FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW

Transcription

1 COVER SHEET REVIEW Employer or other Responsible Person: Address of Property: Person(s) Consulted: Assessor: University of Kent; Council & Vice Chancellor; Director of Estates CORNWALLIS BUILDING, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NF (excluding Gulbenkian theatre & associated areas) Various building occupants; Estates staff; Shawn Hoare (Fire Safety Officer, Kent Fire & Rescue Authority) Andrew Briggs, Tech IFSM, MIIRSM Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 1/12/08 to 14/1/09 Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: Suggested Date for Review: 7th June SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS REVIEW. January 2011, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change Document dated 14th January 2009 Revision 9th March 2009: addition of 7.1; 7.2 I (2); 18.1 I (5); 21.1 (3); and 21.2,3 (B) Revision 15th June 2009: addition of third location (SE10) to 18.1 i 4; addition of item 21.2,3 (A) (4) Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79:2007 (British Standards Institute): Fire Risk Assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology Note: due to size and complexity of building, this Fire Risk Assessment has been conducted on a sampling basis. All main areas have been examined, but not in exhaustive detail (i.e. only a small minority of offices/rooms were inspected). Plant rooms were not inspected and should be assessed at next review.

2 COVER SHEET

3 GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 1.0 The Building 1.1 Number of floors Variously 1, 2 and Approximate floor area: Not reviewed at this time 1.3 Construction Details: Concrete, brick & block with concrete floors. Some newer parts have steel frames particularly in roof sections. 1.4 Occupancy: Academic & administrative 2.0 The Occupants 2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed at this time 2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Not reviewed at this time 2.3 Maximum number of members of public: Not reviewed at this time (Add more detail by area or room as appropriate) 3.0 Occupants at Special Risk 3.1 Sleeping occupants: Nil 3.2 Occupants with disabilities: At time of writing: at least one member of staff; various students 3.3 Occupants in remote areas: N/A except occasional presence of staff in plant rooms etc. 3.4 Others: N/A 4.0 Fire Loss Experience 4.1 Fires in past 10 years: 3, all outside building (cigarette bins)

4 GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 4.2 Cost of fire losses: 5.0 Other Relevant Information 5.1 Detail: N/A 6.0 Relevant Fire Safety Legislation 6.1 Primary statutory provisions etc: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, referred Official Guidance & related British Standards/Euro Norms 6.2 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service 6.3 Other legislation significant to fire safety provisions in this building: 6.4 Enforced by:

5 The following is based on BS 9999 concepts and principles, which may be used in conjunction with official guidance in assessing risks. Categories relevant to the building are highlighted. Occupant risk categories Risk category Description Comments A Occupants who are awake and Staff; students familiar with the building B Occupants who are awake and Students unfamiliar with the building C Occupants who are likely to be asleep: Ci long-term individual occupancy Cii long-term managed occupancy Resident students Ciii short-term occupancy Conference visitors D Occupants receiving medical care E Occupants in transit Fire growth rate(s) Category Fire growth rate Typical fire growth parameter, kj/s3 1 Slow Medium Most locations 3 Fast Ultra-fast Locations (where specific) & categories Risk profiles: Range A2/B2 Management level required: 2 1 = fully proactive; optimally staffed, controlled & resourced etc. See BS 9999:2008 section = reliably reactive; compliant with legislation & direct requirements ( 3 = N/A, less than compliant with legislation ) Environmental risks Heritage aspects Fire-fighting water runoff and temporary release of combustion products to atmosphere only; no other environmental impact likely Building does not have Listed status.

6 FIRE HAZARDS INDE DETAIL ES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC DESCRIPTIONS, JUSTIFICATIONS ETC 7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between appliances and combustible materials in all areas, to ensure that sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical equipment, to ensure that all electrical fuses and circuit breakers etc are of the correct rating and suitable for the purpose, and to switch equipment off at the end of the working day wherever possible. 7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of electrical origin? 7.2 Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested? Portable appliance testing carried out? Suitable policy regarding use of personal electrical appliances? Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adaptors? Electrical intake/distribution board in G04 must be enclosed in one hour fire resisting construction (especially as the room is now used for storage of combustible items). PAT generally fully implemented but all staff should be trained to remain vigilant as to status and condition of appliances. Continue to ensure PAT and fixed installation testing is carried out regularly. 8.0 Smoking 8.1, 2 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate? Arrangements for smokers? No evidence of breaches? 9.0 Arson 9.1, 2 Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear reasonable? Absence of fire load available for ignition by outsiders? (Proximity to or presence within building) N Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented and enforced insofar as possible. The waste enclosure adjacent to the George Allen wing represents a significant arson risk being immediately adjacent to the building, unsecure and containing readily combustible waste. A secure facility should be provided in a suitable location well away from the building Portable Heaters & Heating Installations 10.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable? 10.2 If portable heaters are used: is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar fires or lpg appliances) avoided? Are suitable measures taken to minimize the hazard of ignition of combustible materials? 10.3 Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance??? Portable electrical heaters with open elements, such as open bar fires and fan or convector heaters, should not be used. Electrical oil-filled radiators are preferable. All sources of heat must be kept well away from combustible materials at all times Cooking 11.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking & heating? Is all essential maintenance up to date and recorded? 11.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly? Are suitable extinguishing appliances available? 12.0 Lightning 12.1 Does the building have a lightning protection system? 13.0 Housekeeping 13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Ensure that housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of combustible materials and waste Are combustible materials separated from ignition sources? Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between appliances and combustible materials throughout building.

