Aston University Main Building, North and South Wings Fire Safety Management Plan

Transcription

1 Aston University Main Building, North and South Wings Fire Safety Management Plan October 2013 Version 1.2 October 2013 DW/FSA

2 Contents 1. Introduction - 2. Policy - 3. Organisation - 4. Fire Safety Arrangements - 5. Monitoring - 6. Audit and Review - Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Fire Strategy Fire Strategy Drawings Estates & Capital Development Action Plan Emergency Procedure Fire Risk Assessment and Reviews Maintenance / Testing Schedule Contingency Plans Fire Safety Policy Contractors Code of Practise Refurbishment Project Information Roof Access Arrangements Variation of FSMP fire prevention measures mitigation form.

3 1 Introduction 1.1 OBJECTIVES The objectives of this report are to; Assist managers responsible for fire safety in the premises to discharge their duties effectively. Provide documentary record of the fire safety arrangements in the premise and to assist in demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Provide information and assistance to the Fire Brigade in the case of an emergency. 1.2 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The contents of this plan apply to The Main Building North and South Wings The design fire strategy drawings are included in Appendix A This fire safety management plan does not include: Fire training syllabus this to be developed in line with existing Aston University staff fire training syllabuses and carried out annually on Campus. Design details. Operating instructions for systems / equipment these will be provided by suppliers and manufacturers Responsibility for compliance with duties under fire safety legislation rests with the Responsible Person. 1.3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS The Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guide Educational Buildings BS9999:2008.

4 2 Policy 2.1 POLICY STATEMENT Aston University recognise that fire precautions play an important part in Health and Safety for employees and persons on its premises, and is therefore committed to minimising the risk of fire within its premises to the lowest practicable level. In the event of a fire, Aston University seeks to provide an effective response through rapid detection, containment and control. This will be achieved through staff training and awareness as it is recognised that everyone can contribute to the prevention of fire and through a responsible reaction, mitigate the spread of fire and ensure a safe evacuation. Aston University will comply fully with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Particular attention will be paid to: Fire Risk Assessment and the actions identified. Maintaining an adequate means of escape for all persons in case of fire, which are kept free from obstruction, are available for safe and effective use at all times, and have adequate emergency lighting. The provision of adequate means of giving warning of fire. The provision of adequate equipment for fire fighting. The provision of emergency lighting where required. The provision of appropriate instruction on evacuation procedures to all staff, students, visitors and contractors. Effective management procedures to respond to and deal with the aftermath of a fire Appropriate fire training. Aston University s Fire Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly. Revisions will be brought to the attention of all employees.

5 3 Organisation 3.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Table 1 below sets out the fire safety roles and responsibilities relevant to the management structure. Role University Executive Individual Managers of Schools/Departments in the Main Building and Wings. Responsibilities Ensuring the Aston University Main Building North and South Wings has effective and robust policies for fire safety which meet legal requirements. Overall responsibility for ensuring fire safety policies and procedures are implemented Ensure appropriate and robust Health & Safety management structure is in place Controlling Main Building & Wings access, including building opening hours and associated lone and late working issues. Overall responsibility for ensuring fire safety policies and procedures are implemented on a day-to-day basis for areas under their control. Day-to-day observation of fire safety issues and reporting as necessary. During evacuation, encouraging and assisting people to find and use exits. Ensure the Safety Code of Practice for Contractors is implemented where required. Implement University Controls for Contractors Permits to Work see Appendix I. Ensure the Main Building & Wings FSMP is fully implemented. Ensure adequate risk control systems and procedures are in place. Ensure fire risk assessment actions within designated areas under their responsibility are carried out within the specified time frame. Satisfy themselves that the Main Building & Wings fire risk assessment reflects the core hazards of the areas under their control and that processes are in place to deal with any non-conformities raised. Ensure that procedures and arrangements are in place to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies Responsibility for appointing Fire Wardens and ensuring all lab based researchers have been fire trained Ensure that any person with a designated role and/.or responsibility is given the necessary authority to make decisions and take actions commensurate with their duties. Additionally, deputies with similar authority and training should be nominated to cover for periods of absence. Ensure all visitors are fully briefed in fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures.

6 Ensure emergency contacts list is in place and kept upto-date. Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to control the levels of general rubbish and other waste streams. Identify and provide all the training needs of staff as required and detailed in the FSMP. Dissemination of information relating to fire hazards and associated risks, and fire prevention arrangements. Ensure that all planned activities that will result in an increase in the fire loading of any area are first agreed with the University Fire Safety Adviser using the mitigation form (Appendix L). Report all accidents and incidents in accordance with the University s accident and incident reporting procedures. Keeping copies all fire safety records. Laboratory Managers Ensure all laboratory activities have been suitably and sufficiently risk assessed, paying particular attention to COSHH and DSEAR assessments. Ensure that there Safe Operating Procedures for all laboratory activities. Ensure all laboratories are regularly inspected and audited. Ensure lab safety critical systems are regularly inspected and maintained. Implement Health, Safety and Fire directives issued by the Health & Safety Committee. Ensure a good level of housekeeping is maintained in all laboratories and the fire loadings are kept to absolute minimum, in line with the arrangements set out in the FSMP. Organise and produce procedures for the Control of Safety Critical laboratory Systems during incidents and emergencies. Advise Health & Safety Committee on training needs of individual laboratory workers required to deliver the FSMP for the lab areas. Laboratory Supervisors Ensure all lab workers within the area they supervise are adequately trained and are aware of all Health & Safety equipment and procedures. Ensure that any planned new activities within their area are first discussed with the Laboratory Manager. Ensure they are trained and competent in the use of any emergency control systems which affect their laboratories. Production of Fire Safety Information pack for their lab. EAS & LHS Technical Manager/Safety Advisor In conjunction with University Fire Advisor produce annual Main Building & Wings fire safety plans, which seek to continual improve fire safety. Ensures the effective dissemination of fire H&S information within Main Building & Wings and between their particular School and the University.

7 Ensure the Executive Dean is kept fully informed and regularly briefed on the current state of fire H&S within Main Building & Wings and is advised on issues causing concern. University Fire Safety Advisor Ensuring fire risk assessments are carried out. Organising fire safety training. Ensuring suitable means of fire fighting equipment is available and maintained Organising evacuation drills. Implementing arson prevention measures. Estates & Capital Development Ensuring fire safety records are completed and stored Carrying out maintenance checks, tests as appropriate Supervision / monitoring of contractors on site. Assistance with fire drills and evacuations. Co-ordination of fire safety information with third parties. Identify all safety critical systems and introduce procedures for shutting these down which must include arrangements for informing the appropriate staff. Control Main Building & Wings roof access in accordance with agreed procedures (see Appendix K) Ensure the Safety Code of Practice for Contractors is implemented where required for any work they organise. This includes supervision / monitoring of their activities whilst they are on site Implement University Controls for Contractors Permits to Work (see Appendix I) for any work they organise. Security Control Investigate all fire alarm activations to establish if there is a need for the fire & rescue services Co-ordinating Fire and Rescue access during a fire. Call Fire Service to report fires. Preventing re-entry to the building where an evacuation is occurring. Fire Wardens Performing any allocated role in fire evacuation as instructed. Performing assistance role if necessary for a PEEP. Reporting concerns or deficiencies with fire safety matters. All Staff Members Co-operation with fire safety policies and procedures. Reporting concerns or deficiencies with fire safety matters. Table 1: Summery of the Roles and Responsibilities

