FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW

Transcription

1 COVER SHEET REVIEW Employer or other Responsible Person: Address of Property: Person(s) Consulted: Assessor: Head of School of Physical Sciences in conjunction with Council & the Vice Chancellor Ingram building, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH Various technical, academic & Estates staff Andrew Briggs, MIFSM, MIIRSM Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 26th January to 5th February 2010 Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: Suggested Date for Review: 13th February SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS REVIEW. February 2012, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change Document dated 8th February 2010 Reissued 17th February 2010 (responsibility for action 17.2 iii (1) corrected) Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79:2007 (British Standards Institute): Fire Risk Assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology (with various additions) Note - this Fire Risk Assessment review has of necessity been conducted on a sampling basis. During the next review, most plant rooms should be visited and various areas or aspects noted throughout this document should also be addressed in greater depth.

2 COVER SHEET

3 GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 1.0 The Building 1.1 Number of floors Approximate floor area: Not reviewed at this time 1.3 Construction Details: Concrete floors and framing; brick and block walls. 1.4 Occupancy: Teaching, laboratories, technical and administrative. 2.0 The Occupants 2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed at this time. Permissible overall occupancy appears to be generous compared to actual numbers. 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: N/A 3.2 Occupants with disabilities: None at time of assessment 3.3 Occupants in remote areas: N/A 3.4 Others: N/A 4.0 Fire Loss Experience 4.1 Fires in past 10 years: 6, of which:- 2 in 2000, limited relevance, previous occupants (Chemistry) 3 since 2005 were external cigarette butt containers 1 in Oct 2005: solvent boiled over onto bunsen burner; student received burn to hand

4 GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 4.2 Cost of fire losses: Negligible 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 The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) provisions in this building: 6.4 Enforced by: Health & Safety Executive & Kent Fire & Rescue Service

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. Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist. 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 Occasional visitors, but under full supervision unfamiliar with the building C Occupants who are likely to be asleep: Ci long-term individual occupancy Cii long-term managed occupancy Ciii short-term occupancy D Occupants receiving medical care E Occupants in transit Fire growth rate(s) Category Fire growth rate Typical fire growth parameter, kj/s3 Locations (where specific) & categories 1 Slow Medium Most locations 3 Fast Minority of laboratories; some store areas 4 Ultra-fast Possible - certain occasional laboratory situations - but subject to controls including DSEAR risk assessment; suitable mitigation of risks will reduce growth rate to category 2 or 3 Risk profiles: Range A1 to A3 Management level required: 1 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 )

6 Environmental risks Heritage aspects Business continuity (University) Business continuity (department) Fire-fighting water runoff and temporary release of combustion products to atmosphere. Depending on location and extent of fire, environmental impacts from release of various substances to soil, watercourse or air are also possible. Possible radiological and biological releases are of a relatively low order of risk magnitude. Building does not have Listed status. Considerable effect on University as a whole due to presence of Acetylene - in the event of any fire, an evacuation & exclusion zone of 200m radius is likely to be applied by their Fire & Rescue Service, including their own operations. Due to presence of Acetylene and exclusion zone as above, firefighting is likely to be of very limited success. Total loss of the building is likely in the event of any significant fire. See also 34 suppl. See also Section 15.

7 FIRE HAZARDS INDEX 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 insofar as possible to maintain/encourage 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? 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? N A number of items were found missed from Portable Appliance Testing or long overdue - these must be brought up to date and all staff be trained to remain vigilant as to test status and condition of appliances. Some evidence of smoking was seen (cigarette butts in fire buckets, Phase 2). Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented, publicised and enforced insofar as possible. 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) 10.0 Portable Heaters & Heating Installations 10.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable? N See 13.3 & One convector heater of a very old design was seen in use in a ground floor laboratory. Ensure that additional appliances are only used where absolutely necessary, and are carefully controlled (see sections 7 & 13; also 10.2 below). Difficult to establish for the whole building - suggest investigating further at next review 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? Ensure safe working practices. Maintain safe separation distance between Difficult to establish for the whole building - suggest investigating appliances and flammable/combustible materials. Portable electrical heaters further at next review. with open elements, such as fan or radiant heaters, must not be used; convector heaters should preferably be avoided; oil-filled radiators should be preferred where portable heaters are necessary 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? X X 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 wherever possible throughout building. Continue to promote constant awareness and good fire prevention practices in all laboratory situations. Difficult to establish for the whole building - suggest investigating further at next review.

