COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Employer … SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Employer or other...

COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Employer or other Responsible Person: Dee Ashworth

Address of Property: Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB

Person(s) Consulted: Dee Ashworth, Pam Hardiman & staff

Rob Sherwood, Fire Safety Officer, Kent Fire & Rescue

Assessor: Andrew Briggs, MIIRSM, TechIFSM

Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 15th November 2007 - 10 April 2008

Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: 7th June 2004

Suggested Date for Review: June 2009, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change

Document dated 21st April 2008

Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79 (British

Standards Institute): Fire Risk Assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology

GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

1.0 The Building ALL DETAILS AS PREVIOUSLY except where noted

1.1 Number of floors 2

1.2 Approximate floor area: Not reviewed/no change

1.3 Construction Details: Brick/concrete walls, concrete floors, steel-supported woodwool slab roofing

1.4 Occupancy: Not reviewed

2.0 The Occupants

2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed/no change

2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Not reviewed/no change

2.3 Maximum number of members of public: Not reviewed/no change

3.0 Occupants at Special Risk

3.1 Sleeping occupants: Nil

3.2 Occupants with disabilities: Nil staff; visitors provided for

3.3 Occupants in remote areas: Nil

3.4 Others: N/A

4.0 Fire Loss Experience

4.1 Fires in past 10 years: Since last FRA: one tumble dryer fire (extinguished before significant damage)

GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

4.2 Cost of fire losses: Trivial

5.0 Other Relevant Information

5.1 Detail: N/A

6.0 Relevant Fire Safety Legislation

6.1 Statutory provisions: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A CONTROL MEASURES

7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition

7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of

electrical origin?

N In the cinema projection box a sofa, which is becoming threadbare, is positioned

immediately under 415V switchgear and must be removed.

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?

Y Limited sampling of appliances confirmed PAT testing implemented.

8.0 Smoking

8.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a

result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate?

Arrangements for smokers? Evidence of

breaches?

Y Outdoor ashtrays have been known to ignite and should be emptied frequently.

9.0 Arson

9.1 Does basic security against arson by outsiders

appear reasonable? Fire load available for

ignition by outsiders?

Y Cooking oil and other waste in external area gives some cause for some concern

- suggestion to improve security.

10.0 Cooking & Heating

10.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires

as a result of cooking & heating? Is all essential

maintenance up to date and recorded?

Y

10.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned

regularly?

Y Continue to change grease filters and clean ductwork on a regular basis.

10.3 Are suitable extinguishing appliances available? Y Kitchen: 1 CO2 extinguisher to be repositioned and 1 additional fire blanket to be

provided.

11.0 Lightning

11.1 Does the building have a lightning protection

system?

Y


12.0 Other Significant Ignition Sources

12.1 Are there other significant ignition sources

present?

Y Appears well managed.

13.0 Housekeeping See also 7.1 above

13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Y Ensure that housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of

combustible materials and waste.

13.2 Are combustible materials separated from ignition

sources?

Y N 500mm separation between sources of ignition (e.g. electrical equipment) and

combustibles (e.g. paper or cartons of café/bar stock) must be maintained

throughout the premises. This is especially important in the bar kiosk, being

immediately under an unprotected escape staircase, and the surrounding areas

(reception & cafe bar). (See also 7.1)

13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary

accumulation of combustible materials or waste?

Y

13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible

materials?

Y Except as per 13.2

13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of

combustibles materials?

Y

14.0 Outside Contractor and Building Works

Hazards14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out

in the building by outside contractors?

Y

14.2 Are adequate fire safety conditions imposed on

outside contractors?

Y

15.0 Dangerous Substances

15.1 Have the hazardous properties of dangerous

substances been considered?

X No significant hazardous substances present except very small quantities of

housekeeing supplies in theatre cleaning cupboard.

15.2 Is there adequate information on safety provided

by the supplier on any relevant safety data sheet?

X

15.3 Has account been taken regarding:


● the special, technical and organisational

measures and the substances used and their

possible interactions.

X

● the amount of the substance involved X

● where the work will involve more than one

dangerous substance, the risk presented by such

substances in combination

X

● the arrangements for the safe handling, storage

and transport of dangerous substances and of

waste containing dangerous substances

X

● any other measures introduced as a result of the

RRO X

15.4 Are there safe systems of work for maintenance,

where there is the potential for a high level of

risk? X

15.5 Are sufficient control measures in place to counter

the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will

occur and its persistence including adjacent

areas? X

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 X

15.7 Has account been taken regarding the scale of

the anticipated effects? X

15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available

to enable the assessment to be completed?

X

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT


16.0 Means of Escape

16.1 Is it considered that the building is provided with

reasonable means of escape in case of fire?

Y

16.2 Is there adequate provision of exits? Y

16.3 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)

Y N Procedures for unlocking some fire exits at the start of the working day have

failed on a number of occasions in recent months. It is imperative that all exits

are fully and immediately available at all material times, and therefore alternative

means of securing them should be considered.

16.4 Do escape exits open in the direction of escape

where necessary?

Y

16.5 Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Y

16.6 Are there reasonable travel distances where there

is a single direction of travel?

Y

16.7 Are there reasonable travel distances where there

is an alternative means of escape?

Y Management should ensure that occupants & users of the first floor are aware of

the alternative escape route through Cornwallis (see 19.1c)

16.8 Is there suitable protection of escape routes? Y N (a) Some fire doors are showing excessive gaps and wear - a survey and

repairs/adjustments should be carried out. (b) Addition of intumescent strips &

smoke seals to fire doors throughout would greatly enhance their performance.

16.9 Are all escape routes unobstructed? Y Measures should be taken/enhanced to ensure that kitchen rear exit remains

unobstructed, e.g. marking area immediately outside.

16.10 Is the building provided with reasonable

arrangements for means of escape for occupants

with disabilities?

Y Procedures for assisting the rapid evacuation of persons with disabilities from the

building in the case of fire (standard PEEPs) should be written up as part of the

Fire Emergency Plan, in formats which can be communicated to them on

request.

17.0 Fire Spread and Development Limitation


17.1 Is it considered that there is compartmentation of

a reasonable standard? (Including e.g. dampers

in ductwork; fire-stopping of service penetrations)

Y

17.2 Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation

of linings that may promote fire spread?

Y

18.0 Escape Lighting

18.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting

provided?

Y

19.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices

19.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of

fire safety signs and notices?

Y N (a) Exterior: "no parking" signs and markings designating the Fire Road should

be renewed and enhanced. (b) Final exit in cinema: requirement for Fire Action

Notice to be established. (c) Specific fire action notices should be displayed in

the first floor seminar rooms to inform users of the alternative escape route (see

16.7).

20.0 Fire Warning Arrangements

20.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire

alarm system provided?

Y Fire Alarm system arrangements should be improved such that local staff find the

panel and its operation reliable, readily intelligible and informative.

20.2 Is automatic fire detection provided in building? Y Smoke detection should be fitted to the first floor corridor.

20.3 Is the fire alarm system audible or perceptible

throughout the building?

Y Apparently OK subject to appropriate regular testing.

20.4 Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal? Y

21.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances

21.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers

reasonable?

Y See also 10.3. (a) First floor corridor: water extinguisher to be repositioned at

stairhead. (b) Recommendation to remove hose reels (existing portable

extinguishers mostly compensate; 1 additional water extinguisher would be

required through auditorium rear fire exit/projector room staircase).

21.2 Are hose reels provided? Y Should be removed (see 21.1)

22.0 Automatic Fixed Systems


22.1 Is there a suitable sprinkler or water based

system that is adequate for the risk present?

N

22.2 Is there a suitable gaseous local application or

total flooding provided that is adequate for the

risk?

N

Other Fixed Systems

22.3 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the

risk present?

N

23.0 Luminous Discharge Tubes

23.1 Has notice been given notice to the fire and

rescue authority regarding luminous discharge

tubes cut-off switch, its colouring and marking.

N/A

MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT


24.0 Procedures and Arrangements

24.1 Appropriate fire procedures in place (including

calling the fire service)?

Y Provide a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all appropriate

procedures, responsibilities and features of the building. Ensure that the

plan provides clear procedures for liaising with the fire brigade on arrival

and notifying them of any special risks; provisions for evacuation of young

persons and persons with disabilities; and a system of providing

information to visitors/performers as appropriate. Fire marshalling

arrangements should include attention to the 1st floor seminar rooms

if/when possible.