8 3.1.2 Arrangements will be put in place to ensure deputies are nominated to perform the essential functions in the absence of the primary designated person. 3.2 COMPETENCE All those who have designated roles and responsibilities in respect of this fire safety management plan will be competent. Competence will be achieved through knowledge, training and experience A fire safety training needs analysis will be developed and all training delivered in line with the analysis. 3.3 AUTHORITY Any person with a designated role and/or responsibility will be given the necessary authority to make decisions and take actions commensurate with their role / responsibilities Deputies will be nominated for periods of absence. All deputies will be provided with suitable training and any necessary tools to enable discharge of their role. 3.4 COMMUNICATIONS Methods of communication will be put in place to ensure effective sharing and exchange of fire safety information The essential areas for communication are as follows: Dissemination of information about fire hazards and risks to relevant people Fire prevention arrangements Reporting system for concerns or deficiencies in fire safety matters Liaison with local Fire & Rescue Service 3.5 THIRD PARTIES Aston University has a duty to provide relevant fire safety information to anyone using the Main Building and Wings. This task is the responsibility of the host by means of a safety induction or the use of the visitor s safety leaflet available from main reception Where an agreement is made for third parties to use the Main Building & Wings facilities the persons will be given the following information; Notification of appropriate emergency evacuation procedures How to activate the fire alarm Location and use of relevant emergency exits Location of safe assembly point Facilities for calling the emergency services

9 3.6 TRAINING All staff will receive fire safety training on induction and refresher training at regular intervals thereafter. The training will include the following; Awareness of fire prevention Awareness of basic fire protection measures in the building, including fire doors What to do on discovering a fire What to do when the fire alarm sounds Staff with specific designated roles in relation to the fire management plan will be given additional specific training to ensure that they understand the requirements and are competent to carry out the necessary functions. These designated staff will also be trained to use the basic fire fighting equipment provided.

10 4 Fire Safety Arrangements 4.1 FIRE SAFETY DESIGN The Main Building was designed and built during the mid1950 s and was compliant with regulations at that time however, the building would not now comply with modern building regulations, therefore the proposed fire safety design of the Main Building and Wings aims to comply with BS9999:2008 as far as reasonably practicable. The detailed drawings which describe the key elements of the proposed fire safety design are key documents which should be held on site for future reference as needed. The fire strategy drawings are included in Appendix A This fire safety management plan shows how the design intentions expressed in the fire strategy will be put into effect 4.2 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT In order to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 a fire risk assessment will be carried out. The significant findings of the fire risk assessment will be recorded and any necessary remedial actions will be identified The findings of the fire risk assessment are recorded in Appendix E Any remedial actions arising from a fire risk assessment will be formed into an action plan which will specify a date by which each action should be completed. Each action will be assigned to a named person who will take responsibility for its completion The fire risk assessment and the fire safety management plan are complementary to each other and will be coordinated to ensure there are no conflicts between them 4.3 FIRE PREVENTION Prevention of fire is an essential part of the fire safety measures in the Aston University Main Building and Wings. The key areas for fire prevention actions are summarised in Table 2 below Additional measures for prevention are as follows: Fire loading in laboratories kept to a minimum. Guidelines outlined in Engineering & Applied Sciences Good Laboratory Practice document & Life & Health Sciences Health & Safety policy are to be adopted and any deviance from these guidelines must be approved firstly by the School s Safety Adviser and the University s Fire Safety Adviser. Quarterly housekeeping inspections will be made of all laboratories by the local laboratory manager and findings recorded for auditing purposes. The laboratory storage of chemicals, solvents, etc. will be in accordance with the procedures set out in Engineering & Applied Sciences good laboratory practice guidelines & Life & Health Sciences Health & Safety policy Flammable solvents including waste solvent must not to exceed 50ltrs per laboratory without special storage arrangements are made and the approval of the University Fire Safety Advisor using the mitigation form (Appendix L) The University is endeavouring to reduce the amount of cylinders kept in the Main Building and Wings with a view to eventually moving over to piped systems where possible during refurbishments.

11 Gas lines to be isolated when not in use. Gas cylinders must be stowed away in the external store when not in use. Only in exceptional circumstances where there is a specific safety or process quality consideration may gas cylinders be stored indoors. In these cases the amounts kept should be minimised, special storage arrangements made and the approval of the University Fire Safety Advisor given using the migration form (Appendix L). No experiments to be operated without a Safe working Practice, emergency shutdown procedures and suitable risk assessment (including DSEAR) signed off by School/Department Health & Safety Representative. No experiments are to be operated should any of the safety systems be out of action or unavailable due to either system failure or laboratory allocation. All appropriate hazard and risk signage, PPE requirements and authorised users are displayed prominently displayed at lab entrances. Regular removal of rubbish and waste. Corridors and escape are kept clear and inspected on a daily basis by Fire Wardens and Security whilst on patrol Additional areas for fire prevention are plant rooms will be monitored on a regular basis and inspected quarterly by the Estates & Capital Department Maintenance Supervisor and findings recorded for auditing purposes. Access to plant rooms will be restricted with a permit to work required for any hot works undertaken. Crawl ducts above the corridors in the Main Building will require a permit for entry as this is classed as a confined space which has an air sampling style fire alarm system installed. Any works in these ducts could trigger an activation of the fire alarm which in turn would most likely lead to a full evacuation of the building interrupting the core business of the University. As part of the permit to access the crawl ducts instruction will be given how to isolate the alarm but work in a safe controlled manor with a procedure for raising the fire alarm should a fire occur. Area Housekeeping Waste Management Arson Electrical Key Actions / Arrangements High standard of general tidiness maintained Appropriate arrangements for storage of materials Contractor work areas should be regularly inspected to ensure they are clean and tidy Quarterly housekeeping inspections will be made of all Plant Rooms, Electrical Substations, Lift Motor Rooms and Wet Riser Landing Valve Cupboards. Bins in public areas will be emptied daily Monday to Friday External waste areas are kept secure and skips emptied on a regular basis Security measures, including CCTV Minimise access to combustible materials on site Report petty vandalism, graffiti etc All contractor work areas particularly those which give access to the building must be secured at the end of the working day. Test all portable appliances regularly and inspect for condition, including flexes Keep a record of all periodic tests of equipment

12 Contractors Electrical Equipment Storage of Hazardous Materials Displays / Events Smoking Prevent introduction of non-tested equipment Monitor use of extension leads and multi point adapters Monitor correct use of equipment including maintenance of ventilation space around appliances Contractor electrical equipment should be restricted to 110v All electrical equipment used must be accompanied by a current test certificate Any faulty or damaged equipment must not be used Flammable liquids minimal quantities held and stored in suitable locations Large displays, e.g. of art work or posters etc, should be assessed on an individual basis to consider fire safety implications particularly in escape routes Specific fire risk assessment of proposed events to check suitability of materials, equipment, etc, to be used Rigorous enforcement of site-wide smoking ban, No Smoking within 5m of the building. Estates & Capital Development and Estates & Capital Development and External External Contractors Contractors activities are monitored and controlled through method statements and permit to work system for hot works and works which will breach compartment walls, floors and doors. Table 2: Summary of fire prevention Measures 4.4 FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES Passive and active fire protection measures will be maintained in good order throughout the building to ensure their effectiveness. They will be subjected to checks, as detailed in Appendix B. All fire compartment walls or floors will be controlled by a permit to work system. Any works which will breach or pass through a compartment wall, floor or door will be subject to that permit control system. The permit will only be signed off after the physical inspection by the authorising officer controlling the work. A certificate along with photo evidence of the breach being suitably fire stopped using appropriate materials to afford the same level of fire resistance as that of the compartment being breached and a list of the materials used to repair the breach will be filed with the Estates and Capital Development Department and a copy sent to the University Fire Safety Adviser. The University must insure that during Capital Projects and Maintenance visits that alternative protection measures are implemented for occasions when normal fire protection measures fail, are under repair/maintenance or are removed whilst building alterations are made. A good system is one that includes plans to provide alternative protection measures when any parts of the fire protection measures are unavailable; this includes planned maintenance as well as unforeseen failures.

13 ASSOCIATED FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Gas detection systems monitor the abnormal presence or depletion of a range of gases within newly refurbished laboratory areas. This includes a specific provision to monitor flammable gas lines. Gas alarms are triggered when levels reach predetermined 1 st and 2 nd alarm levels. These are coupled to traffic light beacons which provide a clear signal to personnel and to remote control panels. There are remote control panels, sited in local vicinity (usually a corridor or staircase) which control labs. These panels control air supply and extract, and the shut down and reactivation of individual gas lines, water supplies and electricity. A simple cause and effect matrix is programmed into these which can be manually overridden if a dynamic risk assessment requires an alternative strategy to be deployed or the recovery of a laboratory after an incident It is recommended that during a refurbishment project that all fume cupboards should be fitted with a FIretrace auto fire extinguisher system. This system utilises precise temperature tubing to detect fires and activate the associated fire extinguisher quickly and effectively to the cupboard. A good system is one that includes plans to provide alternative protection measures when any parts of the fire protection measures are unavailable; this includes planned maintenance as well as unforeseen failures The key fire protection measures are; Fire resisting structure Fire Doors Fire warning & detection system Emergency lighting Means of escape Plant shutdown controls (e.g. gas valve isolation, plant shutdown) Fire dampers to protect compartment lines 4.5 FACILITIES FOR FIREFIGHTING There are certain facilities on the site to assist with Fire Service operations. These are: Fire hydrants 60 minute fire resistant stair enclosures. Minimum stair width of 1.1m.

14 Fire vehicle access routes Wet rising main Portable fire extinguishers will be supplied in strategic areas on all floors in the Main Building and Wings as per BS 5306 pt which are supplied and maintained by the University. 4.6 EVACUATION / EMERGENCY PROCEDURE GENERAL All staff will be trained in the necessary actions to take in the event of fire The emergency evacuation procedures are in Appendix D. Evacuation procedure notices are displayed by all manual call points and in contractor controlled areas The evacuation strategy for a fire in the Aston University Main Building and Wings is delayed simultaneous Evacuation, this includes contractor controlled areas On the activation of a detector or a manual call point on any floor in the Main Building and Wings, that particular fire compartment zone will receive a full evacuation tone and should evacuate immediately. All other zones will receive the first alert tone. The 4 minute first alert tone allows for a person who has received the necessary training to respond and check the area of activation before the complete building evacuation tone sounds. Note: If two devices are activated the system will automatically change to full evacuation throughout the complete Main Building & Wings On activation of a detector or a manual call point on any floor in the building some of the lifts will ground, but none of the lifts should be used in the event of an emergency The evacuation assembly point for the building is Vauxhall and Lakeside Parade, all occupants must report here in the event of an evacuation. Details of the assembly point will be printed on the fire action notices Visitor books will be taken to assembly point to enable a roll call to be made for the relevant areas, if this is not possible then each School/Department must sweep their area to ensure all occupants have evacuated Attending Fire Service crews will be met at an agreed point and will be briefed with all available relevant information including details of the roll call Staff or students with a disability who may require some assistance or support in an evacuation will be identified and a specific Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) prepared for them In order to accommodate visitors to the building who may have disabilities a range of simple generic PEEPs will be prepared and made available for implementation. These will cover the following; Sight impairment Mobility impairment wheelchair user Mobility impairment other A copy of the procedure can be found in appendix D.

15 5 Monitoring 5.1 EVACUATION DRILLS Evacuation drills will be carried out at least once per term. These will be organised and monitored by the Fire Safety Adviser. Records will be kept of each evacuation drill in the University Safety Office The outcome of drills will be used to modify the emergency plan if required. 5.2 CHECKS, MAINTENANCE AND TESTING All fire safety equipment and systems will be subject to routine checks, tests and maintenance at periods recommended by manufacturers / suppliers, British Standards or general fire safety guides. The test and maintenance schedule is included at Appendix B In addition to the routine tests and maintenance specified in the FSMP, a number of daily checks will be made as follows (these checks will not be formally recorded) Fire exits clear and unlocked = Security Patrols Fire alarm panel mains power / fault indications Senior Security Officer Nominated key staff are on duty or deputies identified and notified = School/Department Managers 5.3 RECORD KEEPING Fire safety records will be kept up to date and available for inspection on site The summary of fire safety records to be kept is as follows: Staff fire safety training (Records to be kept by Staff Development) Equipment and systems testing and checks (records to be kept by Estates & Capital Development on the Plannon system) Equipment and systems routine maintenance and servicing Fire alarm activations (records to be kept by Estates & Capital Development on the Plannon system) Fire events (records kept by University Fire Safety Adviser in MB726) Fire risk assessment and associated action plans (records kept by University Fire Safety Adviser in MB726 with a copy kept within the EBRI building) Fire safety officer visits and associated correspondence (records kept by University Fire Safety Adviser in MB726) Evacuations, planned and unplanned (records kept by University Fire Safety Adviser in MB726) PEEPs, specific and generic (records kept by University Fire Safety Adviser in MB726)

16 6 Audit and Review 6.1 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW The fire risk assessment will be reviewed annually A review will also take place in the event of significant changes, such as; Increase in number of people likely to be in the premises Proposed alterations to the layout of the premises Increase in fire loading in the premises Proposed changes to this fire safety management plan or the arrangements specified within it. Any of the above significant changes will need to be reported to the University Fire Safety Adviser by the Heads of Schools/Departments or their deputies The fire risk assessment will also be reviewed following any occurrence of fire (no matter how minor) or any reported fire-related near-miss, this will also include incidents in the contractor controlled areas 6.2 RESPONSE TO CHANGES Whenever changes are made which: Necessitate review of fire risk assessment (as specified in above), or affect the management structure or arrangements of the Main Building and Wings. The impact of those changes on this FSMP will be assessed and amendments made as necessary 6.3 RECORDS AUDIT The fire safety records detailed in Section 5.3 will be audited by the Fire Safety Advisor. 6.4 SPOT CHECKS Periodic spot-checks will be made by the University Fire Safety Adviser / The University Estates & Capital Development Department or other nominated individuals to ensure compliance with the fire safety arrangements. 6.5 FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN FORMAL REVIEW The Fire Safety Management Plan will be the subject to periodic review along with the fire risk assessment. The results of the review will be recorded and any necessary changes will be made and implemented The review will be undertaken by a competent person nominated by the University Fire Safety Adviser.

17 Appendices, Figures & Tables

18 Appendix A Fire Strategy

19 Safety Strategy Fire Main Building, North Wing and South Wing Aston University Rev 4 January 2012

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21 QM Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3 Remarks Draft for Following Sections 3.4 and Following comment condition survey 3.5 have been comments from revised to Stair C Aston University alteration and proposed changes to Stairs A, E and G. Date 21/01/11 10/03/ /11/ /01/2012 Prepared by Callum Dyer & Alex Hunt & Callum Dyer Alex Hunt Alex Hunt Callum Dyer Signature Checked by Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Signature Authorised by Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Ryan McCreadie Signature Project number File reference WSP UK Limited Registered Address WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1AF, UK Reg No England WSP Group plc Offices worldwide

22 Issue/revision Revision 4 Remarks Amended door swing on North Wing Ground Floor Date 27/01/2012 Prepared by Callum Dyer Signature Checked by Ryan McCreadie Signature Authorised by Ryan McCreadie Signature Project number File reference 3.1

23 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1 Introduction 2 2 Project Characterisation 3 3 Means of Escape 4 4 Internal and External Fire Spread 11 5 Fire Service Access and Facilities 13 6 Summary of Active & Passive Fire Safety Measures 14 7 Report Applicability 15 8 Conclusions and Recommendations 16

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25 Executive Summary This report has been produced as a fire strategy for the current provided provisions. In addition the report shall identify areas where further fire safety measures are required in line BS This report shall aid in the process of risk assessing and prioritising the required fire safety measures. Note items coloured in red have been changed to reflect findings from the site conditional survey. Where deficiencies from standard guidance are highlighted in this report they are discussed and assessed within the WSP Risk Assessment of Conditional Survey Findings Report.

26 1 Introduction WSP Fire has been commissioned by Aston University to provide fire engineering support to the Main Building and the adjoining North and South Wing Fire safety measures detailed within this report are be based on the recommendations provided by BS It should be noted that whilst the buildings are not required to meet the recommendations of BS 9999, the report forms a basis of risk assessing areas that fall short of minimum recommendations The objectives of this report are to: Identify the current fire safety measures required in terms of life safety in accordance with Part B of the Building Regulations 2010 Provide a means of identifying where further fire safety measures are required Highlight the current provisions within the main building and adjoining wings The fire strategy report has been developed based upon the information contained within the general arrangement of drawings provided by Aston University and following the condition survey on site. This report should be read in conjunction with these drawings. A layout of a typical floor of the main building is displayed in Figure 1. Figure 1 Typical Main Building Layout

27 2 Project Characterisation 2.1 GENERAL This report has been produced specifically for the Main Building and associated North and South Wings of Aston University. The majority of the building floor area is made up of teaching and office accommodation with additional catering, workshops and plant areas The Main Building (MB) consists of 8 stories of accommodation in addition to a single basement level. The main building has 2 adjoining Wings (North and South) (NW, SW) comprising of 12 and 12 storeys respectively In accordance with the recommendations of BS 9999 the building has been designated as having an A2 risk profile. Where occupants are awake and familiar with the building and the fire growth rate is medium The key architectural aspects impacting upon the fire safety strategy are: Height to top occupied floor is above 30 m. Occupant escape is be provided by 7 no escape stairs in the MB and 2 no escape stairs in each Wing Means of escape for this strategy will be assessed against a combined occupancy for all 3 buildings of c persons.

28 3 Means of Escape 3.1 EVACUATION PHILOSOPHY The buildings (MB, NW and SW) evacuation philosophy is currently simultaneous with all occupants of the buildings evacuating on full activation of the fire alarm Management currently operate an investigation period allowing a member of University Security to investigate prior to full activation of the fire alarm. 3.2 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM As a minimum recommendation of BS 9999 the building should be provided with a manual call point system The buildings are currently provided with a manual call point system throughout with addition some automatic fire detection in some areas. The provision of automatic detection exceeds minimum recommendations and therefore be considered as an enhanced system and used as a compensatory feature where deviations from standard guidance occur. 3.3 TRAVEL DISTANCES The following table (Table 1) indicates the BS 9999 recommended travel distances within the buildings in accordance with the designated risk profile (A2). The majority of the travel distances within the building comply with this guidance However, currently there are extended travel distances at level 7 of 62 m in more than one direction. Accommodation Single direction of travel (m) More than one direction of travel (m) Office Space Basement Roof Plant (Open Air) Table 1 Travel Distances

29 3.4 HORIZONTAL ESCAPE This section provides detail of the horizontal escape from the MB, NW and SW. The capacity provided has been based on 3.6 mm per persons as per BS 9999 for an occupancy profile A2. Main Building The following table has been amended to reflect alteration to final exit of Stair C and proposed changes for 2012 to Stairs A, E and G. Occupancy numbers presented are absolute maximums per floor, total building capacity should not be exceeded (see Table 6) It should be noted that final exits on upper storeys have been taken as stair width to minimise the effects of escape routes narrowing (where exits in stairs are greater than the stair width). Level Actual Exit Width Provided (mm) Actual Exit Width following discounting (mm) Level Maximum Capacity (persons) Basement Lower Ground Ground Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Table 2 Main Building Horizontal Egress Capacity

30 North Wing Occupancy numbers presented are absolute maximums per floor, total building capacity should not be exceeded (see Table 7). Level Actual Exit Width Provided (mm) Actual Exit Width following discounting (mm) Current Occupancy Capacity (persons) Lower Ground / Ground 3300* Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Table 3 North Wing Horizontals Escape Capacity * Escape width from Main Stair limited by corridor (1400mm) not final exit (2000mm).

31 South Wing Occupancy numbers presented are absolute maximums per floor, total building capacity should not be exceeded (see Table 8). Level Actual Exit Width Provided (mm) Actual Exit Width following discounting (mm) Current Occupancy Capacity (persons) Ground Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Level Table 4 South Wing Horizontal Escape Capacity Where doors do not open in the direction of escape, occupancy is limited to 60 persons.

32 3.5 VERTICAL ESCAPE Main Building This section has been amended to reflect alterations to the final exit of Stair C and proposed alterations for 2012 to the final exits of Stairs A, E and G There are 7no stairs designated for escape from the MB, which discharge direct to external or by means of protected corridor. With no lobbies provided to the stairs, 1no escape stairs must be discounted for a worst case scenario Escape stairs are connected by corridors, however no cross corridor separation is provided to separate escape routes. Escape stairs not provided with protected lobbies The vertical egress capacity is displayed in Table 6. Stair Final Exit Width (mm) Actual Stair Width (mm) Storeys Served Stair Width Per Person (mm) Stair Occupancy Capacity (persons) Merging Flow Additional Capacity (persons) Total for Exit (persons) A B Not used for escape purposes C D E F G H * Largest discounted for worst case scenario. Building Capacity 6428 Table 5 Main Building Occupancy Capacity

33 North Wing Stair Stair Final Exit Width (mm) Final Exit Width (mm) Actual Stair Width (mm) Actual Stair Width (mm) Storeys Served Storeys Served Stair Width Per Person (mm) Stair Width Per Person (mm) Stair Occupancy Capacity (persons) Stair Occupancy Capacity (persons) Merging Flow Additional Capacity (persons) Merging Flow Additional Capacity (persons) Total for Exit (persons) Main * End Building Capacity 824 Table 6 North Wing Vertical Egress Capacity * Largest discounted for worst case scenario. # Calculated as worst case taking final exit width, and deducting stair width, leaving 500mm exit for persons escaping from ground and lower ground floors (distance from stair to final exit less than 2m). Note escape width for ground and lower ground floors (500mm) is less than minimum recommended by BS 9999, however calculation represents worst case in existing building. South Wing Total for Exit (persons) Main * End Building Capacity 944 Table 7 South Wing Vertical Egress Capacity * Largest discounted for worst case scenario The vertical egress capacities in the above tables are currently the limiting factor for occupancy within the buildings. Summary In summary, the combined occupancy capacity for escape from all 3 buildings (MB, NW and SW) is 8126 persons Following the works proposed for 2012 on the final exits of stairs A, E and G, occupancy capacity will be sufficient for the identified occupancy of c persons across the 3 buildings.

34 3.6 DISABLED REFUGES Disabled refuges should be provided within every protected escape stair. These should be 900mm x 1400mm in area and fitted with Emergency Voice Communication (ECV) intercom systems designed to the recommendations of BS : It has been identified that not all escape stairs within the wings are provided with disabled refuges. In addition, not all provided disabled refuges are fitted with and ECV designed to BS5839-9: INNER ROOMS Where inner rooms are located within the accommodation one of the following should be provided in accordance with BS 9999: Automatic fire detection fitted to the access room to warn occupants of the inner room of fire in the access room; or Suitably sited vision panel (not less than 0.1m 2 ) in the door to the inner room, enabling occupants of the inner room to see if a fire occurs in the access room. The enclosures (walls or partitions) of the inner room are stopped at least 500 mm below the ceiling It should be noted that whilst vision panels were provided to some inner rooms, these vision panels were significantly obstructed such that they were ineffective. 3.8 DEAD END CORRIDORS Dead end corridors in excess of 2m in length should be designated as protected corridors and enclosed in 30 minutes fire resistance and provided with FD 20 S fire doors. It should be noted that where dead end corridors occur within the buildings, protected corridors are not currently provided. 3.9 ESCAPE LIGHTING AND SIGNAGE Emergency lighting is provided in accordance with BS in the following locations: All escape routes Open plan areas exceeding 60m². Plant rooms and switch rooms The site survey indicated that on the whole emergency lighting was provided to a reasonable standard, meeting the above requirements. Emergency lighting coverage shall be shown by the WSP Fire Strategy Drawings Suitable exit signage is be provided throughout the scheme in accordance with BS The site survey indicated that on the whole escape signage was provided to a reasonable standard, meeting the above requirements with a few exceptions. Escape signage shall be shown by the WSP Fire Strategy Drawings.

35 4 Internal and External Fire Spread 4.1 STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION The height of the building is over 30 m and therefore the structural fire protection should be 120 minutes. 4.2 COMPARTMENTATION The following table (Table 8) indicates the required level of fire resistance in the building. Area Cavity barriers in floor and ceiling voids Escape Stairs Protected corridors Places of special fire hazard Fire fighting shafts Required Fire Resistance 30 minutes 120 minutes 30 minutes 30 minutes 120 minutes Compartment floors Table 8 Fire Resistance 120 Minutes It is recommended in the design guidance BS 9999 that as the building is over 30 m in height that the escape stairs should be 120 minutes fire resisting. The building is 36 m high from lower floor level to the floor slab of the topmost habitable floor. However due to a large high floor to ceiling height of 4.5 m the fire load is comparable to a building under 30 m. Therefore the fire resistance of the escape stairs shall be 90 minutes rated the same fire resistance as a building of between 18 and 30 m in height With an A2 risk profile and height greater than 30m, compartment floors (fire resisting) are recommended by BS By separate recommendation the floor separating the lower ground floor and basement is also required to be a compartment floor. 4.3 FIRE DOORS Fire doors should be provided as per Table 9. Fire Door Doors to escape stair Dead end corridors Cross-corridor doors Fire Rating FD 30 S FD 20 S FD 20 S Place of special fire Hazard FD 30 Stair lobbies Doors to fire fighting shafts FD 30 S FD 60 S

36 Table 9 Fire Door Ratings 4.4 ATRIUM The atrium is open between ground and Level 6 of the MB and has a height less than 30m. Therefore by recommendation of BS 9999 the following fire safety measures should be provided: Automatic fire detection and alarm system to L2, Enclose the two upper levels in smoke retardant but not fire resisting construction, Provide smoke clearance to the atrium via a mechanical system capable of achieving four air changes per hour for a sprinklered building and six air changes per hour in unsprinklered building based on the total volume of the atrium, Fire load in the base of the atrium to be comparable to the use and contents with that adjoining the atrium. 4.5 CONCEALED SPACES The provisions necessary to restrict the spread of fire and smoke through cavities are: Cavities which form a path around fire separating elements, Sub-division of extensive cavities every 20m The areas highlighted above should be provided with cavity barriers rated to 30 minutes 4.6 FIRE STOPPING Where penetrations exist within fire resisting elements these should be fully fire stopped through the full thickness of the enclosure such that the level of fire resistance of the join is to the same level as that of the fire resisting element Fire and smoke dampers activated by the fire alarm should be installed were penetrations breach fire resisting construction located on escape routes. Where breaches occur in fire resistance not on escape routes fire dampers should be fitted activated by fusible link. 4.7 SPRINKLERS As the building is over 30 m Sprinklers should be provided with in the main building and adjoining wings to meet the recommendations of BS SMOKE CONTROL / VENTILATION SYSTEMS The fire fighting shafts in the building should be provided with the following smoke ventilation: A 1m 2 manual operable vent at each level within the stair or a 1m 2 remotely operable vent at the head of the stair, or:

37 A 1.5 m 2 manually operable vent at each level to a 3m 2 smoke shaft in the fire fighting lobby.

38 5 Fire Service Access and Facilities 5.1 FIRE SERVICE ACCESS With a building height in excess of 30m above fire service access, in accordance with BS 9999 the building should be provided with fire fighting shafts with the following additional provisions: Wet Risers, Fire Fighting Lifts, Protected Lobbies, Smoke Ventilation (see Section 4.8) The buildings should be provided with a minimum of 2no fire fighting shafts to allow all areas of the floor plate to be reached within 60m of a riser outlet. Additional risers should be provided within protected stairs to ensure hose coverage is satisfied. 5.2 FIRE HYDRANTS Fire hydrants are provided within 90 m of the entrance to the building and not more than 90 m apart. 5.3 SECONDARY POWER SUPPLIES Secondary power supplies should be provided for the life safety and fire fighting equipment such as the fire fighting lifts.

39 6 Summary of Active and Passive Fire Safety Measures 6.1 PASSIVE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES The following form the key passive fire protection measures: Plant rooms should be enclosed in 30 minutes fire resistance, Structural elements including floors, walls, columns and beams (120 minutes fire resistance), Escape stairs should be enclosed in 30 minutes fire resistance, Fire fighting shafts should be rated to 120 minutes fire resistance (including lobbies), Protected corridors rated to 30 minutes fire resistance, Lobbies provided to escape stairs 30 minutes fire resisting, Fire doors provided to plant rooms, stairs, doors separating stairs (cross-corridors) and doors in dead end corridors. Suitable exit signage designed to meet the recommendations detailed within BS5499-1:2002 is largely provided. 6.2 ACTIVE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES The following form the key active fire protection measures: Manual Call Point Fire Alarm System designed to meet the guidance provided within BS Emergency lighting provided in accordance with BS5266 Part 1:2005. Sprinklers provided throughout the building Disabled refuges should be provided in all escape stairs. Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system to BS :2003 should be provided with all disabled refuges. Fire and smoke dampers activated by the fire alarm should be installed where penetrations breach fire resisting construction located on escape routes. Where breaches occur in fire resistance not on escape routes fire dampers should be fitted activated by fusible link. An existing fire hydrant is located within 90 m of an entrance to the building and not more than 90 m apart. Fire fighting shafts provided with fire fighting lifts and smoke ventilation. Mechanical smoke clearance system provided for the atrium

40 7 Report Applicability 7.1 GENERAL Measures which fall outside the scope of the Building Regulations 2010, such as those for property protection and business continuity have not been addressed within this report. Whilst many of the proposed life safety features will have a property protection benefit, the project stakeholders should be consulted to determine any additional requirements The report is intended for the sole use of the Aston University. The information contained herein will not be relied upon by any third party and WSP Group will not accept any responsibility for matters arising as a result of third party use Where specific fire safety details are not discussed within this report, it should be assumed that the recommendations of the relevant British Standards should be followed. 7.2 THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on 1 st October 2006 it became the primary fire safety legislation. It consolidates nearly all previous fire safety legislation and primarily affects employers and building owners and operators. This will require the organisation to carry out a fire risk assessment, act on the findings and record any significant issues The employer is required to undertake and continually review a fire risk assessment to ensure that the employees and other occupants within the premises are not placed at risk from fire. This risk assessment is not included as part of this strategy It should be noted that the fire risk assessment would need to be undertaken and updated as necessary should alterations occur to the construction or contents of the building, use of the building or changes in occupancy numbers above those originally identified.

41 8.1.1 This document has been produced as a guidance document to highlight areas of compliance and noncompliance with the Main Building and associated wings of Aston University In addition to this report a risk assessment will be developed to address the areas of non-compliance highlighted.

42 Appendix B Fire Strategy Drawings

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78 Appendix C Estates & Capital Development Action Plan

79 Fire Condition Survey - Main Building, North Wing and South Wing Action Plan No. Task Action by PAD Approval Completion date Cost 1. Atrium Reduce risk of fire outbreak. All actions as per of WSP report Fire Risk Analysis, Recommendations and Guidelines. Head of Estates Projects End of September 2011 (COMPLETED Oct 2011) 5k 2. Develop Level 1 Fire Management Plan Main Building, South Wing and North Wing in accordance with BS9999. Fire Safety Advisor End of September Review actual occupancy levels of Main Building, South Wing and North Wing against previous desktop BS9999 calculations This study will take place over 2 days during the second week of the academic year to capture maximum occupancy levels. The capacity levels will then be reviewed to reflect these actual readings. Head of Estates Projects October 2011 (COMPLETED Oct 2011) - 4. a) Modifications to Lower Ground Floor final exits The exit route from A, C, E, G corners will be upgraded to ensure both: - Maximum capacity as provided by the stair widths is provided through to the final exit point. - A safe route of minimal 30 minute fire resistance is provided from the staircase to the point of the final exit. b) Lower Ground Floor Sub Compartments The lower ground will be split into 4 compartments utilising the current roadway for each compartment. The roadway will then form a protected route of escape. All walls adjoining the roadway will be upgraded to provide 30 minutes fire protection, including all service penetrations. c) Actual occupancy levels If it is deemed that the current final escape capacities (including the upgraded A, C, E, G stairs) are not sufficient, a review of B stairs with scope for further increases in capacity will be undertaken and Head of Estates Projects Head of Estates Projects February 2012 a) & b) February 2012 c) (if required) 350K (estimate) No cost. (It is anticipated that this work will not be required. If required a further 100k is estimated.)

80 implemented. 5. Fire detection and Alarm System upgrade Upgrade of the current fire alarm system to comply with standard L4 with enhancements to comply with BS5839 Part 1. This upgrade will be rolled out with the following priorities: Head of Estates Projects July K - MBLG to enable full connection of final escape provisions - MBG highest levels of usage - MB1-7 to complete early detection to validate compensating measures including WSP report and recommendations - NW & SW to complete full installation *Note - crawl ducts will be detected as part of these works. 6. Fire resistance to stairs All penetrations in fire compartment walls and staircases will be suitably fire stopped to afford the same level of fire resistance to that of the compartment wall. This will include the introduction of fire dampers to any pipework of services that penetrate the compartment. Head of Estates Projects Dec 2012 (MB) Dec 2013 (NW) Dec 2013 (SW) 375K 55K 95K 7. Cross Corridor Door separation (MB + NW) FD30 Fire Doors will be installed to provide cross corridor subdivision between staircases. Doors will all be held open on magnetic holders interconnected to the fire alarm system to main full circulation at all times. Head of Estates Projects Dec 2013 (MB) Dec 2013 (NW) 200K 25K *Note No action on SW due to short life span and low cost benefit factor. 8. Fire Fighting Shaft H Provision of a Fire Fighting Shaft in H Stairs: i. Install new wet rising main between H stairs and North Wing ii. Lobby H staircase the lobbies will be 60 minutes fire Head of Estates Projects i. Dec 2014 ii. Dec 2014 i. 70K ii. 80K

81 protected which will provide 120 minutes fire protection to the fire fighting shaft iii. Upgrade one of the H lifts to perform as a fire fighting lift as far as practicable. iv. Smoke ventilation to H staircase. *Note a further fire fighting shaft will be incorporated in any future design of D stairs following the removal of South Wing. iii. Dec 2015 iv. Dec 2015 iii. 50K iv. 25K 9. Ventilation to NW + SW staircases Simple ventilation to be provided to bottom staircases in each block Head of Estates Projects Dec K (NW) 5K (SW) 10. Replacement/repair of Fire Doors A programme of fire door replacement will be produced for the Main Building. New fire doors will be fully DDA compliant with a larger main leaf and full height vision panels. Doors will be held open on mag locks connected to the fire alarm system where suitable. *Note. All existing doors will be maintained, and are inspected and repaired on an on-going suitable planned preventative maintenance schedule as per the fire safety management plan. Head of Estates Projects Dec K (MB) 11. Dead End Corridors Protect any dead end corridors greater than 2m long in accordance with para of BS9999. Head of Estates Projects Dec K (estimate) 12. Disabled Refuges Disabled refuges are currently provided in South Wing. The rear stair provision is not fully compliant but without major alterations to a building with a limited life, no further works are intended. The Main Building and North Wing are currently fitted with a noncompliant communication system. A replacement system shall be installed and alterations made to provide Head of Estates Projects 2018/19/20 200K (MB) 100K (NW)

82 the required physical space. 13. Compartment Floors The provision of horizontal floor compartments was not thought to be viable however during any refurbishment any penetrations will be fire stopped to retain the current rating of floor structure. Head of Estates Projects This has been included in all schemes since 2006 and will continue. Inc. with Capital schemes 14. Vertical Compartmentalisation In lieu of compartment floors to BS9999 the building will be separated into 4 zones on each floor with separations to afford 60 minutes fire protection. Head of Estates Projects K Total cost of plan million *Note This action plan has been developed upon current cost estimates. Completion dates may vary upon any changes to the cost estimates. IO/DW/August 2011

83 Appendix D Emergency Procedure 59

84 Fire Safety Instructions Main Building and Wings 1. IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE Immediately break the glass on the nearest fire alarm call point From a place of safety contact Security by dialling: 222 from any internal phone from a mobile or outside line DO NOT DIAL 999 Only fight the fire if you have been trained to do so Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest available fire exit (see evacuation procedure in paragraph 3 below) 2. IF YOU HEAR AN INTERMITTENT SINGLE TONE FIRE ALARM (accompanied by a female voice in most areas) Anticipate a full evacuation by ceasing normal work activities, storing any hazardous materials safely and switching off all power tools. Do not enter a zone where a continuous two-tone fire alarm is sounding Do not attempt to use the lifts while an alarm is sounding If you are in a lift when the alarm sounds, you will be taken to the Ground Floor where the lift will terminate 3. IF YOU HEAR A CONTINUOUS TWO TONE FIRE ALARM (accompanied by a male voice in most areas) If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), you should follow the instructions in it. Otherwise: Leave the building using the nearest available fire exit and make your way to Lakeside Parade to await further instructions If you are on the upper floors, if possible use one of the protected escape routes to exit the Building. The protected escape routes are the stairways at each corner (A, C, E, G corners) of the Main Building and the stairways at either end of the North and South Wings. Take responsibility for any visitors and take them with you Be vigilant and consider the needs of anyone you see in difficulties Do not stop to collect belongings Do not attempt to use the lifts while an alarm is sounding If you are in a lift when the alarm sounds, you will be taken to the Ground Floor where the lift will terminate Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so

85 4. IF THE ALARM STOPS If you heard a continuous alarm which was then silenced, continue your evacuation. Leave the building using the nearest available fire exit and make your way to Lakeside Parade to await further instructions. If you heard an intermittent alarm which was then silenced, you may carry on as normal. 5. IF YOU GET INTO DIFFICULTIES DURING THE EVACUATION Within the protected stairways, there is a red emergency telephone or a flashing green communication box (South Wing only) located on each floor. Red phones automatically dial security when hand set is lifted and the communication boxes dial Security when the green flashing button is pressed. Contact Security (ext: 222 from an internal phone or from your mobile telephone) and tell them your location. Security will advise you what to do next. If you are unable to contact Security directly, ask someone to relay your exact location to a Security Officer once they are outside the building. 61

86 Policy for the Evacuation of the Disabled Introduction Traditionally when we think of a less able person we often imagine someone in a wheelchair. However the term disability encompasses many different types of impairments not just those associated with wheelchair users. Hearing and sight impairments for example are forms of disabilities. Someone with mobility impairments may not necessarily be confined to a wheelchair as we tend to imagine. It could be that they can walk - albeit slower than perhaps an able bodied person. There are many other conditions which may not immediately come to mind that qualify as disabilities and these are listed at the end of this policy. Each form of disability presents different challenges when considering the welfare and evacuation of less able persons. Each disability is different from individual to individual and it may vary in severity or its effects. It is almost impossible to produce a generic evacuation plan for less able persons and therefore less able students and staff are given their own personal evacuation plan based on their disabilities and what best suits their individual circumstances, feelings and needs. Evacuation of those with Mobility Impairments As mentioned above mobility impaired people may not be confined to a wheel chair There are several definitions we will use in this policy statement:- 1) Wheelchair user self transferring 2) Wheelchair user not self-transferring 3) Mobility impaired Wheelchair Users Self transferring Wheelchairs users who can self-transfer are people whom can be assisted in vacating the building using an evacuation chair. In short the disabled person can assist their carers or security officers in transferring from their own wheel chairs to a purpose built Evac chair which can negotiate stairs safely.

87 The evacuation plan for self-transferring wheel chair users is as follows: 1) On hearing the alarm the person should go directly to the temporary or existing staircase enclosure without delay 2) They should then contact security by mobile phone ( ) or using the communication system advising security of their location 3) A trained person will then be dispatched to the relevant area to effect the evacuation using an Evac chair if it is safe to do so and if evacuation is deemed necessary Wheelchair Users Not Self Transferring As the title suggests a person whom can t self-transfer from their own wheelchair to an Evac chair is termed as being not self-transferring. It may be that for physical or medical reasons, removing them from their chair in an uncontrolled environment may pose serious risks to their health. The evacuation plan in these circumstances is as follows: 1) The person should not go to the upper floors of this building until they have undertaken a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan with a member of the Health & Safety Unit. Until this time they should attend the Ground floor only and books etc will be collected for them. 2) On hearing the fire alarm the person should immediately leave the building without delay and report to the evacuation assembly point. Mobility Impaired Each case will be different. Some individuals may be able to evacuate without assistance However, should that person become distressed they should contact Security by mobile phone ( ) or by using the communications system. Should the person not be able to evacuate under their own means a nominated person may provide assistance to escort the person out of the building If the mobility impaired person cannot walk extended distances or descend stairs, they should proceed to temporary or existing staircase enclosure and call for assistance from security via mobile phone or the communication points A trained person will then assist the person out of the building using an Evac chair 63

88 Visual Impairment Those with sight impairments are often considered to be blind! This is not the case. Those with impairments may have a limited spectrum of vision. The evacuation procedure in this instance would be:- On hearing the evacuation alarm if immediate assistance is unavailable then the following should be undertaken:- 1) The person should stay in their seat and a member of staff will have been nominated to escort this person out of the building to the assembly appoint. 2) If the person has a friend or a carer with them then they will escort them to the assembly point. Hearing impaired Those with hearing impairments are often thought to be deaf This is not the case. There are differing degrees of deafness. When in Residencies or their normal workplace students/staff must carry a deaf alerter device which vibrates violently if the fire alarms are activated alerting them of the emergency. These are issued to staff and students after identification of the need through their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. Once the alerter activates the person will proceed to the evacuation assembly point via the nearest safe exit.

89 Appendix E Fire Risk Assessment 65

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91 Appendix F Maintenance / Testing Schedule 67

92 System Frequency Comment Fire Alarm Weekly User operation test Emergency Lighting Fire Doors Quarterly Six-monthly Annually to include full cause and effect test Monthly Annually Monthly for Fire Doors held open on devices Check / service by a specialist contractor User operation test Check / service by a specialist contractor Inspection by user Six Monthly for Fire Doors Inspection by user Fire Extinguishers Six Monthly Check / service by a specialist contractor Wet Rising Main Six monthly open and close all valves and check Check / Service by a static pressure specialist contractor Fire & Smoke Dampers mode 5 Fire dampers mode one fusible link Annual Flow Test and open and close all valves Annually Check / Service by a specialist contractor Panel and dampers to be checked by Actionaire Estates to organise maintenance contract Different frequencies may be appropriate manufacturer s or supplier s recommendations should be followed. The University maintenance systems should include provisions and alternative procedures for occasions when safety systems break down or are under repair or maintenance. A good system is one that includes plans to provide alternative protection measures when any part of the safety system is unavailable; this includes planned maintenance as well as unforeseen failures.

93 Appendix G Contingency Plans 69

94 CONTINGENCY PLAN IN THE EVENT OF FIRE ALARM COMPONENT FAILURE Occupants of any University building must always be made aware of fire in the building. If a fault on the fire alarm system prevents this, a contingency plan must be put in place. The option of closing the building should be considered if the risk is assessed as unacceptable e.g. sufficient staff cannot be made available to provide an adequate fire watch. Fault Reporting Any fault on the fire alarm system identified must be reported immediately to the incumbent Service provider (Honeywell Building Solutions ). Emergency Response Team & Contingency Actions If any or both of the following occur; Fire alarm sounders are not working Fire alarm break glass call points or automatic detectors are not working The Emergency Incident Manager, Head of Health & Safety and the Fire Safety Adviser should be informed and the Emergency Response Team assembled to activate the contingency plan. The contingency plan must consider the following: 1. A local fire watch where trained Estates Staff patrol the affected area. 2. Each fire watch member must be trained and equipped with a two way radio operating on the emergency channel. 3. Temporary fire alarms such as klaxons should be positioned at the locations of the failed call points. Where possible any working call points within 30m walking distance of a failed unit should be identified. 4. All occupants must be advised of the situation and instructed to operate the nearest klaxon or notify security or a fire watch patrol immediately fire or smoke is detected. 5. Any high fire hazard operations such as those involving welding, cutting and other hot works, or works within confines space areas or the use of flammable liquids such paint spraying and cooking with oil and works must be suspended. 6. All meetings and conferences involving large numbers of people must be suspended and moved to another building if possible, if this is not possible the function will have to rearrange for another date and time.

95 7. Notices should be displayed explaining the situation including the following; A notice at each faulty call point indicating that the call point is out of action and that security must be informed via the internal phone system on 2222 or via mobile phone on to raise the alarm in the event of a fire. (e.g. Fire alarm failure - mcp notice 1. Where appropriate the location of the nearest working call point should be indicated by a notice. (e.g. Fire alarm failure - nearest mcp notice 2. General advice notices to all staff to be posted at main entrances, other key locations and if appropriate an all staff (e.g. Fire alarm failure - contingency general notice The incident can only be closed when confirmation has been received that the system is operating to an acceptable level from an engineer representing the incumbent fire alarm service provider. 9. When the incident is closed all temporary signs and other temporary equipment must be removed. Closing down part of the building may be an option but this must take into account the overall fire strategy of the building, in particular the escape routes, fire compartments and fire alarm cause and effect matrix. The Fire Safety Adviser should be consulted if this option is being considered. 71

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99 Appendix H Fire Safety Policy 75

100 Guidance on the placement & use of waste skips by Contractors January 2009 E/F/DW/FSA/DB/012009/

101 Introduction This document provides guidance to the University s contractors and sub-contractor s regarding the safe management* of waste in skips awaiting disposal in order to: Minimise the likelihood of fire; Limit any associated health and environmental issues; Ensure that safe means of access to and egress from the campus site is maintained at all times. (*The University and its contractors have responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Road Traffic Regulations Act, 1984.) Skip Design/Dimensions Each skip must be no larger than 5 metres in length by 2 metres in width, if it is to be left on the public highway. Where possible, skips should have lockable lids to prevent arson attacks; if this is not possible then a fence must be erected to minimise unauthorised access to the skip and its contents. Skip Markings Each skip must be clearly marked with the skip owner's or supplier s name and telephone number and all markings must also be kept clean and visible at all times. Public Highway The sides of the skip facing traffic in both directions, must be painted yellow and must be fitted with vertical red and yellow fluorescent reflective markings. These markings must comply with British Standard BS AU152. Markings must be fitted as near as possible to the top outer corners of the ends of the skip, but no higher than 1.5 metres above ground level. The markings must not be fitted to lids and should only be fitted to a door when it is not possible to put markings on the end of the skip. When a marking has to be fitted to a door, the door should be kept closed, unless loading or unloading is actually taking place. On-campus Where the position of the skip may present a danger to drivers or pedestrians, the requirements under the public highway section above shall apply. 77

102 Skip Location Public Highway Permission must be sought where a skip cannot be placed at least 8 meters away from any building if containing combustibles. Skips containing rubble only may be placed next to a building where there is a safe hard standing area and the conditions below can be me; Skips are to be sited in a roadway unless the University has granted permission for the skip to be placed elsewhere; Positioned on the road so that its longest sides are parallel to the edge of the road and are as near to the edge/gutter of the road as is possible; Positioned at least 15 metres from a junction, unless permission has been granted to site it closer. On-campus Permission must be sought where a skip cannot be placed at least 8 meters away from any building if containing combustibles. Skips containing rubble only may be placed next to a building where there is a safe hard standing area and the conditions below can be me; If permission is granted to place skips on a footway or grass verge, care must be taken not to cause any damage. It must also be ensured* that ALL skips: do not obstruct access to premises; do not obstruct escape routes; do not obstruct access to fire hydrants; are not sited in fire brigade access routes; do not obstruct drivers and pedestrians in any way; do not prevent water drainage on the road or obstruct manholes or stop any functions that are needed to be carried out by the University. (*Unless special permission has been given by the University)

103 Provision of Warnings, lights etc. Public Highway Skips placed on the public highway require traffic cones on the approach side to guide traffic safely past them. During hours of darkness or in bad weather conditions, skips must be marked by amber flashing lights which are placed against the skip or attached to each corner of it. If there are 2 or more skips with less than 2 metres between them, lights can be put on the end corners of the row of skips. If the skip or skips are positioned on the road, lights should be placed between each of the road cones. [Note that if the University becomes aware of an unsafe/unmarked skip, a charge will be made by the University if contractors have to be sent out to make a skip safe or to put lights on an unlit skip.] Skip Filling/Skip Contents All rubbish must be placed in the skip not left on the ground nearby. A skip must not be overloaded. Contents of the skip must be kept covered, where possible, to prevent dust or other spillage onto the roadway. Skips must not contain any highly inflammable, explosive, toxic or other dangerous materials or anything which is likely to cause a nuisance to campus users. Emptying Skips All materials placed in skips must be properly disposed of (this is the legal responsibility of the disposer, not the skip removal contractor). Full skips must be removed for emptying as soon as possible and in all cases not more than two working days after they have been filled. Complaints/Reporting Procedures Complaints about the locations or safety of skips should be reported using the below contact details. Further information/contact Details Mr David White Fire Safety Adviser Safety Office whiteda@aston.ac.uk

104 Appendix I Control of Contractors Policies

105