(522146149) Mark Fire Risk Assessment

Building Address Fire Risk Assessment 17th September 2014

Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 67 Flitwick Road Maulden Bedfordshire, MK45 2BJTel: 01525 406787email [email protected]

Fire Risk Assessment

Index

Part 1 IntroductionPart 2 The Fire Risk AssessmentPart 3 The Management Action Plan

Building AddressBuilding Road

Building Postcode

Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd 2005 Page1


Part 1 Introduction

The Brief

Worksafe Solutions Consultancy Ltd (Worksafe Solutions) have beeninstructed to carry out a fire risk assessment by by Management CompanyLimited on behalf of their client at their premises at Building Address. Thisis to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to the health andsafety of the persons affected by the employers undertaking.

The assessment has been made to assist those responsible, satisfying therequirement of regulation 3 of the Management of Health and SafetyRegulation 1999 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Areas Covered

This fire risk assessment covers the locations and activities outlined in part 2of the report. These are the areas that have been identified by the client astheir undertaking for which they have responsibility.

Assessment Format

Each risk identified by the assessor will be quantified based on the absoluterisk level and how it is currently being controlled. Following BS8800(Guide to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) a risk levelis allocated to each hazard and risk. This risk level will then enable theclient to prioritise the action to be taken.

To arrive at a risk rating, the consultant will assess the risk based upon thelikelihood of the accident/incident happening and the severity of theprobable outcome. In addition there may be non-compliance with health andsafety legislation which in it self may not present a risk to health and safetybut it will put the company at risk.



The Risk Rating systemSlightly Harmful Harmful Very Harmful

Highly unlikely 1 2 3Unlikely 2 3 4Likely 3 4 5

The Risk Rating Results and what they mean (BS8800)

Risk Level Action and Timetable

1 Trivial No action is necessary and no documented records are required

2 Tolerable No additional controls are required. Consideration may be givento a more cost-effective solution or an improvement that requiresno additional resources.

Monitoring is required to ensure that the level of compliance seenat the time of the assessment is maintained

3 Moderate Efforts should be made to reduce the level of risk, but the costs ofprevention should be carefully measured and limited. Riskreduction measures should be implemented within a definedperiod of time.

Where the moderate risk level is associated with a very harmfulconsequence, further assessments may be necessary. This is toestablish more precisely the likelihood of the harm as a basis fordetermining improved control measures

4 Substantial The risk should be reduced to an acceptable risk level as soon aspracticable. Considerable resources may be required to reducethe risk level. Where the risk involves work in progress, urgentaction should be taken

5 - Intolerable Work should not be started, continued or access permitted untilthe risk has been reduced.



Disclaimer

Worksafe Solutions have carried out the risk assessment and prepared thereport based upon the information gained on site and during the tour of thepremises. If the client is aware of any risks, which have not been identifiedin the risk assessment then they must be brought to the attention ofWorksafe Solutions immediately so that the necessary action can be taken.

Although Worksafe Solutions Consultants are experienced and trained to thehighest professional standards, they have no powers under any statutoryorder to demand entry and for the production of documents of records.

Access was not gained to the flats and therefore the fire resisting qualities ofthe flat front doors was not able to be assessed. This is a non - invasiveassessment.

Any fire detection and alarm systems or fire brigade overrides present werenot thoroughly tested as part of the risk assessment so the client shouldensure that the systems are maintained and work in accordance with therequirements.

The risk assessment is not a structural survey.

The advice in this report is therefore given in good faith based upon theevidence seen at the time of the visit. No guarantee can be given that duringany subsequent visit by inspectors with statutory powers that other non-compliance situations may not be found.

Whilst every care is taken to interpret Acts, Regulations and ApprovedCodes of Practice, these can only be authoritatively interpreted by Courts ofLaw.

Risk Assessment Review

The risk assessment should be reviewed on an annual basis.



Part 2 Fire Risk Assessment

General Observations

As agreed a fire risk assessment was carried out on the common parts ofBuilding Address.

The development comprises of a north and a south block.

