMISES*: On receipt of the stage 1 Fire Risk Assessment, the person in control of premises must take the necessary steps to implement any new control measures identified and remedy any structural fire safety defects notified. * For example in schools, the person in control of premises will be the Headteacher. The person in control of premises - responsibilities:

• Must keep the written assessment available for inspection by the Fire Authority.

• Must complete a stage 2 fire safety management action plan. An example plan is shown at the end of this report.

• Must prepare, or revise, (as appropriate) the emergency plan for the action to be taken in the event of fire, including the evacuation of the disabled. Ensuring that staff are fully trained in these procedures and arrangements.

• Must arrange for fire evacuation drills to be carried out regularly, normally every six months.

• Must implement the arrangements and notify the significant findings of the assessment to employees and other premise users.

• Must make arrangements for the assessment to be reviewed periodically or when there has been a change or work activity and / or the assessment is suspected of being no longer valid.

• Must ensure that arrangements are in place to ensure that the building is regularly inspected to ensure that fire safety arrangements are being maintained effectively. For example, ensuring that physical and active fire systems, such as fire doors, fire alarms, emergency lighting and automatic fire detection equipment etc. are maintained in a safe


condition [so far as reasonably practicable]. Ensure that records are kept of any maintenance of the systems and are kept available for inspection. c) The Fire Safety (Employees Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010. ‘Every employer must, in entrusting tasks to employees, take into account their capabilities as regards to health & safety, so far as those capabilities relate to fire’ These regulations which came into force on 6th April 2010 and require employers to assess the capabilities of employees to undertake fire safety related tasks, before confirming them on them, such tasks may include:-

• Conducting Fire risk assessments.

• Completing Fire Safety inspections and audits.

• Being awarded the positions and responsibilities of Fire Marshall or Fire Warden.

• Working with equipment or conducting or supervising tasks that could result in a fire- such as ‘hot works’. Example stage 2 fire risk assessment- management action plan: As previously stated, the stage 2 fire risk assessment places a duty on the employer / person in control of premises to implement a management action plan. The plan should detail the action that will be taken to rectify the defects noted and the management action that will be taken to address any other recommendations recorded in the stage 1 report. An example stage 2 management action plan is included at the end of this document.

Routine Inspections & Tests:

Suggested frequency

Item Type of record to be kept

Daily: Visual check of means of escape routes, fire doors, fire exits, emergency lighting, fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers, fire safety signs and housekeeping standards

Daily site checklist-signed a dated.

Weekly Test of fire alarm system Entry in fire log book

Weekly Electro-magnetic door holders Entry in fire log book

Weekly Sprinkler test and check of pressure gauges Entry in fire log book

Monthly Emergency lighting test Entry in fire log book

Monthly Visual examination of fixed and portable fire-fighting equipment

Entry in fire log book

Quarterly Maintenance of fire alarm system (engineer or contractor)

Entry in fire log book and service certificate retained on file.

Quarterly Fire Sprinkler periodic maintenance (engineer or contractor)

Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file

Half-yearly Fire evacuation drill Entry in fire log book

Half-yearly Service of generator / pumps to Wet rising main system.

Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file.

Half-yearly Emergency lighting service (engineer or contractor) Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file.

Annually Service of fixed / portable firefighting equipment Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file.

Annually Dry rising main hydraulic & flow test (engineer or contractor)


Annually Overhaul of sprinkler system (engineer or contractor) Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file.

Annually Hydraulic flow test –Wet rising main (engineer or contractor)


Annually Inspection / update of fire safety signs and exit notices.

Entry in fire log book.


Annually Staff training Entry in fire log book

The following is an example stage 2 management action plan:

Defect noted / recommendation made in stage 1 assessment:

Action taken Date completed

1) Replace missing self-closing device to lobby door on ground floor.

Order raised with contractor 17/03/06 to fit new closer

03/04/06

2) Fire alarm and emergency lighting systems to be serviced by a competent contractor, on a quarterly basis.

Messrs Fire Systems Ltd has been appointed to test and service the system on a quarterly basis.

First service completed 22/04/06 and will be ongoing on a quarterly basis.

3) Install 2 kilogram Co2 extinguisher in computer room to cover electrical risks.

Order raised with preferred contractor on 20/03/06.

Extinguisher installed on 02/04/06.

4) Staff fire training required. Training to be undertaken on an annual basis.

An order has been placed with the Corporate Health and Safety Unit for fire training.

Training sessions completed on 27/04/06 and 01/05/06 [two courses].

5) Fire marshals to be appointed to assist with the evacuation of the premises in the event or suspicion of a fire.

Three additional fire marshals have been appointed and will receive appropriate training.

Training completed on 27/04/06 and 01/05/06.

6) Install automatic fire detection in corridors to give early warning in the event of fire (furniture and coats etc. in escape corridors)

Automatic fire detection to L2 of the British Standard (BS 5830 Part 1) to be installed over the next twelve month period. Commencing with upgrading detection on the ground floor immediately and installing the 2

nd phase of detectors on the top floor in the

next 12 month period.

Order raised for phase 1 works (ground floor) on 1

st May 2006.

2nd

phase to be completed in May 2007.

7) Fabric display in staircases and corridors to be removed or otherwise made safe by treating with fire retardant spray.

FRS100 spray to be applied to fabric in corridors When applied, most textiles including Cotton, synthetic and mixed fibre will meet: Furniture and Furnishings BS5852 part 1 ignition source 0 & 1

Spray treatment commenced during June 2007. Completed 30

th August 2007

8) School must consult with kitchen staff (contractor’s employees) on fire safety issues including fire evacuation drills and training and provide them with a copy of the fire safety risk assessment, the schools fire emergency plan and this management action plan.

Agreed procedure now in place for consultation / and communicating fire safety information. Kitchen staff to be included in the arrangements for school fire evacuation drills and fire safety training sessions.

Consultation arrangements agreed and in place June 2007. Staff fire safety training session held on 6

th July 2007.

No matters are now outstanding (Sept 2007).

9) School hall has only one means of escape and is unable to facilitate the number of staff and pupils using the hall during ‘all school’ assemblies

Agreed that the risk would be immediately minimised by arranging assemblies for part rather than the whole. Agreed that a second double leaf exit should be provided.

Reduced number assemblies agreed and in place as from June 2007. Order raised to install double leaf fire exit on 4

th July,

with work scheduled to take place during summer holiday period (August 2007). Work completed 3

rd September 2007.

corporate health and safety services health and safety services stage 1: ... filters in ventilation...

Documents