Fire Risk Assessment 2018

Transcription

1 Document Ti tle Client ame Fire Risk Assessment 2018 Wolverhampton Homes Grosvenor Court Pickering Road Wolverhampton WV11 3RD WHF FRA th April 2018

2 Fire Risk Assessment 2018 Project no: BU A.P.RM.002R Document title: Fire Risk Assessment Document o.: WHF FRA Revision: A Date: 11 th April 2018 Client name: Wolverhampton Homes Client no: ADO Project manager: Jan Fidoe Author: Sam Bunch G.I. Fire E, Dip FMS File name: Grosvenor Court Jacobs UK Ltd Malvern Court Block B Whittington Hall Worcester WR5 2RA Copyright The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright. Limitation: This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs Client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the Client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third party. Document history and status Revision Date Description By Review Approved A FRA report. S Bunch G Smith S Bunch 2 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

3 Contents 1 Introduction 5 2 Record of Assessments 8 3 Property Overview 9 4 Occupancy Summary 11 5 Assessor Summary of Findings 12 6 Risk Assessment Grading 13 7 Findings and Action Plans High Priority 13 8 Findings and Action Plans Medium Priority 15 9 Findings and Action Plans Low Priority and Recommendations Audit Information Life Safety Issues Disability Issues Ignition Sources Electrical Safety Security and Arson Control Fuel Sources COSHH and Hazardous Materials Hi Flams and DSEAR Compartmentation Fire Doors Means of Escape - Internal Means of Escape - External Firefighting Equipment Fixed Firefighting Installations Smoke and Ventilation Systems Fire Evacuation Lift and Firefighting Shafts Fire Warning System Management of Fire Safety 39 3 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

4 29 Statutory Training Evacuation Procedures Emergency Plan, Threat Procedure and Firefighting Plan Photographic References 43 4 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

5 1 Introduction 1.1 Scope and Purpose Jacobs U.K. Ltd has been appointed by Wolverhampton Homes to conduct a non-intrusive fire risk assessment and where appropriate, identify the significant findings and make recommendations and / or action plans in order to assist the Responsible Person in meeting their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) to the extent of responsibility for premises or parts of premises falling under its control This Fire Risk Assessment has been prepared and presented by Sam Bunch, Dip FMS, G.I. Fire E, Fire Safety Consultant, Jacobs U.K. Ltd. Contact or at sam.bunch@jacobs.com The sole purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire, and to assist Wolverhampton Homes in reducing the risk of fire to which the property may be exposed It is not an acceptance of responsibility for any acts, defects or omissions which could lead to a fire situation and subsequent loss. 1.2 Legislation The applicable legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order The RRFSO essentially replaces repeals or amends all previous fire regulations and laws, for all buildings, other than those where the HSE or the local authority is the enforcing authority or where the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations (COMAH) applies The aim of the RRFSO is to consolidate the general fire safety precautions of various parts of legislation. The legislation places the responsibility for enforcing fire precautions within buildings on the local Fire Authorities. The responsibility for enforcement is retained by the HSE for nuclear, shipbuilding and construction A risk-based approach is required under the RRFSO, in contrast to the prescriptive process previously imposed. The RRFSO requires that the Responsible Person should undertake a fire safety risk assessment, such that it can be demonstrated that the fire safety precautions are adequate and maintained to reduce the exposure of relevant persons, see article 8 below: the responsible person must (a) take such general fire precautions as will ensure so far as is reasonably practical the safety of its employees and (b) in relation to relevant persons who are not in their employ as may reasonably be required to ensure the premises are safe The Responsible Person can be defined as the owner, occupier, employer or person(s) in control of the building, whilst the relevant persons are described in the RRFSO as: - Any person who is or may be lawfully on the premises, and also any person in the immediate vicinity of the premises who is at risk from a fire in the premises, other than fire-fighters at the time of a fire. 5 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

6 1.2.5 Under the RRFSO, it is required that the following information is stored and available for inspection onsite or be available: The Fire Risk Assessment Where actions are required, proof of completion Record books detailing the preventative and proactive measures and any arrangements associated with fire safety; planning, organisation, control, monitoring, review etc. Staff training Previous Fire Events Dates of Fire Risk Assessment and reviews. Copies of equipment test certificates Under the RRFSO a risk assessment is also required to be undertaken to areas in block of flats and maisonettes; refuges; student halls of residence; the common areas of HMOs and sheltered accommodation where care is not provided. 1.3 Management Structure The responsibility for the development and implementation of the fire safety policy rests with the Responsible Person. However, responsibilities are frequently delegated to other persons and the management structure is detailed below All employees must be familiar with their duties, and the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire. Typically, these will be explained in detail during the staff / HSE induction. For this purpose, members of staff should be provided with adequate training A detailed list of fire safety responsibilities, along with the person responsible and details of any delegated persons should be provided alongside this document. Responsible Person (Senior Management) Fire Safety Manager Fire Team (Staff) 6 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