8 FIRE HAZARDS 13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste? N Remove combustible items such as furniture, cartons, waste materials, recycling bins, unlocked filing cabinets, laundry etc. from various escape route locations (e.g. adjacent to 114/116, 127, 316; foot of Phase 1 North staircase; foot & L3, L1 lobbies of Phase 2 staircase) and prevent recurrence. Escape routes should be maintained as fire-sterile as possible; this is especially critical in staircases and dead-end conditions Is there appropriate storage of combustible materials? 13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials? Note - Studio G22A is not controlled by building management. School of Arts must continue to ensure that combustibles are stored and used appropriately, and that no additional ignition risks are introduced. N Combustible waste outside should be kept at least 6m from the building, and secure (e.g. in locked compound, or wheelie bins chained or otherwise immobilised) 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). As above 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? N DSEAR risk assessments must be carried out for all relevant substances and conditions, taking account of all aspects listed in this section (15). (A) Continue to apply risk reduction hierarchy - eliminate, substitute, enclose/segregate, reduce, control - including use, storage and possible release of dangerous substances. Ensure that any release of a dangerous substance which may give rise to risk is suitably collected, safely contained, removed to a safe place, or otherwise rendered safe, as appropriate. Avoid ignition sources including electrostatic discharges. Avoid such other adverse conditions as could result in harmful physical effects from a dangerous substance. (B) Continue to ensure that any dangerous substances temporarily introduced (e.g. by contractors) are known and logged, that appropriate controls are in place, and that all relevant information can be made immediately available to the Fire & Rescue Service in the event of an emergency 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. Continue to ensure that safety data sheets are readily available for all dangerous substances.? Ensure that the premises are designed, constructed and maintained so as to reduce risk. Ensure that suitable special, technical and organisational measures are designed, constructed, assembled, installed, provided and used so as to reduce risk. Ensure that special, technical and organisational measures are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Significant compressed gases are Acetylene, Nitrous Oxide and Hydrogen. the amount of the substance involved? Reduce quantities or substitute for a less volatile substance, etc. where the work will involve more than one dangerous substance, the risk presented by such substances in combination? Introduce appropriate segregation measures to ensure that incompatible substances do not come into contact with each other. Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the requirement to prevent confusion between connecting devices. Risk assess and design laboratory procedures and reactions so as to minimise risk. Account should be taken of potentials for unintended or uncontrolled reactions including runaways, including the effect of possible failure of equipment or power supply. 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? (1) All dangerous chemicals should be suitably marked, labelled and segregated (yet to be completed e.g. in G12). (2) Repair the tarmac surface between Phases 1 & 2 (to eliminate the need to transport acetylene bottles through the building). Implement the requirement to train appropriate staff in the use of appropriate fire fighting equipment suitable for the risks present (see 25.5). (A) Important note: storage of dangerous substances in at least one location is not marked/labelled, at the instruction of the Police. (B) Note - newer laboratories are provided with manual gas shutoff valves, but older labs are not.

9 FIRE HAZARDS 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? 15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available to enable the assessment to be completed?? N Ensure that appropriate safe systems of work are in place and that written instructions for the carrying out of particular high-risk work are issued. Ensure that workers are suitably trained, informed and instructed. Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the requirements where power failure can give rise to the spread of additional risk; if/where critical, equipment and protective systems must be able to be maintained in a safe state of operation independently of the rest of the building in the event of power failure. Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the requirements where means for manual override must be possible, operated by employees competent to do so, for shutting down equipment and protective systems incorporated within automatic processes which deviate from the intended operating conditions, provided that the provision or use of such means does not compromise safety. Prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including the application of appropriate ventilation. Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the requirements where on operation of emergency shutdown, accumulated energy must be dissipated as quickly and as safely as possible or isolated so that it no longer constitutes a hazard. If/where relevant under DSEAR:- reduce to a minimum the number of persons exposed in the risk area. Introduce additional measures to avoid the propagation of fires or explosions. Provide explosion pressure relief arrangements. Provide explosion suppression equipment. Provide plant which is constructed so as to withstand the pressure likely to be produced by an explosion. Provide suitable personal protective equipment. Provide appropriate safety information as full implementation of DSEAR risk assessments progresses. Consider the need for a system of permits-to-work, with such permits being issued by a person with responsibility for this function prior to the commencement of the work concerned Other Significant Ignition Sources 16.1 Are there other significant ignition sources present? Numerous items of specialist equipment present possible ignition risks. Apply fire prevention controls as above.

