FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW - University of Kent · COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK...

COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW

Employer or other Responsible Person: Director of Estates in conjunction with Council & the Vice Chancellor

Address of Property: Brotherhood Boiler House, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ

Person(s) Consulted: Estates, contractor and Security staff

Assessor: Andrew Briggs, MIFSM, MIIRSM

Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 24th August 2010

Note: various inspections/surveys conducted in the course of this exercise were non-invasive and/or sampling exercises, and therefore not fully conclusive.

Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: 9th June 2004

Suggested Date for Review: August 2012, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change

Document dated 24th August 2010

Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79:2007 (British

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

(with various additions)

COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

1.0 The Building

1.1 Number of floors 2

1.2 Approximate floor area: Not reviewed at this time

1.3 Construction Details: Brick & block walls, Thermolite decking supported by steel beams, asphalted felt roofing.

1.4 Occupancy: Usually unoccupied, or one member of contractor's staff present.

Security and other Estates functions occasionally use the first floor rooms.

2.0 The Occupants

2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed at this time

2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Unlikely to be more than 5

2.3 Maximum number of members of public: Nil, restricted area

(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: None at time of assessment, but possible subject to specific assessment

3.3 Occupants in remote areas: Occasional on boiler room elevated gangways (see 17.2 vii)

3.4 Others: N/A

4.0 Fire Loss Experience

4.1 Fires in past 10 years: Nil

4.2 Cost of fire losses: N/A

GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

5.0 Other Relevant Information

5.1 Detail: N/A

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

familiar with the building

Local staff; visiting contractors etc. briefed and familiarised

B Occupants who are awake and

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

Locations (where specific) & categories

1 Slow 0.0029 Most locations

2 Medium 0.012

3 Fast 0.047

4 Ultra-fast 0.188

Risk profile: A1

Management level therefore required: 2 (3 according to BS 9999)

See BS 9999:2008 section 8.3

1 = fully proactive; optimally staffed, controlled & resourced etc.

2 = reliably reactive; compliant with legislation & direct requirements

( 3 = N/A, less than compliant with legislation )

Environmental risks Fire-fighting water runoff and temporary release of combustion products to

atmosphere only; no other environmental impact likely

Heritage aspects Building does not have Listed status.

Business continuity (University) Considerable effect on University as a whole due to function (especially winter

months).

Business continuity (department) Serious effect.

FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC

7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition Continue insofar as possible to maintain 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?

Y

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 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

result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate?

Arrangements for smokers? No evidence of

breaches?

Y Provide statutory No Smoking sign at main entrance. Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented,

publicised and enforced insofar as possible.

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)

Y CCTV in use. See also 13.4.

10.0 Portable Heaters & Heating Installations

10.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as

practicable?

Y Continue to ensure that additional appliances are used only where strictly

necessary and with management knowledge and control.

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?

X 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?

Y

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?

X

11.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned

regularly? Are suitable extinguishing appliances

available?

X

12.0 Lightning

12.1 Does the building have a lightning protection

system?

Y


13.0 Housekeeping

13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Y Ensure a programme is introduced to improve housekeeping. Ensure that

housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of combustible

or hazardous materials and waste.

13.2 Are combustible materials separated from ignition

sources?

Y Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between sources of

heat and combustible materials throughout building .

13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary

accumulation of combustible materials or waste?

Y Continue to ensure that combustible items are not present in the main entrance,

being the sole escape route from the office and from the first floor.

Escape routes should be maintained as fire-sterile as possible; this is

especially critical in staircases and where there is no alternative

direction of escape.

13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible

materials?

Y N Timber pallets and any other combustibles should be stored at least 8 metres

from the fabric of the building.

13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of

combustible materials?

Y

14.0 Outside Contractor, Building Works and

Maintenance Hazards14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried

out in the building by maintenance personnel and

outside contractors?

Y Appropriate control (including Permits To work where appropriate) administered

by Estates.

14.2, 3 Are adequate fire safety conditions imposed on

outside contractors?

Y As 14.1.

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?

Y N X (1) Cylinder of compressed Propane and carbuoy of 28% Hydrochloric Acid

should be removed to suitable storage elsewhere or disposed of. (2) Risk

assessment under DSEAR 2002 will be required if Propane is to be stored or

used on these premises again.

(a) No other flammables are present. Other hazardous materials are

compressed nitrogen and sodium hydroxide based corrosives, BW40

and BW50 (up to a dozen 25 litre containers in entrance lobby);

otherwise small quantities of maintenance fluids etc.

