BUSINESS PREMISES FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE

Transcription

1 BUSINESS PREMISES FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE

2 Intrductin Fire Risk Assessment (Hw t cmplete) Cntents Sectin 1. Premises Particulars 2. General Statement f Plicy 3. Management Systems 4. General Descriptin f Premises 5. Fire Safety System within the Premises 6. Plan Drawing 7. Fire Hazards 8. Peple at Risk 9. Means f Escape (Hrizntal Evacuatin) 10. Means f Escape (Vertical Evacuatin) 11. Fire Safety Signs and Ntices 12. Fire Warning System 13. Emergency Lighting 14. Firefighting Equipment 15. Maintenance 16. Methd f Calling the Fire Service 17. Emergency Actin Plan 18. Training 19. Recrd f Fire Safety Deficiencies 20. Significant Findings 21. Additinal Hazards 1

3 Intrductin This dcument suggests infrmatin that shuld be cntained in a fire risk assessment recrd. When cmpleted in accrdance with all suggestins it may serve as a recrd f a fire risk assessment as required by Regulatry Refrm (Fire Safety) Order Since these regulatins came int frce, there has been and cntinues t be a requirement fr all emplyers t: Carry ut a fire risk assessment f the wrkplace taking int cnsideratin all emplyees and all ther peple wh may be affected by a fire in the wrkplace, and t make adequate prvisin fr any disabled peple with special needs wh use r may be present in the premises; Identify the significant findings f the risk assessment and the details f anyne wh might be especially at risk in case f fire. If mre than five peple are emplyed it is a requirement that these significant findings are recrded; (Hwever it is recmmended that a written recrd is prduced n all ccasins t assist with the prcess f n ging reviews) Prvide and maintain such fire precautins as are necessary t safeguard thse wh use the wrkplace; and Prvide infrmatin, instructin and training t emplyees abut the fire precautins in the wrkplace The recrding f infrmatin within this dcument shuld be in a narrative frmat and nt simply a Yes r N answer t a questin. Fire Risk Assessment (Hw t cmplete). Fire Risk Assessment Divide the premises int areas/rms/flrs as necessary and carry ut a fire risk assessment fr each part. During the assessment and evaluatin f the findings yu shuld bear in mind the fllwing:- Significant Findings: Upn cmpletin f the fire risk assessment, the significant findings shuld be recrded. The significant findings shuld include: a recrd f the prtective and preventative measures already in place t cntrl the risks; what further actin, if any, needs t be taken t reduce risk sufficiently; Review and Revisin The assessment shuld be reviewed r revised fllwing any f the fllwing:- Any significant change f wrk practices Any significant change in staff levels Any structural r material alteratin t the premises Any near miss r fire Reviewed at least annually 2

4 1 Premises particulars Specify the fllwing particulars Name and Address f Premises Use f Premises Owner/Emplyer/Persn(s) in Cntrl f the Wrkplace Telephne Number Date f Risk Assessment Date f Review Name & relevant details f the persn carrying ut the Fire Risk Assessment Plicy 2 Prvide a general statement f plicy A safety plicy is a written statement f an emplyer s intent t ensure the safety f their emplyees. The purpse f the safety plicy is t give clear cmmitment t cmply with the relevant regulatins. Example: It is the plicy f (emplyer/cmpany/etc.) t prtect all persns including emplyees, custmers, cntractrs and members f the public frm ptential injury and damage t their health which might arise frm wrk activities. The cmpany will prvide and maintain safe wrking cnditins, equipment and systems f wrk fr all emplyees, and t prvide such infrmatin, training and supervisin as they need fr this purpse. The cmpany will give a high level f cmmitment t health and safety and will cmply with all statutry requirements. 3

5 3 Management systems Prvide a statement specifying the planning, rganisatin, cntrl, mnitring and review f the fire risk assessment. Planning Hw the emplyer prpses t cmplete the Fire Risk Assessment and determine pririties in eliminating any hazards and reducing risks t persns Organisatin Hw the rganisatin is structured. T include hw Health and Safety infrmatin is cmmunicated t all emplyees, and what their invlvement has been in cmplying with all aspects f the Fire Risk Assessment Cntrl - Identify the peple (at all levels) wh may have respnsibility fr carrying ut the Management f Health and Safety issues thrughut the wrkplace Mnitring Identify hw the emplyer will measure the success f the Health and Safety plicy. This shuld include regular checks f fire precautins, investigatin f causes f incidents and the recrding f ther relevant infrmatin Review Identify a regular review prcedure t include any identified deficiencies and a prcess by which they can be rectified 4 General descriptin f the premises. General Descriptin f the Premises Give a general descriptin f the premises and the use t which it is put. Include the fllwing details: Cnstructin detail f the premises (i.e. Brick/Timber/Cncrete) Apprximate age f premises Times in use Ttal number f persns emplyed in the premises at any ne time Ttal number f persns wh may resrt t the premises at any ne time Size f the premises (Length and Width and/r area) Number f flrs and staircases 4

