UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Responsible Person (e.g. employer) or person having control of the premises: University College London Address of Premises: Person(s) Consulted: Assessor: Validator: 18 Woburn Square London WC1H 0NS Phil Rose, Admin. Officer Dept. of Social Science Stuart Buxton, Area FM (North) UCL Estates Keith Todd MA, EngTech, GIFireE (UCL Fire Safety Officer) Keith Todd MA, EngTech, GIFireE (UCL Fire Safety Officer) Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 27 January 2016 Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: January 2015 Date for Departmental Review 1 : July 2016 Date for Fire Safety Specialist Review 2 : January 2017 The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire. The submission of this report constitutes neither a warranty of future results nor an assurance against risk. The report represents only the best judgement of the UCL Fire Safety Officer, and is based, in part, on information provided by others. No liability whatsoever is accepted for the accuracy of such information. Safety Services (Fire Safety) UCL Estates Gower Street London WC1E 6BT DATE: January This risk assessment should be reviewed by the Head of Department through the Departmental Safety Officer, as indicated above, or at such earlier time as there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or if there have been significant changes, or if a fire occurs. Guidance for the review can be found in Technical Note TN 77 at the UCL Fire Safety Website. 2 This risk assessment should be subject to review by competent fire safety specialists, as indicated above, or at such earlier time as the UCL Fire Officer may consider that specialist advice is required. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 1

2 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the 'Fire Safety Order') This fire risk assessment has been carried out on UCL s behalf, being the Responsible Person, as defined in Article 3 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (e.g. as an employer), and/or being the person having control, to any extent, of the premises (as occupier or otherwise). It is intended to assist UCL in compliance with Article 9 of the Fire Safety Order, which requires that a risk assessment be carried out. It is important that UCL and its relevant department(s) study this fire risk assessment and understand its contents. The fire risk assessment includes an Action Plan, which sets out the measures it is considered necessary for UCL to take to satisfy the requirements of the Fire Safety Order and to protect relevant persons (as defined in the Order) from fire. Relevant persons are primarily everyone who is, or may be, lawfully in the building, but include certain persons in the vicinity of the building. It is particularly important that you study the Action Plan. If any recommendation in the Action Plan is unclear you should request further advice. The Fire Safety Order requires that UCL give effect to arrangements for the effective planning, organization, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures. These are the measures that have been identified in consequence of a risk assessment as the general fire precautions UCL need to take to comply with the Fire Safety Order. UCL must record the above arrangements. The Order requires a record if: (a) (b) (c) IMPORTANT You employ five or more employees in your undertaking (regardless of where they are employed); A licence or registration under other legislation is in force; or An alterations notice is in force requiring a record to be kept. This fire risk assessment is not the record of the fire safety arrangements to which the Fire Safety Order refers, although much of the information contained in this fire risk assessment will coincide with the information in that record. UCL will, however, ensure that there is a record of the fire safety arrangements, adequate to comply with Article 11(2) of the Fire Safety Order, and that it is kept up to date. Consideration will have been given, in carrying out this fire risk assessment, to the records that exist in this respect. The Fire Safety Order also requires that UCL appoint one or more competent persons to assist UCL in undertaking the general fire precautions described above. Where there is a competent person in your employment, you must, under Article 18(8) of the Fire Safety Order, appoint that person in preference to a competent person not in your employment. This fire risk assessment has considered dangerous substances that are used or stored in UCL premises, only to the extent necessary to determine the adequacy of the general fire precautions (as defined in Article 4 of the Fire Safety Order) and to advise UCL accordingly. If dangerous substances are used or stored in UCL premises, UCL will ensure that a risk assessment of the relevant work activities has been carried out to enable UCL to comply with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations This fire risk assessment does not consider special, technical or organizational measures that are required to be taken or observed in connection with the use or storage of any dangerous substance. More generally, this fire risk assessment forms only a foundation for management of fire safety in UCL premises and compliance with the Fire Safety Order. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 2

