SAMPLE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

This Fire Risk Assessment was carried out using the PAS 79 methodology. Assessments take account of your specific circumstances.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Employer or other Responsible Person:

Mr. Simon

Address of Property:

1 Abbey

Person(s) Consulted:

Tracey

Assessor:

Jim Williams NEBOSH, IOSH, IFE, 14th April 2008

Date of Fire Risk Assessment:

Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: Suggested Date for Review1:

Not Known

12 months

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in these buildings, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire.

Review [Date]
1

This fire risk assessment should be reviewed by a competent person by the date indicated above or at such earlier time as there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN

The following simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator contained in BS 8800:

Potential consequences of fire Slight harm Fire hazard Low Trivial risk Tolerable risk Moderate risk Moderate harm Extreme harm

Medium

Tolerable risk

Moderate risk

Substantial risk

High

Moderate risk

Substantial risk

Intolerable risk

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

Medium

High

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

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 fatalities. Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants.

Extreme harm:

Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is:

Trivial

Tolerable

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:

Risk Level

Action and timescale

Trivial

No action is required and no detailed records need be kept.

Tolerable

No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for consideration of improvements that involve minor or limited cost.

It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time period. Moderate 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.

Note that, although the purpose of this section is to place the fire risk in context, the above approach to fire risk assessment is subjective and for guidance only. All hazards and deficiencies identified in this report should be addressed by implementing all recommendations contained in the following section. The risk assessment should be reviewed periodically.

ACTION PLAN It is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in order to reduce fire risk, or maintain it, the following level of BS8800 will be used. Reference numbers correspond to document.
6.2 In accordance with IEE Regulations, a competent Electrical Engineer should test the electrical system periodically and the results of these tests should be recorded. It is recommended that consideration is given to the electrical safety testing (PAT) of all electrically powered appliances and associated equipment, office and other machines on an annual basis. General electrical circuits should be tested and checked by a competent contractor every five years. There should be managerial control on electrical items of equipment, which are brought into the premises by members of staff. All such items should be included in the periodic electrical safety testing, which takes place/is recommended. This should be carried out before permission for the use of the items is given. Moderate 11.1 It was not possible to ascertain if lightning protection is provided for the building and it is recommended that this issue is investigated. Tolerable 12.1 A competent person should adequately and regularly maintain office equipment such as photocopiers. Tolerable

13.1 Second floor office requires tidying and all combustible material to be kept clear of sources of heat such as the radiators, items left close to computer monitors and base stations Moderate 15 The second means of escape requires attention to ensure that the door is easily operable from both sides. The use of keys on inspection shows that they can be missing and a potential risk to life. It would benefit form either a push bar or twist lock to open device. Substantial

16.2 All doors that have a self closing device must be effectively self closing at a safe and controlled speed and be held firmly in the closed position without the aid of a catch. They should not be held open by irregular means. These doors would benefit from having smoke seals fitted to either the door or frame as this would slow down smoke spread in the event of a fire. Moderate 17.1 Artificial illumination should be provided for the exit route to the second fire exit. Its position should be above the door. Additional lighting is needed for the first floor and the reception area on the ground floor, however a test of the system in place to check how effective it is would help to determine where additional units are required. There may be a case that if the building is not used often during dark hours that the use of torches may be sufficient. Moderate 18.1 TO FIRE EXIT notices in bold white lettering on a green background should be positioned at each change of direction or part of the escape route where the exit door or doors are not readily visible to person using the escape route. The notices should incorporate a directional arrow facing towards the direction of escape and the running man pictogram. Where necessary this should be suspended about head height. All self closing doors are to be permanently marked on each side at eye level with a blue circular notice bearing the words FIRE DOOR KEEP SHUT in white letters not less than 5 mm in height. When the second means of escape door has an easily operable device fitted then it requires the words PUSH BAR TO OPEN or TWIST LOCK TO OPEN in block lettering at least 50 mm high. The lettering should normally be white on a green background and positioned immediately above the operating bar or handle if there is sufficient flat surface to accommodate the size of lettering. FIRE EXIT KEEP CLEAR sign should be placed on the outer surface, other side, of the second means of escape door and also on the door leading to the escape. Printed FIRE ACTION notices should be displayed at conspicuous positions in the premises. They should state in concise terms the essentials of the action to be taken upon discovering a fire and on hearing the fire alarm. The notices should be permanently fixed in position and suitably protected to prevent loss or defacement, located in prominent positions, and by each call point where fitted and at the main entrance. To make the presence of fire fighting equipment obvious, a notice bearing the words FIRE EXTINGUISHER, in white block lettering a minimum of 15 mm in height on a red background, should be provided. Moderate

20 An additional extinguisher is required on the first floor; this could be either a dry powder or Co2 extinguisher. The water extinguisher on the second floor needs to be fixed to the wall. Moderate

24.1 All persons at work should be instructed and trained to ensure that they understand the fire emergency plan and fire precautions in the premises and the action to be taken in the event of fire. This may take the form of a review a fire action notice and a walk around the building for familisation. 24.2 It is particularly important that management ensure that all newly appointed or temporary staff are made aware of the means of escape and fire procedures at the commencement of their employment. 24.3 There should be adequate numbers of trained fire wardens so as to ensure that at least one will be available at all times during normal business hours. There are two who received training two years ago but it is evident that they require refresher training to help them remember what there duties are and how to do the checks required in the office. 24.4 A practice fire drill should be carried out at least once and preferably twice each year simulating conditions in which one of the escape routes from the building is considered to be unavailable. During these drills the fire alarm should be operated by a member of staff who is told of a supposed outbreak of fire, and thereafter the fire routine should be rehersed as fully as circumstances allow. Moderate 25.2 There is a fire alarm system installed, and the indicator panel was showing no faults. It is recommended that a check is made with the installation company to confirm that they have provided a certificate of installation and commissioning and that they or another competent contractor are engaged in a servicing contract to maintain and service the system in accordance with British Standard 5839 part 1. It is recommended that the fire alarm system should be tested by management on a weekly basis preferably at the same time and on the same day each week but using a different call point each time. These tests should be recorded.

25.3 The existing emergency lighting system must be tested and examined by a qualified electrical engineer and a test certificate obtained to confirm that the system meets the relevant British Standard, BS 5266, to ensure that persons are not at risk of the emergency lighting failing whilst escaping in the event of fire. It is also recommended that monthly tests are carried out by management on the emergency lighting system by the simulation of a failure of the power supplies. The results of these tests should be recorded. Any failure of luminaries etc should be recorded and arrangements made to provide the necessary repairs. 25.4 All fire extinguishers require to be serviced to BS 5306 Moderate 26.1 The log book records remind management to complete regular training, tests and checks. Failure to carry out the tests etc could result in increased risk due to failure of the fire precautionary arrangements in an emergency. It is recommended that a dedicated fire log book is provided, in which all fire related records should be maintained. Maintain comprehensive records of all: fire alarm actuations, servicing and tests, emergency light tests, servicing and checks, staff fire training,fire evacuation drills, fire extinguisher checks and tests, servicing and testing of the fixed fire fighting installations provided,means of escape checks, portable electrical appliance tests. Tolerable

27
To confirm if an asbestos report has been done. Moderate

28
A simple floor plan of building showing location of fire extinguishers, escape routes, gas, electric main isolation switches. This should be positioned at the main entrance to enable fire-fighters assistance if required to search the building in an emergency. Tolerable

General points to keep in mind, which will require constant review.

3.2 Staff with special needs will need to have a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) to be implemented according to each individuals needs and other members staff made aware of there role in order to assist such ones. A copy of the PEEP should be kept with the fire risk assessment. Staff will need to be aware of members of the public that may require assistance in the event of an emergency due to special needs. 3.4 Lone working needs to be avoided as far as possible, if however someone needs to work in a part of the building by themselves then they should make sure that they have told someone where they are going and how long they expect to be especially if it is for long periods of time. A policy on lone workers needs to be in place and all made aware of it. 5. Due to the fact of sharing your second emergency exit on the second floor with another premise then an agreement in writing in a form of a policy to ensure full access, as this applies to both parties. This should include regular checks that this exit is never blocked and can be open easily form both sides has stated in point 15. Also it should be agreed that during drills that this exit is used and a combined drill at agreed times would be beneficial.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
1.1 1.2

THE BUILDING
Number of floors: 3 Floors Approximate floor area: N/A m per floor. m gross. m on ground floor. [delete units as appropriate]

1.3

Brief details of construction: Stone and timber

1.4

Occupancy: Office

2.
2.1 2.2 2.3

THE OCCUPANTS
Approximate maximum number: 6 Approximate maximum number of employees at any one time: Maximum number of public, 1-2 5

3.
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

OCCUPANTS AT SPECIAL RISK

Sleeping occupants: Disabled occupants: Occupants in remote areas: Lone Workers: Other activities: No No No No No

4.

