Keith Gillard London Luton Airport Operations Navigation House Airport Way Luton, Beds. Our ref: B.No Date:

Transcription

1 Keith Gillard London Luton Airport Operations Navigation House Airport Way Luton, Beds. Our ref: B.No Metro House Blackfriars Road London SE1 8HA Fire risk assessment: Building 100, Proctor Way, Luton, Beds. The attached fire risk assessment identifies the following items as requiring attention for compliance with the relevant fire safety legislation. Should you wish us to quote please tick the appropriate boxes and either fax this form back to us on or alternatively contact us at the above address. Metro services required in the fire risk assessment: Please quote All of the items below Training courses (initial and 6 monthly refresher training) including fire extinguishers Provide additional Emergency Escape Lighting Units Provide Signs and Notices Signed: Name: Contact telephone number:

2 Fire Risk Assessment TUI Building 100 Proctor Way Luton Bedfordshire LU2 9LU Click Here and Insert Building Picture Assessment Date 9 th February 2012 Recommended Re-View Date February 2013 Assessor Bruce Batten Metro Safety Blackfriars Road London SE1 8HA Tel: Fax:

3 SUMMARY RISK RATING: NORMAL RISK Priority Rating Grade Guideline Time Frames Top Priority A* High risk items to be resolved, or work initiated within 24 hours. High Priority A Items that should be resolved, or work initiated within 7 days. Medium Priority B Issues that should be resolved, or work initiated within 3 months. Low Priority C Issues that should be resolved, or work initiated within a fixed time scale. NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS BY PRIORITY RATING Section Grade No Section Grade No Ignition Sources Persons at Risk Fire Limitation Means of Escape Emergency Escape Lighting A* A* A A Signs & Notices B 1 B 4 C C A* A* A A Fire Fighting Equipment B 1 B 1 C C A* A* A A Fire Procedures/Training B 1 B 4 C C A* A* A A Testing & Maintenance B 2 B 3 C C A* A B 1 C Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 2

4 Table of contents Section One Significant Findings and Action Plan... 4 Fire Hazards... 4 Ignition Sources... 4 Persons at Risk... 4 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development... 5 Means of Escape... 5 Emergency Escape Lighting... 6 Signs & Notices... 6 Fire Fighting Equipment... 8 Fire Procedures and Training... 9 Testing and Maintenance Section Two - Premises Details Premises Description & Use Construction Contribution to Fire Risk Heating System Fire Hazards History of Fires Persons at Risk Fire Safety Provisions Fire Alarm System (Detection and Warning) Means of Escape Emergency Escape Lighting Signs and Notices Fire Fighting Equipment Fire Evacuation Procedures & Fire Safety Training Fireman s Switch Lifts Lightning Conductor Sprinkler System Dry/Wet Risers Smoke Extract/Smoke Vents Section Three - Fire Hazards Sources of Ignition Combustible Materials Persons at Risk Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development Section Four - Fire Safety Provisions Fire Detection & Warning Means of Escape Fire Fighting Equipment Fire Procedures and Training Testing and Maintenance Section Five - General Information Scope of Survey Format Qualifications Re-views Why Assess Fire Risk? Legislation and Statutory Instruments Report Completion Enforcement Definitions Responsible Person Competent Person Relevant Person Young Person Technical Terms Used Means of Escape Section Six - Appendices Appendix 1: Fire Safety Routines Appendix 2: Fire Safety & Evacuation Recommendations Appendix 3: Portable Electric Appliance Test Guidelines Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 3

5 Section One Significant Findings and Action Plan The following action plan should be implemented by a designated responsible person. Fire Hazards Ignition Sources The storage in the store room at the end of the main corridor is too close to the light fittings. This storage should be reduced so that there is a 500mm clearance to the light fittings. Persons at Risk Contractors should be booked in and out of the premises at reception. A set of fire instructions appropriate to contractors should be kept at reception for them to read when booking in. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 4