3 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.0 THE PREMISES 1.1 Number of floors: Lower ground, ground and three upper floors with small loft area above 1.2 Approximate floor area: 343m² gross. 1.3 Brief details of construction: 1.4 Occupancy: Traditional construction, brick-built building with brick walls, lath and plaster ceilings and walls, timber floors with flat and pitched, tiled roof areas. Office 2.0 THE OCCUPANTS 2.1 Approximate maximum number: Approximate maximum number of employees at any one time: Maximum number of members of the public at any one time: OCCUPANTS ESPECIALLY AT RISK FROM FIRE 3.1 Sleeping occupants: None 3.2 Disabled occupants: None at present 3.3 Occupants in remote areas and lone workers: Occasional maintenance staff in loft space 3.4 Young persons: None 3.5 Others: Cleaners and contractors 4.0 FIRE LOSS EXPERIENCE Date Brief Details Cause Action Taken (if any) None since previous fire risk assessment. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 3

4 5.0 OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION 18 Woburn Square is a Grade II Listed Georgian terraced townhouse, constructed in 1829, converted to office use a number of years ago, and occupied by the UCL IOE Department of Social Science s Social Science Research Unit. There is no fire strategy document available for this building, although the previous fire risk assessment has accepted the single staircase condition on a risk assessed basis. There are alternative escape routes from lower ground floor. The historic roof escape has been decommissioned due to being unsafe for use. Additional compensatory features are the high ceilings in this property, which will act as smoke reservoirs in the early stages of a fire, and a comprehensive fire detection and alarm system. This building is similar to UCL properties on Gordon Square, which have similar fire strategies. This is the second UCL fire risk assessment of these premises. It appears that little has been done from the 2015 fire risk assessment, and therefore some items may now be considered to be of a higher priority, particularly given the presence of residential accommodation. Other items which were detailed on the 2015 fire risk assessment, particularly with regard to items requiring capital expenditure, may have been removed from the 2016 action plan due to considerations balancing cost versus risk and therefore reasonable practicability, as it is understood that there is a medium term plan to vacate these premises and give the buildings back to the landlord (University of London). The UCL IOE has been subject to a number of restructures and it is hoped that improvements in departmental fire safety management can be implemented following these reorganizations. UCL has now taken over responsibility for planned preventive maintenance and, as such, improvements have been made over the previous IOE independent arrangements, which were considered, in many cases, to be sub-standard. 6.0 REFERENCES The full titles of British Standards and other references quoted in the report are given on the last pages. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 4

5 7.0 RELEVANT FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION 7.1 The following fire safety legislation applies to these premises: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order The above legislation is enforced by: Local fire and rescue authority. 7.3 Other legislation that makes significant requirements for fire precautions in these premises (other than the Building Regulations 2010 and any relevant Local Act): None. 7.4 The other legislation referred to above is enforced by: Is there an alterations notice in force? Yes No 7.6 Comments: You are reminded that material alterations involving means of escape, fire warning systems or structural fire precautions, require approval from the building control authority. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 5

6 FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR ELIMINATION OR CONTROL 8.0 ELECTRICAL SOURCES OF IGNITION 8.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of Yes No electrical origin? 8.2 More specifically: Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested? Yes No Portable appliance testing carried out? Yes No Suitable policy regarding the use of personal electrical Yes No appliances? Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters? Yes No 8.3 Comments and hazards observed: UCL is now in possession of fixed electrical installation test results and is in the process of addressing deficiencies. It is understood that some problems have been encountered whilst completing this works which have delayed the programme, although these will be completed in due course. Previously, the IOE carried out annual portable appliance testing (PAT). This is above the standard recommended in benchmark guidance, which suggests a risk assessed approach to implementing PAT. UCL does not carry out routine PAT and instead has a call-off contract which departments can opt into for PAT through an approved supplier. General UCL arrangements are that electrical equipment is inspected regularly by departmental staff (i.e. a FEM or DSO) as part of routine safety inspections, which corresponds to current guidance on electrical safety. This is currently not being carried out in this building. As such, current arrangements in respect of portable appliance inspection and tests are considered inadequate. Some fused strip extension leads in use to overcome limitations in the existing electrical socket provision. Considered reasonable in the circumstances. 9.0 SMOKING 9.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of Yes No smoking? C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 6

7 9.2 More specifically: Smoking prohibited in the building? Yes No Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas? N/A Yes No Suitable arrangements for those who wish to smoke? Yes No Smoking policy appeared to be observed at time of Yes No inspection? 9.3 Comments and hazards observed: None ARSON 10.1 Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear Yes No reasonable 3? 10.2 Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity Yes No to the premises or available for ignition by outsiders? 10.3 Comments and hazards observed: Entry to the building is controlled by means of electronic card access control. Additionally, IoE have strategic CCTV in various areas of the campus. Whilst UCL has discovered numerous issues with the CCTV network and functionality across the IOE, even in its current state it is considered to have some effect in terms of deterrence. Waste is understood to be removed from site on a daily basis. Considered reasonable under this fire risk assessment PORTABLE HEATERS AND HEATING AND VENTILATION INSTALLATIONS 11.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable? Yes No 11.2 If portable heaters are used: is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar N/A Yes No fires or lpg appliances) avoided? 3 Note: UCL fire safety staff are not specialists in the field of security. If specific advice on security (including security against arson) is required, the advice of a security specialist should be obtained. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 7