7 FIRE HAZARDS 13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste? 13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible materials? 13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustibles materials? (1) Combustible items should generally not be present in escape routes. Recycling bins and piles of books/files were noted in several locations despite previous communications; these should be removed to locations off escape routes. (2) Point (1) is especially critical in staircases and dead-end corridors which should be fire-sterile (e.g. N1-5 has essay racks fitted; waste bins etc present in CNE staircase; laundry items and large cardboard box/packaging present at foot stairs by lift in George Allen wing ; combustible items under staircase near NW104 - these should all be removed to acceptable locations). Refer to published University guidance on escape routes. (3) Some offices contain very high fire loadings - combustible content should be reduced significantly and kept in an orderly manner so as to minimise flame spread in the event of a fire. Generally - except as noted above. Except as above Outside Contractor and Building Works Hazards 14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by outside contractors? 14.2, 3 Are adequate fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors? Appropriate control (including Permits To work where appropriate) administered by Estates. Local departments should however ensure that contractors are briefed on, and accounted for, under building Fire Emergency Plan (also that contractors' dangerous substances are known & logged - see 15) Dangerous Substances 15.1 Have the hazardous properties of dangerous substances been considered? If relevant, has a risk assessment been carried out according to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002? 15.2 Is there adequate information on safety provided by the supplier on any relevant safety data sheet? 15.3 Has account been taken regarding: the special, technical and organisational measures and the substances used and their possible interactions. the amount of the substance involved where the work will involve more than one dangerous substance, the risk presented by such substances in combination the arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances and of waste containing dangerous substances any other measures introduced as a result of the RRO 15.4 Are there safe systems of work for maintenance, where there is the potential for a high level of risk? 15.5 Are sufficient control measures in place to counter the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will occur and its persistence including adjacent areas? 15.6 Are sufficient control measures in place to counter the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective 15.7 Has account been taken regarding the scale of the anticipated effects? Minimal in normal running - janitorial; lifts (hydraulic oil); maintenance liquids etc. (See also 14.1)

8 FIRE HAZARDS 15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available to enable the assessment to be completed? 16.0 Other Significant Ignition Sources 16.1 Are there other significant ignition sources present?

