Premises Fire Strategy Document PREVENTING PROTECTING RESPONDING 1
CONTENTS Page FIRE SAFETY OVERVIEW Premises Details/General Policy Statement 1 Provide a General Statement of Policy 2 Management System 4 General Description of the Premises 7 Fire Risk Assessment 9 MEANS OF ESCAPE Means of Escape (General) 13 Means of Escape (Horizontal) 15 Means of Escape (Vertical) 17 FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Fire Safety Signage 18 Fire Warning System 19 Emergency Lighting 20 Firefighting Equipment 21 Means of Escape/Fire Safety Conclusion 22 Record of Fire Safety Deficiencies 23 MANAGEMENT Maintenance 24 Calling the Fire Service 27 Emergency Action Plan 27 Training 28 Record of Management Deficiencies 29 Significant Hazards 30 2
FIRE SAFETY OVERVIEW This document suggests information that should be contained in a fire risk assessment record that due to its diverse content has been termed a fire strategy document. When completed in accordance with all suggestions it may serve as a record of the significant findings of a fire risk assessment. Further guidance can be found in the fire safety guides issued by HM Government as detailed in the accompanying guidance note. PREMISES DETAILS Provide the following particulars: Name and Address of Premises Use of Premises Owner/Employer/Person(s) in Control of the Workplace Telephone Number Date of Risk Assessment Date of Review Name and relevant details of the person who carried out the fire risk assessment Has the Risk Assessment been completed by a competent person? A person shall be regarded as competent in this respect where he has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to undertake the measures required. (MHSW Regs Regulation 7) Competence in the sense it is used in the MHSW Regulations does not necessarily depend on the possession of particular skills or qualifications. Simple situations may require only the following: a) An understanding of the relevant current best practice. b) An awareness of the limitations of one s own experience and knowledge; and c) The willingness and ability to supplement existing experience and knowledge, when necessary by obtaining external help and advice. (MHSW Regs ACOP p18 para 51) More complicated situations will require the competent person/assistant to have a higher level of knowledge and experience. More complex or highly technical situations will call for specific applied knowledge and skills which can be offered by appropriately qualified specialists. The Responsible Person is advised to check the appropriate health and safety qualifications (some of which may be competence-based and or industry specific, or membership of a professional body or similar organisation to satisfy themselves that the assistant they appoint has a sufficient high level of competence. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p19 para 52) 3
Provide a General Statement of Policy A safety policy is a written statement of an employer s intent to ensure the safety of their employees. The purpose of the safety policy is to give a clear unequivocal commitment to comply with the relevant Regulations. It can be recorded elsewhere or in the fire risk assessment. (H&SAWA 1974 S,2(3) & MHSW Regs. ACOP p10 para 23) Example: It is the policy of (employer/company/etc) to protect all persons including employees, customers, contractors and members of the public from potential injury and damage to their health which might arise from work activities. The company will provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose. The company will give a high level of commitment to health and safety and will comply with all statutory requirements. Name and Address of Premises: Thornhill Primary School Grove road Houghton Regis Dunstable Bedfordshire LU5 5PE Use of Premises: Nursery and Primary School After school provision After School Club Beavers Children s parties Owner/Employer/Persons in control of Workplace: Mrs Julia Lawson Head teacher Mr Michael Rowe: Site Agent (out of school hours) 4
Tel No: 01582 863516 Date of Risk Assessment: Autumn 2017 (Updated) Date of Review: Autumn 2017 Name and relevant details of the Person who carried out the Fire Risk Assessment: Julia Lawson (Head teacher) Michael Rowe (Site Agent) 5
General Statement of Policy THORNHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Thornhill Primary School and its Governors are committed to good health and safety management in order to maintain the safety of employees, contractors, pupils, the general public and anyone else affected by the activities of the school. We will maintain a good safety culture within the school by empowering teachers and other school employees to meet high health and safety standards in all their activities. This empowerment will be supported through access to health and safety procedures and guidance which are communicated and accessible, supported by frequent meetings with health and safety as an agenda item. Additionally, Thornhill Primary is committed to providing all employees (and the board of governors) with the necessary training, instruction, supervision and equipment in order to maintain good standards of health and safety. The Governors, the Head Teacher and all employees within Thornhill Primary School recognise their personal responsibility