6 5 Fire Safety Systems Give details f any fire safety systems in the premises such as fire warning systems, escape lighting, sprinklers, etc. (e.g. Fire alarm break-glass system t British Standard 5839, escape lighting t British Standard 5266) If nne are t be prvided briefly state the reasning fr that decisin. (e.g. Small pen wrkshp, nly three peple at any ne time, clear visibility, wrd f muth sufficient t raise the alarm.) 6 Plan drawing T assist the assessr in cmpleting an assessment, and emplyees in understanding the findings and evacuatin prcedures/plans it is recmmended that a single line drawing f the premises/area/rm/flr is prepared, which shuld be attached t the risk assessment. The plan shuld shw: Escape rutes Number f exits Number f stairs Fire resisting drs Fire resisting walls and partitins Places f safety etc. Fire safety signs and ntices (i.e. pictgraphic fire exit signs, fire actin ntices etc. The lcatin f fire warning devices (i.e. break-glass alarm pints, sunders, rtary gngs) The lcatin f emergency lights (t include hand held trches if prvided) The lcatin and type f fire fighting equipment (i.e. water extinguishers, fam extinguishers, etc.) 7 Identify Fire Hazards within the Area/Rm/Flr Cnsider any fire hazards within the area / rm / flr: Ignitin surces Smking materials / matches, lighters etc. Naked flames / ht wrk prcesses Fixed / prtable heaters Bilers / engines / machinery Cking Lighting equipment Frictin / sparks Arsn 5

7 Fuel Surces Flammable liquids / slvents /ils etc. Chemicals Wd / paper / cardbard etc. Plastics / rubber / fam Furniture and furnishings Flammable gases Textiles Display materials Waste materials Wrk Prcesses Can any fire risks identified be remved, replaced r reduced? Structural Features Cnsider any structural features that culd prmte the spread f fire (e.g. pen staircases, penings in walls and flrs, large vids abve ceilings and belw flrs). Additinally cnsider the ptential cmbustibility f any structural features. 8 Peple wh wuld be at Risk frm Fire Cnsider: Emplyees Visitrs / Custmers Emplyees, visitrs, and ther persns whse mbility, hearing r eyesight is impaired Other persns in the premises if the premises are multi-ccupied Varied wrking practices (i.e. areas f yur premises ccupied when thers are nt) Areas where emplyees/thers are islated Cntractrs Persns wh may be asleep in yur premises 6

8 9 Means f Escape Hrizntal Evacuatin Cnsideratin f the fllwing factrs shuld be recrded in a narrative frmat and nt simply a Yes/N answer t a questin. Cnsider: Hw fire hazards are cntrlled within the area/rm/flr The need t cntrl and mnitr the number f ccupants The number f ccupants in the area/rm/flr and their familiarity with the premises The likely spread f fire The time it wuld prbably take t escape (2-3 minutes?) In the event f a fire can all persns safely evacuate the premises after taking int accunt the fire risks in the area? Travel distances. Hw far t the nearest exit? Definitin and number f escape rutes. Easily identified and available at all times? Number and widths f exits. Sufficient t evacuate all ccupants quickly and easily? Inner rms situatins. Is there an exit nly available thrugh anther rm? Crridrs. D they need t be prtected by fire resisting walls and drs? Dead-end cnditins. Is there nly ne way ut? Dr penings and dr fastenings. Can dr(s) be pened easily withut the use f a key? D all escape rutes lead t a place f safety (e.g. nt t an enclsed yard)? Husekeeping. Is there strage f cmbustibles r bstructins in escape rutes? Sufficient number f stairways? Prvisins fr peple with disabilities (Deaf, Blind, Mbility issues r special needs) etc? 10 Means f Escape Vertical Evacuatin Cnsider: Are there sufficient stairways t get all ccupants ut f the premises even if ne stairway is inaccessible due t fire? Are the stairways wide enugh t get all ccupants ut f the premises (including disabled persns)? D the drs, walls and partitins t the stairways need t be fire resisting (i.e. culd a fire spread t the staircase(s) befre ccupants have evacuated taking in t accunt the fire hazards present)? D the exits frm the stairways lead t place f safety (e.g. nt t an enclsed yard)? 7

9 11 Fire Safety Signs and Ntices D all fire safety signs cmply with the current standard (pictgram symbls)? Are there sufficient fire exit signs n the escape rutes? Are internal fire resisting drs indicated with Fire Dr-Keep Shut ntices? Are internal fire resisting drs t cupbards indicated with Fire Dr Keep Lcked Shut signs? Where necessary are fire exit drs marked with Fire Exit-Keep Clear ntices? (utside face) Are there signs indicating hw t use dr pening mechanisms e.g. Push Bar t Open? Are general fire actin ntices displayed stating what t d in a fire situatin? Is fire-fighting equipment indicated? 12 Fire Warning Systems Is there a suitable fire warning system t alert ccupants in the event f a fire? If the premises are large and/r cmplex an electric fire alarm shuld be installed t the current British Standard. Can all ccupants be alerted when the alarm when it is sunded? (Including persns with hearing difficulties) Is there a need fr autmatic fire detectin i.e. sleeping risks, multi-ccupied premises, varied wrking, inner rms situatins, mezzanine flrs? 13 Emergency lighting System If the premises are in use during the hurs f darkness (cnsider winter mnths) escape lighting shuld be prvided. (Hwever, adjacent Street lighting thrugh external glazing, may be cnsidered) Areas f the premises with n natural light (internal spaces) shuld be prvided with escape lighting If the premises are large and/r cmplex an escape lighting system shuld be installed t the current British Standard Where the premises are small a number f hand held trches strategically lcated may be sufficient? When perated is there sufficient illuminatin fr ccupants t see the external escape rutes clearly? Des the system perate n sub-circuit failure? Is there sufficient illuminatin at changes in level and changes in directin? Is there sufficient illuminatin t shw fire exit drs and their peratin? Is there sufficient illuminatin t shw fire alarm call pints and fire fighting equipment? 8

10 14 Fire Fighting Equipment Is there sufficient fire fighting equipment prvided fr the area/rm/flr? Is the fire fighting equipment apprpriate fr the risks? Is the fire fighting equipment simple t use? Has a cmpetent persn checked fire extinguishers within the last twelve mnths? Des it cnfrm t a standard? Is the fire fighting equipment lcated n the escape rutes and near t exit drs? Is it securely hung n wall brackets r suitable flr plates, unbstructed and easily accessible? 15 Maintenance The means f escape and ther fire safety prvisins must be maintained, at suitable intervals, by a cmpetent persn and the maintenance recrded. Prduce a maintenance schedule that cvers the means f escape, signs and ntices, fire warning system, escape lighting if prvided and fire fighting equipment. Specify wh will carry ut the maintenance and where it will be recrded. (Fire Lg Bk) Use the table ppsite t check that all the fire safety prvisins have been cvered in the maintenance schedule. Attach the maintenance recrd t the risk assessment. Recmmended maintenance schedule Equipment Perid Actin Fire detectin and fire warning systems including self-cntained smke alarms and manually perated devices. Emergency lighting equipment including self-cntained units and trches. Firefighting equipment including hse reels. Weekly Six mnthly Weekly Mnthly Annually Weekly Annually Check all systems fr state f repair and peratin. Repair r replace defective units. Test peratin f systems, self-cntained alarms and manually perated devices. Check and test f system by cmpetent service engineer. Clean self-cntained smke alarms and change batteries. Operate trches and replace batteries as required. Repair r replace any defective unit; Check all systems, units and trches fr state f repair and apparent wrking rder. Full check and test f systems and units by cmpetent service engineer. Replace batteries in trches. Check all extinguishers including hse reels fr crrect installatin and apparent wrking rder. Full check and test by cmpetent service engineer. 9

11 16 Methd f Calling the Fire Service. Methd f calling the Fire Service Establish and recrd the methd by which the fire service wuld be called in the event f a fire. i.e. (Autmatic/persn) 17 Emergency Actin Plan (EAP) Prduce an emergency actin plan, which details prcedures in the event f a fire in the wrkplace. The EAP shuld cver: all freseeable events the actin emplyees shuld take if they discver a fire hw peple will be warned hw the evacuatin is carried ut (actin n hearing fire warning) t include the evacuatin f visitrs and peple with disabilities assembly pints prcedures fr checking the premises have been evacuated identify escape rutes fire fighting equipment duties and identities f persns with specific respnsibilities in the event f a fire where apprpriate the islating f machinery and prcesses hw the fire service are called and by wh liaisn with fire service n arrival Attach the EAP t the risk assessment. 18 Training All emplyees shuld receive fire safety training including a full explanatin f the EAP. This shuld be carried ut n inductin and ther regular perids. (Usually nce r twice a year) The training prgramme shuld als include the fllwing: wh receives training what training is given hw ften it is given where it is recrded (t include staff acknwledgement f training given) Attach the training prgramme t the risk assessment. Fire Drills Regular fire drills shuld be carried ut t bth supprt the training given and t test the prcedures wrk apprpriately. 10

12 19 Rectificatin f Fire Safety deficiencies Make a list f the fire safety deficiencies fund frm the fire risk assessment Priritise and rectify the deficiencies Once fully rectified, amend the fire risk assessment sheets and fire safety recrds Review the fire risk assessment as apprpriate 20 Significant Findings 1 3. Significant Findings Frm the utcmes f the risk assessment, recrd the significant findings. The significant findings shuld include: A recrd f the prtective and preventative measures currently in place t cntrl the risks What further actin, if any, needs t be taken t reduce risk sufficiently (As identified in Sectin 19 Fire Safety deficiencies) 21 Additinal Hazards Althugh nt frming part f the risk assessment persns in cntrl f a wrkplace are requested t infrm the Fire Authrity f any additinal hazards within the wrkplace. Emergency crews entering the site/building shuld be made aware f any hazards which may affect their safety, particularly thse which may require special prcedures fr fire fighting. Specify any such hazard and infrm the Fire Authrity in rder that an apprpriate peratinal plan can be undertaken. 11