9 FIRE PROTECTION INDE DETAIL ES NO N/A CONTROL MEASURES FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC DESCRIPTIONS, JUSTIFICATIONS ETC 17.0 Means of Escape from Fire Dead end conditions exist in the following locations: SW01-SW17 (3 corridors); S128 to S129 (6 rooms); first floor of Computing Building (octagon); NW207- NW208/Seminar Room 8; Seminar Rooms 9 & 12; CNWSeminar Rooms 1, 2, 10 & Library; Multimedia Lab 2 & NW105; N08-N09; N1-N5. Some of these require automatic fire detection fitting in corridor and/or rooms (or, less preferably, upgrades to fire doors/self closers/fire resisting barriers above etc.). AFD fitted to corridors & rooms provides some compensation in most of these areas Is it considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire? 17.2 i Adequate design of escape routes? (Calculate for room and premises occupancy numbers & types, where relevant.) 17.2 ii Adequate provision of exits? (Calculate for room and premises occupancy numbers & types, where relevant.) 17.2 iii Are exits easily and immediately openable where necessary? (Alarm-linked features such as electronic door release mechanisms to be verified as compliant, functional and suitably failsafe) Subject to various requirements & actions of this Fire Risk Assessment and the Fire Emergency Plan. (1) Alternative "escape route" from SE110 must be decommissioned, and signs, automatic lock release etc. removed, since there is no means of descending to a place of safety from the unprotected flat roof outside. (2) The vision panel in the escape route fire door between corridor SE16-20 and SE14 may be reduced to a small aperture for visibility PROVIDED all users of the corridor are actively familiarised with this feature. The presence of electrical equipment such as vending machines in escape routes is contrary to indications in official guidance. Whilst these and comparable sources of heat & ignition are sometimes tolerated in escape routes under fire risk assessment, events of recent months (Delft University fire; incidents/fires involving a vending machine in Gillingham building and two electrical items in Gulbenkian) demonstrate that these items represent a considerable risk. Local AFD mitigates these specific risks to some extent. Exits/widths/occupancies not recalculated at this time but, based on previous Fire Risk Assessment and approximate visual confirmation, appear satisfactory. Verification should be planned for a subsequent fire risk assessment review. Exits/widths/occupancies not recalculated at this time but, based on previous Fire Risk Assessment and approximate visual confirmation, appear satisfactory. Verification should be planned for a subsequent fire risk assessment review. (1) A number of double doors were found with one leaf bolted shut (e.g. NW main Otherwise satisfactory on sampled basis, not practicable to entrance and George Allen wing entrance near N06/07). Where double doors verify exhaustively. A system of local regular inspections are present along escape routes, both leaves should be free to open at all should be set up (see 27.1). material times. Management procedures for unlocking the building must ensure this. (2) Some other cross-corridor fire doors are capable of being locked with a key, with no other opening device then available. Such bolts/locks should preferably be removed or deactivated and/or replaced where necessary with approved opening devices. (3) Cross-corridor fire doors adjacent to 123 and S132 have padlocks and chains fitted - it is strongly recommended that these be removed, even though it appears that they have not been used for a number of years and that the keys are long since lost iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape where necessary? Except e.g. adjacent CNE4&5 (tolerable in view of occupancy etc). Not exhaustively verified - but correct OR tolerable in view of limited occupancy & familiarity of persons present (management should ensure that visitors and students who may be unfamiliar with the building are always supervised) v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire None noted. exits where necessary? 17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Some maglocks are not equipped with green override controls for non-fire emergency use - these should be fitted vii Are there reasonable travel distances where there is a single direction of travel? 17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where there is an alternative means of escape? (not exhaustively verified)

10 FIRE PROTECTION 17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? Except where otherwise indicated. Management should ensure that all room doors are routinely closed at all times when there is no person present in the room x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Appear acceptable - full verification should be undertaken on next review xi Are all escape routes unobstructed? N (1) Stacked chairs found partially obstructing CNE8 Seminar Room alternative exit; (2) Maths Lecture Theatre alternative exit is repeatedly obstructed with stacked chairs or desks. Further means of ensuring room users do not obstruct fire exits should be sought - such as enhanced signage, floor markings, coloured carpet or positive barriers. Corridors and lobby near CNW Seminar Rooms 1-7 etc have in the past presented acute obstruction problems (tables removed to escape routes) and should continue to be monitored. Final exit adjacent to G27 was also observed partially obstructed at time of visit Is the building provided with reasonable arrangements for means of escape for occupants with disabilities? N Procedures for assisting the rapid evacuation of disabled persons from the building in the case of fire should be devised for all areas to which such persons may resort (see 25.3,4). Equipment such as evac chairs should preferably be provided locally, with sufficient building occupants nominated and trained in the assistance of persons with disabilities. Greater provision of technical, physical, organisational and human resources is being developed on a campus-wide basis to provide comprehensive systems for disabled evacuation. Local departments and building occupants may be required to assist with implementing such plans Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development 18.1 i Is it considered that there is compartmentation of a reasonable standard? (Including e.g. firestopping of service penetrations) S01A (study bedroom helpdesk) and SW103 to SW110 room doors are no longer required to be designated fire doors - signs should be removed (but not from SW101, SW 102) - see 20.1.?? (1) Fire stopping of holes/gaps/service penetrations etc through fire resisting construction was found grossly deficient in several locations recently, and corrected, but it is likely that similar defects exist elsewhere - an audit should be conducted and remedial fire stopping etc undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be propped or wedged open at any time; where there is an operational need, or where management cannot ensure that doors remain closed at all times, automatic devices should be considered (subject to specific local fire risk assessment). (3) Some fire doors are in poor condition and ineffective. A programme of maintenance/upgrade (including fitting approved intumescent strips and smoke seals where necessary) should be implemented. (4) Strong recommendation to automate fire doors to SW12, SW102 and SE10 (see also 18.1 i (2) above). (5) Smaller leaf of double cross-corridor fire doors (e.g. SE16-20 corridor and adjacent S14A) must be provided with self-closers and, where necessary, the door edges modified to allow both leaves to close reliably. Reasoning: dual direction of escape; open doors would result in earlier automatic detection; management of fire doors particularly difficult in this location; automation of fire doors would require additional detection in rooms. Re (2): a large number of fire doors were observed held open (commonly kitchenette doors). Re (4): management appears highly unlikely to succeed in ensuring these doors remain closed at all times ii Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire spread? 18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, are fire dampers provises as necessary to prevent critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire? N Postering etc. of walls in some corridors appears to be inadequately controlled in view of fire spread - see 13.3 and published University guidance on escape routes.?? Presence, integrity & maintenance status of appropriate fire resisting barriers within ventilation ducts throughout the building should be established and actioned as appropriate. See also Many locations significantly improved with regard to postering etc. in recent months. Maths department currently fitting covered noticeboards. Not practicable to determine during this review Escape Lighting 19.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting provided? 20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices Appears adequate on sampling basis.