6 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development There is a fire separating wall between the warehouse and the office area. This has penetrating holes which should be infilled with fire resisting material. The door to the rear office area should be replaced with a fire resisting self-closing door fitted with smoke seals and intumescent strips. The fire door half way along the warehouse through the fire resisting wall should be fitted with intumescent strips, smoke seals and a selfclosing device. Both of these doors should be signed FIRE DOOR KEEP SHUT at eye level on both faces. Holes Complete Doors to be completed Fire door keep shut signs - complete Means of Escape The fire escape routes in the warehouse to the fire exits should be kept clear at all times. To aid this, these routes should be clearly marked on the warehouse floor. The fire exits along the rear side of the warehouse should be opened on a monthly basis. Some of these doors appear to be in a poor state of repair and may need replacing. Monthly checks to be introduced. All doors to be replaced with metal doors. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 5

7 Emergency Escape Lighting Additional emergency escape lighting units should be provided in the following locations: To the rear external means of escape walkway. Order placed Signs & Notices Due to the storage in the warehouse, the fire exit signs are not visible. Therefore, high level signs should be provided above each of the fire exits from the warehouse. Fire action notices should be provided adjacent to all the break glass call points in the building. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 6

8 Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 7

9 A Fire Exit Keep Clear notice should be provided on the external face of all the final exit doors from the building. There is a large step from the fire exits to the rear of the warehouse. There should be a suitable warning sign on the inside of the warehouse adjacent to each fire exit indicating CARE LARGE STEP DOWN. Fire Fighting Equipment The fire extinguisher at the fire point of the exit from the main office corridor is missing. This should be replaced by a 9 litre foam spray fire extinguisher. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 8

10 Fire Procedures and Training Staff should be trained in fire safety on induction and then every 6 months. This should include the use and hazards of fire extinguishers, and it should be recorded in a logbook. A formal written emergency plan is not required but a suitable fire procedure should be formulated, issued to all staff, and a copy displayed on a staff notice board. This with suitable fire action notices at the fire alarm call points would be considered a suitable emergency plan for these premises. Method statements as well as fire risk assessments for all works carried out should be obtained from the contractors, in particular for any proposed hot work. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 9

11 A fire drill should be carried out every 6 months and the result recorded in a log book. Testing and Maintenance Exit doors not in regular use should be opened monthly to ensure availability and ease of opening. A monthly visual check should be made of the fire fighting equipment to ensure that it is correctly located and available for immediate use. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 10

12 The redundant fireman s switch should be removed. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 11

13 Section Two - Premises Details Consultation on these premises was with Keith Gillard / Dave Brundell. Premises Description & Use The premise is a single storey detached building and is approximately 50m by 40m. It is primarily of traditional construction with concrete floors and is situated on an out of town estate The building is used as office and warehouse Construction Contribution to Fire Risk There were no apparent aspects of the premises construction that made a significant contribution to the fire risk. Heating System The heating system was oil powered hot air with the boiler located externally. Fire Hazards This is a no smoking building. There is a no significant arson risk. Housekeeping is good. The likelihood of fire within the premises is considered to be normal. History of Fires There were no reported recent fires in these premises. Persons at Risk The maximum number of relevant persons within the premises was estimated at 3 persons. At the time of the assessment no lone or remote working was reported as taking place in these premises. At the time of the assessment late working was reported as currently taking place in these premises. At the time of the assessment there were no persons working in the premises with significant disabilities (sight / hearing / movement / learning difficulties). All occupants are able to safely use the escape routes in the event of fire. Fire Safety Provisions Fire Alarm System (Detection and Warning) There was a fire alarm on site. This consisted of a control panel with battery back up located in entrance lobby with break glass call points and smoke detection throughout the office area with beam detection in the warehouse. The fire alarm is single stage with sirens as the warning signal. Means of Escape Means of escape from this building are fire exits situated at the front, side and rear of the building. Emergency Escape Lighting There was emergency escape lighting in the premises This consisted of self-contained units throughout. Signs and Notices Suitable and sufficient fire safety signage is not provided. The fire safety signage already provided is suitably located. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 12

