FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT MACRO CHECKLISTseparate statement will be made regarding the ground floor, which affects all blocks. ... The scope of this Fire Risk assessment is for the common

1

OVERALL COLOUR ACTION CODE RISK

AMBER

STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 2005:1541

REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Address of Premises: Freemantle House, Leicester Road, Tilbury, Essex RM18 7SS

Responsible Person: Thurrock Borough Council

Assessor:

Bob Rose GI Fire E B.R.& Associates Ltd

Date:

16th September 2014

2

PURPOSE OF COMPLETING A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

The purpose of completing a Fire Risk Assessment is to assess the hazards in a premises relating to fire precautions, and the likelihood that the hazards will cause harm or injury to persons in the building. The Risk Assessment Form provides a method of evaluating and presenting areas of concern within a building. It should be borne in mind that it is the risk which is being scored and not the presence of a hazard - i.e.: if a building contained explosives (a hazard) but all fire precautions and management systems are in place, then the risk (the likelihood of that hazard causing harm) is acceptable. The overall colour action code provides a guide to the timing of the action required e.g.

RED-Immediate action required AMBER-Within one month GREEN- Satisfactory Any unsatisfactory features will be detailed under action required at the end of the report. This report fulfils the statutory obligation to carry out a written Fire Risk Assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. THIS WRITTEN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE KEPT ON THE PREMISES FOR INSPECTION BY AUTHORISED OFFICERS OF THE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

Description of Building

A residential block of flats of sixteen floors constructed of masonry/brick walls, concrete floors and concrete stairs. There are eight flats on the top floor and four flats on each floor above the ground. Entrance/access to the block is made via a concierge desk, which is centrally located and is used for access to Tasmania House, Freemantle and Brisbane House via an enclosed walkway. Strictly speaking because all high rise blocks are connected it would be considered one building by definition of the Building Regulations, however the covered walkway is separated by fire resisting doors and is class ‘0’ construction. Therefore for the purposes of this Fire Risk Assessment each high-rise block will be considered as a separate building and a separate statement will be made regarding the ground floor, which affects all blocks. The building is provided with a single protected staircase serving as the only means of escape from the building. The building is provided with a fire-fighting shaft as defined by Approved Document ‘B’ of the Building Regulations. There are two lifts provided which are not recommended for use in a fire situation. The lifts are provided with Fire Service controls. The scope of this Fire Risk assessment is for the common parts of the building only and not the flats themselves apart from the entrance door to the flats.

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Persons at Risk

Residents of the flats, visitors and contractors working on the premises.

1. Fire Hazards Yes

No

N/A

Action/Remarks

Existing Controls in place

Lighting – bulkhead and fluorescent light fittings in corridors, landings in the refuse room areas, supplied by wiring in steel or plastic conduit. Emergency lighting is also provided see section 8 for details. Storage of materials/refuse: Fires in refuse chutes are a common occurrence in high-rise blocks of flats. Refuse is disposed of by residents into refuse chutes provided on each floor on the opposite side of the building to the escape staircase. The chute is in a dedicated permanently ventilated room enclosed by a notional 30minute fire-resisting door. A hazard warning notice in place adjacent to the chute door on all floors. The escape staircase is further protected from the chute by a further 3 sets of fire doors, thus maintaining a smoke free escape route in the event of a fire in the chute. The chute has metal-hinged doors. The refuse is collected in wheeled bins in a metal roller shutter secure enclosure at ground level. The ground floor collection point for the refuse is contained in a fire-resisting compartment accessible only from the outside via a metal roller shutter door. The room is provided with a water suppression system over the wheeled bins, which is activated by a heat source (fire) within the bins. A metal damper has been installed at base level to activate if there is a fire in the bins the purpose of which is to stop the passage of heat and smoke up the chute and possible smoke logging of the chute rooms at each level. Any detection of smoke within the bin room is transmitted into the concierge reception for emergency action. Smoking: Smoking is unlawful within common areas of the building. No Smoking signs are displayed in strategic locations Decorations: Emulsion based paint only on escape route walls and ceilings and considered class ’0’ construction, which is compliant with part ‘B’ of the Building Regulations. The building is provided with a lightning conductor.

Are potential Ignition sources controlled?

√

See smoking

Does the building contain piped oxygen or in cylinders?

√

4

Is smoking controlled?