11 FIRE PROTECTION 20.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? (1) Refuge signs contain inappropriate wording regarding the role of the Fire Signage appears generally adequate on sampling basis. Service and should be replaced throughout (& CNE refuges have no signs fitted). (2) "Safe area" sign above top of banister on stair landing adjacent N116 should be removed (refuge is located opposite). (3) "Do not use lift in event of fire" signs to be fitted to CNE lift. (4) Fit "Fire exit keep clear" sign outside Maths Lecture Theatre alternative exit. (5) Fit "automatic fire door keep clear" sign to SW111 & SW17 (incorrect signs currently fitted). (6) Remove "fire door keep closed" signs from S01A (study bedroom helpdesk) and SW103 to SW110 room doors (but not from SW101, SW 102) (ref. 18.0) Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire 21.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided? (1) It should be verified that, in a zone where an intermittent alarm is sounding Note re (3) - the escape route via SE14 is not currently (adjacent to zone of full activation), the alarm-linked devices are actuated (to available until the alarm system is triggered. allow full evacuation, as per current evacuation arrangements). (2) Accidental activations have been attributed to call points being immediately adjacent to light switches in some locations. Consider fitting flip-up call point covers in these instances, contrary to BS5839 but with clear "lift up" indication visible, as a necessary measure to combat accidental activations. (3) An additional call point (OR green override button for magnetic door lock) is required in corridor SE16-20, by the escape route door into SE14 (see also 21.2,3 (4)). Flip-up call point covers are fitted, contrary to BS5839 but with clear "lift up" indication visible, as a necessary measure to combat malicious activations. 21.2, 3 Is automatic fire detection provided in building? (Throughout building? Part(s) of building only?) Is the extent of automatic fire detection generally suitable for the occupancy and risk? 21.4 Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal? 21 suppl. Is the fire alarm system audible or perceptible throughout the building? 22.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances 22.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers reasonable? (A) Smoke detection should be fitted in the following locations: (1) S (corridor and lobby, and preferably rooms); (2) corridors adjoining S100, S , 109B/110A, and CC01/CC04 lobby; (3) corridors/lobbies adjoining N4, N08-09, N216; (4) corridor next to SE10 and kitchen itself. (B) Smoke detection in corridor SE16-20 is likely to trigger very late, as ceiling shape effectively provides a series of smoke reservoirs: a detector should be fitted in each recess. Appears adequate, subject to ongoing verification of decibel levels in all locations. (A) Automatic fire detection currently triggers pre-alarm on first activation, and full zone alarm on second (single manual call point triggers full zone alarm). Building has been thoroughly investigated by fire risk assessor and Fire Officer (Fire & Rescue Service) and this 'double-knock' arrangement is deemed suitable and sufficient. Verified that full alarm will be sufficiently early for adequate life protection even in sensitive areas, e.g. dead-end conditions, provided extra detection is provided as specified (1A requirements listed here). Pre-alarm signal is transmitted to Campus Watch who will immediately investigate as priority. Automatic fire doors etc activate only on full alarm. Additional AFD action proprities assigned on an overal fire risk assessed basis. Appears correct and adequate on sampling basis. Covers are fitted to extinguishers (or other measures taken) to combat misuse. Extinguisher positioning/provision varies from guidance Are hose reels provided? Fire hose reels should be removed and, in locations with no alternative portable extinguisher provision in accordance with official guidance, replaced with same Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible? 23.0 Automatic Fixed Systems 23.1 Is there a suitable sprinkler or water based system, gaseous local application or total flooding provided that is adequate for the risk present? Computer machine room Other Fixed Systems and Equipment 24.1 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the risk present? N

12 FIRE PROTECTION 24 suppl. Is there suitable provision of a fire-fighters' switch(es) for high voltage luminous discharge tube signs etc? Has suitable notice of these been given to the Fire & Rescue Authority, including switch colouring and marking?

13 MANAGING FIRE SAFET INDE DETAIL ES NO N/A CONTROL MEASURES FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC DESCRIPTIONS, JUSTIFICATIONS ETC 25.0 Procedures and Arrangements 25.1 Fire safety is managed by: Director of Estates 25.2 Are competent persons appointed to assist in undertaking and ensuring the preventive and protective measures (i.e. relevant general fire precautions)? 25.3, 4 Is there a suitable record of fire safety arrangements? Procedures properly documented? Suitable arrangements for summoning the Fire & Rescue Service, meeting them on arrival and providing relevant information including that relating to hazards to fire-fighters? Suitable arrangements for ensuring that the premises have been evacuated? Suitable fire assemply point(s)? Adequate procedures for evacuation of persons with disabilities? N Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building. The Plan should include arrangements to assist disabled persons; for academic staff etc to take responsibility for the evacuation of students in their presence; insofar as possible, to conduct a full coordinated sweep of the building to confirm full evacuation or otherwise; and to provide clear instructions for liaising with the fire brigade on arrival and notifying them of any special risks or conditions. A diagrammatic plan of the building, escape routes, and other fire safety features should be provided Are persons nominated and trained to use fire Campus Watch (completion of training pending at time of writing). extinguishing appliances? 25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of persons with disabilities? N Sufficient persons should be nominated and trained in order to facilitate evacuation (see 24.1) at all material times, including fire marshals and those assigned to assisting persons with disabilities. Management of all departments occupying and operating in the building should cooperate and coordinate in making such provisions Is there appropriate liaison with the Fire & Rescue Service (e.g. any relevant notifications, familiarization visits etc) 25.8 Is a system of routine in-house, local inspections of fire precautions implemented? N A system of checks/inspections of fire safety features should be implemented throughout all locations. Fire extinguishers should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded. Management of all departments occupying and operating in the building should cooperate and coordinate in making such provisions. See also 27.5 and Training and Drills 26.1 Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction and training on induction? 26.1 Are all students and/or visitors given adequate suppl. fire safety information and instruction at an appropriate time? 26.2 Are all staff given adequate periodic fire safety refresher instruction and training at suitable intervals? Provide adequate fire safety instruction and training to all staff on induction. Basic information on the use of fire extinguishers should be included. Cannot generalise response - inevitably variable by department Provide adequate fire safety information and instruction and training to all Cannot generalise response - inevitably variable by department students and visitors at the earliest opportunity. Fire safety awareness and behaviour should be enhanced by any available means. Repeat basic/local fire safety information at not less than yearly intervals, and provide full refresher training at not less than 3 yearly intervals. Cannot generalise response - inevitably variable by department

14 MANAGING FIRE SAFET 26.3 Does all staff training (and student/visitor information, as appropriate) provide information, instruction or training on the following: fire risks in the building, fire safety measures, action in the event of fire and on hearing the alarm signal, operation of manual call points, location and use of fire extinguishers, means of summoning the Fire & Rescue Service, identity of persons nominated to assist with evacuation, identity of persons nominated to use fire extinguishing appliances? Ensure staff training includes all necessary information (see published University guidance and forthcoming building Fire Emergency Plan). Cannot generalise response - inevitably variable by department 26.4 Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire marshals) given additional training? 26.5 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals, and in accordance with official guidance? 26.6 When the employees or visitors of another employer work or are accommodated in the premises: 26.6 i Is the employer given appropriate information (e.g. on fire risks and general fire precautions)? Ensure suitable training (including timely refreshers) is given to all staff allocated special fire safety responsibilities. Continue to carry out fire drills in accordance with official guidance. Blocking of significant escape routes should be staged to simulate conditions of an actual fire and to familiarise building occupants with alternative escape routes. Ensure full and adequate fire safety information is conveyed to visiting organisations in advance. Cannot generalise response - inevitably variable by department Cannot generalise response - variable 26.6 ii Is it ensured that the employees and visitors are provided with adequate instructions and information? Ensure insofar as possible that visiting organisations provide their Cannot generalise response - variable employees and visitirs with adequate fire safety information, instruction and training. Fire safety awareness and behaviour should be enhanced by any available means Inspection, Testing and Maintenance 27.1 Adequate maintenance and inspection of premises? 27.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system? 27.3 Monthly and annual testing routines for emergency lighting? 27.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances? 27.5 Periodic inspection of external escape staircases and gangways? 27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of rising mains? 27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly inspection and annual testing of fire-fighting lifts? 27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installations? 27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastening? Annual inspection and test of lightning protection systems? N Maintenance appears appropriate and adequate; local inspections see N N Implement periodic inspection of external escape staircases and gangways (as part of 25.8). Implement regular routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings (as part of 25.8 except for alarm-linked devices). Implement annual inspection and test of lightning protection systems.