14 Fire Fighting Equipment There were fire extinguishers in the premises. The fire extinguishers are suitable and sufficient. There were no hose reels in the premises. Fire Evacuation Procedures & Fire Safety Training Appropriate fire drills and debriefs are not being carried out. The fire assembly point shown on the fire action notices is suitable. The Fire Assembly Point is outside building 99. Fireman s Switch There was a redundant fireman s switch on site. Lifts Lifts are not provided. There was no fire fighting lift / evacuation lift on site. Lightning Conductor There was no lightning conductor on site. Sprinkler System There was no sprinkler system on site. Dry/Wet Risers There were no dry risers on site. Smoke Extract/Smoke Vents There was no smoke /fume extract system in the premises. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 13

15 Section Three - Fire Hazards Sources of Ignition Ignition sources Smokers Materials Naked Flames Electrical Heaters Gas Heaters Oil-Fired Heaters Hot Processes Cooking Engines or Boilers Machinery Faulty or Misused Electrical Equipment Lighting Hazards Hot Surfaces Blocked Equipment Ventilation Significant Friction Significant Static Electricity Significant Risk of Arson Risk Rating: Normal Yes No N/A Existing control measures Allowed outside only. Microwave and toaster in a tea area. Fire extinguisher provided. Heat detection provided. Stand alone oil fired hot air blower in warehouse. External oil powered boiler. Security checks. Card operated entrance security doors Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 14

16 Combustible Materials Combustibles Yes No N/A Existing control measures Flammable Liquids Flammable Gases Paper & Card Normal amounts for the business carried out. Plastics, Rubber & Foam Textiles Unacceptable Furniture Waste Materials Packaging Material Inappropriate Storage Risk Rating: Normal Persons at Risk Normal amounts for the business carried out. Rubbish removed weekly Daily emptying of waste bins. External waste skips 6/10 metres from the building. Normal amounts for the business carried out. Type of risk Yes No N/A Existing control measures Sleeping Accommodation Large Numbers of Relevant Persons. Unfamiliar Building Layout Long Escape Routes Lone or Remote Working Early/Late Automatic fire detection throughout the premises. Working Contractors Floor checked on evacuation. Signed in at reception. High Fire Risk Areas Persons with Special Needs Risk Rating: Normal Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for staff (when applicable). Type of risk Yes No N/A Existing control measures Services, Ducts & Fire doors kept locked shut. Shafts Clear of all storage. Unsatisfactory Fire Resistance/ Stopping Inappropriate Wall Class O wall linings on escape routes. & Ceiling Linings Risk Rating: Normal Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 15

17 Section Four - Fire Safety Provisions Fire Detection & Warning Provisions Yes No N/A Existing control measures Adequate Fire Automatic fire detection throughout. Detection Adequate Fire Audible alarm throughout the building. Warning Vibrating pager issued as required. Backup Power Batteries incorporated within the fire alarm panel. Supply Staff Awareness Weekly tests. Adequate Fire Action Notices Management of Unwanted Fire Signals Appropriate detector(s) for the risk. All unwanted signals investigated by the manager and remedial action taken. Risk Rating: Normal Means of Escape Provisions Yes No N/A Existing control measures Suitable Time & Distance To Place of Safety Sufficient Exits & Suitably Located Suitable Size & Exit Type Satisfactory Disabled Egress Availability of Exit Routes Suitable Floor & Partition Layout Distances to exits are within recognised standards for the building use. (Both dead end and two way travel distances are satisfactory). Distances to exits are within recognised standards for the building use. Exit widths are sufficient for the anticipated occupancy figures in the sales floor and elsewhere and open in the direction of escape. Reasonable alternative means of escape provided for disabled occupants. Doors on exit routes are provided with emergency fastenings or are free from fastenings. Access rooms provided with smoke detection. Suitable Protection To Escape Route All fire doors to be self closing or locked shut. Smoke detection provided in corridor or rooms adjacent. Suitable Exit Signage Most routes adequately signposted. Adequate Fire Safety Signage Suitable Lighting Emergency escape lighting provided throughout escape routes, toilets and plant rooms. Effective normal lighting throughout. Escape Routes Clear of Obstructions Staff Awareness Risk Rating: High Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 16

18 Fire Fighting Equipment Provisions Yes No N/A Existing control measures Suitable & Sufficient Correctly As part of a fire point. Located Adequately Sign Red bodies. Posted Clearly visible. Adequate Staff Instruction & Training Risk Rating: Normal Fire Procedures and Training Provisions Yes No N/A Existing control measures Fire Emergency Plan Available Suitable & Sufficient Adequately Sign Posted Adequate Staff Instruction & Training Adequately Recorded Risk Rating: Normal Fire action notices and a suitable method of accounting for all staff/visitors at the assembly point. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 17

19 Testing and Maintenance Provisions Yes No N/A Existing control measures Means of Escape Fire Detection & Warning Tests Sprinklers Tests Emergency Escape Lighting Tests Adequately Recorded Fire Detection & Warning Maintenance Emergency Escape Lighting Maintenance Fire Fighting Equipment Sprinkler Maintenance Adequately Recorded Portable Electrical Appliance Tests 5 yr Electrical Test Certificate Annual Inspection of Gas Heating Appliances Annual Inspection of Oil Fired Boiler Smoke Extract / Smoke Vents Adequately Recorded Risk Rating: Normal Sequential weekly tests. Monthly tests. Records held at head office. Carried out by Honeywell. Carried out by Honeywell. Annual service by Honeywell. Records held at head office. Records held at head office. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 18

20 Section Five - General Information Scope of Survey An inspection of the fire safety provisions within this premises has been carried out and supplemented by an inspection of the occupants normal work practices and safety procedures. A fire risk assessment has then been undertaken on behalf of the occupier and this report prepared. Ceiling voids and inaccessible spaces were not checked for fire stopping or compartmentation, as this would involve invasive inspection. The report has been set out so as to provide practical solutions for compliance with the relevant fire safety legislation and associated technical codes and guides. Format The report is split into six sections. Section One Section Two Section Three Section Four Section Five Section Six Qualifications Significant findings and action plan Premises details Fire hazards Fire safety provisions General information Appendices Metro Safety undertakes assessments on actual and foreseeable eventualities as evident or likely, relating to any particular facility or premises. All assessments are valid and applicable at the time of the assessment. Metro Safety cannot be held liable for any subsequent changes to legislation, the premises, or their use that may alter the assessments. Metro Safety is not responsible for instigating the work specified in this risk assessment. It is the duty of the responsible person to action any significant findings and failure to do so may result in enforcement action by the enforcing authorities (Fire and Rescue Services). Re-views Fire risk assessments can become quickly out-dated, dependent on the nature of the property and the activities undertaken. It is important that reviews are undertaken regularly and whenever there are any significant changes in the people, plant, processes or premises. In general, the minimum recommended frequency for the review of a premise is annual. For a high-risk premises a 6 monthly review is likely to be more appropriate, until such time as the risk is reduced to normal. Why Assess Fire Risk? The Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) 2005 requires this building to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment undertaken and regularly reviewed. The significant findings of fire risk assessments must be in writing for all companies with five or more staff. Legislation and Statutory Instruments The following legislation where relating to fire safety has been taken into consideration for the purposes of the fire risk assessment of the common parts at the above building and was deemed to be applicable at the time of the assessment. You should be aware that only Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments have the force of law and that only courts can authoritatively interpret the law. The Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety Order) 2005 The Housing Act 2004 The Building Regulations 2000 Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 19

21 The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 The above legislation and details of fire safety publications can be obtained from: HSE Books Tel: or The Stationary Office on Tel: Report Completion Assessed By: Bruce Batten Checked By: Alan Wilson Responsible Person: Enforcement One of the following pieces of legislation will be relative to this report. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires this premise to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment undertaken and regularly reviewed. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 Fire Safety (NI) 2010 The local fire and rescue authority (the fire and rescue service) will be responsible for the enforcement of the above order. Eire. The Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 Regulation 17 of the Management of the Health and Safety Regulations 2003 (For IOM) The Isle of Man Government Health & Safety at Work Inspectorate will be responsible for the enforcement of the above regulation. Definitions Responsible Person The person with overall control of the building; An employer with control of the workplace; Competent Person A competent person should have sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to properly implement the assessment and who know their limitations. Relevant Person Relevant persons within your buildings / curtilage for whom you are responsible are: employees; visitors; customers; public; residents; voluntary workers; contractors. Young Person Any employed person under the age of eighteen years. Note: There is a duty placed upon the Responsible Person to inform Relevant Persons and the guardians of Young Persons of the relevant significant findings of this Fire Risk Assessment. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 20

22 Technical Terms Used Means of Escape Access Room: Means a room that forms the only escape route from an inner room. Accommodation Stair: A stair, additional to that or those required for escape purposes, provided for the convenience of occupants. Alternative Escape Routes: Escape routes sufficiently separated by either direction or space, or by fire-resisting construction, to ensure that one is still available should the other be affected by fire. Alternative Exit: One of two or more exits each of which is separated from the other; Automatic Release Mechanism: A device that will allow a door held open by it to close automatically in the event of each or any one of the following: a. Detection of smoke by automatic apparatus suitable in nature, quality and location; b. Operation of a hand operated switch fitted in a suitable position; c. Failure of electricity supply to the device, apparatus or switch; d. Operation of the fire alarm system; Automatic Self-Closing Device: A device, which is capable of closing the door from any angle and against any latch / lock fitted to the door. Note: Rising butt hinges do not meet the above criteria and are not acceptable. Dead-End: Area from which escape is possible in one direction only; Direct Distance: The shortest distance from any point within the floor area, measured within the external enclosures of the building, to the nearest storey exit ignoring walls, partitions and fittings, other than the enclosing walls/ partitions to protected stairways. Distance of Travel: Means the actual distance that a person needs to travel between any point in a building and the nearest storey exit. Doors, Fastenings: In general, doors on escape routes (whether or not the doors are fire doors), should either not be fitted with lock, latch or bolt fastenings, or they should only be fitted with simple fastenings that can be readily operated from the side approached by people making an escape. The operation of these fastenings should be readily apparent and without the use of a key and without having to manipulate more than one mechanism. This is not intended to prevent doors being fitted with hardware to allow them to be locked when the rooms are empty. There may also be situations such as hotel bedrooms where locks may be fitted that are operated from the outside by a key and from the inside by a knob or lever etc. In buildings where security on final exit doors is an important consideration, such as in some Assembly and Recreation or Shop and Commercial uses, panic bolts may be used. In non-residential buildings it may also be appropriate to accept on some final exit doors locks for security that are used only when the building is empty. In these cases the emphasis for the safe use of these locks must be placed on management procedures. Doors, Direction of Opening: The door of any doorway or exit should, if reasonably practicable, be hung to open in the direction of escape, and should always do so if the number of persons that might be expected to use the door at the time of a fire is more than 60. Note: With respect to industrial activities where there is a very high fire risk with potential for rapid fire growth, there will be a requirement for the door to open in the direction of escape for lower numbers than 60. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 21