(b) 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?

Not checked.

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

Outline plans should be drawn up of the locations and hazard classifications of

dangerous substances (e.g. corrosives) that may pose a health risk to

firefighters.

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

16.0 Other Significant Risks

16.1 Are there other significant ignition sources

present?

Y Boilers and ancillary equipment have numerous faisafe controls applied in

respect of fire and gas leakage.

16.2 Are there other significant fuels present? Y As 16.1.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT


17.0 Means of Escape from Fire Dead end conditions exist in all locations except the floor level of the boiler

room itself.

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?

Y

17.2 i Adequate design of escape routes? (Calculate

for room and premises occupancy numbers &

types, where relevant.)

Y

17.2 i

suppl.

Is a suitable assembly point specified? Y Boiler House car park, no. 25.

17.2 ii Adequate provision of exits? (Calculate for room

and premises occupancy numbers & types,

where relevant.)

Y

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)

Y

17.2 iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape

where necessary?

Y

17.2 v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire

exits where necessary?

Y

17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Y The main entrance must remain unlocked at all times when any person is

present.

17.2 vii Are there reasonable travel distances where

there is a single direction of travel?

Y Extended travel distance on boiler room high level gantry, but acceptable.

17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where

there is an alternative means of escape?

Y

17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? Y N (1) Fire doors protecting the entrance lobby should be suitably adjusted,

upgraded and kept closed (unless automated) (see also 20.1 (2)). (2)

Recommendation to fit automatic device (Dorgard permissible) to office door

(see 17.2 ix suppl.).

17.2 ix

suppl

Where automatic devices are fitted to designated

fire doors, is appropriate automatic fire detection

fitted?

Y As proposed at 17.2 ix (2) above - no detection in room, but smoke detection

several feet away in corridor so tolerable on a fire risk assessed basis.

17.2 x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Y

17.2 xi Are all escape routes unobstructed? N Clear obstructions from alternative exit from boiler room.

17.3 Is the building provided with reasonable

arrangements for means of escape for

occupants with disabilities?

N Should any person with a disability need to enter the building, a prior

assessment of means of escape, possible adjustments, and therefore

accessibility or otherwise, must be made and strictly adhered to.

18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and

Development


18.1 i Is it considered that there is compartmentation of

a reasonable standard? (Including e.g. fire-

stopping of service penetrations)

N (1) Fire stopping of holes, gaps, service penetrations etc through fire resisting

construction was noted as deficient in numerous locations (e.g. gaps around

service penetrations through walls of entrance lobby) - remedial fire stopping

should be undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be

propped or wedged open at any time. Where there is an operational need, or

where management cannot ensure that these doors remain closed at all times,

automatic devices should be considered (e.g. office door, 17.2 ix (2) - but

subject to specific fire risk assessment).

18.1 i

suppl.

Is there potential for fire spread between

compartments through void spaces?

X

18.1 ii Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation

of linings that may promote fire spread?

Y

18.1 ii

suppl.

Are escape routes suitably/tolerably fire sterile? Y N Very old noticeboard with combustible postings serves no current purpose and

should be removed from staircase.

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?

X

19.0 Escape Lighting

19.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting

provided?

Y Not exhaustively verified. Subject to ongoing verification by Estates.

20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices

20.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of

fire safety signs and notices?

(1) Fire action notices do not reflect University policy in respect of fire

extinguisher use and should be amended (and a number of unnecessary

duplicated signs reduced). (2) Fit "Fire Door Keep Closed" signs to all doors off

entrance lobby and first floor landing. (3) Provide additional directional sign to

boiler room alternative exit (adjacent to pump/high level warning bell).

21.0 Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire

21.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire

alarm system provided?

Y

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?

Y Smoke detection in escape routes; some heat detection elsewhere.

21.4 Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal? N But alarm signal within building can be expected to be audible in Campus

Watch offices.

21 suppl.

1

Is the fire alarm system audible or perceptible

throughout the building?

Y Appears adequate, subject to ongoing verification by Estates that 65dB is

attained throughtout.

21 suppl.

2

If unwanted fire alarm signals occur, are they

acceptably infrequent?

X Nil or negligible.

22.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances


22.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers

reasonable?

Y

22.2 Are hose reels provided? N Hose reel on back wall of boiler room is not for firefighting purposes.

22.3 Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily

accessible?

Y

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?

N X

24.0 Other Fixed Systems and Equipment

24.1 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the

risk present?

N X

24 suppl. Is there suitable provision of a fire-fighters'

switch(es) 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?

X

MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT


25.0 Procedures and Arrangements

25.1 Fire safety is managed by: Director of Estates.

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)?

Y

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 Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering

all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building.

25.5 Are persons nominated and trained to use fire

extinguishing appliances?

Y Only Campus Watch are nominated (completion of training currently

pending). It is unlikely that any building occupants will require full training

but consideration should be given to maintenance staff, contractors and

the fire risks they are exposed to.

25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with

evacuation, including evacuation of persons with

disabilities?

X Not applicable; minimal specialist staff; could be expected to account for

each other reliably in the event of an evacuation.

25.7 Is there appropriate liaison with the Fire & Rescue

Service (e.g. any relevant notifications,

familiarization visits etc)

Y

25.8 Is a system of routine in-house, local inspections

of fire precautions implemented?

Y N Ensure that a system of local checks and inspections of fire safety features

is implemented throughout all locations. Under BS5306-3:2009, fire

extinguishers should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded.

See also 27.9.

26.0 Training and Drills Appropriate fire safety training of contractors' staff should be verified.

26.1 Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction

and training on induction?

Y

26.1

suppl.

Are all students and/or visitors given adequate fire

safety information and instruction at an

appropriate time?

Y Continue to provide adequate fire safety information and instruction and

training to visitors/contractors at the earliest opportunity


26.2 Are all staff given adequate periodic fire safety

refresher instruction and training at suitable

intervals?

Repeat basic fire safety information at not less than yearly intervals, and

provide full refresher training at not less than 3 yearly intervals.

26.3 Does all staff training 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?

Y But see requirement at 26.0 above.

26.4 Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire

marshals) given additional training?

X

26.5 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals,

and in accordance with official guidance?

X Not appropriate for this building due to nil or minimal staffing.

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)?

X

26.6 ii Is it ensured that the employees and visitors are

provided with adequate instructions and

information?

X

27.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

27.1 Adequate maintenance and inspection of premises

by competent persons?

Y ~ It is suggested that condition and suitability of fire doors should be

assessed at least every 5 years, and of fire stopping at least every 10

years.

27.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire

detection and alarm system?

Y

27.3 Monthly and annual testing routines for

emergency lighting?

Y

27.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing

appliances?

Y

27.5 Periodic inspection of external escape staircases

and gangways?

X

27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of

rising mains and/or hydrants?

X


27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly

inspection and annual testing of evacuation and/or

fire-fighting lifts?

X

27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of

sprinkler installations?

X

27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security

fastening?

? Implement regular routine checks of alternative exit door (under 25.8).

27.10 Annual inspection and test of lightning protection

systems?

Y

27.11 Other relevant inspections or tests: (including e.g.

ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting systems,

door holdback devices, electronic door release

systems)

Y

28.0 Records

28.1 Are appropriate records kept for:

28.1 i Fire drills? X

28.1 ii Fire training? ? Provide and maintain records of fire safety training.

28.1 iii Fire alarm tests? Y

28.1 iv Emergency escape lighting tests? Y

28.1 v Maintenance and testing of other fire protection

systems?

Y

29.0 Young Persons

29.1

Have the following matters been taken into

particular account in risk assessment in respect

of young persons:

29.2

the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and

immaturity of young persons X

29.3 the fitting-out and layout of the premises X

29.4

the nature, degree and duration of exposure to

physical and chemical agents X

29.5

the form, range, and use of work equipment and

the way in which it is handled; X

29.6 the organisation of processes and activities X

29.7

the extent of the safety training provided or to be

provided to young persons X

29.8

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

30.0 Behavioural Aspects


30.1

Is there evidence from previous fire drills and

other emergencies indicating that some

occupants may be unaware, unwilling or fail to

evacuate? (Aside from disability-related) N

30.2

Is there evidence of disregard of fire safety

provisions amongst building occupancy and/or

management? N

30.3

Is there evidence of significant human

interference with fire safety provisions? N

INDEX DETAIL DESCRIPTION

31.0 Fire Strategy - building design/layout

31.1 The ground floor is divided into two fire compartments (boiler room and office suite, separated by

entrance lobby and staircase); the first floor is a single fire compartment not separated from the entrance

lobby.

31.2 The evacuation strategy is simultaneous and immediate for the entire building and all occupants.

31.3 The building is well provided with access routes for firefighting by the Fire & Rescue Service - a main

access road and two dedicated fire roads provide approach on three sides of the building. Fire hydrants

are available next to two adjacent buildings (Ingram and Library) and are maintained in an operational

state.

32.0 Fire Strategy - systems

32.1 The fire alarm system provides for manual operation and automatic detection in order to give sufficiently

early warning of fire to occupants.

33.0 Fire Strategy - particular risks

33.1 Aside from the boiler machinery which operates with various fire-related safeguard controls, the building

presents a very low fire loading except in some areas of offices and stores.

33.2 Compressed nitrogen is present in the boiler room and stored against the oil tank bund wall. Alkaline

corrosives are stored at the foot of the staircase (up to a dozen 25 litre kegs).

33.3 No persons with disabilities are ever present (at time of writing). Thorough individual assessment will be

required before any individual with a relevant disability accesses the building.

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.

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 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 - 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: 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 multiple


fatalities.

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 - 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:

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.

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.

ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

ORGANISATION: University of Kent ASSESSOR: Andrew Briggs

BUILDING: Boiler House DATE: 24th August 2010

ACTION PLANIt is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in

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

Note - only acute/remedial/salient/particular items appear below. Various

standard/general requirements relating to e.g. training, records and maintenance have not been

carried forward to the Action Plan, but are nevertheless necessary - see previous worksheets.

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

See also Further Comments/Detail/Clarification etc. in previous worksheets,

where relevant

6 figure numbers

are Estates

Helpdesk Work

Requests

or carried

forward to:

( √ = Estates

spreadsheet)

8.0 Smoking

8.1, 2 Provide statutory No Smoking sign at main entrance. 2A/B 234886

13.0 Housekeeping

13.4 Timber pallets and any other combustibles should be stored at least 8 metres from

the fabric of the building.

2A/B Estates &

contractor

Immediate &

ongoing

15.0 Dangerous Substances

15.1 (1) Cylinder of compressed Propane and carbuoy of 28% Hydrochloric Acid should

be removed to suitable storage elsewhere or disposed of. (2) Risk assessment

under DSEAR 2002 will be required if Propane is to be stored or used on these

premises again.

2A/B (1) Estates local

management

(2) Estates

Immediate &

potential/

ongoing

15.3 Outline plans should be drawn up of the locations and hazard classifications of

dangerous substances (e.g. corrosives) that may pose a health risk to firefighters.

3A Estates local

management

Short term

17.0 Means of Escape from Fire

17.2 ix (1) Fire doors protecting the entrance lobby should be suitably adjusted, upgraded

and kept closed (unless automated) (see also 20.1 (2)). (2) Recommendation to fit

automatic device (Dorgard permissible) to office door (see 17.2 ix suppl.).

(1) 2A/B

(2) 3A/B

(1) Partly 234887,

also Estates &

Contractor

(2) Estates

Ongoing (2) √

17.2 xi Clear obstructions from alternative exit from boiler room. 1A Estates local

management

Immediate

18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development

ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

18.1 i (1) Fire stopping of holes, gaps, service penetrations etc through fire resisting

construction was noted as deficient in numerous locations (e.g. gaps around

service penetrations through walls of entrance lobby) - remedial fire stopping

should be undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be propped

or wedged open at any time. Where there is an operational need, or where

management cannot ensure that these doors remain closed at all times, automatic

devices should be considered (e.g. office door, 17.2 ix (2) - but subject to specific

fire risk assessment).

2A/B (1) 234887

(2) Estates local

management and

Contractor

(2) Ongoing

18.1 ii suppl. Very old noticeboard with combustible postings serves no current purpose and

should be removed from staircase.

2A/B Estates local

management

Immediate to

short term

20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices

20.1 (1) Fire action notices do not reflect University policy in respect of fire extinguisher

use and should be amended (and a number of unnecessary duplicated signs

reduced). (2) Fit "Fire Door Keep Closed" signs to all doors off entrance lobby and

first floor landing. (3) Provide additional directional sign to boiler room alternative

exit (adjacent to pump/high level warning bell).

2A/B (1) Estates

(2), (3) 234886

(1) Short to

medium term

(1) √

25.0 Procedures and Arrangements

25.3, 4 Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all

appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building.

1A/B Safety Unit &

Estates

Short term

25.8 Ensure that a system of local checks and inspections of fire safety features is

implemented throughout all locations. Under BS5306-3:2009, fire extinguishers

should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded. See also 27.9.

2A/B Estates local

management

Ongoing

26.0 Training and Drills

26.0 Appropriate fire safety training of contractors' staff should be verified. 3A/B Estates Short term

* 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 or serious 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.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW - University of Kent · COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK...

Documents

Transcript of FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW - University of Kent · COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK...