INITIAL FIRE ASSESSMENT REPORT (FAR)

INITIAL FIRE ASSESSMENT REPORT (FAR) Factory 94/95 (OLD) 46 NEW (Ground To 5th), BLOCK C TONGI INDUSTRIAL AREA,, TONGI, GAZIPUR, GAZIPUR, 0, BD GAZIPUR Dhaka Bangladesh 11 Apr 2014 The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 1/16

11 Apr 2014 Introduction to the Report The following report contains a site profile and summary of non-conformities identified during an onsite assessment commissioned by the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Alliance) and conducted by a third-party Qualified Assessment Firm (QAF). The assessment was conducted against the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Assessment Protocols (APs) and Fire Safety and Structural Integrity Standard, which is harmonized with the factory assessment guidelines developed by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) for the Bangladesh National Tripartite Plan of Action (NTPA). The goal of the Alliance process is to provide clear and practical technical requirements by which Bangladeshi Ready Made Garment (RMG) Factories producing for Alliance members may be consistently and fairly evaluated for fire, structural, and electrical safety in a non-duplicative manner. Each assessment will prompt action plans that will be used by RMG factories to systematically and sustainably improve safety conditions for garment workers. Beyond tracking and reporting on action steps taken in a transparent manner, the Alliance organization and its members will seek to further support factory improvements through technical assistance, training, implementation support for functional Worker Committees, and in some cases financial assistance and wage support for workers if factories are closed for remediation. The contents of the report do not constitute a guarantee of compliance with the applicable laws, the Alliance Standard or the absolute or continued safety against fire, electrical and/or structural integrity issues that may lead to injury or loss of life. The report is designed to provide a non-exhaustive summary of risk issues, based on a limited sampling and duration of time onsite by the named QAF. Neither the QAF nor the Alliance can certify or guarantee the quality, outcome, or effectiveness of actions taken in response to the report. For more information and report feedback please go to: www.bangladeshworkersafety.org. The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 2/16

11 Apr 2014 GENERAL INFORMATION General Information Factory Country: Province: City: AREA,, TONGI, GAZIPUR, GAZIPUR, 0, BD GAZIPUR Dhaka Bangladesh Bangladesh Dhaka GAZIPUR Zip Code: 1710 Audit Duration: Re-Audit: 1 Days Re-Audit After 0 Months Draft Report 05-06-2014 Final Report 05-20-2014 Are all Action Items From Previous Assessment Completed?: Buildings in Complex: Is the building(s) owned or rented by the Factory: Number of Building Levels (Stories): Approximate Building Area (SF): Date of Building Construction: Date of Last Building Renovation/Addition: Ancillary Structures in Complex: Approximate Ancillary Structures Area (SF): N/A There are 6 buildings. 1. Main Building (RCC), 2. Utility Building, 3. Fire Pump Room (RCC), 4. Child Care Shed, 5. Gas Meter Room, 6. Wastage Godown Shed. Rented 1. Main Building: Building Height: 23.93m (78.50 ft), est occupied floor level: 21.52m (70.50 ft), Stories above grade: 8 (including Mezzanine & lift room floor) Stories below Grade: 0, Occupied levels: 8. Total Area: 98,739 SF. 1. Main Building: 94,962 SF; 2. Utility Building: 360 SF; 3. Fire Pump Room: 543 SF; 4. Child Care Shed: 1,722 SF; 5. Gas meter Room: 76 SF; 6. Wastage Godown Shed: 1,076 SF. 1. Main Building: June-1983; 2. Utility Building: 2006; 3. Fire Pump Room: April-2014; 4. Child Care Shed: 2006; 5. Gas meter Room: 2006; 6. Wastage Godown Shed: 2012. Fire Pump Room: April-2014 There are 5 ancillary structures. 1. Utility Building; 2. Fire Pump Room (RCC); 3. Child Care Shed; 4. Gas Meter Room; 5. Wastage Godown Shed. Total Area: 3,777 SF. 1. Utility Building: 360 SF; 2. Fire Pump Room: 543 SF; 3. Child Care Shed: 1,722 SF; 4. Gas meter Room: 76 SF; 5. Wastage Godown Shed: 1,076 SF. The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 3/16

11 Apr 2014 Number of Occupants: Number of Ancillary Levels (Stories): Total Occupant: 1,046. 1. Main Building: 1,034 (Ground Floor: 20, Mezzanine Floor: 5, 1st Floor: 100, 2nd Floor: 170, 3rd Floor: 250, 4th Floor: 268, 5th Floor: 220, Roof: 1), 2. Utility Building: 4 (Ground Floor: 3, 1st Floor: 1), 3. Fire Pump Room: 2 (Basement: 2, Ground Floor: 0, 1st Floor: 0), 4. Child Care Shed: 5, 5. Gas meter Room: 0, 6. Wastage Godown Shed: 1. 1. Utility Building: Building Height: 6.00m (20.00 ft), est occupied floor level: 3.05m (10.00 ft), Stories above grade: 2, Stories below Grade: 0, Occupied levels: 2; 2. Fire Pump Room: Building Height: 6.10m (20.00 ft), est occupied floor level: 3.05m (10.00 ft) Stories above grade: 2, Stories below Grade: 1, Occupied levels: 3. 3.Child Care Shed: Building Height: 3.25m (10.67 ft), est occupied floor level: at Grade, Stories above grade: 1, Stories below Grade: 0, Occupied levels: 1. 4. Gas Meter Room: Building Height: 3.0 m (9.83 ft), est occupied floor level: at Grade, Stories above grade: 1, Stories below Grade: 0, Occupied levels: 1. 5. Wastage Godown Shed: Building Height: 3.0 m (9.83 ft), est occupied floor level: at Grade, Stories above grade: 1, Stories below Grade: 0, Occupied levels: 1. The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 4/16

11 Apr 2014 ASSESSMENT FINDINGS Fire Protection Construction Are openings and penetrations through rated walls and/or assemblies protected? On ground floor, the generator & oil filled transformer rooms have non-rated openings in the rated wall. Another generator is fully open in front of the main building. In the utility building there are high windows with glass panels. Nonrated doors are also present in boiler room, generator room, sub station room, and fabric storage. Photograph: Non-rated openings at several locations in rated walls., Visual Non-rated doors, openings, and windows can be found on the ground floor, in the utility building, and in the store. Provide protective openings at all windows and other openings on all the fire rated walls across the entire premises. If these openings are not required, close and seal the openings and penetrations with proper fire-resistive sealants. Reference Alliance Standard Sections 4.6 and 4.7. 03 Aug 2014 Includes doors, windows, ducts, piping, etc. Reference Alliance Standards Part 4 Section 4.6 Opening Protectives and Section 4.7 Penetrations Are exit enclosures provided with fire-resistive rated construction barriers? There are 3 sets of stairs in the main building. Only one stairway has a fire rated enclosure and rest of the stairways are not provided with fire-rated construction barriers. Photograph: Photograph shows the non fire-rated exit enclosure on different levels and on the roof. Provide fire-resistive rated construction barriers for exit enclosures in accordance with Alliance Standard Sections 4.5. Provide the associated opening protection for the exit enclosure in accordance with Alliance Standard Sections 4.6. Consult a qualified fire protection engineer to design the required rated construction barrier. 03 Aug 2014 The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 5/16

11 Apr 2014 Reference Alliance Standards Part 4 Section 4.5 Separation Is the fire resistance materials of structural members in good condition and free of damage? No damage was found in the fire resistance materials of the structural members in the existing buildings. However, the Main Building is classified as a high-rise since the highest occupied floor is above 65-ft. As such, the nonrated materials on the roof are not allowed per Alliance Standard Section 3.6.2.4. Visual No damage was found in the fire resistance material of the structural members in the existing buildings. However, the roof consists of non-rated materials. Remove non-rated materials from the high-rise building and replace with construction materials consistent with Type 1 construction. 15 Dec 2014 BNBC Part 3 Chapter 3 Are separations between hazards provided with fire-resistive rated construction barriers. 1. Boiler room on the 1st floor (Utility Building) is not properly separated. 2. A generator is installed in front of the Main Building without any fire rated barrier. 3. The compressor room on the ground floor is not separated with fire-resistant rated construction. Photograph: Photograph shows that Boiler room, generator room is not separated and generator in open space is available., Visual The Boiler room and generator room are not protected by fire rated barriers, and a generator is exposed in front of the main building. Provide fire-resistive rated construction barriers between hazard types in accordance with Alliance Standard Sections 3.4 and 4.5. Consult a qualified fire protection engineer to design the required rated construction barrier. 26 Oct 2014 Reference Alliance Standards Part 4 Section 4.5 Separation Certificates of Occupancy for each building have been issued and are on file. Low The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 6/16

11 Apr 2014 No occupancy certificate has been issued for any building on the factory premises. Document Review: No Occupancy certificate had been issued at the time of assessment. Apply to appropriate authority in an expeditious manner for issuance of the Certificates of Occupancy for each building and ancillary structure according to building use. 15 Sep 2014 Are certificates of occupancy provided for each building or ancillary structure? Fire Protection Systems Does the building have a Standpipe System? An existing system is in place where 65 mm connections are available at only one staircase and 38 mm hose connections are provided at each of the floor levels. No approved hydraulic design or documentation from Alliance authority was found. The existing standpipe system is not compliant with the Alliance Standard 5.4 and NFPA 14. Visual The existing standpipe system is not compliant with the Alliance Standard 5.4 and NFPA 14. Replace the existing standpipe system with an NFPA 14 compliant standpipe system designed by a qualified fire protection engineer. The system should be in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 14. Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 14 acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by the Alliance. Final inspection and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by the Alliance as per clause 5.4.3.3. 28 Aug 2014 Does the building have a standpipe system installed where required. Alliance Standard Part 5 Section 5.4.2 The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 7/16

11 Apr 2014 Standpipe system piping is free of mechanical damage, leakage, and corrosion? The existing standpipe system is not compliant, according to Alliance Standard 5.4 and NFPA 14. Visual The existing standpipe system is not compliant, according to Alliance Standard 5.4 and NFPA 14. Repair or replace leaking/damaged piping. Repairs and replacements must comply with NFPA 14 and NFPA 25. NFPA 25 Chapter 6 Standpipe and Hose Systems Is the fire alarm and detection system monitored by a central station monitoring service or directly connected to the Fire Service and Civil Defense? An automatic fire alarm and detection system is available in the factory. The centralized alarm and detection system is not monitored by a central monitoring station. A person is assigned to contact the fire department in the event of fire alarm activation. An annunciator is located in a constantly attended location to alert this person as per Alliance Standard Section 5.7.5. Photograph: Photograph shows the central fire alarm controls and public address system., Visual Automatic Fire alarm and detection system was found but not monitored centrally. Once it is available, arrange for direct connection of the fire alarm system to a central monitoring station or Fire Service or Civil Defence, as per Alliance Standard Section 5.7.5. 15 Sep 2014 Alliance Standard Part 5 Section 5.7.5 Monitoring The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 8/16

11 Apr 2014 Is signage for the standpipe system installed at required locations and on required components? Low The existing standpipe system is not compliant to NFPA 14 as required by Alliance Standard. Visual No signage for the required components of the existing standpipe system was found. Install signage at required locations and on required equipment. Signage must comply with NFPA 14. Reference NFPA 14 Chapter 6 Are inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the fire pump documented and up to date? Low The existing inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the fire pump are not documented according to NFPA 25. Photograph: Existing photograph shows the inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the fire pump., Visual The existing inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the fire pump are not documented according to NFPA 25. Establish an inspection, maintenance, and testing program for the fire pump. The program must comply with NFPA 25. Reference NFPA 25 Chapter 8 Fire Pumps Are inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the standpipe and hose system documented and up to date? Including inspection and testing of hoses if provided. Low Non-Compliance Level: The existing inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the standpipe and hose system are not compliant with NFPA 25. Visual The existing inspection, maintenance, and testing The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 9/16

11 Apr 2014 procedures of the standpipe and hose system are not compliant with NFPA 25. Establish an inspection, maintenance, and testing program for the standpipe and hose system. The program shall be developed based upon the installation of a new NFPA 14 compliant standpipe system. The program must comply with the requirements of NFPA 25 Chapter 6 Table 6.1.1.2. Reference NFPA 25 Chapter 6 Standpipe and Hose Systems Table 6.1.1.2 Means of Egress Exit access corridors serving an occupant load exceeding 30 are separated by walls having a fire-resistance rating of 1 hr. Non-Compliance Level: 3 Corridors serving more than 30 occupants open in different locations and contain non-rated openings. Photograph: Photograph showing that corridors are open and contain non rated openings., Visual Corridors are open and contain non rated openings. Provide fire-resistive rated assemblies at the required exit access corridors. The rated assembly should be approved and/or designed by a qualified fire protection engineer. 28 Aug 2014 Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.3 and Part 4 Section 4.5. Does not apply if an automatic sprinkler system is installed throughout the building. Doors are not locked in the direction of egress under any conditions. All hasps, locks, slide bolts, and other locking devices have been removed where required. Non-Compliance Level: 3 Doors at only one stairwell were found free of hasps, locks, slide bolts, etc. All other doors have provisions for hasps, locks, and slide bolts. Photograph: Photograph shows the collapsible gates., Visual All the doors have provisions for hasps, locks, and slide bolts. There are also nonrated doors on all floors, except the doors of one stairwell. Remove all hasps, locks, slide bolts, and other locking devices at the noted locations. According to section 6.8.2.2, doors may be locked where the latch and lock are disengaged with one motion where the occupant load does not The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 10/16

11 Apr 2014 exceed 49 persons. Turning a door handle and disengaging a lock is considered two motions. Additionally, doors may be provided with locking hardware from the ingress side provided that a panic bar is installed on any door with an occupant load exceeding 49 persons. The re-entry provisions of section 6.8.3 must be met. 08 Sep 2014 Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8 Doors and Gates Doors along the path of egress have a minimum width of 0.8 m (32 in) and have required ratings. Non-Compliance Level: 3 All doors have a width of more than 0.8 m, but there are no fire rated doors. The factory informed auditors that one door on each floor is fire rated, but no valid certification was available. Visual Visual assessment showed that each floor contains only one fire-rated door, which has a clear glass opening. Provide fire resistive rated doors for the stair enclosures. For 1-hr rated stair enclosures, provide 3/4-hr rated doors, and for 2-hr rated stair enclosures, provide 1.5-hr rated doors. 28 Aug 2014 Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.5.6 Minimum Widths. Increased occupant loads will require a door width greater than 0.8 m. All doors in a means of egress are of the side-hinged swinging type. Non-Compliance Level: 3 One door on the first floor has a rolling shutter door as a means of egress. Visual One door on the first floor has a rolling shutter door. Replace collapsible doors, sliding doors, roll-down gates, and shutters in means of egresses with side-hinged swinging type doors of proper width and rating in accordance with the Alliance Standard Section 6.8. 28 Aug 2014 Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8 Doors and Gates The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 11/16

11 Apr 2014 Exterior exit stairs are separated from the building with the required rating. The rating of the exterior wall shall extend 3.05 m (10 ft) beyond the ends of the stair structure. Exterior exit stairs are not separated from the building with the required rating. The rating of the exterior wall shall extend 3.05 m (10 ft) beyond the ends of the stair structure. Photograph: Photograph shows that the exterior exit stair is adjacent to the main building. Close all openings, except those required for egress, across the span of the stairway and 10 feet on each side from the ground level to the roof or 10 ft above the topmost landing. 28 Aug 2014 Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.3.1.2. Three stories or less 1-hr rating. Four stories of more 2-hr rating Illuminated exit signs are placed at entrances to exits and along the path of egress anywhere the continuation of egress is not obvious or there is a change in the direction of the path of travel. Illuminated exit signs are placed at entrances to exits. However, they are not present when there is an obvious discontinuity along the exit path. Visual Illuminated exit signs are placed at entrances to exits only. Install illuminated exit signs at entrances to exits and along the path of egress anywhere the continuation of egress is not obvious or there is a change in the direction of the path of travel. Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.11 Exit Signs Handrails are provided on both sides of each stairway. Intermediate handrails are provided when the stair width exceeds 2.2 m (87 in.). Handrails are not mounted lower than 760 mm (30 in.) or higher than 1100 mm (44 in.). Handrails are provided on only one side of each stairway. Stair width does not The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 12/16

11 Apr 2014 exceed 2.2 m. Handrails are 36 in width, which is between 30 in and 44 in. Photograph: Photograph shows that handrails are provided only on one side of each stairway. Provide handrails on both sides of each stair, with details and heights in accordance with the Alliance document Section 6.12. Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.9 Stairs and 6.12 Handrails and Guards Every door in a stair enclosure serving more than 5 stories is provided with reentry unless it meets the requirements of Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8.3.1. The main building is a six storied RCC building and requires re-entry provisions for the main stairwells. Visual No re-entry provisions were found at the time of assessment. Provide re-entry to floor levels from the stairwells in accordance with Alliance Standard Section 6.8.3. 28 Aug 2014 Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8 Doors and Gates All paths of egress are provided with compliant means of illumination. Non-Compliance Level: 1 Some paths of egress are not provided with compliant means of illumination. Though some lights are industrial fire grade emergency lights, many lights are not fire-grade emergency lights and provide insufficient light. Photograph: Photograph shows that illuminated lights are provided in some locations but not in all locations. Install appropriate means of illumination at all locations in accordance with Alliance Standard Sections 6.7 and 10.12. The egress paths shall be illuminated at all times the building is occupied. Illumination shall be a minimum of 10 lux for all corridors, exit doors, and stairways. Aisles shall be provided with a minimum 2.5 lux illumination. The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 13/16

11 Apr 2014 Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.7 Egress Illumination and Part 10 Section 10.12 Illumination of Exit Signs and Means Of Escape Stair designation signs are provided at each floor entrance from the stair to the floor in English and Bengali. Signs indicate the name of the stair and the floor level. Signs are posted adjacent to the door. Low Non-Compliance Level: 1 Stair designation signs are not provided at each floor entrance from the stair to the floor in English and Bengali. Visual No such stair designation signs were found at the time of assessment. Install signage adjacent to each stair door, indicating the stair name and the floor level in English and Bengali at the noted location. 15 Sep 2014 Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.9 Stairs Fire Safety Programs Are the required number of people trained and certified in fire fighting, first aid, and rescue training by the appropriate authority. Non-Compliance Level: 1 No record of trained emergency response personnel was found at the time of assessment. Visual No record of trained emergency response personnel was found at the time of assessment. Provide and document training for the required number of people (25%) in fire fighting, first aid, and rescue training by the appropriate authority. Alliance Standard Part 13 Human Element Programs Emergency egress maps are posted at the entrance to each exit stair or main point of egress. Emergency egress maps are not posted at the entrance to each exit stair or The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 14/16

11 Apr 2014 main point of egress. Visual No such egress maps are found at the entrance to each exit stair or main point of egress. Post emergency egress maps at the entrance to each exit stair or main point of egress in accordance with the Alliance Standard Section 13.4. 15 Sep 2014 Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.4 Evacuation Plan Training programs are implemented and documented in accordance with the Alliance Safety Training Curriculum. Non-Compliance Level: 1 There is no record or documentation that training programs have been conducted. Document Review: No records or documentation that training programs have been conducted were found. Provide training programs in accordance with Alliance Safety Training Curriculum, and keep record with proper documentation. 15 Sep 2014 Alliance Standards Part 13 A hot-work permit program has been established. Low Steel fabrication work is done frequently, but the factory has not established a hot work permit program. Visual No hot work permit program was found at the time of assessment. Develop a hot work permit program. The program must comply with the requirements of NFPA 51B. Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.4 Hot Work Permit and NFPA 51B The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 15/16

11 Apr 2014 The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Page 16/16