23 Doors, Revolving and Automatic: Revolving doors, automatic doors and turnstiles can obstruct the passage of persons escaping. Accordingly, they should not be placed across escape routes unless: a. They are to the required width and are automatic doors and either they are: i. Arranged to fail safely to outward opening from any position of opening, or ii. Provided with a monitored failsafe system for opening the doors if the mains supply fails or iii. They fail safely to the open position in the event of power failure; or b. Non-automatic swing doors of the required width should be provided immediately adjacent to the revolving or automatic door or turnstile. Emergency Lighting: Means that part of the lighting system, provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails ensures that the MEANS OF ESCAPE can be safely and effectively used at all material times; Escape Route, Lighting of: All escape routes should have adequate artificial lighting. Lighting to escape stairs should be on a separate circuit from that supplying any other part of the escape route. Standards for the installation of a system of escape lighting are given in BS 5266: Part 1 Emergency lighting Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified premises used for entertainment and CP 1007 Maintained lighting for cinemas. Escape Route: Route forming that part of the means of escape from any point in a building to a final exit. Unprotected and Protected: The unprotected part of an escape route is that part which a person has to traverse before reaching either the safety of a final exit or the comparative safety of a protected escape route, i.e. a protected corridor or protected stairway. Unprotected escape routes should be limited in extent so that people do not have to travel excessive distances while exposed to the immediate danger of fire and smoke. Even with protected horizontal escape routes the distance to a final exit or protected stairway needs to be limited because the structure does not give protection indefinitely. Fire Door: A door or shutter, provided for the passage of persons, air or objects, which together with its frame and furniture as installed in a building, is intended (when closed) to resist the passage of fire and/or gaseous products of combustion, and is capable of meeting specified performance criteria to those ends. (It may have one or more leaves, and the term includes a cover or other form of protection to an opening in a fire-resisting wall or floor, or in a structure surrounding a protected shaft). All fire doors should have the appropriate performance under test to BS 476: Part 22, in terms of integrity for a period of minutes, e.g. FD30. A suffix (S) is added for doors where restricted smoke leakage/spread at ambient temperatures is needed. There is no current Standard for smoke control doors, although a standard test has been laid down in BS 476Part All fire doors should be fitted with an automatic positive action self-closing device except for fire doors to cupboards and to service ducts, which are normally kept locked shut. Final Exit: Means the termination of an escape route from a building giving direct access to a PLACE OF SAFETY such as a street, passageway, walkway or open space, and sited to ensure that persons can disperse safely from the vicinity of the building and the effects of fire. Fire Resistance: When planning fire precautions and MEANS OF ESCAPE in premises it is usual to have regard to the FIRE RESISTANCE of the elements of structure, e.g. walls, floors, doors etc. In some premises it may not always be possible to achieve the minimum standards set out. Therefore in such circumstances, compensating features are required such as a reduction in the DISTANCE OF TRAVEL or the provision of other fire safety installations. Fire / Smoke Stopping: This is a seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance between elements or components to restrict fire, smoke and heat transference. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 22

24 Inner Room: Means a room from which escape is possible only by passing through an ACCESS ROOM. Lifts, Evacuation: In general it is not appropriate to use lifts when there is a fire in the building because there is always the danger of people being trapped in a lift that has become immobilised as a result of the fire. However, in some circumstances a lift may be provided as part of a management plan for evacuating disabled persons. In such cases the lift installation needs to be appropriately sited and protected, and needs to contain a number of safety features that are intended to ensure that the lift remains usable for evacuation purposes during the fire. Guidance on the necessary measures is given in BS 5588: Part 8 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings, Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people. Means of Escape: This is the structural means whereby a safe route is provided for persons to travel from any point in a building to a PLACE OF SAFETY beyond the building without the need for outside assistance. Means of Escape, Criteria For: The basic principles for the design of means of escape are: a. There should be alternative means of escape from most situations; b. Where direct escape to a place of safety is not possible, it should be possible to reach a PLACE OF RELATIVE SAFETY, such as a protected stairway, which is on a route to an exit, within a reasonable travel distance. In such cases the means of escape will consist of two parts, the first being unprotected in accommodation and circulation areas, and the second in protected stairways (and in some circumstances protected corridors). The ultimate place of safety is the open air clear of the effects of the fire. However, in modern buildings, which are large and complex, reasonable safety may be reached within the building, provided suitable planning and protection measures are incorporated. Occupant Capacity: The occupant capacity of a room, storey, building or part of a building is: a. The maximum number of persons it is designed to hold; or b. The number calculated by dividing the area of room or storey(s) (m2) by a floor space factor (m2 per person). Note: area excludes stair enclosures, lifts, sanitary accommodation and any other fixed part of the building structure (but counters and display units etc should not be excluded). Place of Safety: Means a place beyond the building in which a person is no longer in danger from fire. Protected Corridor: This means a corridor which is protected by FIRE RESISTING construction from a fire in adjoining accommodation. Protected Lobby: This means a FIRE-RESISTING enclosure providing access to a PROTECTED STAIRWAY via two sets of FIRE RESISTING self-closing doors and into which no rooms open other than toilets or lifts. Protected Route: This means a route having an adequate degree of protection from fire, including walls (other than any part that is an external wall of a building), doors, partitions, ceilings and floors separating the route from the remainder of the building. Protected Stairways: Protected stairways are designed to provide virtually fire sterile areas that lead to places of safety outside the building. Once inside a protected stairway, a person can be considered to be safe from immediate danger from flame and smoke. They can then proceed to a place of safety at their own pace. To enable this to be done, flames, smoke and gases must be excluded from these escape routes, as far as is reasonably possible, by fire-resisting structures or by an appropriate smoke control system, or by a combination of both these methods. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 23

