Fire Risk Assessment Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 67 Flitwick Road Maulden Bedfordshire, MK45 2BJ Tel: 01525 406787 email enquiries@worksafesoultions.co.uk Index Part 1 Introduction Part 2 The Fire Risk Assessment Part 3 The Management Action Plan Blake House 82 Charlwood Street London SW1V 4PE Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page1
Part 1 Introduction The Brief Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd (Worksafe Solutions) have been instructed to carry out a fire risk assessment by Crabtree Property Management on behalf of Beaumont Holdings Ltd at their premises in Blake House. This is to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to the health and safety of the persons affected by the employers undertaking. The assessment has been made to assist those responsible, satisfying the requirement of regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety Regulation 1999 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Areas Covered This fire risk assessment covers the locations and activities outlined in part 2 of the report. These are the areas that have been identified by the client as their undertaking for which they have responsibility. Assessment Format Each risk identified by the assessor will be quantified based on the absolute risk level and how it is currently being controlled. Following BS8800 (Guide to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) a risk level is allocated to each hazard and risk. This risk level will then enable the client to prioritise the action to be taken. To arrive at a risk rating, the consultant will assess the risk based upon the likelihood of the accident/incident happening and the severity of the probable outcome. In addition there may be non-compliance with health and safety legislation which in it self may not present a risk to health and safety but it will put the company at risk. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page2
The Risk Rating system Slightly Harmful Harmful Very Harmful Highly unlikely 1 2 3 Unlikely 2 3 4 Likely 3 4 5 The Risk Rating Results and what they mean (BS8800) Risk Action and Timetable 1 Trivial No action is necessary and no documented records are required 2 Tolerable No additional controls are required. Consideration may be given to a more cost-effective solution or an improvement that requires no additional resources. Monitoring is required to ensure that the level of compliance seen at the time of the assessment is maintained 3 Moderate Efforts should be made to reduce the level of risk, but the costs of prevention should be carefully measured and limited. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined period of time. Where the moderate risk level is associated with a very harmful consequence, further assessments may be necessary. This is to establish more precisely the likelihood of the harm as a basis for determining improved control measures 4 Substantial The risk should be reduced to an acceptable risk level as soon as practicable. Considerable resources may be required to reduce the risk level. Where the risk involves work in progress, urgent action should be taken 5 - Intolerable Work should not be started, continued or access permitted until the risk has been reduced. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page3
Disclaimer Worksafe Solutions have carried out the assessment and prepared the report based upon the information gained on site and during the tour of the premises. If the client is aware of any risks, which have not been identified in the risk assessment then they must be brought to the attention of Worksafe Solutions immediately so that the necessary action can be taken. Although Worksafe Solutions Consultants are experienced and trained to the highest professional standards, they have no powers under any statutory order to demand entry and for the production of documents of records. No access could be gained into all of the flats so it could not be determined if front doors offer adequate fire resistance. The risk assessment relates solely to the common parts as specified in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Since no access can be gained to the flats it is assumed that the flats offer sufficient fire resistance unless stated otherwise. Where buildings have been converted it should be confirmed that they have been altered in accordance with building regulations. If the client has any doubts about this then they should arranged for a full survey from a competent surveyor. The advice in this report is therefore given in good faith based upon the evidence seen at the time of the visit. No guarantee can be given that during any subsequent visit by inspectors with statutory powers that other noncompliance situations may not be found. Whilst every care is taken to interpret Acts, Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice, these can only be authoritatively interpreted by Courts of Law. Risk Assessment Review This risk assessment will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Property Manager and Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd will (where instructed) make subsequent visits to check on progress and a new report will be issued. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page4