10 FIRE PROTECTION INDEX DETAIL ES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC 17.0 Means of Escape from Fire Management should ensure that all room doors are routinely closed at all times when there is no person present in the room 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) 17.2 iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape where necessary? 17.2 v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where necessary? 17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? X Note that 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, recent events (e.g. Delft University fire; incidents/fires involving a vending machine in Gillingham building, two electrical items in Gulbenkian and four Kent Hospitality vacuum cleaners) demonstrate that these items represent a considerable risk. The area of the north entrance lobby and foot of the north staircase is As a compensating feature, all ground floor laboratory occupants are considerably compromised as an escape route, with three merging flows and with advised to use the alternative (direct) exits. the staircase leading only indirectly (i.e. not fully separated/protected) to the final exit. At least three leaves of the final exit doorway must be maintianed freely available for escape at all times, and fire risks in the lobby (combustible items including wall postings, temporary displays and waste bins) must be closely controlled and minimised. Exits/widths/occupant densities etc. not recalculated at this time but, based on previous Fire Risk Assessment and approximate visual confirmation, appear satisfactory (subject to requirements at 17.2 i above). (1) Final exits from teaching labs have lips and steps at the thresholds, mostly onto loose shingle, with the possibility of tripping, obstruction and/or injury - should be improved and ideally made suitable for disabled escape. (2) Many cross-corridor doors are capable of being locked by key - management must robustly ensure that this is impossible whenever the building is occupied, OR all such locks must be removed. In a minority of locations where not, this is tolerable in view of limited occupancy & familiarity of persons present; management must ensure that occasional visitors are always closely supervised. Management must robustly ensure that all extra security devices on final exit doors (where fitted) are opened or removed at all times when persons are present, so that the exit is immediately available - requiring operation of no more than one mechanical device for escape (e.g. G34: bolt(s) to be in unlocked position at all material times; requiring only turnbutton to exit). (Not exhaustively verified at this time) 17.2 vii Are there reasonable travel distances where there (Not exhaustively verified at this time) is a single direction of travel? 17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where there (Not exhaustively verified at this time) is an alternative means of escape? 17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? N (1) Many fire doors are in very poor condition, having grossly excessive gaps The eastern upper floor corridors are approximately 50m in undivided (especially above) and/or ineffective seals and/or failing to self-close fully - should length. be repaired or corrected throughout. (2) Upper floor corridors of Phase 1 should preferably be subdivided near their midpoint, to separate alternative escape Note to (1): see also 18.1 i (2): air movement/pressure differentials can also prevent some fire doors from self-closing. routes to each staircase ix suppl Where automatic devices are fitted to designated fire doors, is appropriate automatic fire detection fitted?

11 FIRE PROTECTION 17.2 x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? N A final exit must be provided directly from G26 or G24 (see notes). G26 office is an inner room off G24 office, which in turn is an inner room off the Supplies Store - this is a seriously noncompliant and intolerable layout, especially as the store room, although well managed, contains particular risks such as numerous cardboard cartons and some chemicals including oxidising agents. Note regarding downstand beams and detectors (21.2,3) is also highly relevant to this situation. (Otherwise, not exhaustively verified at this time) 17.2 xi Are all escape routes unobstructed? Continue to ensure that all escape routes remain suitably unobstructed (including within rooms) Is the building provided with reasonable arrangements for means of escape for occupants with disabilities? (1a) On the upper levels, disabled refuges with intercoms are provided (with directional signage) only in the central staircases; safe areas are designated/signed in other locations, but without intercoms - full refuges with intercoms should be provided in all three staircases. (1b) In the meantime, fire marshalling or similar provisions must reliably cover the possibility that a disabled person requires assistance from refuges without intercoms, OR those refuge signs should be removed to prevent possible confusion. (2) Procedures for facilitating 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. (3) Equipment such as evac chairs should preferably be provided locally, with sufficient building occupants nominated and trained in the assistance of persons with disabilities 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) N (1) Serious breaches of fire resisting construction are visible in numerous locations (e.g. around ducts between Teaching Laboratory 2 and corridor; a number of Phase 2 service duct dupboards) - the building must be surveyed, and fire stopping corrected, throughout. (2) Air movement due to extensive use of ventilation systems has recently been balanced in Phase 1 (subject to comment (a)) but still requires serious attention in Phase 2 where gross pressure differences are likely to spread smoke into and through escape routes. (3) Repair locks to all store room, service cupboard etc. doors where damaged or missing (e.g. 438, store room at foot of Phase 2 staircase, several service cupboards adjacent to 427/428 & 430/432). (4) Various service cupboards in Phase 2 corridors have been taken over as store cupboards - these must be kept locked at all times (all will be signed as such - see 20.1 (4)) - this is especially critical given the deficiencies in fire stopping (see (1) above). (a) Important note: care and detailed, specialist local knowledge is needed to manage aspects of the air handling plant safely on a day to day basis. (b) Many plant room, store room etc. doors are not marked "Fire Door Keep locked" - this may be tolerable so long as management reliably ensures they remain locked at all times when not being accessed - this appears well controlled throughout Phase 1, but in Phase 2 some store rooms and many service cupboard doors were found unlocked or open - these areas must therefore be suitably signed (see 20.1 (4)) and controlled. (c) Designated fire doors must not be propped or wedged open at any time. (d) The Science Supplies Store shutter and door to corridor are of uncertain fire resistance but appear likely to be adequate ii Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire spread? 18.1 ii suppl. (1) Uncovered posters etc. in corridors, lobbies, staircases etc. must not be allowed to proliferate further - care should be taken to keep areas adequately separated one from the next, to reduce the possibility of surface flame spread. (2) Recommendation to consider covering key areas of combustible wall postings in fire resisting material. Are escape routes suitably/tolerably fire sterile? Important note: the introduction of any further combustible materials or sources of heat (e.g. appliances such as vending machines, printers/photocopiers, refridgerators, laboratory equipment) into escape routes/circulation routes, and/or spaces not separated from, them must be approved by fire risk assessment in advance. See also 13.3 and 17.2i.

12 FIRE PROTECTION 18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, are fire dampers provided as necessary to prevent critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire??? Presence, integrity & maintenance status of appropriate fire resisting barriers within ventilation ducts throughout the building should be established and actioned as appropriate Escape Lighting 19.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting provided? 20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices 20.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? (Not exhaustively verified at this time) (1) Provide fire exit sign (a) above external door from G34 and (b) above alternative exit from G40A solvent store. (2) Replace any obsolete noncompliant signs throughout, e.g. pendant escape route sign at foot of Phase 2 staircase. (3) Provide "Do not use lift in event of fire" signs throughout. (4) Fit "Fire Door Keep Locked" signs to all plant room, store room and service cupboard etc. doors throughout Phase 2. (5) Fit "Fire Door Keep Shut" signs to doors of rooms 334 & 436. (6) Fire action notices do not reflect University policy in respect of fire extinguisher use and should be amended. (7) Fit "Fire Exit Keep Clear" sign outside final exit from Teaching Lab 3 (G18). (8) Remove information relating to acetylene and hydrogen from Phase 2 external gas bottle storage cage Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire 21.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided? 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? A diagram showing the locations of system features is displayed near the fire alarm panel (North entrance lobby). Smoke detection is present in all locations. Smoke or heat detection is present in many rooms. Effectiveness/rapidity of automatic fire detection is compromised in a number of locations due to downstand beams, but detectors appear to be in optimal positions where observed (not exhaustive). Beam detection is used in some laboratories. Position of some bells suggests that verbal communication over disabled refuge Audibility appears adequate, subject to ongoing verification by Estates intercoms may be unintelligible - bells should be repositioned accordingly (justified that 65dB is attained throughout. deviation from BS5839) Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances 22.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers reasonable? N Fire extinguisher provision for the entire building should be reviewed and adjusted (see notes). Extinguishers are variously under-provided according to official guidance (especially e.g. missing from most levels of central staircase; final exit adjacent to Labs 2 & 3), and are heavily biased towards CO2 throughout. Many spaces previously containing particular risks have been given over to office space - some individual rooms are therefore unnecessarily provided with CO2 extinguishers. A CO2 extinguisher is missing adjacent to 425 (present at this location on other floors) Are hose reels provided? N Two dry risers - Phase 1, main (north) entrance (inlet outside) - and Phase 2, between two sections of building (inlet under bridge between Phase 1 & Phase 2, by compressed gas bottle cage and gas supply cupboard) Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible?

13 FIRE PROTECTION 22 suppl. Are fire hydrants provided, operational and 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? Fire hydrants are reported to have been tested recently (see 26.7). N 24.0 Other Fixed Systems and Equipment 24.1 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the N risk present? 24 suppl. 1 Is there suitable provision of a fire-fighters' X 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? 24 suppl. 2 Other systems (1) Lifts should proceed automatically to ground level in the event of the fire alarm sounding. (2) Effect of alarm-linked actions via Building Management System in respect of ventilation make-up air, possible pressure differentials, and potential for smoke movement should be established (see also 17.2 ix (1) and 18.1 i (2)).

14 MANAGING FIRE SAFET INDEX DETAIL ES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC DESCRIPTIONS, JUSTIFICATIONS ETC 25.0 Procedures and Arrangements 25.1 Fire safety is managed by: the Head of the School of Physical Sciences, all line management, and the Head of Technical Services 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 a written Fire Emergency Plan in standard University format outlining or referencing all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building Are persons nominated and trained to use fire extinguishing appliances? 25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of persons with disabilities? 25.7 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 Sufficient persons should be nominated and trained in the use of fire extinguishers. Various other key building personnel (and Campus Watch) are nominated (completion of training is pending). N Wherever practicable, sufficient persons should be nominated and trained Life safety and liability issues relate not only to building occupants, in order to facilitate and verify full evacuation all material times, including but to firefighters who may be required to enter the building fire marshals and those assigned to assisting persons with disabilities. It is unnecessarily to rescue persons unknown. suggested that further efforts be made to provide full provision throughout the building, on a 'best endeavour' basis. Regular familiarisation and risk assessment visits take place with cooperation from building staff. A Premises Information grab pack is provided for Fire & Rescue Service use, loacted near the fire alarm panel (North entrance lobby). Continue to ensure that a system of checks and inspections of fire safety features is implemented throughout all locations. Checks should be expanded to take account of misuse of fire safety provisions, many of which are described throughout this fire risk assessment. Under BS5306-3:2009, fire extinguishers should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded 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? Continue to provide adequate fire safety instruction and training to all staff on induction. Continue to provide adequate fire safety information and instruction and training to all students and visitors at the earliest opportunity. Basic information on the use of fire extinguishers should be included. Lecturers, tutors, seminar leaders, facilitators etc. must deliver basic fire safety information to students on the first occasion in any given location Are all staff given adequate periodic fire safety refresher instruction and training at suitable intervals? Continue to repeat basic fire safety information at not less than yearly intervals, and provide full refresher training at not less than 3 yearly intervals.

15 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? 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)? 26.6 ii Is it ensured that the employees and visitors are provided with adequate instructions and information? N (1) Training in DSEAR risk assessment is likely to be required for key staff (see section 15). (2) Suitable refresher training regarding compressed gas safety should be provided regularly. Continue to carry out fire drills in accordance with official guidance. Blocking of (a) significant escape route(s) should be staged to simulate conditions of an actual fire and to familiarise building occupants with alternative escape routes. X X 27.0 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 X and gangways? 27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of rising mains and/or hydrants? N Implement regular testing and inspection of hydrants Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly X inspection and annual testing of evacuation and/or fire-fighting lifts? 27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of X sprinkler installations? 27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security Local staff undertake regular positive checks. fastening? Annual inspection and test of lightning protection systems?

16 MANAGING FIRE SAFET Other relevant inspections or tests: (including e.g. ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting systems, door holdback devices, electronic door release systems)? Ensure that automated alarm-linked devices (including ventilation fire dampers - see also 18.2) are regularly tested and maintained in accordance with applicable standards and guidance 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 the fitting-out and layout of the premises 29.3 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; the organisation of processes and activities 29.6 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 Work experience placements and summer school students. Continue to ensure that young persons do not enter areas of particular risk unsupervised. Continue to protect young persons from exposure to physical or chemical agents. Continue to restrict the activities of and provide high levels of supervision over young persons. Continue to provide comprehensive induction training package to raise awareness levels of young persons. As above 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 In some respects and to some degrees - as noted elsewhere in this fire risk assessment.

17 INDEX DETAIL DESCRIPTION 31.0 Fire Strategy - building design/layout 31.1 The building is divided horizontally and vertically into two fire compartments (three on the ground floor, although at this level Phases 1 and 2 are wholly separated) with protected staircases Higher risk areas of the building (see 33.1 below), on completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment, will be separated from escape routes by fire resisting construction The evacuation strategy is simultaneous and immediate for the entire building and all occupants except those tasked with coordinating the evacuation, sweeping designated areas to confirm evacuation, briefly undertaking necessary shutdown activities or assisting persons with disabilities The building is well provided with access routes for firefighting by the Fire & Rescue Service. Several fire hydrants are available Fire Strategy - systems 32.1 The fire alarm system provides for manual operation and/or automatic detection in order to give sufficiently early warning of fire to all occupants. Various alarm-linked devices (e.g. automatic fire doors) support the safe use of escape routes by occupants and the tenable use of escape routes by firefighters It is believed that the Building Management System automatically controls some ventilation functions on activation of the fire alarm system. The exact operation and its fire safety implications have yet to be fully verified (see 24 suppl. 2 (2)) Fire Strategy - particular risks 33.1 Many areas of the building contain particular risks in the form of chemical and biological agents, specialist equipment and scientific operations/procedures involving them. A proactive safety culture and a high level of fire risk control and awareness exists. Direct fire risks are thus reduced to low or tolerable levels, and (following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment) only a moderate rate of fire spread can be expected in most spaces Various persons with disabilities may be present at any time. Some of these may be at significant enhanced risk due to their inability to perceive or respond to the alarm signal, or inability to self-evacuate. However, no regular users of the building, staff or students, are known to have highly significant disabilities at present (subject to further and ongoing checks). Standard University procedures, supplemented by local measures, are in place to plan and facilitate their safe evacuation.

18 34.0 Fire Strategy - management 34.1 Building management maintains an active policy of suitable fire training, fire prevention, inspection, evacuation arrangements/procedures and regular review of all these Safe operation of the building and adequate control of fire risks rely on active specialist safety management of many aspects including laboratory operations, fixed systems including air handling plant, segregation and correct storage of dangerous substances, and on detailed local knowledge and expertise Evacuation arrangements include central coordination by building security staff and/or Campus Watch security; sweeping of designated areas by trained fire marshals to confirm full evacuation insofar as practicable; assistance of persons with disabilities as necessary; prevention of persons re-entering the building; etc. See forthcoming Fire Emergency Plan and relevant local procedures. 34 suppl. Regarding business continuity comments (Risk & Fire Growth worksheet) - BFPEM Evaluator L-curve (Fire Service College, Feb 2006) predicts a high probability that a fire will be limited, based on a design fire originating in Room 315 (which previously contained an unreasonably high fire loading), BUT appears not to have taken into account the likely effect of the presence of acetylene on Fire & Rescue Service operations, and is therefore unreliable.

19 This simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator in BS Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist. Potential consequences of fire Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm Fire hazard Low Trivial OR tolerable risk * Tolerable risk Moderate risk Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk * at discretion of Fire Risk Assessor 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 Medium / unlikely X - following 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 X - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate harm Extreme harm In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows: Slight harm: Moderate 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

20 Extreme harm: fatalities. Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants. Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is: Trivial Tolerable X - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate 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 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.

21 Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced. 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. Important note: this assessment of risk is made on a probable or 'best endeavour' basis, since this report is based on a sampling exercise. It is possible that greater risks remain undetected in areas or aspects that have not yet been accessed or addressed.