25 Protected Stairways, Exits From: Every protected stairway should discharge: a. Directly to a final exit; or b. By way of a protected exit passageway to a final exit. Note: Doors may be situated in the enclosures to the passageway, and lobbies will be needed to these doorways if the main stairway is served by lobbies. Protected Stairways, Use Of Space Within: A protected stairway needs to be free of potential sources of fire. Consequently, facilities that may be incorporated in a protected stairway are limited to the following: a. Sanitary accommodation or washrooms, so long as the accommodation is not used as a cloakroom. A gas water heater or sanitary towel incinerator may be installed in the accommodation but not any other gas appliance; b. A lift well may be included in a protected stairway, if it is not a fire fighting stair; c. A reception desk or enquiry office area at ground or access level, if it is not in the only stair serving the building or part of the building. The reception or enquiry office area should not be more than 10m2 in area d. Cupboards enclosed with fire-resisting construction, if it is not in the only stair serving the building or part of the building. Responsible Person: A Responsible Person is the employer in relation to a workplace or a person who has control as occupier or otherwise in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not). The responsible person can also be the owner of the premises where the person in control does not have control in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking. In a multi tenanted building there will be Responsible Persons, who will be from each of the tenancies and the Landlord/Owner or their representative having control over the common parts and plant room areas. Room: This means an enclosed space within a building that is not used solely as a circulation space. (The term includes not only conventional rooms, but also cupboards that are not fittings, and large spaces such as warehouses, and auditoria. The term does not include voids such as ducts, ceiling voids and roof spaces). Storey Exit: Means an exit through which persons are no longer at immediate risk from the effect of fire and includes a FINAL EIT, an exit to a PROTECTED LOBBY or PROTECTED STAIRWAY (including an exit leading on to an external stairway), and an exit provided for MEANS OFESCAPE through a COMPARTMENT WALL via which a FINAL EIT can be reached. Note: A door in a compartment wall in an institutional building is considered as a storey exit for the purposes of B1, of the Building Regulations, if the building is planned for progressive horizontal evacuation. Width: The width of: a. A door (or doorway) is the clear width when the door is open; b. An escape route is the width at 1500mm above floor level when defined by walls or, elsewhere, the minimum width of passage available between any fixed obstructions; c. A stair is the clear width between the walls or balustrades. Notes: 1. Door hardware, handrails and strings that do not intrude more than 100mm into these widths may be ignored. 2. The rails used for guiding a stair lift may be ignored when considering the width of a stair. However, it is important that the chair or carriage can be parked in a position that does not cause an obstruction to either the stair or landing. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 24

