Contents 1. Introduction 2. Warning in the event of fire 3. Action in the event of fire 4. Assembly point 5. Key escape routes 6. Firefighting equipment 7. Roles and responsibilities 8. Arrangements for those with disabilities 9. Risk areas 10. Contact and liaison with the fire and rescue service 11. Review of emergency plan for fire evacuation 12. Training HS2-05 Issue 4 January 2012 Fire Prevention and Evacuation Procedure Page 1 of 5
1. Introduction This document summarises the arrangements in place for response to fire at the Bennett Plc Head Office (Low Green, Nowton, Bury St Edmunds). The sections below provide an overview of each plan element, all of which will be made known to members of staff and will influence staff training and allocation of responsibilities in the event of fire on the premises. The aim of the plan is to ensure staff and visitors are provided with early warning of fire and to facilitate safe evacuation of the premises and summoning of the emergency services. 2. Warning in the event of fire Any activation of the fire alarm system will cause the fire alarm bells to sound. This alarm will continue to operate until silenced by the fire and rescue service. Any sounding of the alarm is the signal for evacuation by all staff and visitors. A comprehensive fire alarm system is in place throughout the Main Office building. This system is designed to provide warning in the event of fire by: activation of smoke or heat detectors, or; operation of break glass call points by a person. 3. Action in the event of fire Staff Any member of staff discovering a fire should immediately activate the nearest fire alarm call point and assist with an orderly evacuation of the premises. Minor fires may be tackled by the use of provided fire extinguishers by a competent person if it is considered safe to do so. On any activation of the fire alarm system the fire and rescue service will be summoned by reception staff by dialing 999. Visitors Visitors discovering a fire are expected to activate the nearest fire alarm call point, leave the building and proceed to the assembly point. Fire instruction notices (Fire Action Plan) to this affect are in place throughout the building. 4. Assembly point The assembly point for all evacuations is The Green in front of Low Green Barn. A roll call will be undertaken at this assembly point by the appointed person. To assist in this process the Signing-In Register (Includes Staff and Visitors) will be taken to the assembly point. This information will be made known to the responding emergency services. HS2-05 Issue 4 January 2012 Fire Prevention and Evacuation Procedure Page 2 of 5
5. Key escape routes Fire exits are provided at ground floor level from public areas direct to open air. All floors above ground floor are provided with a main staircase for general circulation and this is a protected staircase suitable for use during an evacuation. An alternative unprotected staircase is situated centrally in the office building which can be used if necessary in the event of evacuation. Both staircases terminate direct to open air at ground floor level. NB: The lifts are not to be used in the event of fire. 6. Firefighting equipment Fire extinguishers are located throughout the building as shown on the Building Fire Plan within the Fire Folder (held by the Fire Warden). These have been selected and provided by a competent fire engineering company for the risks in each location. NB: Notes on how to deal with a fire (Stated on the Fire Action Plan): If a person s clothing is on fire, wrap a blanket, rug or similar article closely around them and lay them on the ground to prevent flames reaching their head. If electrical appliances are involved, switch off the current before dealing with the fire. Shut the doors and if possible the windows of the room in which the fire is discovered. 7. Roles and responsibilities In the event of fire the Managing Director will assume overall responsibility. The Fire Warden will maintain the Fire Procedures and ensure all equipment is fully operational. Please see the Fire Folder for further information. All staff will assist in the response to a fire. Members of staff or Visitors are NOT required to combat a fire. A competent person may wish to use the fire extinguishers where safe to do so. During Working hours (Mon to Thurs: 09:00 17:00, Fri: 09:00 16:30*) The Managing Director will assume overall responsibility. The Fire Warden will ensure evacuation of areas takes place and that all visitors and staff proceed to the assembly point. The receptionist will call the fire and rescue service by dialing 999. The receptionist will ensure the Signing-In Register is taken to the assembly point. The Fire Warden will ensure that the fire and rescue services have been informed. The Fire Warden will ensure the roll call is undertaken. *excludes bank holidays HS2-05 Issue 4 January 2012 Fire Prevention and Evacuation Procedure Page 3 of 5
7. Roles and responsibilities (continued) During Non-Working hours Any persons legally in the building will be made aware of how to operate the office phones so that they are capable to call the fire and rescue service by dialing 999, and will be inducted by the Fire Warden. The Signing-In Register, which is to be kept on the Reception desk, is to be taken to the assembly point along with the evacuation of the building. The most senior member of staff present at the assembly point will check the register and assign relevant tasks to ensure any disabled persons(s) exit the building in accordance with their individual needs. Once this is complete, the assigned person will assist in the general evacuation and meet the fire and rescue service. 8. Arrangements for those with disabilities On the point of arrival of the person(s) a brief discussion will take place to ascertain what assistance the individual will need in the event of evacuation of the building. Details will be recorded within the Signing-In Register. Passenger lifts are available for normal use but not available for use in the event of fire. 9. Risk areas Head Office (Low Risk) The service room located in the main entrance is considered a higher risk area. This room is a central room for communications hardware, water and electric services. Access to these areas is restricted to the Directors, System Support Technician, and the Fire Warden. The Service Room is included in the fire alarm system and provided with alarm sounders to warn occupants in the event of fire. 10. Contact and liaison with the fire and rescue service In the event of any fire the fire and rescue service will be summoned using the 999 system. During Working Hours They will be met on arrival by the Fire Warden, or in absence of the Fire Warden an appointed member of staff. The roll call details will be made available, along with the fire plans and any other required information on request. The fire alarm control panels are located at ground floor reception. This panel will indicate the location of the detector or call point activated. 11. Review of emergency plan for fire evacuation This plan will be reviewed annually. In addition it will be reviewed following any evacuation exercise or fire. HS2-05 Issue 4 January 2012 Fire Prevention and Evacuation Procedure Page 4 of 5
12. Training Members of staff will receive appropriate training to ensure competence in the role they will undertake. This will include: Induction training (all) Fire warden training Management training In addition regular (at least 6 monthly) evacuation exercises will be undertaken. HS2-05 Issue 4 January 2012 Fire Prevention and Evacuation Procedure Page 5 of 5