London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Transcription

1 Assessment Details: Property Assessed Flora Gardens , FLORA GARDENS, LONDON Assessment Date 19/12/2017 Assessment Valid Until 04/12/2020 Assessor Details Mark Richards LBHF Fire Risk Assessor QA Assessment by Property Information: Ward Type of Premises Ravenscourt Park Residential / General Needs Construction Details Premises Layout Was the premises purpose built? 4 storey general needs block of brick on concrete slab with a flat concrete roof. Open balcony approach with a single stair and lift. 12 flats with open balcony approach and 3 flats per level, a single stair with lift. Ground floor flats open onto street level with upper floors accessed via concrete stair enclosed at the base only. Access controlled by electronic key fob/intercom with drop key override. Refuse chute accessed via hoppers at each level discharging to a cupboard accessed externally. Page: 1 of 21

2 Number of Floors 4 Number of Flats/Bedsits 12 Number of Internal Staircases 1 Number of Lifts or Stair Lifts 0 Number of Final Exits 2 Are there external escape Stairs? Is the roof space accessible? Staffing & Occupancy: Number of Day Staff 0 Number of Night Staff 0 Number of Other people on site Time that the Premises is in use 24/7 Page: 2 of 21

3 Guidance Copyright: The information contained within this Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) document is owned by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) and may t be used or reproduced without written permission. This document is provided, to the recipient, subject to specific obligations of confidentiality set forth in one or more binding legal agreements between LBHF and the recipient. Scope of Assessment: This FRA has been carried out on behalf of the Responsible Person in accordance with Article 9 of the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in this premise and where appropriate, to identify significant findings to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation as obliged observing current best practice, providing a minimum fire safety standard. This report reflects the fire safety standards identified during inspection and does t address the risk fire may pose to property or business continuity. In order to carry out this fire risk assessment the assessor has used their professional expertise, judgement and guidance contained in the British Standards Institute s publicly available specification (PAS 79: 2012), the Department for Communities & Local Government guidance, Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Sleeping Accommodation, Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) Housing Fire Safety guidance and NFCC guidance Fire Safety in Specialised Housing. Which provides best practice guidance on fire safety provisions in England for certain types of existing housing; as well as the Local Government Association (LGA) Guidance Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats. The aim of the fire risk assessment process is t necessarily to bring an existing building up to the standard expected for a new building, constructed under current legislation. Rather, the intention is to identify measures which are practicable to implement in order to provide a reasonable level of safety for people in and around the premises. Information for the completion of this assessment was obtained by a physical type 1 survey, in compliance with LBHF policy and for the purpose of satisfying the FSO. The inspection of the building is ndestructive. The fire risk assessment will consider the arrangements for means of escape and so forth that will include examination of at least a sample of flat entrance doors. It also considers, so far as reasonably practicable, the separating construction between the flats and the common parts without any opening up of construction; however, in this type of survey, entry to flats beyond the area of the flat entrance door, is t involved as there is rmally automatic right of access for freeholders. If your premises have been designed and built in line with modern building regulations (and are being used in line with those regulations), your structural fire precautions should be acceptable. While every effort is made to inspect fire compartmentation & fire separating elements of buildings, dependant on accessibility, including roof spaces, voids and service risers, to assess the integrity, comments reflect reasonable assumption. Unless there is reason to expect serious deficiencies in structural fire protection such as inadequate compartmentation, or poor fire stopping a type 1 inspection will rmally be sufficient. Where doubt exists in relation to these matters, the action plan may recommend that one of the other types of fire risk assessment be carried out or that further investigation be carried out by specialists. (Any such recommendation would be based on identification of issues that justify reason for doubt.) The FRA includes an Action Plan that sets out measures to enable the Responsible Person to achieve this benchmark risk mitigation level, satisfy the requirements of the FSO and to protect Relevant Persons (as defined in Article 2 of the FSO), from the risks of fire. Risk Score before Assessment: Likelihod of Fire: Consequence of Fire: Overall Risk: Medium Moderate Moderate Risk Page: 3 of 21

4 Impact of fire on others 1.01 Are the premises shared occupancy (eg mixed commercial/residential)? 1.02 If the Premises are shared occupancy and where shared means of escape exist, do LBHF have any control over these? 1.03 Do you consider the premises presents an environmental risk in the event of a fire? 1.04 Do you consider that any serious damage to the premises would have a significant impact on the local community? Residential use only, with relatively low occupancy. No environmental concerns Persons at particular risk 2.04 Is there any staff or residents kwn to have a significant disability; may have difficulty evacuating the premises in an emergency without assistance? 2.02 Do residents live within the building without access to on-site staff assistance? 2.08 Are residents / visitors made aware of fire emergency procedures for the premises? Are there arrangements in place to include visitors? 2.01 Does the building contain domestic / privately occupied rooms or apartments? 2.06 Are there any staff or residents who may be at risk due to their young age or inexperience? 2.03 Is the premises used or otherwise accessed by members of the public? 2.05 Is there any staff or residents kwn to have a significant learning difficulty? If so do they understand the evacuation procedure? 2.07 Is staff aware of individual residents emergency arrangements and of their part in the procedures? No staff on site. Fire Action tice provided and detail correct. Supports a stay put policy. If LBHF are aware of any resident with an impairment appropriate measures should be put in place. Page: 4 of 21

5 Ignition Sources 3.01 Are there suitable smoking arrangements for these premises? 3.02 Are No Smoking signs displayed at each entrance? 3.03 Are suitable arrangements in place for smokers i.e. demarcated smoking areas, provision of suitable receptacles etc 3.04 Are portable heaters in use within the building? 3.05 Are all fixed heaters fitted with suitable guards? 3.06 Are all boiler systems and other heating systems and devices regularly maintained? 3.07 Are all other systems that operate with a naked flame regularly maintained? 3.08 Where applicable, are systems in place (Hot permits to work) when naked flames are used by contractors on site? - LBHF operates a "permit to work" system with Contractors undertaking hot works on site 3.09 Has fixed electrical wiring been subject to a safety inspection within the past five years in accordance with BS (17th Edition Wiring Regulations)? 3.09(a) Enter date of Inspection if kwn 16/07/2015 (please record test date below if kwn) 3.10 Are electrical sockets overloaded? i.e. double plugs, overuse of extension leads etc 3.11 Is a passenger/service lift installed? If so enter type in Comments below 3.12 Does the site have a stair or wheelchair lift? 3.13 Where installed, is the lightning protection system free from obvious defects and periodically tested? List any other sources of ignition Electrical equipment to common area No Lightning Protection provided. No gas equipment, naked flame or other heating to common area Page: 5 of 21

6 Sources of Fuel 4.01 Is the external of the premises free from disposed household items and other rubbish? 4.02 Are the escape routes free from any combustible materials covering substantial wall/ceiling areas >10% 4.03 Are the premises free from structural features that could promote the spread of fire/smoke? 4.04 Where installed, is the mains gas supply and shut off valve easily identified, and gas equipment subject to appropriate testing Is the general standard of housekeeping satisfactory? 4.06 Are there any Oxygen (O²) cylinders on site? Not Kwn - When LBHF become aware of residents using and storing O2 cylinders then appropriate information (name of user and address, location of cylinders) will be recorded and passed to the Fire & Rescue Service Does the site have adequate / appropriate external containers for rubbish and recycling waste and are they kept a resonable distance away from the premises? 4.08 Where provided, are tice boards maintained appropriately (t overstocked, secure) No 4.09 Are combustible materials, flammable liquids, oxidising agents & gases stored safely and isolated from ignition sources? No combustible materials, flammable liquids, oxidising agents & gases to common areas. Surface linings to common area appear Class O surface spread of flame. Notice board was t secured shut Page: 6 of 21

7 Active Fire Protection Systems 5.01 Is the premises provided with suitable means to raise an alarm in the event of fire? 5.02 If an alarm system is installed is it adequate / appropriate? (Give details within commentary) 5.03 Are there sufficient smoke/heat detectors provided in all common areas? 5.04 Is there smoke/heat detection in individual rooms? offices / bedrooms/flats? In line with rmal practice for purpose built residential blocks designed to facilitate a Stay Put evacuation strategy there is need for communal automatic fire detection and alarm system to be fitted in the building Are adequate Manual call points provided? 5.06 Are Manual call points (where fitted) clearly visible, indicated & ubstructed and appropriately located? 5.07 Are Manual call points DDA compliant? I.e. 1.4m +/- 200mm? 5.08 Is the fire alarm system tested in accordance with BS5839 and appropriate records kept? 5.09 Is all testing and maintenance recorded within the fire log book and signed? 5.10 Are the premises provided with an automatic smoke extraction / ventilation system linked to the fire alarm system? 5.11 Does the site generate UWFs? If so how many? 5.12 Are measures in place to prevent / reduce and investigate Unwanted Fire Alarm activations? (Refer to Fire Log Book) 5.13 Is a cause & effect developed for the premises? 5.14 Is the building linked to an automatic Receiving Centre i.e. Redcare or Help line facility? 5.15 Does the fire panel have back up power supply for use in the event of loss of mains power ( e g Battery)? 5.16 Are Main Fire & repeater panels installed on the premises? 5.17 Are bells or sounders provided to give warning of fire? No fire warning system fitted or required to common areas Means of Escape Page: 7 of 21

8 6.01 Are All Escape Routes And Final Exits Easily And Readily Available At All Times And Lead To A Place Of Ultimate Safety? 6.02 Are Escape Routes And Final Exits Appropriately Indicated With Correct Signage (Directional Signage, Pictorial Signage, And Means To Operate Final Exits) 6.03 Where required to do so, do ALL Final Exit Doors open in the direction of travel? 6.04 Are all Final Exit Doors EASILY and READILY available at all times, without the use of a key, and via a single operation? 6.05 Are ALL Final Exit Doors provided with the correct furniture with appropriate signage for means of operation? 6.06 Do all electronically controlled doors have a fail safe in case of a power failure? 6.07 Are there Final Exit Doors that CANNOT be easily and immediately opened from the Inside by anyone who may need to use them? 6.08 Are escape routes at least 1m wide for staircases / 1.2 m wide for corridors & minimum of 750mm for doors? No 6.09 Do the widths of Escape Routes appear adequte for the number of persons who may need to use them? 6.10 Is the condition of the Escape Route suitable? (i.e free from trip hazards etc) 6.11 Are suitable refuges provided? 6.12 Are any EXTERNAL Fire Escapes (where fitted) NOT free from slip hazards, i.e. Not subject to regular maintenance etc 6.13 Are final exit doors ubstructed (eg parked cars) and appropriately signed? 6.14 Are Travel Distances excessive? i.e. single direction over 18 metres No 6.15 Are there any Dead end conditions? 6.16 Are there any inner rooms identified? Is the escape from the inner room acceptable? 6.17 Is suitable ventilation provided throughout the building? 6.18 Is smoke ventilation equipment reasonable and free from any obvious defects? Page: 8 of 21

9 Natural ventilation only, with open balcony approach, openable window and door openings. Single staircase condition with means of escape including travel distance and exit widths acceptable for risk presented. Final exits doors magnetic locked but simple fastening for egress. Simple premises but fire exit signage provided. No designated refuge areas but common open balconies will provide a suitable degree of protection if fire occurs in a flat. Fire Doors 7.01 Are communal fire doors installed to an appropriate standard (e.g., minal fire doors, FD30S)? 7.02 Where appropriate, are communal fire doors supplied with correct signage? 7.03 Where required, are communal fire doors fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals? 7.04 Where required, are communal fire doors fitted with a positive action self-closing device? 7.05 Where installed, do communal fire doors fully close against frame? 7.06 Are all communal fire doors in good condition? 7.07 When closed, are gaps between door and frame within acceptable limits (e.g. 3mm top and sides, 8 mm base of door)? 7.08 Are communal fire doors provided with appropriate door furniture? 7.09 where required, are communal doors provided with vision panels and of the correct fire resistance? 7.10 Are any communal fire doors fitted with a ventilation grille, if so are they appropriately fire rated? 7.11 Is there a programme of maintenance in place for all communal entrance fire doors? No communal fire doors 7.12 Are flat entrance fire doors installed to an appropriate standard (eg, minal fire doors, FD30S) No 7.13 Where required, flat entrance fire doors fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals? No 7.14 Where required, are flat entrance fire doors fitted with a positive action self-closing device? No Page: 9 of 21

10 7.15 Where installed, do flat entrance fire doors fully close against frame automatically? No 7.16 Are flat entrance fire doors in good condition? 7.17 When closed, are gaps between door and frame within acceptable limits ( e.g. 3mm top and sides, 8 mm base of door)? No 7.18 Are flat entrance fire doors provided with appropriate door furniture? No 7.19 Is there a programme of maintenance in place for all flat entrance fire doors? Quarterly visual inspection carried out by housing officers, any defects, recorded and reported accordingly. 2/12 flat entry doors sampled, flats 196 and 197. Doors do t appear to be fire rated to any kwn standard and all doors visually in the block appear the same type. However given the open balcony approach and defend in place strategy this risk is acceptable except where flats are in a dead end condition and occupants may wish to escape passed a flat on fire. Page: 10 of 21

11 Structural Protection 8.01 Do the premises contents present a significant risk to the fire service in the event of a fire? 8.02 Is the compartmentation, including electrical cupboards of an adequate standard and where required, appropriately fire stopped? 8.03 Are suspended ceilings fitted and are they free from defects or missing tiles? 8.04 Where pipe-work or cable carriers penetrate a compartment wall are Intumescent collars / pillows provided? 8.05 Are Cavity barriers provided within voids? i.e. for areas >20m 8.06 Does the compartmentation extend above the ceiling to the underside of the floor above? 8.07 Are roof voids adequately separated to prevent the passage of smoke? (where applicable) 8.08 Where necessary are Fire / Smoke Dampers provided? 8.09 Are Dumb waiters or other unprotected vertical shafts / ducts located within the structure that might compromise compartmentation? 8.10 Are Ducts separated at each floor level where they penetrate compartment floors? No Not Kwn - This is a Type 1 n-intrusive survey and covered ducting could t be checked Is there evidence of Asbestos in the building? Not Kwn It is considered that the concrete slab and brick construction will provide the required fire separation. However, this form of construction is subject to general building conditions of age, incorrectly installed or maintained services or works which can lead to smoke or fire spread. Any riser within the building requires inspection for fire stopping between floors. These risks are continually monitored through post fire investigation and internal inspection when void. The common part external walls are in a good order but it was t possible to confirm the fire integrity of individual compartments. The refuse chute running through the common stair approach included steel hoppers but did t appear to fire rated and there was visual indication of same or seals fitted Electrical cupboard within the staircase enclosure whilst enclosed in concrete enclosure did t appear to be adequately fire stopped or provided with an FD30 door. Page: 11 of 21

12 Emergency / Escape Lighting 9.01 Are the premises equipped with a suitable & sufficient emergency lighting system (Internal / External) to allow for safe evacuation from all areas? 9.02 Is the Emergency lighting tested, maintained & recorded in accordance with BS5266 Part ? - log book seen onsite and last recorded test date to be entered in comments below 9.03 Do protection systems (Emergency lighting/fire panel) have back up power supply for use in the event of a loss of mains power (e.g. battery)? Emergency lighting tested and satisfactory 4/9/17 however at 3 hour duration test undertaken 25/5/17 all lights failed. Means of Fighting Fire Are there any Hose-reels in place? Is adequate information on the premises available for firefighters on arrival? e.g. site plans, building information, dry risers, etc Is the premises provided with a suppression system (sprinkler/misting/foam or gas) Are there a sufficient number of appropriate fire extinguishers Are there any wet / dry risers installed? Are they maintained / tested? If Applicable - Are fire extinguishers clearly visible, fixed to walls at the correct height or on stands and ubstructed? If Applicable - Are suitable signs placed above the fire extinguishers to dete their type and application? If Applicable - Are the fire extinguishers regularly serviced? (Annually) In accordance with BS kg Carbondioxide extinguisher provided to electrical intake rooms. Not serviced within the last year. Page: 12 of 21

13 Fire Procedure, Emergency Plan, Management Responsibility Is there a suitable Emergency Evacuation Strategy in place with appropriately worded fire action tices displayed, for the premises? Is the designated assembly point situated in a safe location away from the building and clearly identified? Does the procedure include the safe evacuation of disabled persons, visitors, contractors etc.? Is the access to mains gas/electricity shut off ubstructed? Are all utility services clearly identified? Are premises management and occupants unaware of the fire safety features provided and their purpose? Does the Fire Procedure for the building include actions to be taken on hearing the Fire Alarm? Does the emergency plan cover investigating the fire alarm prior to calling the fire service? Do the premises occupiers pose a risk to Fire Fighters? i.e. violent, aggressive behaviour etc. Not Kwn For unstaffed premises, are suitable arrangements in place for silencing and re-setting the fire panel? Are records maintained for maintenance and servicing of fire safety equipment? Are regular checks of escape routes and exit doors carried out and recorded? Quarterly inspection carried out by housing officers, any defects recorded and reported accordingly. No staff on site. Fire action tice in place supporting stay put policy. Checks of escape routes also via risk assessment process. Residents responsible for visitors. Staff Training Are any staff employed at this premises? Page: 13 of 21

14 Access of Fire Appliances Are there any space and access restrictions for fire service appliances approaching the premises? Are adequate water supplies for fire fighting available? i.e. local hydrants, open water etc Are there any additional facilities in place to aid firefighters (eg lift shaft). No additional measures required. Water supplies and access adequate. Drop key override provided for fire service access. Any Other Related Issues Is there any evidence of surface mounted cables or plastic trunking? If to are there surface mounted cables that do t comply with BS 5839 Part 1 26(f) Are composite panels installed (e.g. over-cladding) on the external surface of the property? If to do any panels t meet the requirements of a) surface spread of flame; b) fire resistance If any panels in do t meet the requirements, have arrangements been made to obtain samples for testing purposes? Is there an arson risk? i.e. evidence of vandalism, appropriate storage for waste etc? No surface mounted cables to common area. Security against arson is considered reasonable only in the context of this style and type of property. There is evidence of arson or vandalism related issues and the premises were accessed by electronic key lock/intercom control. Material that forms the panels below the window opening to flats could t be determined Section 4: Sources of Fuel 9 Findings: Priority: 2 Notice board was t secured shut Repair Description: Page: 14 of 21

15 Keep locked shut Fault Location: Keep locked shut Image 1: Image 2: Image 3: Section 7: Flat Entrance Doors 9 Findings: Priority: 3 2/12 flat entry doors sampled, flats 196 and 197. Doors do t appear to be fire rated to any kwn standard and all doors visually in the block appear the same type. No self closing devices were fitted. However given the open balcony approach and defend in place strategy this risk is acceptable except where flats are in a dead end condition and occupants may wish to escape passed a flat on fire. Repair Description: Therefore doors in the block sited within a dead end balcony that will have to be passed to egress, i.e.flats numbered 190,193 and 196 should be upgraded to FD30 doors. These doors should be installed in accordance with the TRADA scheme or equivalent and include the installation of automatic self-closing devices, ideally fitted to the external face of the door leaf. Fault Location: Therefore doors in the block sited within a dead end balcony that will have to be passed to egress, i.e.flats numbered 190,193 and 196 should be upgraded to FD30 doors. These doors should be installed in accordance with the TRADA scheme or equivalent and include the installation of automatic self-closing devices, ideally fitted to the external face of the door leaf. Page: 15 of 21

16 Image 1: Image 2: Image 3: Section 3: Ignition Sources 9 Findings: Priority: 4 No Lightning Protection provided. Repair Description: Undertake a survey for requirement of Lightning Protection to the building Fault Location: Undertake a survey for requirement of Lightning Protection to the building Image 1: Page: 16 of 21

17 Image 2: Image 3: Section 8: Structural Protection 9 Findings: Priority: 3 Electrical cupboard within the staircase enclosure whilst enclosed in concrete enclosure did t appear to be adequately fire stopped or provided with an FD30 door. Repair Description: Enclose electrical equipment in an enclosure/s that will achieve a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance in accordance with BS476. Provide appropriate fire stopping to cable runs where they leave and enter the common area and any fire rated enclosure. Provide fire door keep locked and hazardous substances signage to outer face. Fault Location: Enclose electrical equipment in an enclosure/s that will achieve a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance in accordance with BS476. Provide appropriate fire stopping to cable runs where they leave and enter the common area and any fire rated enclosure. Provide fire door keep locked and hazardous substances signage to outer face. Image 1: Image 2: Page: 17 of 21

18 Image 3: Section 9: Emergency/Escape Lighting 9 Findings: Priority: 4 Emergency lighting tested and satisfactory 4/9/17 however at 3 hour duration test undertaken 25/5/17 all lights failed. Repair Description: Determine reason for failure and repair/replace as necessary to ensure compliance with Bs Fault Location: Determine reason for failure and repair/replace as necessary to ensure compliance with Bs Image 1: Image 2: Image 3: Section 10: Means for Fighting Fire Page: 18 of 21

19 9 Findings: Priority: 3 2.5kg Carbondioxide extinguisher provided to electrical intake rooms. Not serviced within the last year. Repair Description: Ensure Carbon dioxide extinguisher to electrical cupboard suitably mounted and indicated. Provide pre planned maintenance and testing. Fault Location: Ensure Carbon dioxide extinguisher to electrical cupboard suitably mounted and indicated. Provide pre planned maintenance and testing. Image 1: Image 2: Image 3: Section 14: Any Other Related Issues 9 Findings: Priority: 3 Material that forms the panels below the window openings to flats could t be determined Repair Description: Albeit the panels are relatively small these should be examined and sampled where appropriate for n combustibility Fault Location: Page: 19 of 21

20 Albeit the panels are relatively small these should be examined and sampled where appropriate for n combustibility Image 1: Image 2: Image 3: Section 8: Structural Protection 9 Findings: Priority: 3 The refuse chute running through the common stair approach included steel hoppers but did t appear to fire rated and there was visual indication of same or any seals fitted. Repair Description: Provide refuse chute fire rated hoppers to BS476 Parts 21 & 33 Fault Location: Provide refuse chute fire rated hoppers to BS476 Parts 21 & 33 Image 1: Page: 20 of 21

21 Image 2: Image 3: Recommendations: Section 4: Sources of Fuel Findings: Priority 0 Finding: Woodchip wallpaper in the communal areas on walls and ceiling. Action: Replace wood chip with zero rated alternative when the property is next refurbished. Risk Score After Assessment: Likelihod of Fire: Consequence of Fire: Overall Risk: Medium Slight Tolerable Risk Supplementary Photos: Page: 21 of 21