26 Section Six - Appendices Appendix 1: Fire Safety Routines Routine Frequency Record Daily Fire alarm indicator panel for normal condition (BS 5839) None or log book if fault Emergency escape lights (check for faults) (BS 5266) None or log book if fault Fire safety signs and fire extinguishers in position None or log book if fault Escape routes unobstructed None or log book if fault Fire resisting doors shut None or log book if fault Nightly Waste bins emptied etc. None or log book if fault Electric plugs removed and sockets not overloaded None or log book if fault Weekly Fire alarm test (actuation from different trigger devices) & any associated passive systems (Including doors held open/shut by electromagnets) (BS 5839) Log book Monthly Emergency escape lighting test including any auto start generator (simulated mains failure) (BS Log book 5266)) Fire fighting equipment (visual check) Log book Open exit doors not in daily use Log book Safety Inspection Log book Quarterly (3 monthly) Fire alarms (BS 5839) Log book Six monthly Fire evacuation drills Log book Annual Fire fighting equipment (BS 5306) Label Emergency escape lighting (Full discharge test)(bs 5266) Log book / Test Certificate Fire alarm (BS 5839) Log book / Test Certificate Five yearly Fire fighting equipment (discharge test-most types (BS 5306) Label Ten yearly Fire extinguishers (discharge test-carbon dioxide and some dry powder only (BS 5306) Label It is recommended that one person or organisation be nominated to be responsible for the maintenance of the fire precautions within the premises and the completion of all the records so as to ensure that the necessary entries are made into the logbook. Appendix 2: Fire Safety & Evacuation Recommendations Fire Safety and Evacuation Recommendations We would like to make the following fire safety recommendations for all staff to comply with in order to ensure their own safety: 1. All staff should be familiar with the location of the fire alarm call points on their floor. 2. Upon discovering a fire the fire alarm should be raised by operating the nearest call point. 3. Upon hearing the fire alarm, unless notice has been given otherwise, it is impossible to be sure that it is not a fire and the building should be evacuated promptly. 4. The premises should be confirmed as evacuated by the nominated fire wardens (or senior nominated personnel) so long as it is safe to do so. Toilet areas should be checked as the floors are cleared, with all doors being closed on leaving. 5. People must move quickly and calmly and not re-enter their premises, or the building, unless permission is given by the senior fire service officer present. 6. The person who discovers the fire should ensure that the fire service has been called. 7. Every member of staff should have been familiarised with their alternative emergency exit routes and have been walked all the way along them to the designated assembly point as part of their staff induction. 8. Everyone should know where the current designated assembly point is. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 25

27 9. Lifts must never be used in the event of a fire (Unless known to be specifically designed for the use of persons unable to use the stairs in the event of fire) 10. When the fire service arrives each fire warden (or nominated senior person) should inform the senior fire service officer that their floor/premises is clear (or to building security who will then report directly to the fire service on their arrival). 11. Only once the fire alarm has been raised should fire extinguishers be used to attempt to extinguish the fire, but only if it is safe to do so, and only so long as this does not in any way endanger any person. If all staff are familiar with the above basic procedures then when there is an incident or a drill everything should go smoothly. Appendix 3: Portable Electric Appliance Test Guidelines The Health & Safety Executive recommends that in premises such as offices, regular visual inspections rather than testing may be sufficient to secure compliance with the requirements to maintain electrical equipment. This table can be used as a guide to the appropriate initial* form of testing. Significant hazards: Faults in appliances hence the need to undertake PAT tests; Misuse of appliances they should be suitable / sufficient for the intended activity. Equipment Environment User checks Formal visual inspection Combined inspection & testing Battery operated: No No No (<20v) Extra Low Voltage: No No No (<50vAC) e.g. telephone/desk lamps Information Technology: e.g. VDU and DSE No 2-4 years No - if double insulated Otherwise 5 years Copiers / Fax machines: Not hand held or rarely moved Double insulated equipment: Not hand held but moved regularly e.g. lamps / fans Double insulated equipment: Hand-held e.g. floor buffers Earthed equipment (Class 1): e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners Cables (leads) and plugs to the above units Extension leads (mains voltage) No 2-4 years No - if double insulated Otherwise 5 years No 2-4 years No Yes 6 months 1 year No Yes 6 months 1 year 1 2 years Yes 6 months 4 years depending upon what equipment / unit is attached 1 5 years depending upon what equipment / unit is attached *To be reviewed following experience of the faults found and of operating the maintenance system over a period of time. Metro Safety SO : Building 100, Luton Airport Page 26