8 are suitable measures taken to minimize the hazard of N/A Yes No ignition of combustible materials? 11.3 Are fixed heating and ventilation installations subject to regular N/A Yes No maintenance? 11.4 Comments and hazards observed: The building is heated by means of local electric storage heaters. UCL recognize that the existing heating installation is unsufficient to suit occupant needs and therefore a number of portable heaters are in use. Some of these portable heaters appear to be old equipment, although they can generally be considered acceptable. Examples of fan heaters being used under desks and in close proximity to combustible materials. Whilst the building appears to be heated solely through local electric storage heaters, there was no evidence that these were subject to routine inspection and maintenance, although it is possible that these have been inspected as part of the fixed electrical testing regime. There is what appears to be old, redundant gas distribution equipment present in the lower ground floor within the building. This appears to have been left in situ despite the equipment having been decommissioned COOKING 12.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of N/A Yes No cooking? 12.2 More specifically: Filters cleaned or changed and ductwork cleaned N/A Yes No regularly? Suitable extinguishing appliances available? N/A Yes No 12.3 Comments and hazards observed: The building is provided with two tea points. Poorly located toasters underneath wall mounted units. No fire blanket provided near toaster equipment. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 8

9 13.0 LIGHTNING 13.1 Does the building have a lightning protection system? Yes No 13.2 Comments and deficiencies observed: Not considered essential in the context of this fire risk assessment HOUSEKEEPING 14.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Yes No 14.2 More specifically: Combustible materials appear to be separated from Yes No ignition sources? Avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible Yes No materials or waste? Appropriate storage of hazardous materials? N/A Yes No Avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible Yes No materials? 14.3 Comments and hazards observed: Generally the standard of housekeeping was reasonable although was found to be unsatisfactory in places. High fire-loading within some areas. Storage located by inception hazards (heaters and light fittings) HAZARDS INTRODUCED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS AND BUILDING WORKS 15.1 Are fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors? Yes No 15.2 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the Yes No building by outside contractors (including 'hot work' permits)? (Suitable guidance is contained in the following publications: Standard Fire Precautions for Contractors Engaged on Crown Works, Department of Environment, HMSO. Fire Prevention on Construction Sites. Fire Protection Association. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 9

10 Fire Safety in Construction. HSG168 (2 nd edition) HSE. It is recommended that the guidance contained in these references be incorporated in contracts with outside contractors.) 15.3 If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable N/A Yes No precautions taken during works carried out by them, including use of 'hot work' permits, where appropriate? 15.4 Comments: UCL has an approved contractor scheme is in place. Large projects are controlled under the CDM Regulations. In-house staff and contracted maintenance staff comply with standard safety conditions and check on external contractors work, overseen by the UCL DLO. Internal UCL staff are managed by the DLO Supervisor, which includes overseeing safe systems of work DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES 16.1 Are the general fire precautions adequate to address the N/A Yes No hazards associated with dangerous substances used or stored within the premises? 16.2 If 16.1 applies, has a specific risk assessment been carried N/A Yes No out, as required by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002? 16.3 Comments: This risk assessment only considers the impact of the use or storage of dangerous substances to the extent necessary to determine the adequacy of the general fire precautions required under the Order to ensure the safety of relevant persons in the event of fire. The nature and quantity of flammable liquids and gases present in the premises are such that the fire hazards associated with their use and/or storage and the adequacy of the general fire precautions have been considered within this risk assessment. Small quantities with negligible impact on the appropriate general fire precautions need not be taken into account. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 10

11 17.0 OTHER SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARDS THAT WARRANT CONSIDERATION 17.1 Hazards: Damaged furniture with exposed foam Comments: Unacceptable hazard posed by such items. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 11

