Linton House 39-51 Highgate Rd London NW5 1RS Fiire Riisk Assessment Common parts of Ironworks 58 Dace Road London E3 2NX 16 th July 2009 Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 1
Contents Section Topic Page 1 Terms of Reference 3 2 Duties of the Responsible Person 4 3 Background Information 4 4 Description of Premises 5 5 Sources of Ignition 6 6 Sources of Fuel 7 7 Building Design and Layout 7 8 Those at Risk (Life Risk) 8 9 Procedures, Training and Recording 9 10 Fire Detection and Warning 9 11 Means of Fighting Fire 9 12 Means of Escape 10 13 Points of Contact 11 14 Fire Risk Assessment & Management Action Plan 12 Appx. A Suggested Electrical Inspection / Testing Criteria 19 Appx B Staff Inspection Diagram (Portable Electrical Appliances) 20 Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 2
1 Terms of Reference 1.1 This report and assessment has been completed by Ace Consultancy at the request of Ringley Ltd., to inspect, review and assess existing arrangements for managing fire safety in compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the communal areas of the 58 Dace Road, Bow premises. 1.2 The report provides a general review of existing fire precautionary arrangements, with recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and for general fire precautions to be effectively managed. 1.3 Recommendations, contained in the Risk Assessment have been given Priority Ratings to assist the Responsible Person with planning. 1. Indicates a serious contravention requiring immediate action; 2. Indicates a deficiency requiring action within a month 3. Indicates a less serious deficiency requiring action within two months 4. Indicates where improvements could be made to further enhance good practice. 1.4 Responsibility for the implementation of recommendations contained in the Fire Risk Assessment Action Plan rests with the Responsible Person (see 2 below). Failure to take proper management responsibility can result in the prosecution of an employer, building owner, or occupier. 1.5 When compiling this report references were made to the requirements and principles of the: o The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 o The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 o The Health and Safety (Safety, Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 o The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 1.6 The assessment does NOT include private living accomodation 2 Duties of the Responsible Person 2.1 The Responsible Person is the employer if the workplace is to any extent under his control. Where this is not the case the Responsible Person is the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking. If the person in control does not have control in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking then the owner is the Responsible Person. Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 3
2.2 The Responsible Person has a duty to: o take general fire precautions o carry out, record and implement the conclusions of a risk assessment o equip the premises with appropriate fire fighting equipment, detectors, alarms, suitable emergency routes and exits o take special precautions where dangerous substances are present to eliminate or reduce the fire risk o take particular matters into account when employing young people and identifying in the risk assessment those people especially at risk o ensure that employees, and others at the premises have relevant fire safety information o ensure employees have adequate safety training and understand the evacuation procedures o nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to assist in implementing preventative and protective measures, including safety drills o maintain all fire fighting equipment, and o review the risk assessment when necessary 3 Background Information 3.1 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order replaces the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and the Fire Precautions Act 1971, in relation to fire safety in non-domestic premises and imposes a general duty to take such fire precautions as may be reasonably required, to ensure premises are safe for the occupants and those in the immediate vicinity. 3.2 The aim of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is to ensure that persons in control of premises i.e. owners, managers, occupiers, or employers take a risk assessment approach to fire safety. 3.3 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a Fire Risk Assessment is completed to ensure: o a fire can be detected in a reasonable time and people warned o people can vacate the building safely o those occupying the building know what to do if there is a fire o fire safety equipment is tested and maintained o a decision is taken with regard to the course of action required to address any defects or deficiencies. 3.4 The Assessment is a proactive way of addressing the following areas by: o identifying hazards and assessing the risks: o formulating and implementing control measures to minimise risks: o informing, instructing and training personnel: o monitoring conditions to ensure that the fire safety measures are being correctly implemented and maintained: Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 4
