Fire Risk Assessments – Not A Job For The Faint Hearted!
Preparing a fire risk assessment is a complex task best suited to a fire industry professional. Despite the availability of self-assessment materials following the introduction of the new Fire Regulatory Reform Act which demands that fire risk assessments are carried out by all employers, the British Fire Consortium (BFC) believes the task is really best left to the experts.
The following example illustrates the breadth of knowledge required about all aspects of the exercise which includes: new legal requirements; the identification of critical risks, fire loading and potentially hazardous activities; fire separation and confinement measures; appropriate fire detection, warning and fighting equipment; the protection of the means of escape and appropriate training for staff or residents.
The BFC is a trade association of more than 250 professional fire safety companies, and undertaking a fire risk assessment at a House of Multiple Occupation in the North East with a resident fire setter/self harmer was a difficult challenge for one of our members.
On this occasion, the premises were owned by a Local Authority but leased to a co-operative which managed it for several physically and mentally disabled tenants. Originally a terrace of traditionally constructed houses, the three storey building had been converted into one HMO with single bedrooms on the two upper floors, communal living areas and a staff bedroom and offices on the ground floor.
Although the premises were moderately well equipped and managed in respect of fire safety, a number of significant improvements were recommended following the assessment. The level of risk presented by each hazard observed was ranked using the standard ‘likelihood x severity’ formula, with controls suggested to remove or lower the level of ‘residual risk’ in each case.
Among key recommendations made were measures to reconfigure the means of escape including the provision of a fully enclosed main staircase extending from the second floor to an exit on the ground floor.
Some doors on first floor escape routes were found to be locked during the assessment and it was therefore also suggested that the locks were replaced with mechanisms which could be opened from either side without a key. Other fire doors on busy routes had been wedged open so it was suggested that electro-magnetic door holding devices were fitted here to ensure that the doors shut automatically in case of fire. It was also strongly recommended that all residents’ sleeping accommodation was confined to the first floor only and that staff accommodation, offices and storage were relocated to the second floor.
Although fire evacuation drills had been held regularly, they had never been subject to critical examination and so the recommendations also suggested a planned evacuation take place following the implementation of all new measures followed by a full debriefing so lessons could be learnt.
During the assessment, no evidence was found of compliance with the DDA in terms of access and egress, so it was also recommended that ramped access should be provided to both front entrances and stair lifts installed for the staircases - which would also aid a rapid evacuation in the event of fire.
Recommendations to address other severe risks included upgrading of all floors and walls constituting fire resisting enclosures to the staircases to provide 30 minutes fire resistance; installing fire doors with 60 minutes fire resistance to basements where the boilers and other utilities were located; and replacing a badly fitting kitchen serving hatch with a roller shutter providing 30 minutes resistance.
The convoluted layout of the premises did not lend itself to the establishment of a safe internal refuge from fire and the existing Fire Assembly Point on the pavement opposite the premises was considered likely to interfere with potential fire services operations as well as leading to some residents wandering off. Therefore it was suggested that a more suitable assembly point was found, possibly in a neighbouring property, from where an incident controller could undertake a roll call and liaise with the fire brigade officer in charge.
Although there were no special risk areas or activities in the premises, the varying levels of physical and mental disability of the residents presented a significant potential for accidental or deliberate fire setting. The BFC member therefore recommended that ‘high risk’ residents were urgently assessed regarding their fire starting behaviour and/or evacuation ability and that staff maintain increased vigilance and keep written records of any incidents which may cause concern. This was deemed appropriate with a view to ongoing risk prevention and ultimately relocation of the fire setter - should this be considered necessary in the future to protect other residents.
As smoking was permitted within most parts of the building, including the bedrooms, it was also suggested that this should be prohibited in all but designated areas such as one lounge per floor, equipped with non-combustible receptacles for discarded smoking materials. High risk levels were also presented by the storage of combustible/flammable materials such as furniture, bedding, cardboard etc. in unlocked cupboards.
It was therefore recommended to keep these storage areas locked shut in the future to reduce the risk of accidental or deliberate fire setting. It was also suggested that common roof voids, used for storage, be cleared and appropriate signage installed to highlight the need to keep this area clear.
Other recommendations included an upgrading of the fire alarm system with repeater devices such as pagers or SMS messaging to ensure all staff were alerted when the fire alarm sounded; relocating portable fire extinguishers to ensure they were accessible within staff and high risk areas; the installation of appropriate fire safety signage; the correct use of the Fire Log book to ensure maintenance visits for all fire equipment is scheduled and undertaken; ‘PAT’ testing of all electrical equipment; phasing out the use of multiple socket adaptors and finally regular fire checks by staff to keep combustible/flammable materials away from sources of ignition, fire doors shut and escape routes clear.
The assessment also stated that fire instructions should be revised with short form instructions provided at each fire alarm call point and, although staff had received formal fire training in the past, they were updated with the revised procedures. In view of the potential operational impact presented by the resident fire setter (in the case of arson, there is often more than one seat of fire) it was also recommended that formal contact be made with the local fire station to arrange familiarisation visits.
It would be a daunting task for any employer to conduct a fire risk assessment in residential premises such as these. As they comprised private rented accommodation as well as being a place of work, various pieces of legislation came into play. Members of the British Fire Consortium who specialise in conducting risk assessments carry out this type of work every day. We understand how to address all possible risks and have a broad knowledge of appropriate fire safety measures and associated legislation. To locate a BFC member please visit www.tbfc.org.uk or call us on 01273-297274.