25.0 Training and drills

25.1 Are all staff given instruction on induction? Y

25.2 Are fire evacuation drills carried out? Are all

staff given periodic “refresher training” at

suitable intervals?

N (a) Carry out fire drills at least yearly, in accordance with legislative

guidance. (b) Introduce appropriate fire safety refresher training at not

less than 3 year intervals (including in relation to 25.3 below).

25.3 Do key staff have suitable competence &

training? (Responsible & competent persons, fire

marshals etc, nominated fire extinguisher users

etc)

N (a) Provide appropriate training for persons having roles in relation to fire

marshalling and evacuation of young persons and persons with

disabilities. (b) Nominate and train appropriate persons in the use of fire

extinguishers.

26.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

26.1 Adequate maintenance and checking of

workplace and fire safety features?

N Implement monthly recorded visual checks of fire fighting equipment (&

ensure that weekly unrecorded checks are carried out).

26.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire

detection and alarm system?

Y

26.3 Monthly, six-monthly and annual testing routines

for emergency lighting?

Y

26.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing

appliances?

Y


26.6 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of

sprinkler installations?

X

26.7 Other relevant inspections or tests: (including

e.g. ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting

systems, door holdback devices, electronic door

release systems)

X

27.0 Records

27.1 Are appropriate records kept for fire training? Y Subject to further training as per 25.2 & 25.3.

27.2 Are appropriate records kept for fire alarm tests? Y

27.3 Are appropriate records kept for escape lighting

tests?

Y

27.4 Are appropriate records kept for the maintenance

and testing of other fire protection systems?

Y

28.0 Young Persons

28.1

Have the following matters been taken into

particular account in risk assessment in respect

of young persons:

28.2

the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and

immaturity of young persons Y

Extra ushers wearing readily identifiable uniforms are provided when

audience contains significant numbers of young persons.

28.3 the fitting-out and layout of the premises Y

28.4

the nature, degree and duration of exposure to

physical and chemical agents X

28.5

the form, range, and use of work equipment and

the way in which it is handled; X

28.6 the organisation of processes and activities X

28.7

the extent of the safety training provided or to be

provided to young persons Y

Ushers provide necessary instruction.


28.8

risks from agents, processes and work listed in

the Annex to Council Directive 94/33/EC on the

protection of young people at work X

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

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

Potential consequences of fire ► Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm

Fire hazard ▼

Low Trivial risk Tolerable risk Moderate risk

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 / highly unlikely

Medium / unlikely X

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 X

Moderate harm

Extreme harm

In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows:

Slight 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).

Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could result in injury of one or more occupants, but it is unlikely to involve multiplefatalities.

Extreme harm: 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 X subject to completion of key Action Plan items

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 additional 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, and various corrective actions may

be required.

Moderate 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.

ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

BUILDING: GULBENKIAN THEATRE

ADDRESS: University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB

ACTION PLAN It is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in order to reduce

fire risk to, or maintain it at, the following level: TOLERABLE

REFERENCE ACTION REQUIRED TO ELIMINATE OR CONTROL SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS PRIORITY * RESPONSIBILITY

7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition

7.1 In the cinema projection box a sofa, which is becoming threadbare, is positioned immediately under

415V switchgear and must be removed.

2A Gulbenkian

9.0 Arson

9.1 Cooking oil and other waste in external area gives some cause for some concern - suggestion to

improve security.

3B Estates/

Gulbenkian

10.0 Cooking & Heating

10.3 Kitchen: 1 CO2 extinguisher to be repositioned and 1 additional fire blanket to be provided. 2A Estates HDWR

1691055/169132

13.0 Housekeeping

13.2 500mm separation between sources of ignition (e.g. electrical equipment) and combustibles (e.g.

paper or cartons of café/bar stock) must be maintained throughout the premises. This is especially

important in the bar kiosk, being immediately under an unprotected escape staircase, and the

surrounding areas (reception & cafe bar). (See also 7.1)

1A Gulbenkian

16.0 Means of Escape

16.3 Procedures for unlocking some fire exits at the start of the working day have failed on a number of

occasions in recent months. It is imperative that all exits are fully and immediately available at all

material times, and therefore alternative means of securing them should be considered.

1A Estates

16.8 (a) Some fire doors are showing excessive gaps and wear - a survey and repairs/adjustments

should be carried out. (b) Addition of intumescent strips & smoke seals to fire doors throughout

would greatly enhance their performance.

(a) 2A

(b) 3A

Estates


16.9 Measures should be taken/enhanced to ensure that kitchen rear exit remains unobstructed, e.g.

marking area immediately outside.

2A Estates

16.10 Procedures for assisting the rapid evacuation of persons with disabilities from the building in the

case of fire (standard PEEPs) should be written up as part of the Fire Emergency Plan, in formats

which can be communicated to them on request.

2A Gulbenkian

19.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices

19.1 (a) Exterior: "no parking" signs and markings designating the Fire Road should be renewed and

enhanced. (b) Final exit in cinema: requirement for Fire Action Notice to be established. (c)

Specific fire action notices should be displayed in the first floor seminar rooms to inform users of the

alternative escape route (see 16.7).

2A (a) Estates (b)

Safety Unit &

Estates (c)

Estates

20.0 Fire Warning Arrangements

20.1 Fire Alarm system arrangements should be improved such that local staff find the panel and its

operation reliable, readily intelligible and informative.

1A Estates

20.2 Smoke detection should be fitted to the first floor corridor. 3A Estates

21.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances

21.1 See also 10.3. (a) First floor corridor: water extinguisher to be repositioned at stairhead. (b)

Recommendation to remove hose reels (existing portable extinguishers mostly compensate; 1

additional water extinguisher would be required through auditorium rear fire exit/projector room

staircase).

3A Estates

24.0 Procedures and Arrangements

24.1 Provide a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and

features of the building. Ensure that the plan provides clear procedures for liaising with the fire

brigade on arrival and notifying them of any special risks; provisions for evacuation of young persons

and persons with disabilities; and a system of providing information to visitors/performers as

appropriate. Fire marshalling arrangements should include attention to the 1st floor seminar rooms

if/when possible.

1A Gulbenkian/

Safety Unit

25.0 Training and drills


25.2 (a) Carry out fire drills at least yearly, in accordance with legislative guidance. (b) Introduce

appropriate fire safety refresher training at not less than 3 year intervals (including in relation to 25.3

below).

(a) 1A

(b) 2A

Gulbenkian

25.3 (a) Provide appropriate training for persons having roles in relation to fire marshalling and

evacuation of young persons and persons with disabilities. (b) Nominate and train appropriate

persons in the use of fire extinguishers.

2A Gulbenkian

26.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

26.1 Implement monthly recorded visual checks of fire fighting equipment (& ensure that weekly

unrecorded checks are carried out).

2A Gulbenkian

* PRIORITY (N.B. to Fire Service College Fire Safety Engineering Division scale, not PAS 79)

Category A. Fire Risk to Persons:

1A - A serious life safety risk and/or a major contravention of current fire safety legislation.

This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority.

2A - An important life safety issue and/or a contravention of current fire safety legislation and/or official guidance, that may lead to enforcement action if not addressed.

This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay.

3A - A significant life safety issue which, in combination with other significant findings, may result in an increased risk to persons.

Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire safety practice.

4A - A life safety issue recommended for consideration in accordance with good fire safety practice.

Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate.

Category B. Fire Risk to Property, Business Continuity, Environment, Amenity, Heritage etc.

1B - A serious risk of damage by fire (with possible legal implications, depending on the enforcing authority involved).

This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority.


2B - An important potential fire damage issue (with possible legal implications, depending on the enforcing authority involved).

This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay.

3B - A significant potential fire damage issue which, in combination with other significant findings,may result in an increased risk to the property.

Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire protection/prevention practice.

4B - A property protection issue recommended for consideration as a medium of longer term objective in accordance with good fire prevention/protection practice.

Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate.


TARGET DATE COMPLETE

√

n/a 07/12/2007

To Estates

spreadsheet

To Estates

spreadsheet


(already

ordered)

(b) OK without

To Estates

spreadsheet

To Estates

spreadsheet


2A - An important life safety issue and/or a contravention of current fire safety legislation and/or official guidance, that may lead to enforcement action if not addressed.


3B - A significant potential fire damage issue which, in combination with other significant findings,may result in an increased risk to the property.

4B - A property protection issue recommended for consideration as a medium of longer term objective in accordance with good fire prevention/protection practice.

COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Employer … SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Employer or other...

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