THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)

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Property & Facilities Division
and
Occupational Health & Safety Unit


Fire Safety Management Plan (FSMP)

Contents Page

1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
2.0 Purpose..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
3.0 Objectives................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
4.0 Scope and Limitations...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
5.0 Legal Requirements........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
5.1 Statutory Requirements..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
5.2 Standards, Codes, Guidelines and References......................................................................................................................................................2
6.0 Organisational Responsibilities..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7.0 Factors Affecting Fire Safety.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
8.0 Managing Fire Safety...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
8.1 Strategy.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
8.2 Fire Safety Inspections and Risk Assessment..........................................................................................................................................................4
8.3 Maintenance of Fire Systems and Associated Equipment..............................................................................................................5
8.4 Building Design and Commissioning of New Systems...........................................................................................................................5
8.5 Fire Wardens..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
8.5.1 General .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
8.5.2 Training................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
8.6 Fire Evacuation Drills....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
8.6.1 Requirements............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
8.6.1 Disabled Persons..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
8.6.3 Fire and Emergency Procedures....................................................................................................................... 6
8.7 Testing of Fire Evacuation Systems..............................................................................................................................................................................................7
8.7.1 Requirement .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
8.7.2 Frequency........................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
8.8 Emergency Response...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
8.9 Key Performance Indicators..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
9.0 Complaint Resolution..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
9.1 Management of Fire Safety Problems.......................................................................................................................................................................................7
9.2 Notification of Problems.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
9.3 Complaint/Incident Investigation.......................................................................................................................................................................................................8
9.4 Remediation of Issues................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
10.0 Web Link Addresses Relating to Fire Safety Issues..........................................................................................................................9


APPENDICES
Appendix A Fire Risk Assessment Audit Form
Appendix B - Fire Safety Building Report
Appendix C - Fire and Emergency Procedures Sample



THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The University of Queensland (UQ) has a legal obligation under the Workplace Health and
Safety Act 1995 to ensure the health and safety of employees and anyone else who enters
University workplaces. There are also obligations to comply with provisions of the Fire
Safety Act 1990 & Fire Regulations 1991 and other associated legislation. This involves
ensuring that fire systems and procedures are properly maintained, and that training
requirements are undertaken to ensure staff are fully aware of their fire safety
responsibilities.

Fire is identified as a considerable risk in any organisation that has a large building
infrastructure. This Fire Safety Management Plan (FSMP) has been prepared so that the
University can appropriately manage this risk.


2.0 PURPOSE

This document has been developed by Property & Facilities Division (P&F) and the
University Occupational Health and Safety Unit to provide the University with information
and understanding of fire policies and procedures. The FSMP is primarily designed to
provide information on how the University manages fire risks and how the University
community may become informed about fire safety measures.


3.0 OBJECTIVES

There are four main objectives of the FSMP:

To ensure a comprehensive fire risk management process is applied across the
University to ensure a high level of safety for persons and property.
To ensure that fire safety problems that arise are quickly and effectively contained and
resolved.
To ensure that the University complies fully with its legal obligations in relation to fire
safety.
To ensure that appropriate training and information is provided on fire safety to the
University community.


4.0 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The term fire safety refers to a range of characteristics including:

The methodology for carrying out fire safety risk audits.
The design, installation and maintenance of fire safety systems to protect people and
property from fire.
The provision of fire safety awareness and training.
The establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive Building Fire Warden System.
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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5.0 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Statutory Requirements

The following fire safety legislation is applicable in Queensland and to the
University:

The Fire Safety Act 1990;
The Fire Safety Regulations 1991;
Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995;
The Building Code of Australia 1996.

5.2 Standards, Codes, Guidelines and References

The following Australian Standards and Codes of Practice apply:

AS 4665-2002, Guidelines for Fire Safety Audits for Buildings (Int);
AS 3745-2002, Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures for
Buildings, Structures and Workplaces;
Fire Engineering Guidelines 2001;
Occupational Health & Safety Unit web site;
University Security Emergency Procedures.

6.0 ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The following are responsible for the implementation and management of the control
measures discussed in this document:

Person/Organisation Responsibility
Occupational Health & Safety Council Endorse FSMP.
Executive Manager OH&S Unit Ensure University-wide compliance with FSMP.
Director, P&F
Operations Manager
Ensure policy application throughout P&F and suppliers.
Allocate funding for Fire Safety.
Construction Manager
Operations Manager
Manager Security
Engineering Manager
Senior Engineer Electrical
Site Planner

Ensure the infrastructure design, installation and
maintenance of Fire Systems are consistent with the
requirements of the FSMP.
Manager Security is responsible for ensuring the intent
of the FSMP is achieved. Fire Safety Officers are
responsible for carrying out a range of activities to
minimise fire safety risk across the University in
accordance with the terms of the FSMP.

Operations Contracts Officer (P&F)
Maintenance Officers
Fire Safety Officers
Ensure effective maintenance practices are established in
compliance with the FSMP and legislation. Ensure the
University Design Standards are maintained and
complied with.
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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Project Managers / Officers
Engineering Manager
Fire Safety Officers
Ensure that design and installation of fire systems
complies with legislative requirements and the FSMP.
University Building Occupants Ensure that individual activities do not contribute to fire
risk and are in accordance with the requirements of this
FSMP.
Participate in fire drills.
Provide fire wardens and ensure Fire Wardens attend all
relevant training when required.
Ensure all internal and external areas of buildings are
kept free and safe from fire hazards.

7.0 FACTORS AFFECTING FIRE SAFETY

Factors Effects Control Options
Fire hazards and faults. Heightens the risk of fire and
loss of property and life.
A programme of Risk Auditing
that identifies problems and
generates remedial action.
Inappropriate storage of
material.
Heightens the risk of fire and
loss of property and life.
Effective housekeeping
practices ensuring
rubbish/material is removed
and safety mechanisms are put
into place.
Staff not fully aware of fire
issues.
Incorrect action in the event of
an emergency and unidentified
fire hazards become a practical
threat.
Training for all staff in fire
safety awareness and
practices.
New staff induction training.
Using OH&S website for fire
safety information and
guidelines.
Lack of Fire Wardens. Lack of fire supervision in
designated areas particularly in
emergency situations.
Identification and training of
appropriate Fire Wardens for
every area of the University.
Inappropriate storage of
chemicals and flammable
materials.
Exposure to a high risk of fire. Implement a programme of
proper storage facilities and
handling procedures.
Lack of safety procedures in
high risk areas such as
laboratories and chemical
stores.
Inability to reduce the risk of
fire hazards and response to
emergency situations.
Develop policies and
procedures for the work area
under the guidance of OH&S
Unit & P&F.
Buildings in poor condition and
non-compliant with statutory
requirements.
Increase risk of loss of life and
property in the event of fire.
Increased exposure of
prosecution and litigation.
Building design
Maintenance planning
Inspections
Work programmes

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FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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8.0 MANAGING FIRE SAFETY

8.1 Strategy


























8.2 Fire Safety Inspections and Risk Assessment

Fire risk assessments and inspections of buildings and grounds belonging to
the University are essential in identifying real and potential fire risks and
hazards. University building are to be inspected every two years using the
Fire Risk Assessment Audit Form PF 161 (Appendix A). Wherever possible,
Chief Fire Wardens are to be involved in these audits.

Fire Risk assessments will be in accordance with AS/NZS 4360:1999 Risk
Management Standards Australia. Fire risk will be rated by using the Risk
Score Calculator as contained on the P&F web page, Management
Plans/Guidelines, Risk Assessment and Management Guidelines HUPP. This
calculator is a recognised risk assessment tool and recommended by the
Occupational Health & Safety Unit.

Additionally, Insurance Loss Adjustors will carry out random risk assessment
audits of University buildings. Audit reports are to be reviewed jointly by
Business Services and P&F to determine required actions and funding
allocations.
Each Building
(annually)
Database
Projects
Work Programmes
Corrective Action
Risk assessment
Housekeeping
Compliance
Maintenance
Records
Insurance
Requirements
Each Building
(two years)
Co-ordination
Training
Fire Warden
Fire
Extinguishers
Fire Safety
Awareness
Induction
Fire Safety
Education
Fire Safety Design
Standards
Prem Design
Documents
Handover
Certificates
Statutory
Compliance
Condition
Assessment
Fault
Management
Corrective
Maintenance
Fire Warden
Management
Fire Safety Inspections
& Risk Assessment
Fire Evacuation Drills Fire Systems
Maintenance
Building Design &
Commissioning
FSMP Strategy
Figure 8.1.1
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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8.3 Maintenance Of Fire Systems And Associated Equipment

Maintenance of fire safety systems falls under the umbrella of the Fire
Maintenance Contract. The provisions of the contract ensures maintenance
on fire systems and equipment is carried out in compliance with the Fire
Safety Act 1990 & Regulations 1991, the Building Code of Australia 1996, the
appropriate Standards Australia Codes of Practise and other associated
legislation. The contract will ensure that Fire Maintenance Contractors are
fully inducted for safe work practices at UQ and are fully qualified to carry
out maintenance on fire safety systems.


8.4 Building Design And Commissioning Of New Systems

All building design work shall comply with relevant codes and standards
including University design guidelines. New building works and refurbishment
projects that include fire safety equipment and systems will be commissioned
by the Fire Safety Office prior to entering into service to ensure compliance
under the above Acts, Codes and Standards. Building designers should also
keep in mind Insurance Loss Adjusters recommendations in relation to fire
safety of University buildings.


8.5 Fire Wardens Management

8.5.1 General

A Fire Warden database has been designed to assist in complying with
legislation for the provision of fire wardens in all areas of the University. It is
the responsibility of Faculties, Schools and other areas to appoint Fire
Wardens for their respective areas and to maintain their compartment of the
Fire Warden database.

The Fire Warden Database is a software system that records full details of all
University Fire Wardens. Faculties, Schools and other areas are responsible
for the appointment of area Fire Wardens for their respective buildings and
are to forward this information to the Fire Officers for inclusion in the Fire
Warden database. It is intended to make this database a web-based system
that will be accessible by Fire Warden in the future.


8.5.2 Training

Fire Warden Training is provided through Tertiary Education Development
Institute (TEDI) who conducts a number of courses annually on the advice of
the Fire Safety Office. The course is delivered by a qualified fire contractor
engaged by the FSO and Fire Warden Training manuals are provided to all
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participants. It is the responsibility of all Fire Wardens to attend one course
annually on one of the dates available. Extra courses will be provided
depending on demand. The Fire Warden database can identify Wardens
who have not attended training and the FSO will send out timely reminders
to these people.


8.6 Fire Evacuation Drills

8.6.1 Requirement

Fire evacuation exercises will be carried out annually within individual
buildings on University campuses. The purpose of these exercises is to
educate building occupants in the correct manner of evacuating a building in
the event of an emergency situation and to meet University legal obligations.

All evacuations will be conducted by the Fire Wardens under the guidance of
a Fire Safety Officer using a pro-forma guideline. Pre and post de-briefing
sessions will accompany each evacuation drill. Buildings that are assessed
by the Executive Manager OH&S Unit as a high fire safety risk may be
required to undertake additional fire evacuation drills.

8.6.2 Assistance for Disabled Persons

Provisions are made for the safe evacuation of disabled persons.
Occupational Health & Safety Unit Procedures/Section 13/Fire & Emergency
Evacuation Procedures/Section 4/page 6 outlines the details of this
procedure. A permanent safety video will be incorporated in every Centrally
Controlled Lecture Theatre and will play before the start of each lecture.
The safety presentation has a section on the safety of disabled persons and
evacuation procedures.


8.6.3 Fire Emergency Procedures

Fire evacuation of a building will be in accordance with established
procedures for Fire and Emergency Procedures. A generic Fire and
Emergency Procedures is included in this plan as Appendix C. In the event of
a fire alarm outside of normal business hours, building occupants are to
evacuate the building.



8.7 Testing Of Fire Evacuation Systems

8.7.1 Requirements

Fortnightly tests of building fire evacuation systems are to be conducted by
the Chief Fire Warden at agreed appropriate times during normal hours. All
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
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building Fire Wardens will be trained in the use of the evacuation system and
operate from pro-forma instructions.

Fire Wardens will report any faults or problems to their respective Chief
Wardens who will forward the details to the Fire Safety Office.


8.8 Emergency Response

Fire systems on University sites are monitored and responded to by the
Queensland Fire Service and the University Security Section. In the event of a
fire alarm, the Building Fire Wardens will evacuate the building in the
prescribed manner. The Security Section will respond under guidelines of
Security Emergency Procedure V4-wi01-02 Fire and Evacuation and will
coordinate activities until the arrival of the Queensland Fire Service.


8.9 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The following five Key Performance Indicators will be used to monitor the
effectiveness of the FSMP.

1. Number of fires recorded annually/ number of fire related incidents.
2. Achieving set schedules and time frames (Evacuation Drills and Building
Audits).
3. Measuring the number of Queensland Fire Service call outs against cause.
4. Number of improvement and prohibition notices from statutory
authorities.


9.0 COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

9.1 Management of Fire Safety Problems

This section describes the process for managing fire safety issues at
the University of Queensland. The aim is to define the reporting line
for such issues and to ensure timely management of the problem.



9.2 Notification of Problems

Fire Wardens and building occupants can assist the management of
fire safety by reporting any issues or problems that they may identify.
Generally fire safety issues will be identified through the two-yearly
Fire Safety Risk Audits conducted by P&F and during routine
maintenance and inspections by the Fire Maintenance Contractor.

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FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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Systems and equipment failures will be automatically identified
through the network fire system via the Central Security Monitoring
Station.

Any fire issue that is otherwise identified may be reported in the
following manner:

Via the Works Control Centre WCC, P&F Ext 52222 for
equipment or systems failure.

Via email to the Security Control Monitoring Station address:
[email protected] - for equipment failure or information after
hours.

9.3 Complaint/Incident Investigation

In the event of an actual fire or the identification of a major fire safety
risk the issue will be fully investigated by one or more of the
following:

Fire Safety Office, P&F.
Jointly by Fire Safety Office and the Occupational Health & Safety
Unit.
The Queensland Fire Service Investigation Unit.
Other external assistance depending on the nature and extent of
the problem.

9.4 Remediation of Issues

The majority of fire safety issues at UQ can be rectified by the P&F
Operations Security & Fire Services. Depending on the extent of the
problem and the associated risk, a service contractor or other external
organisation may be engaged to affect remedial action. Alternatively
if it is a safety issue involving building occupants, the problem may be
managed at the source for example, through a change in work
practices.

If the issue is identified as requiring major refurbishment or asset
replacement work, the final resolution will be prioritised and placed on
a works programme.


10.0 WEB LINKS ADDRESSES RELATING TO FIRE ISSUES

http://www.uq.edu.au/ohs/fire&emergency.pdf
http://www.detir.qld.gov.au/hs/hs.htm
http://www.fire.qld.gov.au
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FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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APPENDIX A

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT AUDIT FORM

THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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APPENDIX B


FIRE SAFETY BUILDING REPORT

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FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSMP)


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APPENDIX C


FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SAMPLE
CHEMISTRY BUILDING