Leigh-Anderson Associates are retained by the British Fire Consortium to provide PR (Press Relations) services and marketing support on request. If you have an industry comment, potential case study or other news worthy event e.g. 10 year anniversary, local award etc please call David or Alison at LAA on 01579 321750 or email BFC@leighandersonassociates.com
The following example illustrates the breadth of knowledge required about all aspects of the exercise which includes: new legal requirements; the identification of critical risks, fire loading and potentially hazardous activities; fire separation and confinement measures; appropriate fire detection, warning and fighting equipment; the protection of the means of escape and appropriate training for staff or residents.
The BFC is a trade association of more than 250 professional fire safety companies, and undertaking a fire risk assessment at a House of Multiple Occupation in the North East with a resident fire setter/self harmer was a difficult challenge for one of our members.
On this occasion, the premises were owned by a Local Authority but leased to a co-operative which managed it for several physically and mentally disabled tenants. Originally a terrace of traditionally constructed houses, the three storey building had been converted into one HMO with single bedrooms on the two upper floors, communal living areas and a staff bedroom and offices on the ground floor.
Although the premises were moderately well equipped and managed in respect of fire safety, a number of significant improvements were recommended following the assessment. The level of risk presented by each hazard observed was ranked using the standard ‘likelihood x severity’ formula, with controls suggested to remove or lower the level of ‘residual risk’ in each case.
Among key recommendations made were measures to reconfigure the means of escape including the provision of a fully enclosed main staircase extending from the second floor to an exit on the ground floor.
Some doors on first floor escape routes were found to be locked during the assessment and it was therefore also suggested that the locks were replaced with mechanisms which could be opened from either side without a key. Other fire doors on busy routes had been wedged open so it was suggested that electro-magnetic door holding devices were fitted here to ensure that the doors shut automatically in case of fire. It was also strongly recommended that all residents’ sleeping accommodation was confined to the first floor only and that staff accommodation, offices and storage were relocated to the second floor.
Although fire evacuation drills had been held regularly, they had never been subject to critical examination and so the recommendations also suggested a planned evacuation take place following the implementation of all new measures followed by a full debriefing so lessons could be learnt.
During the assessment, no evidence was found of compliance with the DDA in terms of access and egress, so it was also recommended that ramped access should be provided to both front entrances and stair lifts installed for the staircases - which would also aid a rapid evacuation in the event of fire.
Recommendations to address other severe risks included upgrading of all floors and walls constituting fire resisting enclosures to the staircases to provide 30 minutes fire resistance; installing fire doors with 60 minutes fire resistance to basements where the boilers and other utilities were located; and replacing a badly fitting kitchen serving hatch with a roller shutter providing 30 minutes resistance.
The convoluted layout of the premises did not lend itself to the establishment of a safe internal refuge from fire and the existing Fire Assembly Point on the pavement opposite the premises was considered likely to interfere with potential fire services operations as well as leading to some residents wandering off. Therefore it was suggested that a more suitable assembly point was found, possibly in a neighbouring property, from where an incident controller could undertake a roll call and liaise with the fire brigade officer in charge.
Although there were no special risk areas or activities in the premises, the varying levels of physical and mental disability of the residents presented a significant potential for accidental or deliberate fire setting. The BFC member therefore recommended that ‘high risk’ residents were urgently assessed regarding their fire starting behaviour and/or evacuation ability and that staff maintain increased vigilance and keep written records of any incidents which may cause concern. This was deemed appropriate with a view to ongoing risk prevention and ultimately relocation of the fire setter - should this be considered necessary in the future to protect other residents.
As smoking was permitted within most parts of the building, including the bedrooms, it was also suggested that this should be prohibited in all but designated areas such as one lounge per floor, equipped with non-combustible receptacles for discarded smoking materials. High risk levels were also presented by the storage of combustible/flammable materials such as furniture, bedding, cardboard etc. in unlocked cupboards.
It was therefore recommended to keep these storage areas locked shut in the future to reduce the risk of accidental or deliberate fire setting. It was also suggested that common roof voids, used for storage, be cleared and appropriate signage installed to highlight the need to keep this area clear.
Other recommendations included an upgrading of the fire alarm system with repeater devices such as pagers or SMS messaging to ensure all staff were alerted when the fire alarm sounded; relocating portable fire extinguishers to ensure they were accessible within staff and high risk areas; the installation of appropriate fire safety signage; the correct use of the Fire Log book to ensure maintenance visits for all fire equipment is scheduled and undertaken; ‘PAT’ testing of all electrical equipment; phasing out the use of multiple socket adaptors and finally regular fire checks by staff to keep combustible/flammable materials away from sources of ignition, fire doors shut and escape routes clear.
The assessment also stated that fire instructions should be revised with short form instructions provided at each fire alarm call point and, although staff had received formal fire training in the past, they were updated with the revised procedures. In view of the potential operational impact presented by the resident fire setter (in the case of arson, there is often more than one seat of fire) it was also recommended that formal contact be made with the local fire station to arrange familiarisation visits.
It would be a daunting task for any employer to conduct a fire risk assessment in residential premises such as these. As they comprised private rented accommodation as well as being a place of work, various pieces of legislation came into play. Members of the British Fire Consortium who specialise in conducting risk assessments carry out this type of work every day. We understand how to address all possible risks and have a broad knowledge of appropriate fire safety measures and associated legislation. To locate a BFC member please visit www.tbfc.org.uk or call us on 01273-297274.
Leigh-Anderson Associates are retained by the British Fire Consortium to provide PR (Press Relations) services and marketing support on request. If you have an industry comment, potential case study or other news worthy event e.g. 10 year anniversary, local award etc please call David or Alison at LAA on 01579 321750 or email BFC@leighandersonassociates.com