in promoting and supporting good health and safety practice and complying with the safety procedures of the school. They also recognise their responsibility to raise any health and safety concerns to the Head Teacher, Governors or Central Bedfordshire Council. Thornhill Primary School recognises that as well as managing health and safety as part of school activities, there is also a responsibility to ensure that the school building and its teaching environment are safe. We will ensure good contractor management, compliance with the CBC Schools Notifiable Projects process and protect the health and safety of volunteers and any other visitors to the school. Thornhill Primary School will frequently review its procedures, guidance and risk assessments and liaise with Central Bedfordshire Council s health and safety team for additional health and safety advice when necessary. Thornhill Primary believes that good health and safety plays an essential part in enabling the school to meet its objectives in providing educational excellence and to demonstrate its commitment to the quality of life of all school stakeholders. We will ensure that health and safety remains a priority and forms an integral part of the school s decision making process. In order to facilitate this, our responsibilities will be regularly reviewed and communicated, at the minimum, annually. Signed Head Teacher: J Lawson Governor: Lynne Lindars, Sept 2017 Dated: September 2017 6
Management System Provide a statement specifying the planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the fire risk assessment. Planning Organisation Control The Responsible Person should set up an effective health and safety management system which is proportionate to the hazards and risks. Adequate planning includes: Adopting a systematic approach for completing risk assessment to decide on priorities and to set objectives for eliminating hazards and reducing risks. To include deadlines for completion of the fire risk assessment process and implementation of the preventative and protective measures which are deemed necessary. Select appropriate methods of risk control to minimise risks setting objectives. Establishing priorities and developing performance standards for completing the fire risk assessment and implementation of the preventative and protective measures. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p13) Structure of Organisation. This includes: Involving employees in carrying out fire risk assessments. Those who decide on the protective and preventative measures. Those involved in implementing protective and preventative measures. Effective communications to ensure Health and Safety information is communicated to and between employees. Securing competence by the provision of adequate information, instruction and training, and its evaluation particularly for those involved in the fire risk assessment process. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p13,14) Identity of persons responsible for tasks. Established control measures should: Clarify Health and Safety responsibilities ensuring coordination between everyone. Ensure those with responsibilities understand what they have to do and that they have the time and resources to discharge 7
them. Include the setting of standards to judge performance of those with responsibilities. Ensure adequate supervision arrangements. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p14) Monitoring Review Employers should measure what they are doing to implement their health and safety policy and monitor effectiveness of that implementation: Have a plan and make routine inspections to ensure preventative and protective measures are in place and are effective. Investigating the case of any incident to ensure lessons are learnt and remedial action taken. Record monitoring activities/process. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p14) The review process should: Include mechanisms to ensure remedial work has been done. Include mechanisms to ensure remedial work not done is prioritised and completed. Review the management system to ensure it remains effective, ie fire risk assessment is reviewed when it becomes necessary. (MHSW Regs. ACOP p15) 8
General Description of Premises Give a general description of the premises and the use to which it is put. Include the following details: Times in use Total number of persons employed in the premises at any one time Total number of persons who may resort to the premises at any one time Size of the premises Number of floors and staircases General Description of Premises The School is of a concrete and brick construction with tarpaulin roof. The building is all single storey. Occupancy: Times the premises are in use: 230 children + 43 adults 6.00am 6.30 pm Thurs 6.00am-7.00pm Total number of persons employed to work within the premises at any one time: 43 employed staff Total number of persons who may resort to the premises at any one time: As above Size: (metres x metres) Unknown Number of Floors: 1 Number of Stairs: 0 9
Fire Safety Systems Give an overview of any fire safety systems in the premises which include: Fire Warning Systems, Emergency Lighting, Sprinkler Systems. Fire Safety Systems within the Premises Fire Warning System (ie rotary gongs, break-glass system, automatic fire detection system, to British Standard 5839). Type L1 Break Glass System Emergency Lighting Systems within the Premises Escape Lighting (ie hand torches non maintained, maintained, 1-3 hour duration, British Standard 5266, etc) Type NM3 Hand Torches in each classroom, boiler room and kitchen, located by extinguishers Escape lighting in hall (rm 15), main entrance (rm 16), Nursery (rm 17), Staffroom (rm 20), Year 5 and 6 toilet area (rm 32) Sprinkler Systems within the Premises Sprinkler System (ie Sprinklers to LPC Rules, British Standard 5306: Part 2, Residential Sprinklers to BS 9251) No Sprinklers 10
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and record: 1. The significant findings: and 2. Any group of employees identified by it as being especially at risk. It is suggested the 5-step narrative method is used. Does the record show the significant findings? 1. It is a record of the preventative and protective measures in place to control the risks. Preventative and protective measures means the measures which have been identified by the employer in consequence of the assessment as the measures he needs to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon them (MHSW Regs 2) 2. Does it indicate what further action, if any, needs to be taken to reduce risk sufficiently? 3. Is there proof that it is suitable and sufficient? It is easier to demonstrate that an assessment is suitable and sufficient if the record shows not just the conclusion, but also the reasoning. A record of the significant findings does not necessarily mean that the assessment was suitable and sufficient. If the record also includes workings to show how the significant findings were reached, together with an identification of the main sources of information and key facts and opinions considered, management is in a better position to judge whether it is suitable and sufficient. (MHSW Regs ACOP p10 para25) Is the risk assessment suitable and sufficient? (MHSW Regs ACOP p6)) To be suitable and sufficient: 1. Does it identify hazards and significant risks: There should be an effective statement of hazards and risks which then leads management to take the relevant steps to protect. The risk assessment should identify how the risks arise. (MHSW Regs ACOP p5 para 10) The risk assessment should identify the hazards present in any working environment. (MHSW Regs ACOP p6 para11) 11
The risk assessment should identify the risks arising from or in connection with work. (MHSW Regs ACOP p6 para 13a) A risk assessment should ensure that the significant risks and hazards are addressed. (MHSW Regs ACOP p8 para 18) 2. Does it identify who might be harmed and how: Plan Identify people who might be harmed by the hazard, including employees, other workers in the workplace and members of the public. Do not forget office staff, night cleaners, maintenance staff, security guards, visitors and members of the public. You should identify groups of workers who might be at particular risk, such as inexperienced workers, night workers, those who work alone and disabled staff. (MHSW Regs ACOP p9 para21) The risk assessment should identify how the risks impact on those effected. (MHSW Regs ACOP p5 para 10) The risk assessment must also consider all those who might be affected by the undertaking whether they are workers or others, such as members of the public. (MHSW Regs ACOP p6 para 13a iv) A suggested method to record the preventative and protective measures is to provide or draw a single line plan of the premises which should be appended to this document. An example is shown on the next page. The plan should show: Escape routes (number of exits, number of stairs, fire-resisting doors, fire-resisting walls and partitions, places of safety, etc. Fire safety signs and notices (ie pictographic fire exit signs, fire action notices, etc). The location of fire warning devices (ie break-glass alarm points, sounders, rotary gongs) The location of emergency lights (to include hand held torches if provided) The location and type of firefighting equipment (ie water extinguishers, foam extinguishers, etc) 12
Plan All staff and visitors are required to make themselves familiar with Fire Notices displayed in each room in the school. Visitors and Contractors badges have fire evacuation instructions on the reverse. It is the responsibility of all adults in the school to report any unusual occurrences, packages etc. immediately to the Headteacher. If a telephoned bomb threat is received, the Headteacher must be informed immediately - she will decide if immediate evacuation is necessary and then inform the police. Fire doors and exits must be clear at all times and class teachers are responsible for ensuring this. Class teachers are responsible for familiarising their pupils with the evacuation procedures which are to be followed when the fire alarm is heard. It is vital to emphasise that all pupils leave the building immediately through the nearest exit away from the seat of the fire, walk, without talking and line up in their classes at the farthest point on the upper playground near the entrance gates Class registers, list of all pupils telephone numbers, the Late Book, the Staff Attendance Record, and the Visitors' Book, a mobile phone must be collected immediately by the Senior Lunchtime Supervisor at lunch time or the Headteacher / Office staff at all other times, and distributed immediately to the class teachers or lunch time supervisors on the playground. Classes are counted and class registers called. The Headteacher / Office staff check adults against the Staff Attendance Record and the Visitors' Book Any pupil or adult not accounted for must be reported to the Headteacher or her representative immediately. The latter is responsible for undertaking a search/notifying the Fire Service representatives on site. In the event of an incident which prevents safe re-entry to the building, (eg a fire, a gas leak etc.) the whole school will evacuate the site and children will be walked to Tithe Farm Primary School on Tithe Farm Road. It is vital that this evacuation takes place in a calm and orderly manner and that all adults available are used to supervise the children on the walk to Tithe Farm. The Headteacher or Site Agent will ensure that the emergency services are told where the children are being taken, so that parents can be informed. The Headteacher or other designated person will ring ahead to Tithe Farm to warn them of the school s arrival. Once children are safely within Tithe Farm School, the Headteacher will inform the local radio stations of the evacuation and parents will be telephoned to tell them where children should be collected. 13
Class teachers are responsible for ensuring that children are handed safely to their parent. Fire Instructions These documents are made available to all staff and included in the school s induction process. An outline of evacuation procedures are made available to all contractors / visitors and are posted throughout the school. Fire and emergency evacuation procedures are detailed in the staff handbook These procedures will be reviewed at least annually. Emergency contact and key holder details are maintained by the Headteacher and the Site Agent and provided to HCC upon review. Fire Drills The Headteacher is responsible for arranging two Fire Drills per term, ensuring that different times and situations are covered during the course of the year. She must ensure that this and other aspects of fire safety are carried out in accordance with Local Authority guidelines. Fire exit notices are in position in all rooms in the school and Class Teachers are responsible for ensuring that all pupils are clearly aware of what to do should the fire bell sound. Fire Fighting The safe evacuation of persons is an absolute priority. Staff may only attempt to deal with small fires, if it is safe to do so without putting themselves at risk, using portable fire fighting equipment. Ensure the alarm is raised BEFORE attempting to tackle a fire. Details of service isolation points (i.e. gas, water, electricity) Behind the kitchen; Gas first door on left, Electric on opposite side. Water outside school boundary by postbox Material Safety Data Sheets for Chemicals and flammable substances. These will be kept by Site Agent as appropriate, for consultation. MEANS OF ESCAPE Means of Escape (General) Consider the fire hazards within the premises: Ignition sources (ie naked flames, sparks, portable heaters, smoking materials) Sources of fuel (ie large quantities of paper, combustible fabrics, plastics, paints, thinners, chemicals, flammable gases) Work processes Structural features that promote the spread of fire (open staircases, openings in walls and floors, large voids above ceilings and below floors) Can any fire risks identified be removed, replaced or reduced? 14
Specify the fire hazards within the premises: Ignition Sources- Boiler Room: (Gas) located at back of kitchen (Rm 10) Kitchen: 2 gas cookers, steamer (Rm 7) Resources Room: 1 portable electric mini oven (Rm 45) Fire blankets are available Sources of fuel- Art and display materials stored in locker room (Rm 22) Waste paper bin emptied every evening Outside lockable bins Work processes Structural features Void space between walls and ceiling throughout the school, the school was designed like this. This space has been sealed in the boiler room with fire retardant foam. Other Describe the anticipated fire(s) in terms of size and location indicating the likely growth and spread in terms of time. Boiler room and kitchen are the two most likely locations. The fire screens on the kitchen shutters and the new fire door have been installed since the last inspection The boiler room fire doors will provide 30 minutes protection Identify and specify the location of people at risk in case of fire indicating any characteristics relevant to evacuation Consider: 15
Employees Employees, visitors, and other persons whose mobility, hearing or eyesight is impaired Other persons in the premise if the premises are multi-occupied Varied working practices (ie areas of your premises occupied when others are not) Areas where employees/others are isolated Visitors Persons who may be asleep in the premises Identify and specify the location of people at risk in case of fire indicating any characteristics relevant to evacuation Staff and pupils are distributed around the building during school hours, 8.45 am 3.15 pm, also out of hours, 5.30 am 6.30 pm. School is also let to outside organisations on a weekly basis on a Thursday evenings mainly in the school hall. Visitors and contractors are signed in and out of the premises via the main office. At present there are no employees or pupils with disabilities that would prejudice their escape in the event of a fire. Some employees work late and may find themselves isolated in parts of the building during these times. Cleaning staff who work after normal working hours may also find themselves isolated in the building. All staff are in radio contact with others on the school premises Means of Escape Horizontal Evacuation Assess the Adequacy of the Means of Escape Consider: Adequacy of control measures for any fire hazards The need to control and monitor the number of occupants. The number and behaviour characteristics of occupants The likely growth and spread of fire time based The time available for escape In the event of a fire can all persons safely evacuate after taking into account the fire risks? Travel distances Definition and number of escape routes 16
Number and widths of exits Inner rooms situations Corridors Dead end conditions Door openings and door fastenings Do all escape routes lead to a place of safety (ie not to an enclosed yard) Housekeeping Sufficient number of stairways Provision for people with disabilities Taking into account POTENTIAL FIRE GROWTH (Hazards) and OCCUPANT CHARACTERISTICS Describe and assess the means of escape. Provide conclusions as to the adequacy/ inadequacy of the systems giving reasons to substantiate the conclusions Means of Escape Horizontal Evacuation Commentary: All employees are trained in what action to take in the event of a fire alarm sounding. There are no employees or pupils with disabilities which would hamper evacuation. There is a portable ramp in place for such occasions. There are sufficient fire exists of a suitable width that will allow a safe and speedy evacuation of the building. There are no dead end corridors. It is anticipated that any fire will be of slow to medium growth and that it would be noticed quickly by employees due to the working practices in the building. It is anticipated that all employees, pupils and visitors will have evacuated the building before any escaped routes become un-enterable. All fire escape routes are easily accessible and lead to a place of safety. Means of Escape Vertical Evacuation Consider: Are there sufficient stairways to get all occupants out of the premises even if one stairway is inaccessible due to fire? 17
Are the stairways wide enough to get all occupants out of the premises? Do the doors, walls and partitions to the stairways need to be fire-resisting (ie could a fire spread to the staircase(s) before occupants have evacuated taking into account the fire hazard present)? Door openings and door fastenings Do the exits from the stairways lead to a place of safety (ie not to an enclosed yard)? Housekeeping Means of Escape Vertical Evacuation Commentary: N/A FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Fire Safety Signage Consider: Are there sufficient fire exit signs on the escape routes: Are internal fire-resisting doors indicated with 'Fire Door Keep Shut' notices? Are internal fire-resisting doors to cupboards indicated with 'Fire Door Keep Locked Shut' signs Where necessary have fire exit doors got 'Fire Exit Keep Clear' notices? Is there general fire action notices displayed stating what to do in a fire situation? Is firefighting equipment indicated? Are there signs indicating how to use door mechanisms ie 'Push Bar To Open'? Fire Safety Signage Commentary: There are adequate fire safety signs and notices in the premises. All escape routes and fire safety equipment and adequately signposted. 18
Fire Warning System Consider: Is there a suitable fire warning system to alert occupants in the event of a fire? Can all occupants hear the alarm when it is sounded? If the premises are large and/or complex an electric fire alarm should be installed to the current British Standard. Is there a need for automatic fire detection, ie sleeping risks, multi-occupied premises, varied working? Fire Warning System Commentary: Break Glass System New Fire Alarm system installed November 2014 by Jensens. This was partially funded by the local authority Emergency Lighting Consider: If the premises are in use during the hours of darkness emergency lighting should be provided Areas of the premises with no natural light should be provided with emergency lighting If the premises are large and/or complex an emergency lighting system should be installed to the current British Standard Where the premises are small a number of hand held torches strategically located may be sufficient? When operated is there sufficient illumination for occupants to see the escape routes clearly? When operated is there sufficient illumination for occupants to see the external escape routes clearly? Does the system operate on sub-circuit failure? Is there sufficient illumination at changes of level? Is there sufficient illumination at changes in direction? Is there sufficient illumination to show fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment? 19
Emergency Lighting Commentary: Emergency lighting consists of: Hand Torches in each classroom, boiler room and kitchen, located by extinguishers Escape lighting in hall (rm 15), main entrance (rm 16), Nursery (rm 17), Staffroom (rm 20), Year 5 and 6 toilet area (rm 32) Firefighting Equipment Consider: Is there sufficient firefighting equipment provided? Is the firefighting equipment appropriate for the risks? Is the firefighting equipment simple to use? Have fire extinguishers been checked by a competent person within the last twelve months? Does it conform to a standard: Is the firefighting equipment located on the escape routes and near to exit doors? Is it securely hung on wall brackets or suitable floor plates? Firefighting Equipment Commentary: There are a sufficient number of fire extinguishers correctly located throughout the school. (one in every classroom) 9 water extinguishers, 10 CO2 s, 1 wet chemical (Kitchen), 1 powder (boiler room) They are adequate for the risks within school and are serviced every 12 months. The next service is due October 2017 20
Means of Escape/ Fire Safety Systems: Overall Conclusion Commentary: We are pleased with our escape routes and the time it takes for us to evacuate the school. This is well rehearsed and the children know and understand what to do. The school has delegated day to day responsibility for managing fire safety to the duty holder (Site Agent) The Site Agent will: 1. Ensure that all means of escape are properly maintained, kept free from obstruction and available for safe and effective use at all times; and that the means of escape have adequate emergency lighting; 2. Provide and maintain in working order all fire fighting appliances and devices including: a. fire detection and alarm systems; b. emergency lighting systems; c. fire fighting equipment; d. notices and signage relating to fire procedures; e. means of escape, taking into account the needs of any disabled users. 3. Carry out or arrange to have carried out a fire safety risk assessment on the school building to ensure that the school s facilities are compliant; and reduce the risk of fire incidences by carrying out appropriate task risk assessments; 4. Provide appropriate instruction and training for all school staff on the action to be taken to protect people and property including regular fire evacuation practices for all the school; 5. Ensure that all staff, students, contractors, visitors and third-party hirers are made aware of and comply with the school s fire procedures; 6. Identify any special risks, e.g. the storage of hazardous materials, and put in place appropriate procedures to minimise the risks; 7. Liaise with third parties; the emergency services, and the school s insurers to ensure that best practice for fire prevention and procedures is in place; 8. Monitor and review this policy on a regular basis so as to ensure that any new risk or alteration to regulations is addressed. 21
Record of Fire Safety Deficiencies Make a list of the fire safety deficiencies found from the fire risk assessment. Record the deficiencies and remedial works required. Prioritise the remedial work. When remedial works are completed amend the fire risk assessment to produce an up-to-date record of the fire safety provisions within the premises. The school carries out regular Health and Safety inspections with the governor responsible for this area. Please refer to minutes of meetings MANAGEMENT Maintenance The means of escape and other fire safety provisions must be maintained, at suitable intervals, by a competent person and the maintenance recorded. Produce a maintenance schedule that covers the means of escape, signs and notices, fire warning system, emergency lighting if provided and firefighting equipment. Specify who will carry out the maintenance and where it will be recorded. Use the table to check that all the fire safety provisions have been covered in the maintenance schedule. Append the maintenance schedule to this document. Maintenance There needs to be a maintenance programme for the maintenance of the fire safety provisions in the premises. Maintenance for Fire-Resisting Doors, Walls and Partitions Commentary: Termly inspection by health and safety team ( Governor, Head teacher) Weekly by Site Agent as part of routine fire testing. 22
Maintenance of Escape Routes, Exit Doors Commentary: Termly inspection by health and safety team, as above Weekly by Site Agent Maintenance of Fire Safety Signs Commentary: Termly inspection by health and safety team as above Weekly by Site Agent Maintenance of Fire Warning System Commentary: Half termly fire drills The Site Agent, under the direction of the Headteacher, is responsible for testing the fire alarm and for checking other fire equipment. He must check weekly that fire extinguishers are in position and check that hose reels work at the beginning of every term. The Site Agent is responsible for testing the fire alarm weekly and for checking that it has been heard in all areas of the school. Fire alarm call points will be tested weekly in rotation by the Site Agent, any defects must be reported immediately to the Headteacher who must ensure they are addressed at once. The Site Agent is responsible for keeping a record of tests. The Site Agent keeps a log of fire drills as required by the Local Authority guidelines. These records are kept by the alarm system in the entrance hall. Weekly Site Agent carries out weekly tests Annually Equipment maintenance inspections by outside contractors 23
Fire alarms are tested every Friday at 4.00pm. Any defects on the system will be reported immediately to the maintenance surveyor or electrical engineer JENSEN 01733 391 888 A fire alarm maintenance contract is in place with Blazequel and the system tested annually by them. Maintenance of Emergency Lighting Commentary: Weekly by Site Agent These systems will be checked weekly by Site Agent and annually by Blazequel. Test records are located in the site s fire log book. Weekly Half Termly by H&S Team Annually: Blazequel Maintenance for Firefighting Equipment Commentary: Weekly checks. Please refer to Fire Record Book Blazequel undertakes an annual maintenance service of all fire fighting equipment: 0807 608 4350) Weekly the Site Agent checks that all fire fighting equipment is available for use and operational and for any evidence of tampering. Defective equipment or extinguishers that need recharging should be taken out of service and reported direct to Blazequel Fire Safety Records Commentary: Maintained by Site Agent and inspected by H&S Governor Method of Recording and Location of Records 24
Commentary: Located next to fire alarm panel Calling the Fire Service Establish and record the method by which the Fire Service would be called in the event of a fire. Method for Calling the Fire Service Specify: PERSON DISCOVERING FIRE should break glass of nearest alarm Office Staff ring (9)999 on hearing alarm. If fire is in the kitchen School Cook rings (9)999 and immediately sends someone to break glass of alarm and tell School Office that the Fire Service has been notified. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Produce an emergency action plan which details procedures in the event of a fire in the workplace. The emergency action plan should cover: all foreseeable events the action of employees in the event of a fire how people will be warned how the evacuation is carried out to include the evacuation of visitors and people with disabilities assembly points procedures for checking the premises have been evacuated identify escape routes firefighting equipment duties and identities of persons with specific responsibilities in the event of a fire where appropriate the isolating of machinery and processes how the fire service are called and by whom liaison with fire service on arrival General fire action notices should be displayed throughout 25
Append the Emergency Action Plan to this document Summarise Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Commentary: EVACUATION PROCEDURES The evacuation procedures which are to be followed in the event of a fire alarm are annexed to this Policy. This document details the responsibilities of staff and individuals during an evacuation and subsequent roll call. The document also includes specific Guidance on the Evacuation of Disabled Persons from the School Buildings. THE FIRE ALARM PERSON DISCOVERING FIRE should break glass of nearest alarm Office Staff rings (9)999 on hearing alarm. If fire is in the kitchen School Cook rings (9)999 and immediately sends someone to break glass of alarm and tell School Office that the Fire Service has been notified. On hearing the fire alarm ALL PERSONS PROCEED TO ASSEMBLY POINT Where appropriate, ensure Master switches for gas and electricity are off and windows closed. NB In the event of a gas leak, when evacuation is likely to be as a result of verbal instructions rather than a fire alarm sounding, if possible leave windows open to dissipate gas and no electrical switches should be used. In classrooms, pupils nearest windows should be told to close them. Staff assemble pupils IN SILENCE and instruct them to proceed to the Assembly Point on the top playground IN SILENCE, walking rapidly NOT running. The classroom door should be closed behind the last person to leave. Use the directed route - the quickest fire escape route is displayed in each room - unless a blockage makes this impossible. Be prepared to find an alternative route if necessary. Should the alarm ring during Break or Lunchtime pupils should be instructed to leave the building by the nearest safe fire exit and proceed to the Assembly Point. Staff should assist this process where possible without putting themselves at risk. Under no circumstances should staff or pupils return to their classrooms. All double doors should be opened by those who are first to reach them and closed by the last person to pass through them. 26
School Office staff will collect registers pupil and staff signing in/out books, visitors book and off-site lists from PE staff before proceeding to the Assembly Point. Head teacher will make contact with the caretaking staff to establish their whereabouts and to direct them to specific tasks as necessary and will attempt to identify the source of the fire from external visual observation. Where safe to do so, the zone triggered by the alarm will be noted. The Headteacher will report the safety and whereabouts of the caretaking staff to and will maintain contact throughout the procedure through school walkie talkies The Site Agent on duty will open the gates for the Fire Service and await their arrival and will discourage any casual visitor from entering the premises. Anyone who has a named responsibility should ensure that they have a deputy to take over if they are absent and that the deputy is aware of their role in the event of an emergency evacuation. PROCEDURE FOR ASSEMBLY AND ROLL CALL Pupils Reporting Procedure: Classes line up in age order at Assembly Point. CLASS TEACHERS collect registers from School Secretary and supervise roll call. Once roll call is completed, report absences to Head teacher and return register to School Secretary and take appropriate action. Staff/Visitors Reporting Procedure: Instructions are available at the back of visitor badges The School Secretary will check with the Headteacher ( or with the most senior teacher or member of staff in their absence)that all persons are accounted for, and will await the arrival of Fire Service and respond to and relay Fire Officer s instructions No-one should leave the Assembly Point until instructed to do so by the Head teacher Guidance on the Evacuation of Disabled Persons from the School Buildings Pupils and employees with a disability should already have been identified and information held in the school office. Any adult unsupervised will have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) arranged by the school secretary Having considered the risks, the Head teacher will propose specific procedures for assisting in the evacuation of persons with a known disability. A buddy will be appointed for any adult requiring assistance in an emergency evacuation. Where teachers have a pupil with a known disability, they must ensure that that pupil is aware that the alarm has been triggered and that they follow the evacuation procedure accordingly. Disabled adults must have identified themselves to the Headteacher and any specific 27
requirements must be addressed as soon as they are known. Specific Evacuation Requirements Wheelchair users/persons with Mobility Difficulty Wheelchair users or any person with difficulty walking (e.g. anyone temporarily using crutches) should wait until everyone else has left the room before making their way to the exit, assisted by their buddy /Teaching Assistant Visitors with disabilities On arrival, disabled visitors to the School should be asked to identify any special requirements in the case of an emergency evacuation. The person hosting the visitor should ensure the visitor s safety in the event of an emergency evacuation. Wherever possible (i.e. when on ground floors) all persons, including wheelchair users, should make their own way out of the building by utilising the fire escape routes. Whenever the route is blocked, wheelchair users must be either assisted by their buddy or other third party. Training All employees should receive fire safety training which should be recorded. Produce a training programme which specifies who receives training, what training is given, how often it is given and where it is recorded. Append the training programme to this document. Summarise Training Programme Commentary: Fire Officer and Site Agent have received training. New staff are trained with regard to policies and procedures All new staff need training with regard to handling fire fighting equipment: 28
Record of Management Defects Record and rectify any deficiencies found under maintenance, method for calling the fire service, emergency action plan and training. Prioritise remedial measures. List of Management Deficiencies to be Rectified Detail action to be taken To train all new staff and familiarise them with the procedures Date to be Rectified When commencing duties Date Rectified On-going Print name J Lawson Print name J Lawson To familiarise all new staff with new policies and Fire Risk Assessments When commencing duties When joining school E Hobson On-going Print name J Lawson Badges for visitors with evacuation procedures In Place 2013 Print name E Hobson Print name E Hobson To provide buddies for disabled adults or children As required Print name E Hobson Print name To repair fire door in staffroom Autumn Term 1 Print name M. Rowe SA Print name 29
Significant Hazards Employers, and persons in control of a workplace other than the employer, should inform the Fire Authority of any significant hazards within the workplace that may require special procedures for rescue work and firefighting. Significant Hazards or x Does the Fire Authority need to be informed of any significant hazard within the workplace that may require special procedures for rescue work and firefighting? Examples you may include are: Explosives etc. Lasers, Acid Baths, Acetylene, Cylinders, X Specify: N/A 30
APPENDIX Fire Hazard Notification From: Date: Contact: Telephone Number: To: Dear Sir FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 NOTIFICATION OF SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD WITHIN THE WORKPLACE The following was considered to be a significant fire hazard within the workplace and in those areas, special procedures may be necessary for rescue work and firefighting. Signed: Print Name: Please send only this form to: Mr J Gibson Fire Safety Administration Support Manager Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Southfields Road Kempston BEDFORD MK42 9A Please note: You only need to submit your completed fire strategy document to the Fire Authority if requested by a Fire Safety Officer. 31
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