7 1.4 Limitations and Exclusions The information and advice detailed within this report has been compiled following the principles of Publicly Available Specification; PAS79, and is considered to present a suitable level of fire safety taking in account the complexity of the building, proposed occupancy levels and local conditions. This report should be fully understood by the Responsible Person and the findings actions highlighted to be addressed within the timescales identified Unless explicitly stated this report does not include detailed evaluation of any fire protection equipment in terms of its adequacy or reliability, nor has the integrity of fire compartmentation been verified It is not considered practical for many older buildings to achieve full compliance with the current Building Standards due to their age and structural form. Consequently, the actions identified and recommended within this report should not be interpreted as a means of achieving compliance, but as a method of reducing risk and enhancing Life Safety and property protection This report does not address the risk to business continuity from fire The assessment relies on information gained from the site visit and provided to the assessor by Wolverhampton Homes Property Services from their associated maintenance records and during the course of the site visit on This fire risk assessment covers the conditions of the property on the day of the evaluation and from additional sources provided to the assessor by Wolverhampton Homes and does not necessarily apply to changes in conditions made after that date It is the Wolverhampton Homes responsibility to keep the fire risk assessment up to date if suspected to be no longer considered valid or if significant changes have taken place Where relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose, such parties rely upon this document do so at their own risk It is considered reasonable to assume that the works to be completed will be in line with the recommendations of this report and be carried out with appropriate materials and in a competent manner. 7 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

8 Date of Assessment 19/02/ Record of Assessments Reason for Assessment Initial assessment Comments Improvement required in the separation of the bin chute from the common landing ame of Assessor Adrian Blundell FRA review Minor issues for action identified Sam Bunch FRA review Issues for action identified Sam Bunch Identification of maximum permitted numbers Recommended maximum occupancy figure calculated on basis of available area within communal lounge Sam Bunch FRA review Issues identified for action and improvement. Sam Bunch Review of FRA Issues identified for action and improvement. Sam Bunch Review of FRA Issues identified for action and improvement. Sam Bunch FRA review Minor issues identified for action and improvement. Sam Bunch 8 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

9 3 Property Overview Brief Description of Property & Construction Detached, concrete framed hi-rise block c1960, clad in insulated panels with flat roof over and refurbished in Concrete floor separation between floors. The ground floor is sub-divided to form the bin room (accessed externally), main entrance foyer, a Concierge office, a tenants' communal lounge and kitchen, lift lobby, laundry room, hairdressing / storage room and toilets. A communal scooter storage room is also provided on the ground floor with a dedicated ramped access and entrance point installed on the exterior elevation. Each upper floor level has been sub-divided to create a central lift lobby containing the dry riser outlet cupboard, direct access into the circulation stair with protected corridors to either side of the lobby each giving access to three residential flats. The lift motor room is located on the roof and reached via a removable vertical ladder up to a locked ceiling hatch. ine o of Stairs One Approximate Floor 300 Footprint Area (sq. m) Internal circulation stair Purpose Group/ Residential flats accessing all floors from Occupancy/Use(s) and communal ground level, discharging to areas for open air via main entrance assembly. at front and out at rear of property via corridor. o of Floors inc. basement o of Basement levels one Location(s) and Use(s) of stairs Area covered by this Assessment All fire safety systems and their management, all accessible communal areas including tenants lounge, all floor landings, the main stairwell, the bin store and main electrical intake and meter cupboards where access was available. Statutory notices, policies and procedures are also included. The residential areas are excluded, except for the main flat entrance doors which open onto the communal landing, as domestic premises are not subject to the Fire Safety Order. The Concierge office is subject to a separate FRA and should be read in conjunction with this report. 9 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

10 Evacuation Strategy (including Provisions for Disability) The property is a former sheltered housing complex and following the removal of on-site staff, has been redesignated as a residential hi-rise block with a mixed age population. The risk to tenants within their home is not considered by this assessment and may be individually addressed by the occupants via community fire safety or care workers where appropriate. While the fire warning system is present and functional, in the event of fire occurring, a stay put policy has been promoted by Wolverhampton Homes where residents will not evacuate unless directly affected by fire or smoke. Property Safety Strategy Physical separation between individual flats and common areas reduces the potential for fire spread and imperforate structural protection to the stairwell maintains the availability of the circulation stair for evacuation and firefighting access. Significant firestopping works have taken place to further prevent the passage of fire and smoke. This has included the installation of the sealing up of mains water stop valve housings. Fire Scenario The likelihood of accidental fire occurring within the communal stairwell and landing areas is very low due to the lack of potential ignition sources and fuels. The electrical distribution cupboards and communal kitchen contain viable ignition sources but these are considered to be a low risk due to low frequency of use. The potential for fire is greater within the residential properties where uncontrolled activities are permitted, i.e. cooking and smoking. If a fire occurs within a residence, the alarm will be raised locally and the Fire and Rescue Service contacted via 999. Fire spread will be restricted from spreading into the communal areas provided the flat entrance door is kept closed. Unless extinguished, fire will continue to develop within the area of origin until positive intervention by the attending Fire and Rescue Service. Any fire occurring in the parts of the ground floor protected by the sprinkler system including the scooter store and charging area would be identified and actively controlled and / or extinguished and an audible alarm actuated. 10 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