12 18.0 MEANS OF ESCAPE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES 18.1 It is considered that the premises are provided with Yes No reasonable means of escape in case of fire More specifically: Adequate design of escape routes? Yes No Fire exits open in direction of escape where necessary? Yes No Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where N/A Yes No necessary? Are arrangements for securing exits satisfactory? Yes No Reasonable distances of travel: - where there is escape in a single direction? N/A Yes No - where there are alternative means of escape? N/A Yes No Suitable protection of escape routes? Yes No Adequate provision of exits? Yes No Exits easily and immediately openable where necessary? Yes No Suitable fire precautions for inner rooms? N/A Yes No Escape routes unobstructed? Yes No 18.3 It is considered that the premises are provided with Yes No reasonable arrangements for means of escape for disabled people Comments and deficiencies observed: The building is provided with a single protected staircase enclosure for means of escape purposes. The staircase to lower ground floor area is separated by doors at ground floor level and a protected corridor at lower ground floor level, providing lobby separation of lower ground floor areas from ground and upper floors in accordance with benchmark standards. The lower ground floor areas are also provided with further additional exits, via a rear exit door through the garden and into Thornhaugh Mews which has a shared route to a place of ultimate safety by 20 Bedford Way Library (this route is in poor condition). There is an external flight of stairs at the front of the building to street. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 12

13 Automatic smoke detection has been provided in rooms off the staircase as compensation for the lack of lobby protection. However, some rooms have not been provided with detection (see 22.5). Front entrance doors open inwards, although, given numbers of people using the building, this arrangement is deemed acceptable. The front entrance doors comprise two leafs which together provide suitable widths for escape; at the time of this survey, one leaf was locked shut by means of a slip bolt, which made the available exit width too narrow to comply with modern standards. Given the Listed status of the doors, the low numbers of persons working in the building and the likely high cost associated with works to address this, rectifying this is not considered necessary at this time. Fire-resisting doors in this building generally appears to have been provided with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals, although a small number of doors have not. Fire-resisting doors generally appear to be old doors which have been upgraded, which may not achieve full fire-resisting standard; however, they are considered satisfactory given the overall fire protection measures in the building supporting the means of escape arrangements. Electrical distribution equipment, partially enclosed in upgraded cupboards, within means of escape, although unlikely to meet modern standards for fire-resistance. Given the small, low-risk nature of the equipment, enclosing of the distribution boards is not perceived to be necessary at this time. Some fire-resisting doors require attention to maintain their integrity. Fire-resisting doors being wedged in open position. External routes and staircases are poorly maintained and slip hazards exist, particularly in instances of adverse weather conditions. No access is available to this building for persons with severe mobility impairments MEASURES TO LIMIT FIRE SPREAD AND DEVELOPMENT 19.1 It is considered that there is: compartmentation of a reasonable standard 4. Yes No reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire Yes No spread. 4 Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas, with a degree of sampling where appropriate. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 13

14 19.2 As far as can reasonably be ascertained, fire dampers are N/A Yes No provided as necessary to protect critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire 5, 6? 19.3 Comments and deficiencies observed: Data cabling appears to have been installed in the loft space which has potentially compromised the party wall with Number 17. In the context of this fire risk assessment, arrangements are considered acceptable for life safety purposes EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTING 20.1 Reasonable standard of emergency escape lighting system N/A Yes No provided 7? 20.2 Comments and deficiencies observed: Standard of emergency escape lighting appeared to be inadequate, particularly within staircase enclosure. This was highlighted in the previous fire risk assessment and has further been noted in UCL s underlit surveys. It is understood that former IOE sites have been included in Phase 3 emergency lighting upgrade works which is considered acceptable as a plan to address these issues FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES 21.1 Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? N/A Yes No 21.2 Comments and deficiencies observed: Issues with missing or incorrect signage on site. Signage and extinguisher points have been assigned to the UCL Fire Technician for remedial action. 5 Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas, with a degree of sampling where appropriate. 6 A full investigation of the design of HVAC systems is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment. 7 Based on visual inspection, but no test of illuminance levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standards carried out. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 14

15 22.0 MEANS OF GIVING WARNING IN CASE OF FIRE 22.1 Reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system N/A Yes No provided 8? 22.2 Automatic fire detection provided? Yes Yes No (throughout premises) (part of premises only) 22.3 Extent of automatic fire detection generally appropriate for the N/A Yes No occupancy and fire risk? 22.4 Remote transmission of alarm signals? N/A Yes No 22.5 Comments and deficiencies observed: The premises are provided with a conventional, zoned fire detection and alarm system, with detection provided generally to Category L2 standard with minor anomalies: o o o No detection within loft space. No detection within cupboards 399A and 299A (which open onto the means of escape). No detection within lobby 198 (which is being used for storage purposes and opens directly onto the means of escape). At present, the fire alarm system links back to the control and indicating equipment located at 20 Bedford Way. A flashing beacon located by the reception desk in 20 Bedford Way notifies reception staff of alarms activating in satellite sites. It was noted that, in general, smoke detectors are poorly positioned, with many being installed in close proximity to walls. The provision of automatic smoke detection itself is seen as a positive feature, and whilst the positioning of detection fails to meet benchmark recommendations, repositioning of such detection is not perceived as requiring remedial action at this time. No diagrammatic zone plan provided MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPLIANCES 23.1 Reasonable provision of manual fire extinguishing appliances? N/A Yes No 23.2 These comprise: 8 Based on visual inspection, but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 15

16 Portable fire extinguishers: Hose reels: Fire blankets: 23.3 Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible? N/A Yes No 23.4 Comments and deficiencies observed: UCL has rationalized extinguisher provision in former IOE sites. Fire points are provided with a water-based extinguisher plus carbon dioxide appliance. Fire blanket missing in one instance. Example of extinguisher not being wall-mounted and missing anti-tamper tags. All points have already been assigned to UCL Fire Technician RELEVANT AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 24.1 Type of fixed system: None Comments: OTHER RELEVANT FIXED SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT 25.1 Type of fixed system: None Comments: Suitable provision of fire-fighters switch(es) for high voltage N/A Yes No luminous tube signs, etc? 25.4 Comments: None. Relevant to life safety and this risk assessment (as opposed to property protection). C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 16

17 MANAGEMENT OF FIRE SAFETY 26.0 PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS 26.1 Safety Assistance: The competent person(s) appointed under Article 18 of the Fire Safety Order to assist the Responsible Person in undertaking the preventive and protective measures (i.e. relevant general fire precautions) is: UCL Fire Safety Manager UCL Fire Safety Officer UCL Safety Services 26.2 Fire safety at the premises is managed by 9 : Head of Department UCL Area Facilities Manager 26.3 Is there a suitable record of the fire safety arrangements? N/A Yes No Comments: University policy is to document all fire safety arrangements and provide detailed plans as part of the fire risk assessment process, and this is being completed as part of the fire risk assessment exercise. These records will be kept in the fire safety box in the entrance to all buildings or on web related information pages. Other records relating to servicing and testing are kept in responsible departments. The fire and rescue service s contingency plans will be provided by the UCL fire safety team for this building in information boxes adjacent to the master fire alarm panel, in accordance with the recommendations of BS 9999: Annex M, in the near future Appropriate fire procedures in place? Yes No More specifically: Are procedures in the event of fire appropriate and N/A Yes No properly documented? Are there suitable arrangements for summoning the Yes No fire and rescue service? 9 This is not intended to represent a legal interpretation of responsibility, but merely reflects the managerial arrangement in place at the time of this risk assessment. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 17

18 Are there suitable arrangements to meet the fire and N/A Yes No rescue service on arrival and provide relevant information, including that relating to hazards to fire-fighters? Are there suitable arrangements for ensuring that the N/A Yes No premises have been evacuated? Is there a suitable fire assembly point(s)? N/A Yes No Are there adequate procedures for evacuation of any N/A Yes No disabled people who are likely to be present? Comments: The evacuation plan is very straightforward, having simultaneous evacuation procedures. Fire procedural notices are in the process of being updated. On activation of the fire alarm system at this building, security staff from 20 Bedford Way notify UCL Control Room who summon the fire and rescue service. A security guard from 20 Bedford Way attends the building to meet the fire and rescue service. Occupants aware of any fire in the building are expected to confirm a genuine fire directly. The plan relies on fire evacuation marshals covering all areas, thereby ensuring that evacuation procedures work effectively; a lack of appointed FEMs in the building currently undermines the fire procedures (see 26.6). Specific emergency plan details are being updated by the UCL Fire Officer and are being published on web pages for staff information. A disabled policy is in place for Heads of Department to implement Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) procedures for all disabled staff and students Persons nominated to use fire extinguishing appliances? N/A Yes No Comments: Fire evacuation marshals Persons nominated to assist with evacuation, including N/A Yes No evacuation of disabled people? Comments: C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 18