15 MANAGING FIRE SAFET Other relevant inspections or tests: (including e.g. ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting systems, door holdback devices, electronic door release systems)?? Arrangements regarding ductwork dampers etc to be confirmed/verified/implemented. Ensure that periodic inspections of automatic inert gas flooding system in machine room are carried out and recorded by competent persons Records 28.1 Are appropriate records kept for: 28.1 i Fire drills? 28.1 ii Fire training? 28.1 iii Fire alarm tests? 28.1 iv Emergency escape lighting tests? 28.1 v Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems? 29.0 oung Persons Have the following matters been taken into particular account in risk assessment in respect of 29.1 young persons: the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and 29.2 immaturity of young persons 29.3 the fitting-out and layout of the premises the nature, degree and duration of exposure to 29.4 physical and chemical agents the form, range, and use of work equipment and 29.5 the way in which it is handled; 29.6 the organisation of processes and activities the extent of the safety training provided or to be 29.7 provided to young persons risks from agents, processes and work listed in the Annex to Council Directive 94/33/EC on the 29.8 protection of young people at work 30.0 Behavioural Aspects Is there evidence from previous fire drills and other emergencies indicating that some occupants may be unaware, unwilling or fail to 30.1 evacuate? (Aside from disability-related) Is there evidence of disregard of fire safety provisions amongst building occupancy and/or 30.2 management? Is there evidence of significant human 30.3 interference with fire safety provisions? N N Minor, in respect of e.g. combustibles & obstructions in escape routes.

16 Miscellaneous points carried forward from previous Fire Risk Assessment R8.5 It is unfortunate that the building is subdivided by security doors that, unless the fire alarm is sounding, do not allow the occupants access to their alternative escape routes. This suggests that evacuation in a real fire or other emergency may be confused and even chaotic. R10.2 Fire procedure notices should describe the alert and evacuation signals of the staged fire alarm system and give appropriate instructions for persons to follow in each case. R10.4 There are currently very few assembly point notices on the campus. The addition to the fire instruction signs of a simple positional map showing the assembly point for that section would alleviate the need for the numerous external assembly points signs that are required. R12.6 During the fire evacuation drill observed at the time of the survey, the fire alarm sound is altered to total evacuation from the normal staged arrangement. All staff left the building by their normal access route and no staff heard the alert sound that most will receive in a real emergency. The fire drill as currently undertaken does not therefore satisfy the requirement for staff to receive training as the procedure undertaken does reflect a real incident. R12.8 The presence of refuge spaces in this building would appear to be superfluous. When a wheel chair user, for example, is in a section of the building where the fire alarm sounds evacuation, that person needs only to move along the corridor into the adjacent section where the alert alarm is sounding. They should then be in a place of relative safety with no need to evacuate further for the time being. Their presence there rather than at the assembly point does however need to be managed, since there is no dedicated escape route from the building for them.

17 This simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator in BS 8800: Potential consequences of fire Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm Fire hazard 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 (probability of ignition) at this building is: Low / highly unlikely - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Medium / unlikely - prior to completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment High / likely Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be: Slight harm - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate harm - prior to completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment 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 (other than an occupant sleeping in a bedroom in which a fire occurs). Outbreak of fire could result in injury of one or more occupants, but it is unlikely to involve multiple fatalities. Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants.

18 Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is: Trivial Tolerable - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate - prior to completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Substantial Intolerable 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 by BS 8800 for general health and safety risks: Trivial Tolerable Moderate Risk Level Action and Timescale No action is required and no additional detailed records need be kept. No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for consideration of improvements that involve minor or limited cost, and various corrective actions may be required. 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 may be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the priority for improved control measures. Substantial Intolerable Considerable resources may 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. Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced.

19 Any significant change, occurrence, finding or development should be reported immediately to the University s Safety, Health & Environment Unit so that mitigating action can be taken and this Fire Risk Assessment reviewed and updated.