11 4 Occupancy Summary Person responsible for Fire Safety Myk Kaszuba Person responsible for Fire Safety Maintenance Programme Designation Stock Investment Manager, Wolverhampton Homes Designation Wolverhampton Homes Property Services Person providing Designation assessment information Wolverhampton Homes Property Services Contact Details Office Mobile Other Contact Details Office Mobile Other Contact Details Office Mobile Other ame of Owner(s) Occupier(s) Location Activity Wolverhampton Homes Whole of property Residential block of flats Persons at Risk Location Activity Contractors Communal areas Circulation / transit space Persons Present - Max os. (approx.) Daytime / Silent Hours Employees oung Persons Members of Public Tenants 2 0 Variable 150 (Occasional) Reason and umbers Sleeping Disability Remote Location Other Lift motor 0 room Maximum Recommended Capacity Standing only 70 Main community room 20 Snooker room Maximum Recommended Capacity Seated or Mixed Use 50 Main Community room 15 Snooker room Comments Effective available area Main community room = 75 sq.m. Snooker room = 20 sq.m. Mix of tables and individual moveable chairs present. Max numbers to be reduced if wheelchair user(s) present. 11 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

12 5 Assessor Summary of Findings Risk Category Summary of Provision Qualifying Comments Risk to Life Risk to Life is assessed as LOW. o significant issues identified within the communal areas. The areas are free from obstruction and allow ease of movement to the stairwell. Risk to Firefighters Risk to Life is assessed as LOW. o significant issues identified. Risk to Property Risk to Property is assessed as LOW. o significant issues identified. Risk of Fire Risk of accidental fire is assessed as LOW The use of non PAT tested equipment e.g. scooter chargers. to MEDIUM. Raises the risk of accidental fire. Risk of Fire Spread Risk of fire spread is assessed as LOW. o significant issues identified. Residual Risks The residual risks found are one. The residual risk control measures are one. Overall Summary The overall grading for this property has been assessed as LOW. Findings which impact on the fire safety strategy have been listed for action at Sections 7-9 of this report. Implementation of these actions will help to maintain the overall grading. Additional Recommendations Assessment Review Period one Anticipating that the significant findings will be actioned and this FRA updated, it is recommended that the frequency of review for this property is Annually or earlier if required. Any changes e.g. Use, Staff profile, structural alterations or other change which may affect the outcomes of this assessment may require it to be reviewed immediately. All new findings identified must be actioned and the FRA updated accordingly. 12 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

13 Report and Photo Reference 6 Risk Assessment Grading Gradings HIGH PRIORIT MEDIUM PRIORIT LOW PRIORIT OT APPLICABLE The grading reflects the most significant finding within the category. Other, less urgent issues may also have been identified and should be addressed. Major Improvement required within a short timescale. Signifies risk to life or property or failure to observe statutory requirements. Minor Improvement required within short to medium term timescale. Signifies minor infringement or poor process. Minor improvement recommended. Actions are not necessarily statutorily required but would improve the culture and effect of the fire safety strategy. o fixed timescale but should be considered medium to long term. The information required in this section does not apply to this particular property. 7 Findings and Action Plans High Priority Significant findings PAT of scooter chargers is unknown. o testing information displayed on the equipment in use. Urgent Action Required All electrical equipment used within the communal areas should be subjected to routine PAT. All service users should be requested to submit their chargers for testing as soon as practicable. Date Corrective Action Completed Signed Identified in previous FRA. All tested equipment to be labelled with test details and outcomes forwarded to Wolverhampton Homes Property Services. 13 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

14 Photo ref Photo ref 02. An enclosed shaft is present within the communal lounge. o access available to determine if it is sealed at ceiling level. Photo ref 01. Ground floor Bin storeroom has a gap in the compartment wall. Riser inlet has pink foam firestopping present. Flat 2 The firestopping within the adjacent stop valve housing has been damaged and requires repair. Identified in previous FRA. Firestopping work was ongoing on the day of this reassessment with contractors on site to remove and replace pink foam infill but it is unknown if the scope included the bin store and riser inlet areas. The identified gaps should be effectively firestopped by competent persons to restore fire separation and compartmentation between the adjoining areas using approved fire rated materials and methods Flats 10, 31 and 39 entrance doors and framework are an original fit whose fire rating is unknown. Identified in previous FRA. While considered reasonably robust and assumed to comply with the standards at the date of initial installation, the fire rating of these doors, doorframes and associated hardware is unknown. Upgrading of each door, doorframe and hardware to achieve a minimum resistance to fire of 30 minutes should be considered so as to provide a consistency of protection in line with the other flats throughout the property. The doorset should also contain smoke stop seals and intumescent strips either in the door edges or doorframe. All openings should be protected by intumescent materials which will help to close up any gaps during a fire, preventing the communal areas from being adversely affected. If either flat is owner occupied, the leaseholder should provide evidence that the doorset meets this minimum requirement. If unable to do so, an upgrade will be required. 14 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

15 Report and Photo Reference 8 Findings and Action Plans Medium Priority Significant findings Self-closing devices are not present on the individual flat entrance doors. Identified in previous FRA. Prompt Action Required Advice contained within the Fire safety in purpose built blocks of flats as published by the Local Government Group advises that these be installed. These doors will normally be in the closed position for security and privacy thereby providing protection to and from the communal areas. While there is an identifiable benefit in automatically ensuring that the door closes following evacuation in the event of fire, there is also a potential for accidental lock out and high opening pressures which would make access and egress difficult for elderly or disabled residents. Date Corrective Action Completed Signed Floor mats present at flats 41 and 42. These did not conform to the Wolverhampton Homes accepted standard. Identified in previous FRA. Retrospective installation to all flats should be considered as part of the current fire safety review process. The mats should be removed and tenants reminded of the new requirements. All communal areas should be free of all potential trip hazards and fuel sources Security tab broken on the CO2 extinguisher located in the laundry room. Where the security tag is missing or damaged, the extinguisher should be removed from service and checked by competent persons to ensure it is ready for use. A new security tag should be installed to give a visual indication that the extinguisher has not been interfered with, or used, which may impede its correct function. 15 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

16 Report and Photo Reference A Firefighting Plan containing property specific information is not provided or immediately accessible. Identified in previous FRAs. Site specific information system should be displayed on the external face of the block at the main entrance point and in clear sight of the approaching Fire and Rescue Service vehicles. This would be externally placarded information as has been installed at other hi-rise blocks in the City e.g. Wodensfield Tower. 9 Findings and Action Plans Low Priority and Recommendations Significant findings o Refuge Areas provided. Long Term Action Required For tenants and particularly those with limited mobility, the stairwell area; not the lift lobby approach could be used as a temporary refuge. Date Corrective Action Completed Signed Progressive movement by persons with mobility issues away from the affected floor onto the floors could be anticipated but this would involve assistance and direction from the Fire and Rescue Service personnel in attendance. The communal lounge may also be used as a temporary refuge / assembly point (if not involved in fire) as it has direct access to a final exit point. This advice should be discussed with the Fire and Rescue Service before being published among tenants as part of the Fire Safety evacuation policy. 16 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

17 Previous firestopping works have used expanding fire rated foam as infill material. The intumescent properties of this material have not been established and its potential presence in linear gaps does not conform to best Industry practice Dry powder extinguisher present within the kitchen The existing sprinkler installation covers parts of the communal areas only. Identified in previous FRAs. A review of the use of expanded foam infill as a firestopping medium is in progress with Contractors on site on the day of this re-assessment. Where the material is found, it is to be replaced by appropriate materials using accepted methods. The future use of expanding foam has been discounted in the Wolverhampton Homes method statements and practices. A change to the British Standards in 2013 does not support the indoor use or confined space use of Dry Powder extinguishers unless a Health and Safety Risk Assessment has been carried out. It is recommended that unless the risk being protected requires the continued presence of a Dry Powder extinguisher, it should be replaced by a suitable alternative or combination of alternatives e.g. Foam and CO2. Following the recent incidents at Grenfell Tower and Lakanal House, the retrospective installation of sprinklers to hi-rise blocks has been highlighted for consideration. Grosvenor Court has external cladding which has been identified as Class 0 with installed firebreaks therefore the likelihood of fire spread would be by internal routes and this would be anticipated to be restricted due to effective compartmentation. The global recommendation for retrospective sprinkler installation in all areas of hi-rise buildings has extensive logistical and budget implications and it is recommended that this should be considered on a practical risk based, site by site, assessment. 17 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

18 Previous assessment findings have not been actioned and completed. See Low and Medium Priority issues. Records of actions taken in order to achieve compliance or to reduce hazards and risks or to correct identified shortcomings should be available for inspection. Reasons for not addressing issues should also be recorded. This will provide an audit trail of decisions; demonstrate compliance with requirements and a positive commitment to Fire Safety within the workplace. 18 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

19 10 Audit Information The following information was gathered during the assessment process and is subject to change due to changes in occupancy, use, structural alteration etc. All subject areas should be re-visited during any re-assessment process to identify a new overall assessment outcome. 11 Life Safety Issues 11.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments There are persons at significant risk within the property Staff work out of hours or are lone working Where necessary, compensatory measures are provided oung persons are employed oung persons Risk Assessments have been carried out Parents/guardians have been informed of the Risk Assessments and outcomes Compensatory measures are provided and/or implemented There are existing risks to Firefighters Visitors and Contractors are controlled Residential use only. One Concierge staff and the cleaner attend the premises daily. Their attendance is limited to a few hours only. o additional measures considered necessary. 19 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

20 12 Disability Issues 12.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments An Equality Act Access Assessment has been carried out There are persons who require additional assistance in emergency situations within the property Compensatory measures have been provided e.g. PEEPs, Refuge Areas, Contrasted Markings etc. A defend in place policy has been produced and practised Fire evacuation procedures consider disabled personnel Staff have been trained in disability escape etiquette Disability specific signs are in place e.g. to indicate wheelchair routes to refuge areas etc. The need to support the evacuation of visually impaired persons has been considered and procedures established Hearing impaired occupants can readily identify the fire warning system actuation. People with Cognitive disorders have been considered, procedures established and people informed There are management procedures for reviewing temporary disability of staff e.g. through pregnancy, injury Undertaken by Jacobs U.K. Ltd in August Elderly tenants living in the property may have a wide range of disabilities. o assistance to evacuate is provided as the occupants of each flat are assumed to be self-sufficient and a stay put policy is actively promoted. The stairwell or communal lounge area may be used as a temporary refuge while awaiting the Fire and Rescue Service. Wolverhampton Homes promote a stay put policy in displayed posters in the main entrance foyer. o evacuation procedures in place. Stay put policy in place. 20 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

21 13 Ignition Sources 13.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Significant potential Ignition sources are present There are significant potential ignition processes in use Process control measures are in place Scooters while on charge within dedicated ground floor room. The communal kitchen has cooking facilities but these are used infrequently and considered to be low risk. one within communal areas assessed. Significant ignition sources are present within the residences e.g. cooking and smoking Gas-powered appliances are in use o gas present within the property Gas appliances are tested by Gas Safe Registered Engineers and current Gas Safety Records are available Where internal flues are present, access hatches are available to permit inspection CO detection is present where internal flues are located Where fitted, cooking filters and ductwork are maintained regularly Space heating method is appropriate Wall mounted electric convector heaters present in the communal areas o Smoking signs are visible Suitable provisions are made for smokers Smoking is unrestricted within the residences There are signs of breaches of policy There is an identified smoking room provided (England only) There is lightning or earthing control It is tested and records maintained in accordance with BS 6651 BS7430 Ongoing testing regime in progress organised by Property Services. Latest test recorded as to be done WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

22 14 Electrical Safety 14.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Electrical equipment is appropriate to the use of the property and is not misused Electrical equipment is operated by time switches Portable electrical equipment has been inspected on a regular basis and results recorded Portable electrical equipment within hi flam areas has been inspected every six months or more frequently where their age, condition or use warrants it and results recorded There is a register of miscellaneous electrical equipment available, There is evidence of overloading of electrical sockets or extensive use of cable drums, multi way extensions or transformer plugs There is a policy on the use of personal electrical appliances The fixed electrical installation is checked regularly in accordance with current IEE Regulations Electrical Circuits and fixed electrical Equipment in use within Hi Flam areas is tested annually Records of testing are maintained and available Defects noted during testing have been rectified Ongoing in section programme in place organised by Property Services. Latest test date recorded on equipment as done December PAT of scooter chargers is unknown. Retained electronically by testers. Ongoing PPM in place organised by Property Services, Hickman Avenue. Wolverhampton Homes on Domestic Asset Management Register indicates testing to be done All records held electronically by Wolverhampton Homes Property Services. 22 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

23 Cupboards containing Main Electrical Distribution boards are free from combustible storage or the storage is so positioned as to pose a low risk of fire A luminous discharge tube is present Where a luminous discharge tube is present, a Firemans cut off switch is provided and clearly indicated Where static electricity is a risk, there are adequate control measures 23 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

24 15 Security and Arson Control Areas to Assess Assessor Comments The property has experienced fires or other incidents in the previous 12 months All incidents have been investigated and recorded Combustible materials are stored in close proximity to the building There is a regular, routine check of Fire Undertaken daily by Concierge staff. Safety measures undertaken Safety Check findings are recorded and Records maintained by Concierge staff. identified problems corrected Access to the site and / or property is Electronic entry system with fob control in place. effectively controlled There is CCTV or physical monitoring Monitored remotely by Concierge staff. Tapes/discs are kept for a minimum of 30 days The property is enclosed by a fence or wall Part enclosure to rear. Fences and gates are in good repair Gates / perimeter access points are suitably protected to prevent unauthorised access but permit egress 24 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

25 16 Fuel Sources 16.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments The standard of general housekeeping is adequate Fuel sources and ignition sources are kept apart There are significant potential sources of Fuel Furnishings s are present within the communal lounge and electrically powered scooters within the dedicated storeroom area There are accumulations of unnecessary combustible materials or waste Soft furnishings have compliant upholstery Furnishings present within the tenant lounge areas are satisfactory. finishes There are sources of Oxygen or supporters of combustion, apart from ambient air There are potential sources of dust ignition 25 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

26 17 COSHH and Hazardous Materials 17.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Hazardous chemicals are present Low risk materials used by cleaning staff. ot considered to be contributory to fire ignition or development, Suitable arrangements are in place to manage the elimination or reduction of risks from hazardous substances Hazardous chemicals are effectively controlled during use and in storage Waste materials are adequately controlled Suitable and appropriate signage is present Material safety data sheets are available Emergency procedures inc. details of A and E services are available Appropriate PPE and/or specialised equipment are available as necessary Staff members are aware of the materials, the data sheet contents and safety procedures 26 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

27 18 Hi Flams and DSEAR 18.1 Areas to Assess Hi flam substances are present Assessor Comments They are effectively controlled during use and storage The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 apply Where DSEAR applies, a risk assessment been carried out and records maintained available (Written - if 5 or more employed) Drain and dispensing taps on external flammable liquid stores are kept locked Electrical Circuits and fixed electrical Equipment in use within Hi Flam areas are appropriate Electrical Circuits and fixed electrical Equipment in use within Hi Flam areas are tested annually and records maintained 27 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

28 19 Compartmentation Areas to Assess There is a risk of hidden Fire Spread within the structure There is a risk of vertical or lateral spread within the property e.g. between occupancies or via common areas The basement (where present) is separated from the ground storey by 30 minutes FR construction (minimum) Assessor Comments Bin chute has vertical access from bin store room to all floors. Lift accesses all levels with doors opening directly onto communal landings. An enclosed shaft is present within the communal lounge. o access available to determine if it is sealed at ceiling level. Photo ref 01. The risk of Fire Spread is effectively controlled Bin chute access hoppers are located within a protected cupboard off the communal landing and considered to be Low Risk. There is an automatic sliding shutter provided within the bin storage room which actuates via a heat sensor to close off access into the chute above. The bin storage room has automatic deluge protection and room access is controlled thereby reducing the potential for arson. The lift operates within a protected area. The gaps around the main stop valves at each flat have been effectively fire stopped by infilling with fire batting. Previous firestopping works have used expanding fire rated pink foam as infill material The property is sub divided into fire compartments Each residential flat, the communal area and the stairwell are deemed to be separate compartments. 28 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

29 There are unprotected openings, gaps or holes in compartment walls Wall and ceiling linings routes add to the risk of flame spread The building has cladding on its external faces As built cladding specifications and completion certification are available The cladding meets Building Regulations requirements; e.g. Diagram 40 in Approved Document B The gaps around the main stop valves at each flat have been effectively fire stopped by infilling with fire batting. Ground floor Bin storeroom has a gap in the compartment wall. Photo ref 02. Riser inlet has pink foam firestopping present. Flat 2 The firestopping within the adjacent stop valve housing has been damaged and requires repair. A review of the cladding specification was carried out by Wolverhampton Homes in The cladding specification was identified through performance reports from Warrington Exova and BRE as achieving a Class 0 Spread of Flame classification. Records of the specification are available on file at Wolverhampton Homes HQ. 29 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

30 20 Fire Doors 20.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Fire Doors are provided where necessary, are identified and freely available for use Corridor smoke-control doors are provided where necessary Fire and smoke control doors are in good condition, tight fitting to and free from distortion Smoke stop and intumescent seals are present, and in good condition Self-closing devices are present and functional and engage with the latch Where double doors are present, they close in line and have a selector where necessary The door threshold gap is consistent and doesn t foul the floor covering Doorframes are secure to the wall with no visible gaps present. Fire and smoke-control doors are indicated by signs Glazing panels are fire rated, undamaged with fire rated framework Automatic self-closing devices/hold open devices are present Automatic self-closing devices/hold open devices are closed at critical times Many of the main entrance doors to individual flats have been upgraded to Decent Homes standards. Flats 10, 31 and 39 entrance doors and framework are an original fit whose fire rating is unknown. Doors into risk rooms and those opening onto the stairwell and to the common landings areas are fire rated. Located on each upper floor. Seals installed in the Decent Homes doorsets, to risk rooms and to stairwell doors. Doors from common corridors and landings out to stairwell and in tenants communal areas. one present in residential doors. The stairwell doors and cupboard doors are indicated as Fire Doors. The residential entrance doors do not require to be indicated. Glazing installed in residential entrance doors, lobby, stairwell and corridor doors and in sidescreens. one installed within the property 30 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

31 Automatic self-closers are interlinked to the fire alarm system via smoke detection and/or alarm sounder circuit Correct signage is present for automatically self-closing doors 31 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

32 21 Means of Escape - Internal 21.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Sufficient internal escape routes are provided, available, appropriate for the likely users and lead to a place of safety Travel distances are acceptable Internal Escape Routes are adequately indicated by appropriate pictogram signs along their entire route to final exit point Signs are in good condition, unobstructed, legible and firmly fixed Sliding or revolving doors are present on escape routes Pass doors are provided for sliding or revolving doors Doors open in the direction of escape where appropriate Final exit doors are visible, accessible and easily opened Means of escape doors not in normal use are routinely checked Final exit doors are indicated internally by appropriate pictogram signs All Final Exit Points are indicated externally Fire Exit Keep Clear Final exit points lead into areas from where further dispersal can take place and are not in danger from fire and smoke Single direction exit route from all floors into the protected stairwell which discharges to open air at ground floor level via the communal area to the front of the property. Secondary exit points are available from the ground floor tenant lounge areas, the scooter store and to the rear of the property. Most doors open inwards but this is considered to be low risk due to the low numbers of persons expected to use the door at any one time. Push button override provided for magnetic locking system on the main entry and scooter store exit point. Concierge staff conducts a daily audit of the property. ot considered necessary for this property. The means of access / egress are in everyday use. 32 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

33 Where required and appropriate, panic fastenings are fitted to the final exit doors All panic fastening methods of use are indicated e.g. Push Bar/Pad to Open on-standard securing devices are present on final exit doors with their method of operation clearly displayed Where non-standard securing devices are fitted, they are appropriate for the likely users Where fitted, magnetic locks release automatically on fire alarm actuation and/or have manual override Where present, exit doors or corridor doors with powered, automatic opening revert to normal operation during fire alarm actuation Internal corridor escape routes are protected where necessary Inner rooms are protected by auto detection or vision panels Protected stairwell escape routes are provided Floors, walkways, floor coverings, stairs and stair coverings are in good condition, free from obstruction or trip hazard Handrails are provided on stairs and are in good condition Internal escape routes are adequately lit by artificial or natural lighting Emergency Escape Lighting is provided along internal escape routes The internal Emergency Escape Lighting is in good repair Emergency Escape Lighting is regularly tested in accordance with BS5266, findings and corrective works recorded Located at rear exit door. Push button override provided to main entrance door and to powered exit door from the scooter store. Two door approach to stairwell on all levels. Flats 41 and 42 have loose mats present. Identified in previous FRA. Ongoing PPM organised by Property Services. Annual test recorded as done on Ongoing monthly test carried out by WH Staff. 33 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

34 22 Means of Escape - External 22.1 Areas to Assess External escape routes are provided, available, free from obstruction or hazard and lead to a place of safety External escape routes are regularly monitored and maintained to ensure continuing availability for use External escape routes are clearly indicated by pictogram signs along their entire route to final exit point Glazing within 2 metres horizontally and 9m vertically below an external escape stair, is fire resisting External metal escape stairs and platforms have been examined by a structural engineer within the last three years Records of examination of stairs are maintained and available Stairtreads and handrails are in good condition External escape routes are adequately lit by mains powered lighting The external mains lighting control is automatic Where not, the control switch is clearly identifiable Emergency Escape Lighting is provided along external escape routes External Emergency Escape Lighting is in good repair External Emergency Escape Lighting is regularly tested and findings recorded Assessor Comments Paths leading from exit points continue away from property. Part of the Concierge daily check. o requirement. All exit routes are in open air and have background street lighting available. All exit routes are in open air and have background street lighting available. 34 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

35 23 Firefighting Equipment Areas to Assess Portable Firefighting Equipment is provided, sufficient in number and appropriate to the risks present Assessor Comments CO2 in Laundry room and M.E.I cupboard. Dry powder and Fire Blanket provided in the communal kitchen. Dry Powder extinguishers are present Dry powder extinguisher present within the kitchen. It is wall mounted or on dedicated floor stands with the operating handle at approximately 1m from the ground Extinguisher security tags are present Security tab broken on the CO2 extinguisher located in the laundry room. Portable Firefighting Equipment positions are clearly indicated by signs where necessary and accessible on exit routes Portable Firefighting Equipment is annually tested to BS and results recorded Access for Fire and Rescue is satisfactory A fire hydrant is in close proximity to the building It is clearly marked and freely available An open water supply is provided Where provided, the Fire and Rescue Service access is maintained Ongoing testing programme managed by Property Services. Latest test date recorded as next due to done is October Hydrant located on the street. 35 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

36 24 Fixed Firefighting Installations Areas to Assess Assessor Comments Sprinklers or drenchers are present The isolation valve is located within a cupboard on the ground floor They cover the whole property Communal ground floor areas only. Spare heads are available In the event of actuation, the maintenance company are contracted to restore the system to full functionality The system is maintained with servicing Recorded on Wolverhampton Homes on domestic asset management records available which are appropriate and register as to be done on current All reports held by Property Services at Hickman Avenue. Fixed flooding Installations are present o identified requirement for this low risk property. The system is maintained with servicing records available which are appropriate and current A Dry Riser installation is present The inlet and outlets are clearly indicated and available for use One outlet per floor located on each common landing within a dedicated cupboard. Inlet located at ground floor entrance. The system is maintained in accordance with Ongoing test regime in place managed by Wolverhampton Homes BS , servicing records are Property services. Latest inspection test date recorded on equipment as available, appropriate and current March All reports held by Property Services at Hickman Avenue. A Foam Inlet is provided o identified requirement for this low risk property. It is clearly indicated and accessible The system is maintained with servicing records available which are appropriate and current 36 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

37 25 Smoke and Ventilation Systems Areas to Assess Assessor Comments There is smoke/ventilation control present A manually openable window vent is provided within the stairwell at all levels. The system is maintained, servicing records are available, appropriate and current Ventilation ducts which breach compartments A thermal link, automatically actuated, sliding shutter is installed across the have automatic fire dampers base of the bin chute within the bin storeroom. The dampers are identifiable, maintained with Ongoing test programme organised by Property Services. servicing records available which are Latest test date recorded on equipment as 08 January appropriate and current 26 Fire Evacuation Lift and Firefighting Shafts Areas to Assess Assessor Comments A firefighting/evacuation lift is provided Lifts are not considered to be part of the evacuation strategy. It is clearly indicated as a firefighting/evacuation lift DO OT USE I THE EVET OF FIRE signage is displayed The lift is maintained with servicing records Ongoing test programme organised by Property Services. available which are appropriate and current A firefighting shaft is provided o identified requirement for this property. The firefighting shaft is protected and maintained in good order 37 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

38 27 Fire Warning System Areas to Assess A manually operated, electrical Fire Warning System is provided throughout the property The alarm sound is uniform, clearly identifiable and audible throughout the property Call points are sited appropriately, available and readily identifiable The warning system contains sensory warning devices including visual and aural stimuli The warning system has interphased devices which operate and are tested e.g. maglocks, door openers, smoke vents etc. Automatic Detection is provided throughout the property Assessor Comments Mains operated wireless L2 system present throughout all of the communal areas. o issues identified during the weekly and annual tests. Located at each exit point on all levels. Heat detection present within the kitchen and laundry. Smoke detection present in all communal areas, the tenant controlled areas including the scooter room and the m.e.i cupboard. The automatic detection type is appropriate for the identified risks The Fire Warning system is connected to an Alert given to Concierge staff who will investigate and alert the Fire and Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Rescue Services. The Testing regime is in accordance with Weekly testing undertaken my WH staff BS5839 and results recorded Annual testing carried out by external contractor on Automatic detection is tested in accordance Annual testing carried out by external contractor on with BS5839 and results recorded A zone plan is available at the Control Panel The Control Panel has a digital read out to identify the location of the actuated device. A second control panel is located on floor 5. When the Fire Alarm system is temporarily decommissioned, adequate alternative procedures have been implemented Manual Voice Warning systems are present o identified requirement. Manually operated sounders e.g. bells, horn, whistle can be operated safely 38 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

39 28 Management of Fire Safety 28.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments There is a Fire Safety Management Policy The Responsible Person is identified Myk Kaszuba, Stock Investment Manager, Wolverhampton Homes In multi occupied properties, there is adequate Single occupancy co-operation, communication and co-ordination between Responsible Persons and Landlord They meet regularly and communication is effective There has been a recent Fire and Rescue Service inspection Improvement notices have been served Improvement otices/ inspection results have been actioned and completed There are previous Fire Risk Assessments Previous assessment findings have been Several issues outstanding. See Low and Medium Priority issues actioned and completed Risks to Occupants identified in the FRA have been notified to them Occupiers have carried out individual Fire Risk Assessments Their assessment findings have been actioned and completed A Fire Safety Log Book detailing all fire safety systems and training is available Additional records are held electronically by Property Services at WH HQ at Hickman Avenue. The range, detail and currency of information is satisfactory 39 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

40 29 Statutory Training Areas to Assess Fire Safety is included in Induction training for all new staff Staff members are regularly trained in Fire Safety topics appropriate to their responsibilities Fire Marshalls / Wardens are trained and appointed Training is delivered by competent persons Training includes the practical use of Firefighting equipment Staff are trained in PEEPs where appropriate Where PEEPs are in use, Fire Marshalls / Wardens are aware of them Evidence of training is maintained Employees/occupants are informed of Fire Risk Assessment findings Visitors and / or Contractors are given a Fire Safety brief or copy of procedures The impact of outside undertakings on fire safety is assessed and Occupants informed of any corrective measures Assessor Comments o staff members permanently present but ongoing in-house and e- learning staff training programme in place for Wolverhampton Homes staff Concierge and Cleaners visit property for limited time to carry out duties. See above. otices displayed within the communal area. 40 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

41 30 Evacuation Procedures Areas to Assess Emergency Evacuation Procedures are identifiable in common areas and/or alongside at each call point Emergency Evacuation Procedure otices include a floor plan layout The procedures identify how the Fire and Rescue Service is to be summoned The Evacuation Procedures consider disability with reference to the evacuation chairs / lifts / refuges Evacuation Drills are carried out frequently and results recorded All employees / occupiers participate Assembly Point locations are clearly identified and are suitable and adequate for access, safety in use and numbers Evacuation Chairs are available and/or located on all levels Sufficient trained users are available and practice use of the chair Refuge Areas are provided and clearly identified including dedicated route Refuge areas have communications which are routinely tested A suitable lift is identified and available for use during evacuation Assessor Comments The Stay put policy is displayed in the communal area. ot considered necessary for this property where tenants will be familiar with the layout. All tenants are assumed to be self-reliant. Continual evacuation to a place of relative safety is anticipated e.g. stairwell. ot considered to be necessary for this residential property which has a stay put policy in place. ot considered to be necessary for this residential property due to the stay put policy. o mass evacuation is anticipated. ot considered to be necessary for this residential property as there are no staff members present to operate them and the stay put policy negates their use. The stairwell or communal lounge area may be used as a temporary refuge while awaiting the Fire and Rescue Service. Lifts are for normal use only. Prohibition of use in an emergency notices displayed. 41 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

42 31 Emergency Plan, Threat Procedure and Firefighting Plan 31.1 Areas to Assess Assessor Comments There is a detailed Emergency Plan available and known to Occupiers There is a Building specific on Fire Emergency (Bomb Threat) procedure available and known to Occupiers The on Fire Emergency (Bomb Threat) procedure is practised A Firefighting Plan containing property specific information is provided and immediately accessible The Firefighting Plan is regularly reviewed and contains current information including floorplans The property location is easily recognised externally by the Fire and Rescue Service Persons are nominated and trained to respond to fire A Person is nominated to liaise with the Fire and Rescue Service ot considered necessary for this property. The generic Evacuation procedures are considered adequate for this property type. ot considered necessary or appropriate for this residential property. ot appropriate for residential property. 42 WHF FRA Grosvenor Court

43 32 Photographic References Photo ref 01 Enclosed shaft in communal lounge Report ref Photo ref 02 Bin room compartment wall gap Report ref WHF FRA Grosvenor Court