19 Fire evacuation marshals although currently there is a shortage of appointed FEMs Appropriate liaison with fire and rescue service (i.e. by fire N/A Yes No and rescue service crews visiting for familiarization visits)? Comments: Familiarization visits are carried out at the discretion of the fire and rescue service Routine in-house inspections of fire precautions (e.g. in the N/A Yes No course of health and safety inspections)? Comments: It is understood that routine inspection regimes have still not been implemented by the department TRAINING AND DRILLS 27.1 Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction and N/A Yes No training? More specifically: Are they trained on induction? N/A Yes No Are they given periodic refresher training? N/A Yes No Are they given additional training to cover any specific N/A Yes No role and responsibilities? Comments: Staff in this building are expected to complete annual fire safety training at present. It was reported that this has still not been completed for all staff. There are also still a lack of staff trained as FEMs Does the above training and instruction provide information, instruction or training on the following: Fire risks in the premises? N/A Yes No The general fire precautions in the building? N/A Yes No Action in the event of fire? N/A Yes No C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 19

20 Action on hearing the fire alarm signal? N/A Yes No Method of operation of manual call points? N/A Yes No Location and use of fire extinguishers? N/A Yes No Meaning of fire safety signs? N/A Yes No Means for summoning the fire and rescue service? N/A Yes No Identity of persons nominated to assist with evacuation? N/A Yes No Identity of persons nominated to use fire extinguishing N/A Yes No appliances? Comments: Training materials are available for use via UCL Moodle, including: Basic Fire Safety. Fire Evacuation Marshal. Additional guidance and a pro forma for recording training are contained in UCL Fire Safety Technical Notes TN086a and TN086, available from the UCL fire safety website ( Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals? N/A Yes No Comments: Fire drills are carried out at a minimum frequency of annually (UCL conducted two planned fire drills in this building in 2015) When the employees of another employer work in the premises: Is their employer given appropriate information (e.g. on fire N/A Yes No risks and fire safety measures)? Is it ensured that the employees are provided with N/A Yes No adequate instructions and information? Comments and deficiencies observed: C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 20

21 At the time of the merger between UCL and IOE, it was reported that fire safety information had been given to cleaning staff (Oshens). However, based on inaccuracies in information given by former IOE staff who are no longer at the organization, this is now questionable TESTING AND MAINTENANCE 28.1 Adequate maintenance of workplace? Yes No Comments and deficiencies observed: Minor (non-fire safety) issues with maintenance of workplace reported by means other than this fire risk assessment Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and N/A Yes No alarm system? Comments and deficiencies observed: Fire alarm systems tested weekly by in-house DLO staff, and serviced quarterly by Fisk Fire Monthly and annual testing routines for emergency escape N/A Yes No lighting? Comments and deficiencies observed: Emergency lighting is subject to routine testing and maintenance by Alpineworks Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances? N/A Yes No Comments and deficiencies observed: Fire extinguishers are currently being serviced by Bond Fire Periodic inspection of external escape staircases and N/A Yes No gangways? Comments and deficiencies observed: It is understood that there is currently no programme of periodic inspections of external stairs and routes Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains? N/A Yes No C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 21

22 Comments and deficiencies observed: None Weekly and monthly testing, six-monthly inspection and N/A Yes No annual testing of fire-fighting lift(s)? Comments and deficiencies observed: None Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler N/A Yes No installations? Comments and deficiencies observed: None Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings? N/A Yes No Comments: It is understood that there are currently no routine checks of final exit doors and fastenings Annual inspection and testing of lightning protection system? N/A Yes No Comments: None Other relevant inspections or tests: None. Comments: RECORDS 29.1 Appropriate records of: Fire drills? N/A Yes No Fire training? N/A Yes No C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 22

23 Fire alarm tests? N/A Yes No Emergency escape lighting tests? N/A Yes No Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems and N/A Yes No equipment? 29.2 Comments: Currently no records in place for fire training. It is understood that records are maintained for testing and maintenance of fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishing appliances. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 23

24 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT The following simple risk level estimator is based on a fire risk level estimator contained in PAS 79: Potential consequences of fire Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm Likelihood of fire Low Trivial risk Tolerable risk Moderate risk Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the hazard from fire (likelihood of fire) at these premises is Low Medium High In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows: Low: Unusually low likelihood of fire as a result of negligible potential sources of ignition. Medium: Normal fire hazards (e.g. potential ignition sources) for this type of occupancy, with fire hazards generally subject to appropriate controls (other than minor shortcomings). High: Lack of adequate controls applied to one or more significant fire hazards, such as to result in significant increase in likelihood of fire. Taking into account the nature of the premises and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements observed at the time of this fire risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be: Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows: Slight harm: Moderate harm: Extreme harm: Outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupant. Outbreak of fire could result in injury (including serious injury) of one or more occupants, but is unlikely to result in multiple fatalities. Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 24

25 Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at these premises is: Trivial Tolerable Moderate Substantial Intolerable Comments: A moderate risk has been assessed on the basis of defects with the preventive and protective measures. Completion of all points on the action plan would be expected to reduce the risk within the building. A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk. The following risk-based control plan is based on one advocated in PAS 79: Risk Level Action and timescale Trivial No action is required and no detailed records need be kept. Tolerable No major additional controls required. However, there might be a need for improvements that involve minor or limited cost. Moderate It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time period. Where moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute extreme harm, further assessment might be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the priority for improved control measures. Substantial Considerable resources might have to be allocated to reduce the risk. If the building is unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the building is occupied, urgent action should be taken. Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced. (NOTE THAT, ALTHOUGH THE PURPOSE OF THIS SECTION IS TO PLACE THE FIRE RISK IN CONTEXT, THE ABOVE APPROACH TO RISK ASSESSMENT IS SUBJECTIVE AND FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. ALL HAZARDS AND DEFICIENCIES IDENTIFIED IN THIS REPORT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY IMPLEMENTING ALL RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTION PLAN. THE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE REPEATED REGULARLY.) C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 25

26 REFERENCES Guidance in Support of Fire Safety Legislation England and Wales HM Government Guides to Fire Safety Risk Assessment, DCLG: Offices and Shops. Factories and Warehouses. Sleeping Accommodation. Residential Care Premises. Educational Premises. Small and Medium Places of Assembly. Large Places of Assembly. Theatres, Cinemas and Similar Premises. Open Air Events and Venues. Healthcare Premises. Animal Premises and Stables. Transport Premises and Facilities. Means of Escape for Disabled People. Guidance in Support of Building Regulations England and Wales Approved Document B Vol 2, 2006 edition (as amended). Fire Safety Design and Management BS 9991: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. BS 9999: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems BS : Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. BS : Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises. BS : Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems. BS : Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems. Fire Extinguishing Appliances BS : Code of practice for fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - hose reels and foam inlets. BS : Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - Code of practice for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. BS : Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers - Code of practice. BS EN 3. Portable fire extinguishers. BS EN 671-3: 2009: Fixed fire-fighting systems. Hose systems. Maintenance of hose reels with semi-rigid hose and hose systems with lay-flat hose. BS EN 1869: Fire blankets. Emergency Escape Lighting BS : Emergency lighting - Code of practice for emergency escape lighting of premises. BS : (BS EN 50172: 2004). Emergency escape lighting systems. BS EN 1838: Lighting applications Emergency lighting. Fire Safety Signs BS : Safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing. BS ISO : Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Design principles for safety signs and safety markings. BS EN ISO 7010: Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Registered safety signs C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 26

27 BS : Guidance for the selection and use of safety signs and fire safety notices. Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems and Equipment BS : Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - Specification for sprinkler systems. BS EN 12845: Fixed fire-fighting systems. Automatic sprinkler systems. Design, installation and maintenance. BS 9990: Non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings. Code of practice. Lightning BS EN : Protection against lightning. General principles. BS EN : Protection against lightning. Risk management. BS EN : Protection against lightning. Physical damage to structures and life hazard. BS EN : Protection against lightning. Electrical and electronic systems within structures. Miscellaneous BS 7176: Amendment 1: Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for nondomestic seating by testing composites. BS : Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures. Actuation of release mechanisms for doors. BS 7671: A3:2015. Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations. Seventeenth Edition. PAS 79: Fire risk assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology. Published Guidance on Control of Contractors Standard Fire Precautions for Contractors Engaged on Crown Works, Department of Environment, HMSO. Fire Prevention on Construction Sites. Fire Protection Association. Fire Safety in Construction. HSG168 (2nd edition) HSE. C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. 27

28 Certificate Number LS Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Silver Approved Scheme CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY This certificate is issued by the Approved Company named in Part 1 of the Schedule in respect of the fire risk assessment provided for the person(s) or organisation named in Part 2 of the Schedule at the premises and / or part of the premises identified in Part 3 of the schedule. SCHEDULE Part 1 NSI Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Silver Approved Organisation Part 2 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON BAFE Registration Number NSI Name of Client UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON / INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION Part 3 Address of premises for which the fire risk assessment was carried out 18 WOBURN SQUARE LONDON WC1H 0NS Part or parts of the premises to which the fire risk assessment applies ALL Part 4 Brief description of the scope and purpose of the fire risk assessment The purpose of the fire risk assessment is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. It does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire. Part 5 Part 6 Effective date of the fire risk assessment Recommended date for review of the fire risk assessment 03 February 2016 January 2017 We, being currently a NSI Approved organisation in respect of fire risk assessment identified in the above schedule, certify that the fire risk assessment referred to in the above schedule complies with the Specification identified in the above schedule and with all other requirements as currently laid down within BAFE SP205 Scheme in respect of such fire risk assessment. Signed (for and on behalf of the issuing Approved organisation) Job Title UCL FIRE SAFETY OFFICER Date 03 February 2016 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Silver is an Approval Scheme of Insight Certification Ltd, Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8BY BAFE, Bridges 2, The Fire Service College, London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0RH RS /12 (Word 2007)

29 1 This certificate is used subject to NSI Regulations and Rules of the NSI LIFE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT SILVER Approval Scheme. 2 NSI reserves the right to conduct an audit by an authorised NSI representative during normal business hours, with the permission of the customer, of the fire risk assessment and its related premises in order to ensure that the said risk assessment complies with BAFE Scheme document SP205-1 (the Scheme) Section 7 and generally. 3 NSI requires every NSI LIFE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT SILVER Approved Company to issue a Certificate of Conformity in accordance with the Scheme for all fire risk assessments it carries out that wholly or partly address life safety. 4. The Certificate of Conformity when completed is a clear statement that the Approved Company conducted the fire risk assessment for life safety, it is suitable and sufficient and compliant with the BAFE SP205-1 Scheme document and is certified by a registered competent fire risk assessor. 5 Where life safety and other aspects of fire protection are addressed in the same fire risk assessment a Certificate of Conformity shall be issued but the certificate shall make clear that the certificate applies only to the life safety aspects of the fire risk assessment and not further or otherwise. 6 Should the customer be dissatisfied with the fire risk assessment covered by this certificate, he/she should at first contact the Approved Company at its local office. If satisfaction is not obtained, the customer should address a written complaint to the customer services department at the head office of the Approved Company. If the customer remains dissatisfied, he/she may address a written complaint, outlining the nature of his/her dissatisfaction and the circumstances of the fire risk assessor company's response, to the Customer Care Manager at NSI. NSI will not normally consider complaints unless the Approved company has been given the opportunity to resolve the dispute as set out above. Subject thereto and as hereinafter provided, NSI will endeavour to assist in the resolution of the dispute between the contracting parties, provided always that NSI will not deal with or be involved in any discussions or negotiations with either party with regard to financial or other loss, claims or potential loss claims, outstanding payments or construction and/or interpretation of the Approved Company s terms and conditions of contract. NSI shall not be liable for any act or omission arising from any assistance it may provide as hereinbefore provided unless such act or omission is shown to have been fraudulent or deceitful. 7 This Certificate confirms conformity with the requirements of BAFE Scheme document SP205-1 applicable at the date of issue by the issuing company. NSI does not undertake to investigate any query or complaint in relation to future changes to BAFE scheme documents, policies or other regulations that render the fire risk assessment in need of further updating. In that event, the appropriate update should be carried out by a company holding NSI LIFE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Approval. 8 NSI does not accept any responsibility or liability for any fire risk assessment produced by the Approved Company 9 Unless the issuing company's obligation to NSI in respect of the fire risk assessment are undertaken by another NSI Approved Company, NSI will not enforce its Rules or Standards on the Approved Company or on its successor in business in respect of any fire risk assessments after the issuing company ceases to hold NSI LIFE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Approval. 10 The Certificate is issued subject to the terms and conditions of the company issuing the certificate for the fire risk assessment service. 11 On this certificate and in these terms and conditions, where the context permits, the reference to the issuing company shall include any Approved Company who shall undertake the issuing company's obligations to NSI in respect of the fire risk assessment. Footnote. SP205 is a Scheme Document published by the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE). RS /12 (Word 2007)