20 ACTION PLAN ORGANISATION: University of Kent BUILDING: Cornwallis ASSESSOR: Andrew Briggs DATE: 14/01/2009 ACTION PLAN It is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in order to reduce fire risk to, or maintain it at, the following level: TOLERABLE REFERENCE ACTION REQUIRED TO ELIMINATE OR CONTROL SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS PRIORIT * RESPONSIBILIT TARGET DATE COMPLETE See also Further Comments/Detail/Clarification etc. in previous worksheets, where relevant 6 figure numbers are Estates Helpdesk Work Requests or carried forward to: ( = Estates spreadsheet) 7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition 7.1 Electrical intake/distribution board in G04 must be enclosed in one hour fire resisting construction (especially as the room is now used for storage of combustible items). 9.0 Arson 9.1, 2 The waste enclosure adjacent to the George Allen wing represents a significant arson risk being immediately adjacent to the building, unsecure and containing readily combustible waste. A secure facility should be provided in a suitable location well away from the building. 2A/1B Estates 2A/1B Estates 13.0 Housekeeping 13.3 (1) Combustible items should generally not be present in escape routes. Recycling bins and piles of books/files were noted in several locations despite previous communications; these should be removed to locations off escape routes. (2) Point (1) is especially critical in staircases and dead-end corridors which should be fire-sterile (e.g. N1-5 has essay racks fitted; waste bins etc present in CNE staircase; laundry items and large cardboard box/packaging present at foot stairs by lift in George Allen wing ; combustible items under staircase near NW104 - these should all be removed to acceptable locations). Refer to published University guidance on escape routes. (3) Some offices contain very high fire loadings - combustible content should be reduced significantly and kept in an orderly manner so as to minimise flame spread in the event of a fire. (1) 2A/B (2) 1A/B (3) 3A/2B Local departments occupying 17.0 Means of Escape from Fire

21 ACTION PLAN 17.2 i (1) Alternative "escape route" from SE110 must be decommissioned, and signs, automatic lock release etc. removed, since there is no means of descending to a place of safety from the unprotected flat roof outside. (2) The vision panel in the escape route fire door between corridor SE16-20 and SE14 may be reduced to a small aperture for visibility PROVIDED all users of the corridor are actively familiarised with this feature iii (1) A number of double doors were found with one leaf bolted shut (e.g. NW main entrance and George Allen wing entrance near N06/07). Where double doors are present along escape routes, both leaves should be free to open at all material times. Management procedures for unlocking the building must ensure this. (2) Some other cross-corridor fire doors are capable of being locked with a key, with no other opening device then available. Such bolts/locks should preferably be removed or deactivated and/or replaced where necessary with approved opening devices. (3) Cross-corridor fire doors adjacent to 123 and S132 have padlocks and chains fitted - it is strongly recommended that these be removed, even though it appears that they have not been used for a number of years and that the keys are long since lost vi Some maglocks are not equipped with green override controls for non-fire emergency use - these should be fitted xi (1) Stacked chairs found partially obstructing CNE8 Seminar Room alternative exit; (2) Maths Lecture Theatre alternative exit is repeatedly obstructed with stacked chairs or desks. Further means of ensuring room users do not obstruct fire exits should be sought - such as enhanced signage, floor markings, coloured carpet or positive barriers. 1A 2A/3A (1) Estates (2) Graduate School Estates (and possibly local departments occupying) (1) 3A Estates 1A All departments occupying and using - in conjunction with Estates 18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development 18.1 i (1) Fire stopping of holes/gaps/service penetrations etc through fire resisting construction was found grossly deficient in several locations recently, and corrected, but it is likely that similar defects exist elsewhere - an audit should be conducted and remedial fire stopping etc undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be propped or wedged open at any time; where there is an operational need, or where management cannot ensure that doors remain closed at all times, automatic devices should be considered (subject to specific local fire risk assessment). (3) Some fire doors are in poor condition and ineffective. A programme of maintenance/upgrade (including fitting approved intumescent strips and smoke seals where necessary) should be implemented. (4) Strong recommendation to automate fire doors to SW12, SW102 and SE10 (see also 18.1 i (2) above). (5) Smaller leaf of double cross-corridor fire doors (e.g. SE16-20 corridor and adjacent S14A) must be provided with self-closers and, where necessary, the door edges modified to allow both leaves to close reliably. (1) Potentially 1A in view of history (2) 1A (3) 2A (4) 1A (5) 1A (1), (3), (4), (5) Estates - (2) Local departments occupying (1), (3), (4), (5)