22 ACTION PLAN ORGANISATION: University of Kent ASSESSOR: Andrew Briggs BUILDING: Ingram building DATE: 8th February 2010 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 Note - only acute/remedial/salient/particular items appear below. Various standard/general requirements relating to e.g. fire precautions, training and maintenance have not been carried forward to the Action Plan, but are nevertheless necessary - see previous worksheets. 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 7.2 A number of items were found missed from Portable Appliance Testing or long overdue - these must be brought up to date and all staff be trained to remain vigilant as to test status and condition of appliances. 1A/B to 2A/B SPS (partly with Estates) Short term 13.0 Housekeeping 13.3 Remove combustible items such as furniture, cartons, waste materials, recycling bins, unlocked filing cabinets, laundry etc. from various escape route locations (e.g. adjacent to 114/116, 127, 316; foot of Phase 1 North staircase; foot & L3, L1 lobbies of Phase 2 staircase) and prevent recurrence Combustible waste outside should be kept at least 6m from the building, and secure (e.g. in locked compound, or wheelie bins chained or otherwise immobilised) Dangerous Substances 15.1 DSEAR risk assessments must be carried out for all relevant substances and conditions, taking account of all aspects listed in this section (15). (1) All dangerous chemicals should be suitably marked, labelled and segregated (yet to be completed e.g. in G12). (2) Repair the tarmac surface between Phases 1 & 2 (to eliminate the need to transport acetylene bottles through the building). 1A/B to 2A/B SPS & Biosciences Immediate, urgent 2A/B Estates Short to medium term 1A/B SPS & Biosciences Short to medium term (1) 2A/B (2) 3A/B (1) SPS (& Biosciences?) (2) Estates (1) Short term (2) Short to medium term (2) 17.0 Means of Escape from Fire

23 ACTION PLAN 17.2 iii (1) Final exits from teaching labs have lips and steps at the thresholds, mostly onto loose shingle, with the possibility of tripping, obstruction and/or injury - should be improved and ideally made suitable for disabled escape. (2) Many cross-corridor doors are capable of being locked by key - management must robustly ensure that this is impossible whenever the building is occupied, OR all such locks must be removed ix (1) Many fire doors are in very poor condition, having grossly excessive gaps (especially above) and/or ineffective seals and/or failing to self-close fully - should be repaired or corrected throughout. (2) Upper floor corridors of Phase 1 should preferably be subdivided near their midpoint, to separate alternative escape routes to each staircase. (1) 2A (2) 1A (1) 2A/B (2) 4A/B (1) Estates (2) SPS Estates (1) Short to medium term (2) Ongoing (1) Short to medium term (2) Long term 17.2 x A final exit must be provided directly from G26 or G24 (see notes). 1A Estates/SPS Urgent, critical 17.3 (1a) On the upper levels, disabled refuges with intercoms are provided (with directional signage) only in the central staircases; safe areas are designated/signed in other locations, but without intercoms - full refuges with intercoms should be provided in all three staircases. (1b) In the meantime, fire marshalling or similar provisions must reliably cover the possibility that a disabled person requires assistance from refuges without intercoms, OR those refuge signs should be removed to prevent possible confusion. (2) Procedures for facilitating 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. (3) Equipment such as evac chairs should preferably be provided locally, with sufficient building occupants nominated and trained in the assistance of persons with disabilities. (1a), (1b), (2) 1A (3) 1A to 2A, depending on occupancy (1a), (3) Estates (1b) SPS (2) Safety Unit & SPS (1a) Short term (1b) Immediate and ongoing (2) Short term (3) Medium term (1a), (3) (1) 18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development 18.1 i (1) Serious breaches of fire resisting construction are visible in numerous locations (e.g. around ducts between Teaching Laboratory 2 and corridor; a number of Phase 2 service duct dupboards) - the building must be surveyed, and fire stopping corrected, throughout. (2) Air movement due to extensive use of ventilation systems has recently been balanced in Phase 1 (subject to comment (a)) but still requires serious attention in Phase 2 where gross pressure differences are likely to spread smoke into and through escape routes. (3) Repair locks to all store room, service cupboard etc. doors where damaged or missing (e.g. 438, store room at foot of Phase 2 staircase, several service cupboards adjacent to 427/428 & 430/432). (4) Various service cupboards in Phase 2 corridors have been taken over as store cupboards - these must be kept locked at all times (all will be signed as such - see 20.1 (4)) - this is especially critical given the deficiencies in fire stopping (see (1) above). (1), (2) 1A/B (3), (4) 1A/B to 2A/B (1), (2) Estates (3) (4) Biosciences (1) Urgent, critical (2) Short term (3) (4) Immediate & ongoing (1), (2)