o reviewing and revising the assessment if there are significant changes that could affect existing fire safety precautions. 3.5 The common areas of the building have been assessed for: o Sources of ignition o Sources of Fuel o Building Design and Layout o Those at Risk (Life Risk) o Procedures, Training and Recording o Fire Detection and Warning o Means of Fighting Fire o Means of Escape all of which can contribute to the probability of a fire occurring, the anticipated fire severity, the ability to resist the spread of fire and smoke and the danger to people in and around the building. 3.6 Sections 5 to 12 of the report identify basic fire precaution requirements and should be read in conjunction with recommendations listed in Section 14 - The Fire Risk Assessment / Action Plan. 3.7 Recommendations are based on the observations as they appeared at the time of inspection on Thursday 16 th July 2009. 4 Brief Description of the Premises 4.1 The 58 Dace Road Complex consists of a main 8 storey building (ground car parking area and 8 upper floors) and three 5 storey interconnecting wings accommodating a total of some 79 self contained flats. Access to the redeveloped factory site is via electronically controlled gates from Dace Road between two original warehouse buildings. Entrance to the flats is via a main electronically controlled entrance into the main block lift lobby and stairway. Fire escape stairways terminate with gated egress points in the car park. The main entrance doors, fire escape gates and site entrance gates fail safe when the alarm is activated. A stand alone building containing the security office and electrical substation is located in the vicinity of the car parking area. View from across the canal Gated Entrance between original buildings Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 5
5 Sources of Ignition 5.1 The hazards posed by ignition sources include: o Heating Boilers and Appliances o Cooking Equipment o Electrical Hazards o Contractors o Smoking Materials o Arson 5.2 All places of work are now designated No Smoking areas. 5.3 Electrical hazards account for a large number of fires. However, it is Assessor s opinion that this relatively newly built complex is being effectively managed. There is no reason to soppose that the electrical system is anything but fully compliant. 5.4 To ensure compliance with the requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations the system should be tested by a NICEIC electrician every 5 years and the results recorded. No evidence was requested at the time of inspection to confirm whether or not this requirement is being met. 5.5 Portable Electrical Appliances (including Extension Leads) should be tested in accordance with HSE recommendations, (See Appendix A), labelled, the results recorded and Test Certificates kept readily available for inspection. At the time of inspection the only appliances appeared to be in the areas used by the Security Officer, namely the Security Office and the Electrical Intake/Services Utility Room. 5.6 No gas boilers or appliances were seen during the inspection of the communal areas. Privately owned gas boilers are not covered by the Reform Order. However, any gas boilers or appliances which are the property of the building owner/landlord must be serviced in accordance with requirements. 5.7 Systems should be in place to monitor contractors if/when employed to carry any maintenance or remedial work likely to involve processes requiring heat or flames. These may include incineration, welding, soldering, flame cutting or frictional heat, etc. 5.8 Arson is always a potential problem with 40% of all non-domestic fires being started deliberately. Residents should be asked to demonstrate vigilance by monitoring internal and external areas and reporting any concerns. At the time of inspection there were no areas of concern with regards to arson either internally or externally due to the part-time attendance of the Security Officer, the electronically controlled security gates and entrance and the CCTV coverage. Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 6