22 ACTION PLAN 18.2 Presence, integrity & maintenance status of appropriate fire resisting barriers within ventilation ducts throughout the building should be established and actioned as appropriate Fire Safety Signs and Notices 20.1 (1) Refuge signs contain inappropriate wording regarding the role of the Fire Service and should be replaced throughout (& CNE refuges have no signs fitted). (2) "Safe area" sign above top of banister on stair landing adjacent N116 should be removed (refuge is located opposite). (3) "Do not use lift in event of fire" signs to be fitted to CNE lift. (4) Fit "Fire exit keep clear" sign outside Maths Lecture Theatre alternative exit. (5) Fit "automatic fire door keep clear" sign to SW111 & SW17 (incorrect signs currently fitted). (6) Remove "fire door keep closed" signs from S01A (study bedroom helpdesk) and SW103 to SW110 room doors (but not from SW101, SW 102) (ref. 18.0). Potentially 1A Estates 2A (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) , Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire 21.1 (1) It should be verified that, in a zone where an intermittent alarm is sounding (adjacent to zone of full activation), the alarm-linked devices are actuated (to allow full evacuation, as per current evacuation arrangements). (2) Accidental activations have been attributed to call points being immediately adjacent to light switches in some locations. Consider fitting flip-up call point covers in these instances, contrary to BS5839 but with clear "lift up" indication visible, as a necessary measure to combat accidental activations. (3) An additional call point (OR green override button for magnetic door lock) is required in corridor SE16-20, by the escape route door into SE14 (see also 21.2,3 (4)). (1) 2A (2) 3A (3) 1A (1) Estates & Safety Unit (2), (3) Estates (2), (3) 21.2, 3 (A) Smoke detection should be fitted in the following locations: (1) S (corridor and lobby, and preferably rooms); (2) corridors adjoining S100, S , 109B/110A, and CC01/CC04 lobby; (3) corridors/lobbies adjoining N4, N08-09, N216; (4) corridor next to SE10 and kitchen itself. (B) Smoke detection in corridor SE16-20 is likely to trigger very late, as ceiling shape effectively provides a series of smoke reservoirs: a detector should be fitted in each recess. (A) (1) 1A (2) 2A/3A (3) 3A (B) 2A Estates 22.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances 22.2 Fire hose reels should be removed and, in locations with no alternative portable extinguisher provision in accordance with official guidance, replaced with same. 3A Estates 25.0 Procedures and Arrangements

23 ACTION PLAN 25.3, 4 Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building. The Plan should include arrangements to assist disabled persons; for academic staff etc to take responsibility for the evacuation of students in their presence; insofar as possible, to conduct a full coordinated sweep of the building to confirm full evacuation or otherwise; and to provide clear instructions for liaising with the fire brigade on arrival and notifying them of any special risks or conditions. A diagrammatic plan of the building, escape routes, and other fire safety features should be provided Sufficient persons should be nominated and trained in order to facilitate evacuation (see 24.1) at all material times, including fire marshals and those assigned to assisting persons with disabilities. Management of all departments occupying and operating in the building should cooperate and coordinate in making such provisions A system of checks/inspections of fire safety features should be implemented throughout all locations. Fire extinguishers should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded. Management of all departments occupying and operating in the building should cooperate and coordinate in making such provisions. 1A 2A 2A/B Estates and Safety Unit Local departments occupying, in conjunction with Estates Local departments occupying, in conjunction with Estates 27.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance 27.1 Arrangements regarding ductwork dampers etc to be confirmed/verified/implemented. SEE ALSO 'MISC CARRIED FORWARD' WORKSHEET 2A VARIOUS Estates * PRIORIT (N.B. to Fire Service College Fire Safety Engineering Division scale, not PAS 79) Category A. Fire Risk to Persons: 1A - A serious life safety risk and/or a major or serious contravention of current fire safety legislation. This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority. 2A - An important life safety issue and/or a contravention of current fire safety legislation and/or official guidance, that may lead to enforcement action if not addressed. This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay. 3A - A significant life safety issue which, in combination with other significant findings, may result in an increased risk to persons. Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire safety practice. 4A - A life safety issue recommended for consideration in accordance with good fire safety practice.

24 ACTION PLAN Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate. Category B. Fire Risk to Property, Business Continuity, Environment, Amenity, Heritage etc. 1B - A serious risk of damage by fire (with possible legal implications, depending on the enforcing authority involved). This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority. 2B - An important potential fire damage issue (with possible legal implications, depending on the enforcing authority involved). This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay. 3B - A significant potential fire damage issue which, in combination with other significant findings,may result in an increased risk to the property. Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire protection/prevention practice. 4B - A property protection issue recommended for consideration as a medium of longer term objective in accordance with good fire prevention/protection practice. Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate.