COVER SHEET in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79:2007 (British Standards Institute): Fire Risk Assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology (with additions) Responsible Person: Address of Property: Person(s) Consulted: Assessor: Co-Director, Tizard Centre (P. McGill) in conjunction with Council & the Vice Chancellor The Woodlands Annex Building, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7LR Andrew Briggs Lynda O'Sullivan (reviewed by Andrew Briggs, MIFSM) Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 14th March 2013 Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: Non Applicable Note: various inspections/surveys conducted in the course of this exercise were non-invasive and/or sampling exercises, and therefore not fully conclusive. Suggested Date for Review: July 2016, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change, whichever the soonest Document dated (finalised) 11th July 2013
COVER SHEET
GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 1.0 The Building 1.1 Number of floors 1 1.2 Approximate floor area: 140m2 1.3 Construction Details: Modular Building (steel frame with lightweight walls and roof construction, internal partition walls. 1.4 Occupancy: Academic & administrative 2.0 The Occupants 2.1 Approximate maximum number: Fewer than 100 2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Not reviewed at this time 2.3 Maximum number of members of public: Not reviewed at this time (Add more detail by area or room as appropriate) 3.0 Occupants at Special Risk 3.1 Sleeping occupants: Nil 3.2 Occupants with disabilities: 1 No. current user with disabilities 3.3 Occupants in remote areas: 3.4 Others: 4.0 Fire Loss Experience 4.1 Fires in past 10 years: Nil 4.2 Cost of fire losses:
GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION 5.0 Other Relevant Information 5.1 Detail: 6.0 Relevant Fire Safety Legislation 6.1 Primary statutory provisions etc: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, referred Official Guidance & related British Standards/Euro Norms 6.2 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service 6.3 Other legislation significant to fire safety Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010 provisions in this building: 6.4 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
The following is based on BS 9999 concepts and principles, which may be used in conjunction with official guidance in assessing risks. Categories relevant to the building are highlighted. Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist. Occupant risk categories Risk category Description Comments A Occupants who are awake and Local staff; other staff; visitors/students familiar with the building B Occupants who are awake and E.g. conference visitors unfamiliar with the building C Occupants who are likely to be asleep: Ci long-term individual occupancy Cii long-term managed occupancy Ciii short-term occupancy D Occupants receiving medical care E Occupants in transit Fire growth rate(s) Category Fire growth rate Typical fire growth parameter, kj/s3 1 Slow 0.0029 2 Medium 0.012 Most locations 3 Fast 0.047 4 Ultra-fast 0.188 Locations (where specific) & categories Risk profiles: Management level therefore required: See BS 9999:2008 section 8.3 Environmental risks Heritage aspects Business continuity (University) Business continuity (department) Range A2 to B2 2 (Campus Watch procedures cover emergency requirements) 1 = fully proactive; optimally staffed, controlled & resourced etc. 2 = reliably reactive; compliant with legislation & direct requirements ( 3 =, less than compliant with legislation ) Fire-fighting water runoff (containing combustion products) to soil/surface water drainage/controlled waters; temporary release of combustion products to atmosphere; temporary local nuisance; no other environmental impact likely Building does not have Listed status. Negligible effect Serious effect.
FIRE HAZARDS INDEX DETAIL ES NO COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC 7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition Continue insofar as possible to maintain/encourage safe separation distance of ½ metre between appliances and combustible materials in all areas, to ensure that sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical equipment, to ensure that all electrical fuses and circuit breakers etc are of the correct rating and suitable for the purpose, and to switch equipment off at the end of the working day. 7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of electrical origin? 7.2 Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested? Portable appliance testing carried out? Suitable policy regarding use of personal electrical appliances? Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adaptors? Continue to ensure PAT and fixed installation testing is carried out regularly. 8.0 Smoking 8.1, 2 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented, publicised and result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate? enforced insofar as possible. Arrangements for smokers? No evidence of breaches? 9.0 Arson 9.1, 2 Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear reasonable? Absence of fire load available for ignition by outsiders? (Proximity to or presence within building) Ensure regular waste and recyclable waste collections remain regular. Relocated external waste bins to a suitable secure location. Location of building is obscured from the main road, however, street lights do illuminate the adjacent footpath. Waste collect take place regularly. 10.0 Portable Heaters & Heating Installations 10.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable? Ensure ban on additional appliances continues to be enforced insofar as possible. Only oil filled radiators obtained through the estates helpdesk should be permitted, in the unlikly event of a heating failure. 10.2 If portable heaters are used: is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar fires or lpg appliances) avoided? Are suitable measures taken to minimize the hazard of ignition of combustible materials? Portable electrical heaters with open elements, such as fan or radiant heaters, must not be used. 10.3 Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance? Ensure heating system is regularly maintained. 11.0 Cooking 11.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking? Is all essential maintenance up to date and recorded? 11.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly? Are suitable extinguishing appliances available? No cooking facilities are included within the building.
FIRE HAZARDS 12.0 Lightning 12.1 Does the building have a lightning protection system? N Provide suitable lightning protection system to building in accordance with BS 6651. A risk assement by the construction contractor determined a lighting protection was not required. 13.0 Housekeeping 13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Ensure that housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of combustible materials and waste. 13.2 Are combustible materials separated from ignition Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between appliances sources? and combustible materials throughout building. 13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste? 13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible materials? 13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials? N Continue to ensure that combustible items are not present in escape routes at any time (the main corridor). External waste bins should be relaocted and secure at least 6m from the building. Escape routes should be maintained as fire-sterile as possible; this is especially critical in the main corridor,where there is no alternative direction of escape. 14.0 Outside Contractor, Building Works and Maintenance Hazards 14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by maintenance personnel and outside contractors? All works must be planned, contracted and safeguarded through Estates. Appropriate control (including Permits To work where appropriate) will be administered by Estates. [Local] staff/management should however ensure that contractors are briefed on, and accounted for under, building Fire Emergency Plan (also that contractors' dangerous substances are known & logged - see 15). 14.2, 3 Are adequate fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors? 15.0 Dangerous Substances 15.1 Have the hazardous properties of dangerous substances been considered? If relevant, has a risk assessment been carried out according to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002? Introduce a permit to work system for contractors who carry out 'hot work' involving processes such as welding or flame cutting. Minimal amounts of dangerous substance used for the normal running of the building such as janitorial and maintenance liquids/sprays are stored in a locked cupboard (See also 14.1). Contiue to ensure the locked cleaners cupboard is locked when not in use and is located more that 1/2 a metre from sources of ignition. Continue to ensure that any dangerous substances temporarily introduced (e.g. by contractors) are known and logged, that appropriate controls are in place, and that all relevant information can be made immediately available to the Fire & Rescue Service in the event of an emergency. 15.2 Is there adequate information on safety provided by the supplier on any relevant safety data sheet? 15.3 Has account been taken regarding: the special, technical and organisational measures and the substances used and their possible interactions. the amount of the substance involved where the work will involve more than one dangerous substance, the risk presented by such substances in combination
FIRE HAZARDS the arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances and of waste containing dangerous substances any other measures introduced as a result of the RRO 15.4 Are there safe systems of work for maintenance, where there is the potential for a high level of risk? 15.5 Are sufficient control measures in place to counter the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will occur and its persistence including adjacent areas? 15.6 Are sufficient control measures in place to counter the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective 15.7 Has account been taken regarding the scale of the anticipated effects? 15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available to enable the assessment to be completed? 16.0 Other Significant Risks 16.1 Are there other significant ignition sources N present? 16.2 Are there other significant fuels present? N
FIRE PROTECTION INDEX DETAIL ES NO COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC 17.0 Means of Escape from Fire The main corridor provides a single means of escape. Management should ensure that all room doors are routinely closed at all times when there is no person present in the room. 17.1 Is it considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire? 17.2 I Adequate design of escape routes? (Calculate for room and premises occupancy numbers & types, where relevant.) 17.2 I Is a suitable assembly point specified? The assembly point is located in the car park. The Assembly point number suppl. should be added to the evacuation instructions notice. 17.2 ii Adequate provision of exits? (Calculate for room and premises occupancy numbers & types, where relevant.) 17.2 ii In the case of roof access, are there adequate suppl. exits/routes? 17.2 iii Are exits easily and immediately openable where necessary? (Alarm-linked features such as electronic door release mechanisms to be verified as compliant, functional and suitably failsafe) 17.2 iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape where necessary? 17.2 v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where necessary? One number access control devised attached to the main entrance door can be over ridden by using the internal handle. The manual dead bolt includes a thumb turn on the inside how ever management should continue to ensure the bolt is only engaged when the building is empty. 17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Management must robustly ensure that the dead bolt is only employed when this building is not in use. 17.2 vii Are there reasonable travel distances where there is a single direction of travel? 17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where there is an alternative means of escape? 17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? Whilst fire door condition & effectiveness is acceptable, some are missing seals, and are failing to self-close, etc. - to be checked throughout, adjusted/corrected and appropriate intumescent and smoke seals fitted. 17.2 ix suppl Where automatic devices are fitted to designated fire doors, is appropriate automatic fire detection fitted, and are they of an appropriate type? The BMS does not shut the boiler down in the event of fire alarm activation & result in safe conditions throughout. An interface should preferably be provided between the Fire alarm and BMS. 17.2 x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Vision panels provided. 17.2 xi Are all escape routes unobstructed? The double leaf final exit has one leaf habitually bolted. This allows a sufficient width for escape. Management should ensure the gangway remains unobstructed. Because the arrangement could be considered a room within a room arrangement, absolute fire sterility is not necessary. AFD fitted in corridors and rooms provides some compensation. Such risks within this building are regarded as tolerable but should not be increased without review with the Safety, Health & Environment Unit. The contractor has been notified of the outstanding works as an item on the snagging list. A separate works order has also been raised with the Maintenance Department to resolve.
FIRE PROTECTION 17.3 Is the building provided with reasonable arrangements for means of escape for occupants with disabilities? Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans must be devised for all persons with disabilities who may require assistance to escape safely. 18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development 18.0 Are marked up plans available showing all fire suppl. resisting construction? 18.1 I Is it considered that there is compartmentation of a reasonable standard? (Including e.g. firestopping of service penetrations) 18.1 I Is there potential for fire spread between suppl. compartments through void spaces? 18.1 ii Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire spread? All of the rooms are within 20 metres of the final exit, and as such could be considered as rooms within a room. The building is not of a sufficient size to warrant separate compartments. 18.1 ii Are escape routes tolerably fire sterile? It is tolerable to introduce the small locking cleaners cupboard and covered suppl. notice boards into the corridor providing they are located more than 0.5m from any source of ignition. It is a management responsibility to check this on a regular basis. 18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, are fire dampers provided as necessary to prevent critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire? 19.0 Escape Lighting 19.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting provided? 20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices 20.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? 20.1 Are fire safety signs of appropriate size for suppl. 1 viewing distances? 20.1 Are fire safety signs specific to persons with suppl. 2 disabilities provided in suitable locations and positions? Fire action notices to identify evacuation location by number. Fire action notices installed as current in Feb 2013. 21.0 Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire 21.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided? 21.2, 3 Is automatic fire detection provided in building? (Throughout building? Part(s) of building only?) Is the extent of automatic fire detection generally suitable for the occupancy and risk? A call point is located adjacent to the final exit. This building is wired as an extension to the existing Woodlands panel, station 46 as new zone 4. Currently awaiting commissioning certificates.
FIRE PROTECTION 21.4 Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal? Are measures in place relating to "call challenging" by the Fire & Rescue Service? 21 suppl. Is the fire alarm system audible or perceptible 1 throughout the building? 21 suppl. If unwanted fire alarm signals occur, are they 2 acceptably infrequent? 22.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances 22.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers reasonable? Management to check that the fire extinguishers are kept in their designated locations, on a regular basis, as the bases are not fixed. 22.2 Are hose reels provided? N Not required. 22.3 Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible? Fire extinguishers installed as currently required in Feb 2013. 23.0 Automatic Fixed Systems 23.1 Is there a suitable sprinkler or water based system, gaseous local application or total flooding provided that is adequate for the risk present? 24.0 Other Fixed Systems and Equipment 24.1 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the risk present? 24 suppl. Is there suitable provision of a fire-fighters' switch(as) for high voltage luminous discharge tube signs etc.? Has suitable notice of these been given to the Fire & Rescue Authority, including switch colouring and marking? 24 suppl. 2 Does automatic control or shutdown of ventilation/heating systems in the event of fire alarm activation result in safe conditions throughout (e.g. fire doors unimpeded by air movements from closing)?
MANAGING FIRE SAFET INDEX DETAIL ES NO COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC 25.0 Procedures and Arrangements 25.1 Fire safety is managed by: Co-Director, Tizard Centre assisted by line managers. 25.2 Are suitably and sufficiently competent persons appointed to assist in undertaking and ensuring the preventive and protective measures (i.e. relevant general fire precautions)? Local Schools/Departments have responsibilities as per University policies, procedures and guidance. The procedures for the new Woodlands Annex building should be added to those of the main Woodlands building. 25.3, 4 Is there a suitable record of fire safety arrangements? Procedures properly documented? Suitable arrangements for summoning the Fire & Rescue Service, meeting them on arrival and providing relevant information including that relating to hazards to fire-fighters? Suitable arrangements for ensuring that the premises have been evacuated? Suitable fire assemply point(s)? Adequate procedures for evacuation of persons with disabilities? N The Woodlands Fire Emergency Plan should be extended to cover the Annex. 25.5 Are persons nominated and trained to use fire extinguishing appliances? 25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of persons with disabilities? 25.7 Is there appropriate liaison with the Fire & Rescue Service (e.g. any relevant notifications, familiarization visits etc) 25.8 Is a system of routine in-house, local inspections of fire precautions implemented? X Campus Watch are nominated (completion of training currently pending). It is unlikely that any building occupants will require full training. Wherever practicable, sufficient persons should be nominated and trained in order to facilitate evacuation (see 25.3,4) at all material times, including fire marshals and those assigned to assisting persons with disabilities. Management of all departments occupying and operating in the building should cooperate and coordinate in making such provisions. Assured as part of general University liaison with Kent Fire & Rescue Service. A system of basic local checks of fire safety features should be implemented. Fire marshals are usually assigned these tasks. In most buildings, it is usually recommended that the majority of staff do not receive fire extinguisher training except for information/instruction on the basic principles of their use. For all persons except those fully trained, fire extinguishers should not be used unless necessary in order to escape. 26.0 Training and Drills 26.1 Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction and training on induction? 26.1 Are all students and/or visitors given adequate suppl. fire safety information and instruction at an appropriate time? 26.2 Are all staff given adequate periodic fire safety refresher instruction and training at suitable intervals? Continue to provide adequate fire safety instruction and training to all staff on induction. Lecturers, tutors, seminar leaders, facilitators etc. must deliver basic evacuation information to students/ unfamilar staff on the first occasion in any given location. Continue to repeat basic fire safety information at not less than yearly intervals, and provide full refresher training at not less than 3 yearly intervals.
MANAGING FIRE SAFET 26.3 Does all staff training (and student/visitor information, as appropriate) provide information, instruction or training on the following: fire risks in the building, fire safety measures, action in the event of fire and on hearing the alarm signal, operation of manual call points, location and use of fire extinguishers, means of summoning the Fire & Rescue Service, identity of persons nominated to assist with evacuation, identity of persons nominated to use fire extinguishing appliances? Induction and refresher training must continue to include the Safety, Health & Environment Unit's "Fire & Safety Awareness" course or equivalent. 26.4 Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire marshals) given additional training? 26.5 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals, and in accordance with official guidance? Ensure suitable training (including timely refreshers) is given to all staff allocated special fire safety responsibilities. See 25.6 - training requirements will need to be reviewed with the move to this building. 26.6 When the employees or visitors of another employer work or are accommodated in the premises: 26.6 i Is the employer given appropriate information (e.g. on fire risks and general fire precautions)? 26.6 ii Is it ensured that the employees and visitors are provided with adequate instructions and information? Continue to ensure that full and adequate fire safety information is conveyed to visiting organisations in advance. Ensure insofar as possible that visiting organisations provide their employees and visitors with adequate fire safety information, instruction and training. Fire safety awareness and behaviour should be enhanced by any available means. 27.5 suppl. 27.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance 27.1 Adequate maintenance and inspection of premises by competent persons? 27.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system? 27.3 Monthly and annual testing routines for emergency lighting? 27.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances? 27.5 Periodic inspection of external escape staircases and gangways? Is there adequate provision for ensuring external escape staircases and gangways remain passable at all material times during inclement weather? 27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of rising mains and/or hydrants? Ensure that adequate planned maintenance and competent inspection of fire safety features is implemented throughout all locations. Hydrants located on the public highway adjoining. Advise the Maintenance department that the building is now occupied and tests etc should be added to the Woodlands Main Building Programmed Inspections. Advise the Maintenance department that the building is now occupied and tests etc should be added to the Woodlands Main Building Programmed Inspections. Advise the Maintenance department that the building is now occupied and tests etc should be added to the Woodlands Main Building Programmed Inspections. Advise the Maintenance department that the building is now occupied and tests etc should be added to the Woodlands Main Building Programmed Inspections.
MANAGING FIRE SAFET 27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly inspection and annual testing of evacuation and/or fire-fighting lifts? 27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installations? 27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastening? 27.10 Annual inspection and test of lightning protection systems? 27.11 Other relevant inspections or tests: (including e.g. ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting systems, door holdback devices, electronic door release systems) Advise the Maintenance department that the building is now occupied and tests etc should be added to the Woodlands Main Building Programmed Inspections. Contractors risk assessment stipulated lightening protection was not required for the building. 28.0 Records Section answered according to standard Estates & SHEU arrangements 28.1 Are appropriate records kept for: 28.1 i Fire drills? 28.1 ii Fire training? 28.1 iii Fire alarm tests? 28.1 iv Emergency escape lighting tests? 28.1 v Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems? 29.0 oung Persons Have the following matters been taken into particular account in risk assessment in respect 29.1 of young persons: the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and 29.2 immaturity of young persons 29.3 the fitting-out and layout of the premises the nature, degree and duration of exposure to 29.4 physical and chemical agents the form, range, and use of work equipment and 29.5 the way in which it is handled; 29.6 the organisation of processes and activities the extent of the safety training provided or to be 29.7 provided to young persons risks from agents, processes and work listed in the Annex to Council Directive 94/33/EC on the 29.8 protection of young people at work oung people do not use this space. 30.0 Behavioural Aspects
MANAGING FIRE SAFET Is there evidence from previous fire drills and other emergencies indicating that some occupants may be unaware, unwilling or fail to 30.1 evacuate? (Aside from disability-related) Is there evidence of disregard of fire safety provisions amongst building occupancy and/or 30.2 management? Is there evidence of significant human 30.3 interference with fire safety provisions? Are other significant behavioural aspects 30.4 foreseeable? N
INDEX DETAIL DESCRIPTION 31.0 Fire Strategy - building design/layout 31.1 The main corridor provides a single means of escape. Management should ensure that all room doors are routinely closed at all times when there is no person present in the room. 31.2 The evacuation strategy is simultaneous and immediate for the entire building and all occupants except those tasked with coordinating the evacuation. The assembly point is located in the carpark. 31.3 The building is well provided with access routes for firefighting by the Fire & Rescue Service - a main access road. Fire hydrants are available in the adjacent main road and are maintained in an operational state. 32.0 Fire Strategy - systems 32.1 The fire alarm system provides for manual operation and/or automatic detection in order to give sufficiently early warning of fire to all occupants. These support the safe use of escape routes by occupants and the tenable use of escape routes by firefighters. 32.2 The fire alarm system currently repeats in the Main Woodland Building adjacent. The fire alarm system repeats instantaneously in the Campus Watch control room. On activation, response is mobilised (usually at least one Security Officer and the Security Supervisor). 32.4 It is believed that the Building Management System does not automatically control the gas supply or heating functions on activation of the fire alarm system. The exact operation and its fire safety implications have yet to be fully verified (see 24 suppl. 2). 33.0 Fire Strategy - particular risks 33.1 Management must robustly ensure that no part of the building contains sleeping occupants at any time. 33.2 Minimal amounts of dangerous substances used for the normal running of the building such as janitorial and maintenance liquids/sprays are stored in a locked cupboard (See also 14.1). Contiue to ensure the locked cleaners cupboard is locked when not in use and is located more that 1/2 a metre from sources of ignition. 33.3 Various persons with disabilities may be present at any time. Some of these must be regarded as potentially at significant enhanced risk due to their inability to perceive or respond to the alarm signal, or inability to self-evacuate. Standard University procedures, supplemented by local measures, are in place to plan and facilitate their safe evacuation.
This simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator in BS 8800. Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist. Potential consequences of fire Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm Fire hazard Low Trivial OR tolerable risk * Tolerable risk Moderate risk Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk * at discretion of Fire Risk Assessor Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the hazard from fire (probability of ignition) at this building is: Low / highly unlikely Medium / unlikely - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment High / likely Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be: Slight harm - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate harm Extreme harm In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows: Slight harm: Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupant (other than an occupant sleeping in a bedroom in which a fire occurs). Outbreak of fire could result in injury of one or more occupants, but it is unlikely to involve multiple
Extreme harm: fatalities. Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants. Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is: Trivial Tolerable - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment Moderate Substantial Intolerable A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk. The following risk-based control plan is based on one advocated by BS 8800 for general health and safety risks: Trivial Tolerable Moderate Risk Level Action and Timescale No action is required and no additional detailed records need be kept. No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for consideration of improvements that involve minor or limited cost, and various corrective actions may be required. It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time period. Where moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute extreme harm, further assessment may be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the priority for improved control measures. Substantial Considerable resources may have to be allocated to reduce the risk. If the building is unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the building is occupied, urgent action should be taken.
Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced. Any significant change, occurrence, finding or development should be reported immediately to the University s Safety, Health & Environment Unit so that mitigating action can be taken and this Fire Risk Assessment reviewed and updated. Important note: this assessment of risk is made on a probable or 'best endeavour' basis, since this report is based on a sampling exercise. It is possible that greater risks remain undetected in areas or aspects that have not yet been accessed or addressed.