FIRE LOSS EXPERIENCE No OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Second escape route is through another premise.

5.

FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR ELIMINATION OR CONTROL

6.
6.1

ELECTRICAL SOURCES OF IGNITION

Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of electrical origin? More specifically: Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested? Portable appliance testing carried out? Suitable policy regarding the use of personal electrical appliances? Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters? Yes No

6.2

N/A

Yes Yes

No No

Yes Yes

No No

6.3

Comments and hazards observed: Many electrical items in use with long adapters, but no tests completed.

7.
7.1

SMOKING
Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of smoking? More specifically: Smoking prohibited in the building? Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas? Suitable arrangements for those who wish to smoke? N/A Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes No

7.2

7.3

Comments and hazards observed:

8.
8.1

ARSON
Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear reasonable2? Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to the building or available for ignition by outsiders? Comments and hazards observed: Yes Yes No No

8.2

8.3

Note: Reasonable only in the context of this fire risk assessment. If specific advice on security (including security against arson) is required, the advice of a security specialist should be obtained.

9.
9.1 9.2

PORTABLE HEATERS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS

Are portable heaters used within the premises? 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? Yes No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

9.3

Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance? Comments and hazards observed:

N/A

Yes

No

9.4

10.
10.1

COOKING
Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking? More specifically: Filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly? Suitable extinguishing appliances available? N/A Yes Yes No No N/A Yes No

10.2

10.3

Comments and hazards observed: Fire blanket available, but not really required as no cooker, only microwave, toaster and kettle in kitchen. A 2 kg Dry Powder in the entrance to kitchen would be more appropriate.

11.
11.1 11.2

LIGHTNING
Does the building have a lightning protection system? Comments and deficiencies observed: N/A Yes No

12.
12.1

OTHER SIGNIFICANT IGNITION/HEAT SOURCES THAT WARRANT CONSIDERATION

Ignition sources: Computers, Printers, Photo copier,

12.2

Comments and hazards observed:

13.
13.1 13.2

SOURCES OF FUEL
Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? More specifically: Combustible materials appear to be separated from Ignition, heat sources? Avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste? Appropriate storage of hazardous materials? Avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials? N/A Yes No

Yes

No

Yes Yes Yes

No No No

13.3

Comments and hazards observed:

Second floor office had unnecessary amount of combustible material left all over the floor and in particular boxes and paper left close to a radiator. Cupboard on ground floor under stairs had cardboard boxes stacked up, ideally need to be removed when no longer required.

14.
14.1

HAZARDS INTRODUCED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS AND BUILDING WORKS

Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by outside contractors (including hot work permits)? Are fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors? If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable precautions taken during hot work, including use of hot work permits? Comments: All work is carried out by the landlord and he is will be responsible for control of hot works. N/A Yes Yes Yes No No No

14.2 14.3

14.4

FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES

15.
15.1

MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE

Is it considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire? More specifically: Adequate provision of exits? Exits easily and immediately operable where necessary? Fire exits open in direction of escape where necessary? Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where necessary? Yes No Yes No

15.2

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Reasonable distances of travel: Where there is a single direction of travel? Where there are alternative means of escape? Suitable protection of escape routes? Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Escape routes unobstructed? 15.3 Is it considered that the building is provided with reasonable arrangements for means of escape for disabled Occupants? Comments and deficiencies observed: The second means of escape on the top floor on inspection would not open. The door was double locked with no keys. The door leads to an adjacent yet separate business. I gained permission from the occupier to examine the door and found that they did not realise that it was locked and found the correct keys, but the door was stuck to the frame from years of painting. Eventually the door was forced open and I explained to both parties that this exit must remain available to both sides has a second means of escape. A easily operable system of opening this door is required such as a push bar or twist lock to open from both sides, but in the short term keys must be left for each side. As this is an internal door then security should not an issue.

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No

Yes

No

15.4

16.
16.1

MEASURES TO LIMIT FIRE SPREAD AND DEVELOPMENT

Is it considered that there is: Compartmentation of a reasonable standard
3

Yes Yes

No No

Reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire spread. 16.2 Comments and deficiencies observed: The doors are not to British Standard for fire doors, but they are of a solid wood design and do have self closing devices which may be a compromise due to being a listed building, but a number were wedged open or propped open with a stone and such practice must cease.

17.
17.1 17.2

ESCAPE LIGHTING
Reasonable standard of escape lighting system provided4? Comments and deficiencies observed: There is escape lighting located at the top of the stairs, none on the first floor, and one that is positioned onto the ground floor stairs, but may not shine onto the corridor leading to the main door. Only in winter is the office used during the short spell in dark hours but the escape lighting needs to be tested to see if in an emergency persons are able to see there way out safely. Additional units may be required for the first floor and above the main front door, or the purchase of torches may be sufficient. Escape lighting is also required for the second means of escape and to be positioned above the door. Yes No

18.
18.1 18.2

FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES

Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? Comments and deficiencies observed: There were no fire exit signs or directional signs to show where escape routes were, in particular as clients and customers do visit the office. There was only one fire action notice, and no extinguisher signs. Yes No

3 4

Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas, with a degree of sampling where appropriate. Based on visual inspection, but no test of luminance levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out.

19.
19.1

MEANS OF GIVING WARNING IN CASE OF FIRE

Reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided5? Automatic fire detection provided? Yes
(throughout building)

Yes Yes
(part of building only)

No No

19.2

19.3 19.4

Remote transmission of alarm signals? Comments and deficiencies observed? No break glass point on ground floor, but there is detection in both rooms on the ground floor so there may be a view that these would set off the alarm in the event of a fire, however normally break glass points are positioned by all exits according to BS 5839- part 1

Yes

No

20.
20.1 20.2 20.3

MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPLIANCES

Reasonable provision of portable fire extinguishers? Hose reels provided? Comments and deficiencies observed: One is required on the first floor, but if one is purchased for the kitchen then this would cover the rest of the floor, the disadvantage of a dry powder is when used it would make visibility poor as the stairs is the main escape route. So a Co2 would be an alternative. Yes Yes No No

21.
21.1

RELEVANT AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Type of system:

21.2

Comments:

Based on visual inspection, but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out. Relevant to life safety and this risk assessment (as opposed purely to property protection).

22.
22.1

OTHER RELEVANT FIXED SYSTEMS

Type of system:

22.2

Comments:

MANAGEMENT OF FIRE SAFETY

23.
23.1

PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Person responsible for fire safety6: Mr David Hazelwood

23.2

Competent person(s) available to assist in implementation of fire safety legislation? Comments:

Yes

No

23.3

Appropriate fire procedures in place? (Fire emergency plan or fire action notice) Comments:

Yes

No

23.4

People nominated to respond to fire? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

23.5

People nominated to assist with evacuation? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

23.6

Appropriate liaison with fire brigade? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

This is not intended to represent a legal interpretation of responsibility, but merely reflects the managerial arrangement in place at the time of this risk assessment.

23.7

Routine in-house inspections of fire precautions (e.g. in the course of health and safety inspections)? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

24.
24.1

TRAINING AND DRILLS

Are all staff given instruction on induction? Comments: Yes No

24.2

Are all staff given periodic refresher training at suitable intervals? Comments:

Yes

No

24.3

Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire wardens, use of fire- fighting equipment) given additional training? Comments: 2 Members of staff have had fire warden training 2 years ago, but evidence seems to suggest that they have forgotten what is required and the checks they need to do.

N/A

Yes

No

24.4

Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals? Comments: No record

N/A

Yes

No

25.
25.1

TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

Adequate maintenance of workplace? Comments and deficiencies observed: N/A Yes No

25.2

Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system?

Yes

No

Comments and deficiencies observed:

25.3

Monthly, six-monthly and annual testing routines for Emergency lighting? Comments and deficiencies observed:

Yes

No

25.4

Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances? Comments and deficiencies observed:

Yes

No

25.5

Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains? Comments and deficiencies observed:

N/A

Yes

No

25.6

Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installations? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

25.7

Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings? Comments: Second means of escape not checked for some time.

N/A

Yes

No

25.8

Annual inspection and test of lightning protection system? Comments:

N/A

Yes

No

25.9

Other relevant inspections or tests:

Comments:

Checks are not being done.

26.
26.1

RECORDS
Appropriate records of: Fire drills? Fire training? Fire alarm tests? Escape lighting tests? Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems? N/A N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No

26.2

Comments: No log book in use, so no records.

27. FIRE-FIGHTER PROTECTION Good access to property, no major risks or dangers.

27.1 Asbestos report done? Not Known and needs to be confirmed.

27.2 Any other hazards? No

28. Additional information. A simple floor plan of building showing location of fire extinguishers, escape routes, gas, electric main isolation switches. This should be positioned at the main entrance to enable fire-fighters assistance if required to search the building in an emergency.