The southern tower extends to 25 storeys comprising 24 storeys ofresidential accommodation over a ground floor retail space. The 1st floorincludes part residential and part retail. The uppermost storey of the southtower is circa 75m above ground level. The northern tower extends to 14storeys, 13 residential over a ground floor retail space. The upper most levelis circa 40m above ground level. There are no sprinklers in the flatsthemselves despite the height of the building. The fire strategy was not seenbut it is presumed that it was built to the 2000 building regulations.

Both towers share a common basement and link at ground floor level. Thereis also a sky garden at the 10th floor level where the two towers link. Theyare fully independent in other respects so for means of escape from theresidential parts there is a single staircase situation.

The basement comprises of car parking and plant rooms.

Each apartment has independent smoke detection and warning and there isemergency lighting on the common escape routes.

Each tower has an automatic opening vent (aov) at its head (see photo) andthere is an automatically vented lobby between the dwellings and thestaircase (see photo). The travel distances to the staircase are all within7.5m on the upper floors and the aov on the lobby opens into a smoke shaft(see photo).



The travel distances exceed the recommended 7.5m at 1st floor level withinthe south tower and are in the region of 22m (see photo). However there aremechanical smoke extract fans provided and it appears make up air isprovided via the south staircase (see photo). This is a suitable compensatorymeasure.

All aovs tested opened during the assessment.



The flat entrance door to flat 505 was previously inspected and was seen tobe a suitable self closing fd30s door. Internally there was a lobby approachand fire detection was provided.

Each block has 2 lifts one of which is a fire fighting lift. There is a wet riserprovided for both towers which was last tested on 4/2/14 (see photo).

There is 24 hour concierge coverage.

A general risk assessment was carried out at the same time as the fire riskassessment and should be read in conjunction with this report.



List of Subjects covered by the report

Subject 1: Housekeeping...............................................................................................9

Subject 2: Sources of Heat............................................................................................9

Subject 3: Means of Escape..........................................................................................9

Subject 4: Fire Doors.................................................................................................11

Subject 5: Fire Escape Signage..................................................................................12

Subject 6: Emergency Lighting...................................................................................12

Subject 7: Fire Detection and Warning Systems........................................................13

Subject 8: Fire Fighting Equipment...........................................................................14

Subject 9: Provision of Information, Training and Instruction..................................14

Subject 10: Co-operation and Co-ordination.............................................................15

Subject 11: Access for the Fire Authority...................................................................15



Subject 1: Housekeeping

1.1 Accumulation of combustible materialsRisk Level

Action Description Comments

2 N Combustible materials are stored in an appropriate place

The level of housekeeping was good.

Further InformationRubbish should be removed from the workplace as soon as possible. Daily cleaning should be undertaken.

Subject 2: Sources of Heat

2.1 No Smoking Signs Risk Level


2 N No Smoking signs are displayed in the relevant areas

There is a no smoking sign in reception.

Further InformationThe Health Act 2006 requires no smoking signs to be displayed at the entrances to enclosed common areas. The signs should be a minimum of A5 size.

2.2 Potential for Arson. Risk Level


2 N Security measures and arrangements are in place and appear to be suitable and sufficient against the risk of arson.

There is an access control system.

Further InformationSecurity measures to prevent unauthorised access to a building may include door entry phone systems, security patrols, inspections of the building periodically, CCTV security cameras in prominent positions.

Subject 3: Means of Escape

3.1 Escape RoutesRisk Level


2 N Escape routes are provided that conform to therelevant standard.

Further InformationEscape routes are calculated on the basis of the occupancy of the building and the fire risk together with firesafety engineering solutions





2 N The number of people within the building appears acceptable

Further InformationThe maximum number of persons allowed within a particular area will depend upon the floor areainvolved and the number and size of escape routes available.5m/person - office (open plan)7m/person - office2m/person - shop sales area0.5m/person - bar/hall1m/person - restaurant/reception



2 N The number of fire escape routes appears to beacceptable

Further InformationThe minimum number of exit routes leading from a room or story depends on the number of persons withinthat room or level, and the size of the escape routes themselves. This can be calculated as follows:50 people - 2 escape routes100 people - 3 escape routes200 people - 4 escape routes400 people - 5 escape routes.



2 N Escape routes are clear of obstacles

Further InformationNo items which may cause an obstruction should be located on any escape route

3.5 Travel DistancesRisk Level


2 N The travel distances to a place of safety appearto conform to the relevant standard

There are extended travel distances on the 1st floor of the south tower but enhanced smoke extraction is provided.

Further InformationThe maximum distance of travel from within a room or storey to a place of safety will depend upon whether there is more than one direction in which the occupants can travel or if only one direction is available.



3.6 Fire Escape RoutesRisk Level


2 N Final exits can be easily opened

Further Information

Subject 4: Fire Doors

4.1 Fire Doors of sound constructionRisk Level


3 Y Ensure internal fire doors conform to the relevant standard

The intumescent strip and cold smoke seal was missing from part of the frame to the electrical risers in the south tower on the following floors; 21st, 13th, 8th, 5th and 3rd.

The strip and seal were missing from the ground floor fire door to the south staircase.

Strip and seal were missing from the 10th floor smoke vent south tower.

The fire door on the 13th floor of the north staircase does not self close to the home position.

The lock to the riser on the 7th floornorth block was broken

Further InformationAll internal fire doors should meet the requirements set out in BS 476. This sets out the minimumrequirements for the prevention of the passage of fire and smoke during a fire. Each fire door should self close from any position by virtue of the fitted closing device



2 N Flat entrance doors appear to meet the relevantstandard

See general observations.

Further InformationOriginal fire doors should meet the standards of day when the building was constructed. Any replacement fire doors should meet the requirements set out in BS 476. This sets out the minimum requirements for the prevention of the passage of fire and smoke during a fire. Each fire door should regardless of age be self closing from any position by virtue of a fitted closing device (not rising butt hinges). Should the flat entrance doors be part of the tenants demise and prove to be inadequate jeopardizing the safety of the building, the lessee will be responsible and any enforcement action would be under the Housing Act 2004.



4.3 Fire integrity of walls, floors and ceilingsRisk Level


2 N The integrity of the walls, floors and ceilings along fire escape routes appears to be acceptable.

The risers are well fire stopped.

Further Information

Subject 5: Fire Escape Signage

5.1 Fire Exit signsRisk Level


2 N Fire Exit signs are clear and point to the relevant place of safety

Further InformationFire Exit signs should instruct people to the nearest place of safety

Subject 6: Emergency Lighting

6.1 Emergency LightingRisk Level


2 N Adequate Emergency Lighting has been provided

Further InformationAll escape routes must be provided with sufficient artificial lighting to enable people to escape safely. In the event of a fire the mains lighting may fail, emergency lighting should be provided. The lighting should indicate escape routes clearly, illuminate the escape routes, ensure that alarm call points and fire fighting equipment can be readily located.

6.2 Emergency Lighting MaintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure emergency lighting is adequately maintained

No records were available to confirm testing or maintenance.

Further InformationThere should be monthly inspections to identify that the secondary source of power is working. There should be annual inspections to ensure that the secondary source of power functions for the specified periodof time



Subject 7: Fire Detection and Warning Systems

7.1 DetectionRisk Level


3 Y Ensure suitable automatic fire detection is installed and maintained.

There are automatic fire detectors linked to smoke vent systems. There is a fire alarm covering the basement. However there was no evidence confirming testing and maintenance of the systems. The aovs should be tested monthly and the alarm weekly.

Further Information

7.2 Smoke ventilation Risk Level


3 Y Ensure measures are in place to prevent smokespreading from floor to floor.

The systems should be such that where an aov opens into a smoke shaft the aov on that floor and the head of the shaft open. The aov on the staircase should also open and all other vents should remain shut, even if a detector on another floor is subsequently activated.

Further InformationWhere An automatic opening vent (aov) opens into a smoke shaft, the systems should be such that they aovon the fire floor and the head of the shaft open simultaneously. The aov at the head of the staircase should also open. All other aovs should remain shut, even if smoke is subsequently detected on another floor.

7.3 Smoke ventilation Information on override switchesRisk Level


3 Y Ensure suitable information is given on any override systems.

The override switches should be labelled make it clear that they are for fire fighters use only

Further InformationIt should be clear on the aov override points, which aov they operate. Also the overrides are for fire fighters use only and should be labelled as such.



Subject 8: Fire Fighting Equipment

8.1 Fire Fighting Equipment maintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure fire fighting equipment is provided andmaintained

There is a co2 extinguisher in reception. It has not been maintained.

There is a fire suppression system in the water plant room. This is overdue maintenance (see photo).

Further InformationFire fighting equipment should be maintained annually by a competent person

8.2 Dry/Wet Riser maintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure dry/wet risers are maintained on an annual basis and inspected 6 monthly

The systems were last tested in Feb2014 and are now overdue their inspection.

Further Information

Subject 9: Provision of Information, Training and Instruction

9.1 Fire Emergency PlansRisk Level


2 N Information is given, informing residents of what to do in the event of a fire

This outlines the stay put policy

Further Information



9.2 Fire Emergency PlansRisk Level


2 N Staff are given training on their role in the event of a fire

Staff interviewed were clear about their role

Further Information

Subject 10: Co-operation and Co-ordination

10.1 Shared PremisesRisk Level


3 Y A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment should be requested from the Commercial Tenants for the area that they are responsible for.

Further Information

Subject 11: Access for the Fire Authority

11.1 Fire Authority AccessRisk Level


2 N There are appropriate arrangement for Fire Brigade access

The site is manned 24/7, there is a wet rising main and fire fighting lift tin the towers.

Further Information



Part 3 The Management Action Plan

This section provides a summary of the risks where the risk level is greater that 2 and therefore action identified.

This information can be used by the client to prioritise any action to reduce the risk. This section is provided as an aid to management and does not replace the general risk assessment.



Subject 4: Fire Doors



3 Y Ensure internal fire doors conform to the relevant standard

The intumescent strip and cold smoke seal was missing from part of the frame to the electrical risers in the south tower on the following floors; 21st, 13th, 8th, 5th and 3rd.

The strip and seal were missing from the ground floor fire door to the south staircase.

Strip and seal were missing from the 10th floor smoke vent south tower.

The fire door on the 13th floor of the north staircase does not self close to the home position.

The lock to the riser on the 7th floor north block was broken

Action Person Responsible Completion Date

Subject 6: Emergency Lighting

6.2 Emergency Lighting MaintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure emergency lighting is adequately maintained

No records were available to confirm testing or maintenance.




Subject 7: Fire Detection and Warning Systems

7.1 DetectionRisk Level


3 Y Ensure suitable automatic fire detection is installed and maintained.

There are automatic fire detectors linked to smoke vent systems. There is a fire alarm covering the basement. However there was no evidence confirming testing and maintenance of the systems. The aovs should be tested monthly and the alarm weekly.


7.2 Smoke ventilation Risk Level


3 Y Ensure measures are in place to prevent smokespreading from floor to floor.

The systems should be such that where an aov opens into a smoke shaft the aov on that floor and the head of the shaft open. The aov on the staircase should also open and all other vents should remain shut, even if a detector on another floor is subsequently activated.


7.3 Smoke ventilation Information on override switchesRisk Level


3 Y Ensure suitable information is given on any override systems.

The override switches should be labelled make it clear that they are for fire fighters use only




Subject 8: Fire Fighting Equipment

8.1 Fire Fighting Equipment maintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure fire fighting equipment is provided andmaintained

There is a co2 extinguisher in reception. It has not been maintained.

There is a fire suppression system in the water plant room. This is overdue maintenance.


8.2 Dry/Wet Riser maintenanceRisk Level


3 Y Ensure dry/wet risers are maintained on an annual basis and inspected 6 monthly

The systems were last tested in Feb2014 and are now overdue their inspection.


Subject 10: Co-operation and Co-ordination

10.1 Shared PremisesRisk Level


3 Y A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment should be requested from the Commercial Tenants for the area that they are responsible for.




Appendix 1 Testing Regimes

Item Emergency LightingFrequency Monthly / YearlyWho: Staff / Staff / Competent Contractor / Competent ContractorNotes Monthly testing ensures lights illuminate

Bi Annual testing ensures the lights last for 1 hour on the back up supply Yearly testing ensures the lights lasts for 3 hours on the back up supply and involves checking the condition of the overall system.

Item Smoke Detectors (other than fire alarm systems)Frequency YearlyWho: Competent ContractorNotes Smoke detections and controls are tested and inspected yearly by a specialist in association

with the controls and systems they are linked to, e.g. AOVs, fire extract or pressurisation systems. For further guidance refer to BS9999

Item Smoke Ventilation AOVs & OVs (Automatic Opening Vents)Frequency Monthly / YearlyWho: Staff / Competent ContractorNotes AOVs and electrically operated OVs should be tested once a month for correct operation

using the manual controls provided. The yearly test must be by a specialist and include routine maintenance. Smoke vents and controls are tested and inspected yearly by a specialist. For further guidance refer to BS9999

Item Smoke Ventilation Windows & hatches (manual)Frequency YearlyWho: StaffNotes Windows and other non-electrical means provided for venting smoke should be

opened on a regular basis (eg at least once a year), to ensure that they open freely andhave not become stuck.

Item Fire Extinguishers and blankets Frequency Regular inspections / Yearly serviceWho: Staff / Competent ContractorNotes Staff should ensure extinguishers and blankets have not gone missing of been tampered

with. Fire Extinguishers and blankets are tested yearly for condition and operation. Every 5 years they are discharged and refilled and at 10 years they are pressure tested.

Item Fire resisting doors Frequency Every 6 monthWho: Competent Staff Notes Good practice is to inspect timber fire-resisting doorsets on a six monthly basis as part of a

programme of planned preventive maintenance. These inspections are aimed at identifying defects such as: door closers not working, damage, missing fire cold smoke seals and intumescent strips, unauthorized locks and doors that have dropped or shrunk.Flat entrance doors should be included but there may not be a legal right of access. A visual inspection of a working letter flap and for damage can be made from the common area.



Item Dry Risers / Droppers and mainsFrequency 6 months inspection Yearly testingWho: Competent ContractorNotes Every six months checks are made for visual damage and to see all the component parts are

in place. Yearly test involves pressure testing.

Item Lightening ConductorsFrequency Yearly Who: Competent ContractorNotes The guidelines state testing should be within the year

Item Electrical wiring and fittings Frequency Every 5 years in workplaces and common areas. Who: Competent ContractorNotes The Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) should be undertaken every 5 years. The PIR is now

known as the Electric Installation Condition Report (EICR). Inspections may be sooner following any damage, fires or flooding in the property.

Item Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Frequency 6 months to 4 yearsWho: Competent ContractorNotes PAT testing varies due to the nature of the appliance. Kettles, vacuum/floor cleaners,

portable tools should be tested every 6 months to a year as they are prone to damage. Fixed items such as CCTV and computer equipment could be every 3 years as they are rarely moved. Each item is different and the environment they are kept is may cause early deterioration.


Fire Risk AssessmentIndex

Action and TimetableSubject 1: HousekeepingSubject 2: Sources of HeatSubject 3: Means of EscapeSubject 4: Fire DoorsSubject 5: Fire Escape SignageSubject 6: Emergency LightingSubject 7: Fire Detection and Warning SystemsSubject 8: Fire Fighting EquipmentSubject 9: Provision of Information, Training and InstructionSubject 10: Co-operation and Co-ordinationSubject 11: Access for the Fire AuthoritySubject 4: Fire DoorsSubject 6: Emergency LightingSubject 7: Fire Detection and Warning SystemsSubject 8: Fire Fighting EquipmentSubject 10: Co-operation and Co-ordinationAppendix 1 Testing Regimes

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(522146149) Mark Fire Risk Assessment