Part 2 Fire Risk Assessment General Observations As agreed a fire risk assessment was carried out on the common parts of Blake House. Blake House is a residential building comprising of one internal staircase which runs from the ground floor to the 3 rd floor. Externally there is a further staircase which runs to the basement. No access could be gained to the locked vault in the basement or the ground floor electrical cupboard. There are also 3 commercial properties. A copy of the fire risk assessments from the commercial premises should be requested. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page5
List of Subjects covered by the report Subject 1: Housekeeping...7 Subject 2: Sources of Heat...7 Subject 3: Means of Escape...8 Subject 4: Fire Escape Signage...9 Subject 5: Emergency Lighting...9 Subject 6: Fire Detection and Warning Systems... 10 Subject 7: Fire Fighting Equipment... 10 Subject 8: Fire Doors... 10 Subject 9: Provision of Information, Training and Instruction... 11 Subject 10: Control of Contractors... 11 Subject 11: Access for the Fire Authority... 11 Subject 12: Co-operation and Co-ordination... 12 Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page6
Subject 1: Housekeeping 1.1 Accumulation of combustible materials 2 N Combustible materials are stored in an appropriate place The level of housekeeping was good Rubbish should be removed from the workplace as soon as possible. Daily cleaning should be undertaken. Subject 2: Sources of Heat 2.1 No Smoking Signs 3 Y Ensure No Smoking signs are displayed in the relevant areas A smoking sign is required within the entrance. The Health Act 2006 requires no smoking signs to be displayed at the entrances to enclosed common areas. The signs should be a minimum of A5 size. 2.2 Potential for Arson. 2 N Security measures and arrangements are in place and appear to be suitable and sufficient against the risk of arson. There is an access control system. Security measures to prevent unauthorised access to a building may include door entry phone systems, security patrols, inspections of the building periodically, CCTV security cameras in prominent positions. 2.3 Fixed Installation check 3 Y Ensure every 5 years there are inspections to check the electrical fixed installation and also suitable records are kept It was not known if the 5 yearly testing has been carried out by an NICEIC registered electrician. Record in a log the date of the inspections, the person that conducted the inspection, any problems found, the corrective action taken and date completed. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page7
Subject 3: Means of Escape 3.1 Escape Routes 2 N Escape routes are provided that conform to the relevant standard. Escape routes are calculated on the basis of the occupancy of the building and the fire risk together with fire safety engineering solutions 3.2 Escape Routes 2 N The number of people within the building appears acceptable The maximum number of persons allowed within a particular area will depend upon the floor area involved and the number and size of escape routes available. 5m²/person - office (open plan) 7m²/person - office 2m²/person - shop sales area 0.5m²/person - bar/hall 1m²/person - restaurant/reception 3.3 Escape Routes 2 N The number of fire escape routes appears to be acceptable The minimum number of exit routes leading from a room or story depends on the number of persons within that room or level, and the size of the escape routes themselves. This can be calculated as follows: 50 people - 2 escape routes 100 people - 3 escape routes 200 people - 4 escape routes 400 people - 5 escape routes. 3.4 Escape Routes 2 N Escape routes are clear of obstacles No items which may cause an obstruction should be located on any escape route Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page8
3.5 Travel Distances 2 N The travel distances to a place of safety appear to conform to the relevant standard The maximum distance of travel from within a room or storey to a place of safety will depend upon whether there is more than one direction in which the occupants can travel or if only one direction is available. 3.6 Fire Escape Routes 2 N Final exits can be easily opened Subject 4: Fire Escape Signage 4.1 Fire Exit signs 2 N Fire Exit signs are clear and point to the relevant place of safety Fire Exit signs should instruct people to the nearest place of safety Subject 5: Emergency Lighting The fire exit route is straight forward so no additional signs are required. 5.1 Emergency Lighting 3 Y Ensure adequate Emergency Lighting has been provided It is recommended that emergency lights are fitted on each floor. All escape routes must be provided with sufficient artificial lighting to enable people to escape safely. In the event of a fire the mains lighting may fail, emergency lighting should be provided. The lighting should indicate escape routes clearly, illuminate the escape routes, ensure that alarm call points and fire fighting equipment can be readily located. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page9
Subject 6: Fire Detection and Warning Systems 6.1 Automatic Detection 3 Y Ensure automatic fire detection, linked to a fire alarm system is provided and maintained Automatic detection should be maintained and records of maintenance kept There are battery smoke detectors located in strategic places. However these do not meet current standards. Since the fire compartmentalization between flats could not be assured, an appropriate fire detection and warning system should be provided which covers the staircase and the tenanted areas. Subject 7: Fire Fighting Equipment 7.1 Fire Fighting Equipment maintenance 2 N Appropriate fire fighting equipment is provided and maintained Fire fighting equipment should be maintained annually by a competent person Subject 8: Fire Doors 8.1 Fire Doors of sound construction 3 Y Ensure internal fire doors and walls conform to the relevant standard It was not known if the front doors to the flats have self-closers. All internal fire doors should meet the requirements set out in BS 476. This sets out the minimum requirements for the prevention of the passage of fire and smoke during a fire. Each fire door should self close from any position by virtue of the fitted closing device Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page10
Subject 9: Provision of Information, Training and Instruction 9.1 Fire Emergency Plans 3 Y Ensure information is given, informing residents what to do in the event of a fire Fire action notices should be displayed for residents. These should be updated once the fire detection and warning system is installed. Subject 10: Control of Contractors 10.1 Contractor approval 2 N Contractors policies, risk assessments and method statements are obtained from contractors It has been confirmed the Crabtree Property Management operate a system for the selection and control of contractors. Any contractor should only be selected once their method statements, policies and safe system of work have been assessed as acceptable by the client. Hot work permits maybe needed for any hot works (eg welding, cutting, grinding, stripping etc) and contractors should assess fire risks and provide appropriate control measures (eg fire fighting equipment, fire watch, suitable location for hot works). Subject 11: Access for the Fire Authority 11.1 Fire Authority Access 2 N There are appropriate arrangement for Fire Brigade access The highest fire fighting floor is less than 18meters high Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page11
Subject 12: Co-operation and Co-ordination 12.1 Shared Premises 3 Y A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment should be requested from the Commercial Tenants for the area that they are responsible for. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page12
Part 3 The Management Action Plan This section provides a summary of the risks where the risk level is greater that 2 and therefore action identified. This information can be used by the client to prioritise any action to reduce the risk. This section is provided as an aid to management and does not replace the general risk assessment. Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page13
Subject 2: Sources of Heat 2.1 No Smoking Signs 3 Y Ensure No Smoking signs are displayed in the relevant areas A smoking sign is required within the entrance. Action Person Responsible Completion Date 2.3 Fixed Installation check 3 Y Ensure every 5 years there are inspections to check the electrical fixed installation and also suitable records are kept It was not known if the 5 yearly testing has been carried out by an NICEIC registered electrician. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Subject 5: Emergency Lighting 5.1 Emergency Lighting 3 Y Ensure adequate Emergency Lighting has been provided It is recommended that emergency lights are fitted on each floor. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page14
Subject 6: Fire Detection and Warning Systems 6.1 Automatic Detection 3 Y Ensure automatic fire detection, linked to a fire alarm system is provided and maintained There are battery smoke detectors located in strategic places. However these do not meet current standards. Since the fire compartmentalization between flats could not be assured, an appropriate fire detection and warning system should be provided which covers the staircase and the tenanted areas. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Subject 8: Fire Doors 8.1 Fire Doors of sound construction 3 Y Ensure internal fire doors and walls conform to the relevant standard It was not known if the front doors to the flats have self-closers. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Subject 9: Provision of Information, Training and Instruction 9.1 Fire Emergency Plans 3 Y Ensure information is given, informing residents what to do in the event of a fire Fire action notices should be displayed for residents. These should be updated once the fire detection and warning system is installed. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page15
Subject 12: Co-operation and Co-ordination 12.1 Shared Premises 3 Y A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment should be requested from the Commercial Tenants for the area that they are responsible for. Action Person Responsible Completion Date Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page16
Appendix 1 Fire Action Notice Fire Procedures for Blake House Action on discovering a fire 1. Call the Fire Brigade 2. Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so 3. Evacuate the building and close doors behind you. Due to the design of the building it is very unlikely that a fire starting in one flat will spread to another. If you are in a flat not immediately affected by the fire General advice is to stay in your flat, call the fire brigade and wait for them to put the fire out. However if the fire is causing an immediate danger to you and you feel evacuation is the safest option or you are instructed by the Fire Brigade, then you should: Do not 1. Leave the building by the nearest fire exit 2. Close doors behind you 3. Report to the assembly point at the front of the building 1. Wait to collect personal belongings 2. Run Please note that there is no hardwired audible alarm and residents are advised to install a smoke detector within their flat (if not already fitted). Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page17