6 Sources of Fuel 6.1 Combustible and flammable materials may serve as a source of fuel within buildings. Materials either stored or in use, i.e. fabrics, furnishings, furniture and waste can all contribute to fuel a fire and should therefore be isolated from sources of ignition. 6.2 At the time of inspection all communal areas of the complex, with the possible exception of the Electrical Intake Room were completely devoid of any combustible materials. 6.3 At the time of inspection the ground level car parking facility beneath the building was clean, tidy and well organised. 6.4 Post is delivered in bulk to the security office where it is sorted by flat numbers and placed it in the occupants individual metal post boxes located under the building in the parking area. Large items are retained in the security office. 7 Building Design and Layout 7.1 The design and layout of a building is required to ensure: o satisfactory provision of means of giving an alarm of fire and a satisfactory means of escape; o fire spread over the internal linings of walls is inhibited; o the stability of the building in the event of fire by having a sufficient degree of separation within buildings and between adjoining premises and inhibit the unseen spread if fire and smoke in concealed spaces in buildings 7.2 Here the main common stairway is a spiral design within a fire resisting enclosure/lift lobby and discharge directly to a final exit. Alternative escape staircases are located on external communal balconies and discharge into the ground level car parking area. 7.3 Doors leading onto the staircase enclosure are fully compliant fire doors and at the time of inspection were all fully functioning and locating correctly. Main Staircase/Lift Lobby Smoke Ventilation Dry Risers Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 7
7.4 The building has smoke ventilation which is activated manually or automatically on the alarm. Dry riser points are located on each floor within the lift lobby/staircase enclosure 7.5 It can only be assumed that, based on the standard of construction throughout, compartment walls, floors and fire stopping barriers are fully compliant with building regulations. The age and quality of the building suggest that the lift meets requirements to qualify as a fire fighting lift for use under the direct control of the fire and rescue service in fighting a fire.. 7.6 All exit doors and gates are designed to fail safe. 8 Those at Risk (Life Risk) 8.1 Arrangements must be made to ensure that in an emergency everyone can evacuate to a place of safety. Particular attention should be paid to: Disabled people Children Young persons Employees Contractors. 8.2 The spiral staircases could prove difficult for elderly and disabled people to negotiate, particularly in an emergency. However, if, as suspected, the lift can be used by the fire and rescue service to aid evacuation, any risk to these people will be greatly reduced. 8.3 The design and layout of the building complex provides good access and egress for the able bodied. 9 Procedures, Training and Recording 9.1 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that procedures are in place to ensure: o emergency escape routes remain free from obstructions o monitoring and servicing arrangements are in place for fire extinguishers, fire detection equipment, emergency lights and fire doors o doors requiring to be kept shut or locked shut, remain so o electrical systems and portable appliances are checked Recommendations regarding these requirements are listed under their appropriate headings in the Fire Risk Assessment and Action Plan Spreadsheet - Section 14. Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 8
10 Fire Detection, Warning and Emergency Lighting 10.1 Current building regulations require all new flats to be provided with detectors linked for a general alarm. The regulations also require that all escape routes to have adequate artificial lighting and escape lighting. 10.2 Smoke detectors are installed in all communal areas visited at the time of inspection. External detector indicator lights are fitted to enclosed areas such as the electrical cupboards and the electrical intake/services room. In addition manual call points are located on each landing. 10.3 The fire panel is located in the main entrance hall. 10.4 Emergency and escape lighting is standard throughout the complex 11 Means of Fighting Fire 11.1 No fire fighting equipment is currently available. Whilst it is generally recognised that fire fighting equipment can reduce the risk of a small fire developing into a large one, much depends on the person using the equipment being familiar with the operating instructions. The design and construction of the building to adequately resist the spread of fire and smoke suggests that the provision of fire fighting equipment for use by inexperienced people could prove detrimental rather than beneficial. 11.2 Dry risers are located in the staircase enclosure on each floor of the main building 12 Means of Escape 12.1 The provision for means of escape for flats are based on the assumption that: o the fire is generally in a flat o there is no reliance on external rescue o there is a high degree of compartmentation o the materials used in the common parts of the building should prevent the spread of fire beyond the immediate vicinity Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 9
12.2 At the time of inspection the main building escape routes were free of obstructions. However, on the external wings of the complex communal balconies from the rear exits of the flats were obstructed by the occupants garden ornaments, tables and chairs and one or two privacy screens. These balconies offer an alternative escape should a fire occur in the front of a flat, which suggests that they should remain clear of any major or permanent obstructions. 12.3 Some external decking is beginning to warp creating a potential tripping hazard. Warped Decking Rear Balcony - Obstructions 13 Points of Contact Should you require additional information or clarification contact: Ace Fire Consultancy, Linton House, 39/51 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1RS Dave Ritchie Tel: 020 7692 9398 Mobile: 07832 110482 Email: dave@aceasbestos.com Vic Warren Tel: 01268 691547 Mobile: 07815019273 Email: vic.warren@blueyonder.co.uk The Fire Protection Association London Road Moreton in Marsh Gloucestershire GL56 0RH Tel: 01608 812 500 Web: www.thefpa.co.uk For information about health and safety: HSE Infoline Tel: 0845 545 0055 Email: hse.infoline@natbrit.com Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 10
14 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT & ACTION PLAN SPREADSHEET Communal Areas, Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, Bow, London E3 2NX (Note: Item numbers correspond to with Section in the Covering Report) Recommendations based on conditions as they appeared at the time of inspection on Thursday 16 th July 2009 Item Shortfall/Concern Present Risk Recommendation Target Date or Priority Revised Risk Action by Completion Date and Signature SOURCES OF IGNITION 5.4.1 No evidence requested at the time of inspection to confirm the fixed electrical installation is being tested in accordance with requirements by a NICEIC approved electrician and the results recorded Low o Ensure electrical inspections and testing is being (or due to be) carried out in accordance with requirements. o Ensure evidence of fixed electrical testing is readily available for inspection by H&S and Fire Enforcement Officers Priority 2 Low Responsible Person 5.5.1 Electrical portable appliances should be tested in accordance with HSE recommendations. (Portable electrical appliances used by the Security Officer i.e. Microwave, Heater etc. Low o Create an inventory of portable electrical appliances, including extension leads, o Ensure all electrical appliances and extension leads are correctly fused o Test appliances in accordance with HSE recommended intervals. (See Report Appendix A) o Ensure evidence of portable appliance test certificates are kept readily available for inspection by H&S and Fire Enforcement Officers Priority 3 Low Responsible Person Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 11
5.6.1 Maintenance of Gas Boilers and appliances. Low o Ensure that any gas boilers owned by the building owner or landlord are serviced annually by a registered fitter o Servicing /maintenance records should be kept readily available for inspection by Fire and H&S Enforcement Officers. Priority 3 Low Responsible Person 5.7.1 Systems should be in place to monitor contractors if/when employed to carry any maintenance or remedial work likely to involve processes requiring heat or flames. High o No work involving heat or flames should be allowed without a Permit to Work. o Contractors should provide method statements to ensure risk of fire is reduced to the lowest possible level for any maintenance or remedial work requiring heat or flames. o Contractors should be monitored to ensure compliance, whenever possible Priority 1 (When required) Med Responsible Person 5.8.1 Arson Low o Keep the Bin Store locked especially when there is no Security Officer on site. o Monitor Parking Areas to ensure the existing good standard of housekeeping are maintained. On going Low Responsible Person SOURCES OF FUEL - COMBUSTIBLE AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS 6.2.1 Combustible Materials in the Electrical Intake/ Services Room/CCTV Monitoring Room Med o Monitor the area to ensure paperwork and other combustible materials remain at a minimum. o Monitor all communal areas to ensure the existing high standard of housekeeping is maintained On going Low Responsible Person Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 12
BUILDING DESIGN AND LAYOUT 7.3.1 Fire doors Low o Maintenance schedules should be established to ensure doors are regularly monitored and remain in full working order. 7.4.1 Smoke ventilation Low o The smoke ventilation system should be monitored and serviced to ensure it remains operational o Testing and servicing records should be kept readily available for inspection by Fire and H&S Enforcement Officers. 7.5.1 Fire Fighting Lift Low o Confirm whether the lift is certified as a Fire Fighting Lift. o If the lift is not a Fire Fighting Lift fix Do not use in the event of fire notices adjacent to lift call buttons Priority 2 Low Responsible Person Priority 3 Low Responsible Person Priority 2 Low Responsible Person THOSE AT RISK 8.2.1 People with special needs, the elderly and children should always be considered a greater risk than the rest of the population Med o Implement recommendations listed under other headings. Low Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 13
PROCEDURES, TRAINING AND RECORDING 9.1.1 Fire precautions information for occupants and contractors visiting the premises for servicing and/or maintenance purposes Low o Employees and Contractors should be provided with appropriate information to ensure they are fully conversant with fire procedures for their areas of work o Consider (if not already provided) including basic fire safety information in Sale/ Lease/Tenant Agreements. Priority 3 Priority 4 Low Responsible Person FIRE DETECTION, WARNING & EMERGENCY LIGHTING 10.2.1 Fire Detection and Alarm System Low o Ensure the fire alarm system is serviced and maintained by a competent person every six months o The manual system should be tested weekly using a different call point on each occasion. o Records of all servicing and testing will need to be kept readily available for inspection by Fire and H&S Enforcement Officers. Priority 3 Low Responsible Person 10.3.1 Emergency/escape lighting Low Low o Emergency Lights should be, Visually Inspected Weekly: to confirm Indicator Lights are illuminated. Tested Monthly: to confirm they illuminate. Tested every Six Months: to ensure they operate for one third of their rated duration and Tested Annually: to ensure they operate for their full rated duration. Priority 3 Low Responsible Person Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 14
MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE 11.2.1 Dry Risers Low o Ensure all Dry Riser Points are labelled Priority 2 Low Responsible Person MEANS OF ESCAPE 12.2.1 Obstructions on rear exit communal balconies. Med o Confirm whether or not the Communal Rear Balconies are designated Escape Routes. o If, as suspected, rear balconies are designated escape routes inform occupants accordingly regarding obstructions o Existing and future occupants should be informed of their responsibilities regarding fire precautions. Priority 3 Low Responsible Person 12.3.1 Warped decking on communal walkways Med o Monitor decking for tripping hazards Priority 2 Low Responsible Person THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON (see 2.1 for definition) IS ULTIMATLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACTION PLAN The assessment should be amended as recommendations are completed. Implementation of the recommendations should ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Implementation of these control measures will rate this building LOW RISK. ORIGINAL REPORT/ASSESSMENT COMPLETED BY: Vic Warren CMIOSH 16 th July 2009 Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 15
Appendix A HSE s Electrical Inspection/Testing Criteria All portable electrical equipment should be inspected and tested as follows: Equipment/environment User checks Formal visual inspection Combined inspection and testing* Information technology: e.g. desktop computers, VDU screens No Annually No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years Photocopiers, fax machines: (rarely moved) No Annually No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years Double insulated equipment: NOT hand-held. Moved occasionally, e.g. fans, table lamps, slide projectors No Annually No Double insulated equipment: HAND-HELD e.g. some floor cleaners, electric mowers, electric drills Annually (more often if subject to heavy use) Annually Earthed equipment (Class I): e.g. all portable equipment with 3 core cables such as: electric kettles, some floor cleaners, irons, steamers, kitchen equipment etc Annually Annually Refrigerators, freezers No Annually 1-5 years, depending on environment Detachable Cables (leads) and plugs connected to the above. Annually 1-5 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to Extension leads (mains voltage) The above list is not definitive. If in doubt contact local H&S Enforcing Officer. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE APPLY EQUALLY TO CONTRACTORS AND OTHERS WORKING ON YOUR PREMISES Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 16
Appendix B INSPECTION DIAGRAM To be used before using any PORTABLE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES The Cable Is it in good condition, with no sign of damage? No The Casing Is it in good order, (not cracked or damaged)? The Plug Withdraw from use and report to line manager Is it in good order with no sign of damage and the cable secure? The Label Is the test date valid? Go ahead and use Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 17
Your Safety is Our Concern! Reg Office: 309a Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ Common Parts Ironworks, 58 Dace Road, London E3 2NX 18