√

Although no smoking signs in place there is evidence that smoking takes place within the common areas. The amalgamation of carelessly discarded smoking materials in the common staircase and refuse chute rooms is a serious risk of fire and should be monitored on a regular basis

Does excessive fire loading exist?

√

It is recommended that the policy of removal of unwanted furniture and materials in the drying rooms and storerooms is strictly maintained to keep the fire loading of the building to a minimum.

Is there an arson or deliberate ignition risk?

√

The building is provided with a door entry system, which reduces this possibility.

Is the storage of flammable liquids controlled?

√

Are electrical fittings in good order and not congested, or buried in storage?

√

Are heat sources controlled?

√

None

Are cooking ignition sources controlled?

√

None

Are portable electrical appliances tested?

√

Are Waste and Rubbish collected regularly and place in external containers clear of buildings?

√

Contained in secure waste area.

Are surface linings, upholstery and drapery compliant and in good condition?

√

Common areas class ’0’ construction

Is there potential for fire spread from adjacent buildings?

√

Detached building with sufficient fire separation.

2. Fire Fighting Yes No N/A

Are fire hydrants, static water tanks, by-pass valves, sprinkler stop valves, foam inlets, risers, and ventilation controls indicated and accessible? Existing controls in place

√

Statutory hydrant in roadway nearby. Dry riser provided for the building secured by FB padlock. An annual inspection of the dry riser by the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service takes place. Permanent ventilation to the escape stairway, staircase lobby refuse chute and drying rooms on each floor. Water suppression system provided for the refuse bin store at ground floor level which is tested twice yearly. Building provided with fire-fighting shaft.

Is access available to emergency vehicles?

√

Compliant with Approved Document ‘B’ of The Building Regulations. Access available to 75% of perimeter of building.

Does a ‘hot work’ permit system for contractors exist?

√

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3. Means of Escape Yes No N/A

Existing controls in Place

Single protected stair with permanent ventilation serving the upper storeys, terminating at ground level with two alternative routes to open air via protected corridors from the lift lobby and electronic sliding opening final exit doors.

Walls, ceilings and floors are in very good condition, without damage or perforation. No trip hazards or uneven surfaces etc. Decoration is in clean and tidy condition and class ‘0’ construction.

Fire protection to the stairs/route is considered satisfactory subject to the comments made regarding fire doors and self-

closing devices in attached fire door schedule. Final exit doors are adequate for the number

of persons likely to use them and of sufficient size for wheelchair/disabled users.

Final exit doors are electronic release and it is presumed they fail safe on loss of electrical supply.

Paved pathways provide a satisfactory route away from the building.

The lifts are subject to routine servicing but

not suitable for use in an emergency. Are escape routes clear of combustible storage and obstructions?

√

During the survey it was apparent that the staircase was completely clear of obstructions and combustible storage. The building is provided with permanent ventilation to the Drying room, Refuse Chute room, Staircase lobby and staircase itself. This is a design feature of the building to ensure the single means of escape are available for use in a fire emergency. Ventilation grills have been installed in the staircase lobbies on each floor. The following obstructions to the ventilation in the refuse chute rooms was apparent at the time of the survey- 15,14,12,10,9,7 and 4 Any obstruction of the room ventilation/staircase will cause severe smoke logging and may affect the means of escape

Are there sufficient exit widths and routes for the number of persons present?

√

Are inner rooms controlled?

√

Are all floors, stairways and pathway surfaces in good condition and free from trip and slip hazards?

√

Are exit routes suitable & sufficient for disabled persons?

√

Exits at ground level are DDA compliant.

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Do the escape routes for the premises lead as directly as possible to a place of safety?

√

Single protected escape route with permanent ventilation.

Are all exit doors easily opened with a single device from inside without use of a key, key-pad, code or swipe card?

√

Security exit button, which presumably fails safe on loss of electrical power.

Are final exits separated from each other by fire resisting construction?

√

Do exit doors open outwards where this is necessary?

√

Where installed, are external escape staircases and ramps maintained in a safe condition?

√

Exits are ramped for DDA purposes.

Are the means of escape suitable for disabled people? Refuges etc

√

Protected lift lobby and staircase

4. Fire Doors & Compartmentation

Yes No N/A

Existing Controls

Walls, floors, ceilings - masonry / concrete / plaster with paint finish to class ‘0’. Other partitions are timber/fire-resisting glazing.

Doors to the staircase (lobby approach) lift lobbies, drying rooms and refuse chute rooms are substantial notional 30-minute fire resisting self-closing with a single pair of hinges but provided with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals.

Are all fire-resisting doors and frames in good condition, fully closing and not wedged open?

See fire door schedule

Are fire doors fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals where necessary and in good condition?

√

Flat entrance doors are typically substantial timber with aluminium non-sprung letter plate. Except where subject to comment in the fire door schedule. These doors are not fully inspected at time of survey but are typically 30 minute notional fire resisting doors with one pair of hinges. In some cases are fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals or one inch doorstops. They are fitted with standard or rising butt hinges. Therefore they would not reach the present day standard in most cases. There is a program to replace these doors with FD30(S) doors as standard in the Borough

Are the self closing devices effective and of approved design?

√


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Are hold-open devices of approved design?

√

Are vision panels fire-resisting? √

Are there any breaches in the compartmentation of the premises?

√


Are service openings and ducts in floors and walls ‘stopped’ with fire resisting material?

√

Are fire shutters tested and kept clear?

√

Are areas of high fire risk enclosed in fire resisting construction?

√

5. Travel Distances Yes No N/A

Do the travel distances meet the recommendations for the type of occupancy of the premises?

√

Travel distances meet the recommendations for this type of occupancy. Compliant with the Building Regulations at time of construction.

Do the first stage travel distances meet the recommendations for the type of occupancy of the premises?

√

Does the second stage travel distance meet the recommendations for the type of occupancy?

√

Do the dead end travel distances meet the recommendations for the type of occupancy?

√

Are all dead ends situations made up from fire resisting construction?

√

6. Fire Warning System Yes No N/A

Is the fire alarm in good working order, with a uniform signal, audible throughout the building?

√

The fire door between the lifts and the flat foyers are held open by magnetic hold back devices with smoke detectors either side of the doors. These are provided to close the door if smoke is present in these areas; they are not designed to raise the alarm to the residents. However they are designed to alert the concierge staff who will take the emergency action. The flats are provided with mains operated domestic smoke alarms with battery back-up, therefore the residents would be alerted to a fire in their own flat and evacuate. All flats are constructed to be a thirty minute minimum fire compartment.

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Is fire alarm tested every week using a different call point in rotation and whilst the building is occupied?

√

The ground floor and common area fire warning system in the concierge, bin store and the Caretakers area are tested and maintained by contractors. There does not appear to be a fire safety log book/folder for all the records of testing on site. It is essential that all records of tests and maintenance are available for inspection by the Fire and Rescue Service, in fact it is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and would be considered an offence if these records are not carried out or not available for inspection. Therefore it is recommended that these records should be made available to the Fire & Rescue Service when carrying out an audit on the building.

Is fire alarm serviced quarterly, six monthly and annually by a qualified engineer or as appropriate in accordance with its design specification?

?

Unknown as records not available

Is the automatic fire detection adequate for the occupancy?

√

Are fire alarm tests recorded in a fire precautions logbook?

√

Are all fire alarm interfaces compliant with BS 5839-1?

√

Smoke alarms are provided in common areas in close proximity to the hold-open devices fitted to the fire doors.

Are unwanted fire signal monitored and controlled?

√

Does the alarm system have a legible zone plan?

√

7. Emergency Signage Yes NO N/A

Do exit signs comply with the ‘Signs and Signal Regulations 1999’?

√

There are no exit signage fitted throughout the building, this can be justified for the following reasons:

A building has a single escape route, which is obvious.

It is a residential building and the tenants are familiar with the exit route.

The tenants if required would guide out any visitors to the building.

It is only recommended that the occupants of the flat on fire evacuate unless the heat and smoke spreads to adjacent flats.

The fire should be contained within the flat as it is constructed as a fire-resisting compartment, and therefore should not

affect the visibility of the common escape route.

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Is the exit signage suitable and sufficient?

√

A sign bearing the wording ‘’DO NOT USE THE LIFTS DURING A FIRE’’ is provided adjacent to the lifts at each floor level

Is exit signage illuminated where required?

√

Is fire action notices displayed adjacent to fire alarm call points?

√

Are fire-resisting doors marked? Fire door keep shut Fire door keep locked shut Automatic fire door-keep clear- close at night

√

All fire resisting doors are permanently marked on each side at eye level with a blue circular notice bearing the words FIRE DOOR - KEEP SHUT in white letters not less than 5 mm in height. All fire doors to storage cupboards or riser cupboards are permanently marked with a blue circular notice bearing the words FIRE DOOR – KEEP LOCKED SHUT in white letters not less than 5 mm in height. The automatic fire doors on the ground floor are permanently marked on each side at eye level with a blue circular notice bearing the words AUTOMATIC FIRE DOOR- KEEP CLEAR-CLOSE AT NIGHT in white letters not less than 5 mm in height.

Do extinguishers have information signage?

√

Extinguishers provided in caretaker’s area only and the concierge area.

8. Emergency Lighting Yes No N/A

Existing Controls

Primary lighting is provided throughout.

Non-maintained emergency lighting provided throughout common areas.

Escape routes for residents are simple, straightforward and lead direct to exit doors to

the stairs.

External perimeter lighting provided.

Is the premises provided with emergency lighting system to the escape routes?

√

The main staircase is provided with emergency lighting.

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Does a qualified engineer test the emergency lighting system in accordance with the system design specification?

√

It is unknown if the emergency lighting system is compliant with BS 5266 or if it is effective. There appears no means to carry out the monthly flick test and no records of the electrical engineers soak test under BS 5266. During the inspection it was noticed that some light fittings had a green indicator, others a flashing green indicator and some no indicator at all ! This is a potentially serious issue as not only is it non-compliant it is unknown if the system is effective as there were no test records available on-site to refer to. Therefore it is recommended that the system is checked by a qualified electrical engineer to determine if it is effective or compliant with the latest standard. A means of being able to carry out the monthly test is recommended as it is clearly a contravention of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 if these tests are not carried out. All test records should be made available when the Fire & Rescue Service carry out an audit on the building.

Is there adequate light outside the workplace that will illuminate the escape routes leading to assembly points?

√

9. Fire Fighting Equipment Yes No N/A

Having regard to the hazards, Is the correct type of equipment present?

√

First aid fire-fighting equipment is not provided within the common parts of the building. Equipment is required to be provided in a workplace, the common escape route is not considered a workplace, and therefore there is no requirement for fire fighting equipment to be provided. The provision of portable fire-fighting equipment in the flats would be encouraged by the Fire & Rescue Service but is not mandatory. A foam and carbon dioxide extinguisher is provided in the caretaker’s area and adequate fire extinguishers provided in the concierge area.

Is there sufficient numbers of fire extinguishers and fire blankets present?

√

Is the equipment mounted correctly at locations (wall hooks or floor stands)

√

Is the equipment being serviced annually?

√

Where fire suppression and extinction systems other than fire extinguishers are installed in the building are these systems regularly tested, serviced and maintained?

√

Water suppression system and Dry Riser subject to six monthly test and maintenance.

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10. Fire Training Yes No N/A

Does staff receive annual fire training?

√

The caretakers were provided with fire training to explain the fire defence arrangements in the High-rise blocks and extinguisher training in 2012. It is recommended that the concierge staff receive either similar training or receive written instructions on the fire procedures for the building. A refresher course for the caretakers and new staff is also recommended. The residents of the flats have received fire safety booklets in the past; however with the turnover of residents in the block it is recommended that they should receive written notification of the expected response by residents to a fire either within their flat or in the block. This advice should be the mirror the government advice for fires in high rise blocks of flats.

Do staff get initial and refresher instruction?

√

Is separate instruction given to staff with a specialist role within the fire procedure? Key Staff and Fire Wardens?

√

Is the training recorded? √

11. Emergency Plan Yes No N/A

Type of evacuation plan? Single Stage Progressive Horizontal Evacuation Delayed Evacuation

√

Delayed Evacuation The advice on the evacuation procedures for high-rise flats is a ‘’Stay Put’’ policy except if for the flat which is on fire. Tenants should only evacuate if heat or smoke penetrates their flat. Tenants are provided with fire safety information booklets

Are the staff provided with suitable instruction & training on evacuation procedures?

√

Caretakers are trained in fire safety

Are evacuation drills carried out twice yearly?

√

Is there a mutual aid procedure for the site?

√

Is the assembly point clearly defined and safe?

√

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12. Fire Policy & Procedures

Yes No N/A

Is there a clearly defined written fire policy?

√

Corporate fire policy applies

Is the policy document accessible to staff?

√

Is the policy tested and reviewed? √

Is there written fire procedures accessible to all staff?

√

The caretakers are well drilled on the fire procedures, however not all the concierge staff are. The caretakers no longer live in the blocks and are not on call. Therefore a set of written procedures is recommended to be circulated to all staff working in the blocks as the concierge staff are the only staff managing the building on a 24/7 basis.

Are disabled people considered in the fire procedures?

√

Are key personnel roles identified in the procedures? Fire Wardens/Marshals etc

√

13. Arson Prevention Yes No N/A

Is CCTV installed? √

Are security patrols employed?

√

The caretakers are no longer required to live in the flats and the on call system is borough wide now.

Are combustible materials kept to a minimum in the work area and the remainder stored in a safe place?

√

A series of regular checks is carried out in the common areas to ensure that the fire loading of the common parts is kept to the minimum

Is access to the building controlled?

√

Door entry system

Are intruder alarms fitted?

√

Is the perimeter fencing secure?

√

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The fire doors provided in the building are notional 30-minute fire resisting self-closing, with a large vision panel, which is fire-resistant Georgian wired glass. The doors are fitted with cold smoke seals and intumescent strips which in some cases are showing signs of wear and tear so they should be monitored on a regular basis. Fire doors should be provided with one and a half pair of hinges; in most cases the doors are only fitted with one pair of hinges. Flat entrance doors are typically substantial timber with aluminium non-sprung letter plate, except where subject to comment in the fire door schedule. These doors are not fully inspected at time of survey but are typically 30 minute notional fire resisting doors with one pair of hinges. In some cases are fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals or one inch doorstops. They are fitted with either standard or rising butt hinges. Therefore they would not reach the modern day standards but were compliant at the time of construction. There is a program to replace these doors with FD30(S) doors as standard in the Borough Each flat is a fire-resisting compartment and the door is integral to that. The containment of a fire to the flat of origin forms part of the fire strategy of the building. In some cases the tenants have changed the front entrance doors to a non-standard door and in most cases they would not perform to the same standard as the original door fitted, which could compromise the means of escape of the building. Fire resistance maybe compromised by the provision of a single or un-sprung letter plate. It is generally accepted that to maintain the 30-minute fire resisting integrity of a fire door, two (an internal and external) metal sprung letter plates should be fitted. Therefore the following recommendations are made: Non-standard front entrance doors should be replaced, internal and external sprung letter plates are recommended. Undertake repairs/replacements to fire doors where specified on attached fire door schedule. Maintain the program of replacement front doors to the latest standard

Floor 04 –Flat 15 Letter-plate missing Floor 01 –Flat 02 Glazed area above door is not fire rated glass

FREEMANTLE HOUSE FIRE DOOR SCHEDULE

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Floor 15

FD1 (refuse chute) Satisfactory

FD2 (flat foyer) Damaged intumescent strip

FD3 (lift lobby) Slamming requires adjustment of closer

FD4 (staircase) Satisfactory.

Floor No 14

FD1 (refuse chute) Satisfactory.

FD2 (flat foyer) Satisfactory.


FD4 (staircase) Satisfactory

Floor No 13


FD2 (flat foyer) Satisfactory

FD3 (lift lobby) Satisfactory.


Floor No 12





Floor No 11





Floor No 10



FD3 (lift lobby) Slamming requires adjustment of closer.


Floor No 9


FD2 (flat foyer) Missing intumescent strip top of door



Floor No 8



FD3 (lift lobby) Slamming requires adjustment of closer.


Floor No 7





Floor No 6



FD3 (lift lobby) Satisfactory


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Floor No 5





Floor No 4





Floor No 3



FD3 (lift lobby) Satisfactory


Floor No 2




FD4 (staircase) Missing intumescent strip top of door

Floor No 1





Ground Floor

Exit into lobby Damaged

Note; Access to the drying rooms not always available as locked at time of survey visual inspection carried out.

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Ground Floor Area Common to all Blocks of Flats

The three high-rise blocks are linked by a covered walkway, which has access to the Concierge Offices, Caretakers Room, Refuse Chute Room, Tank rooms, electrical cupboards. Covered Walkway The addition of the covered walkway joins the three buildings into one. The means of escape from the walkway is considered satisfactory as well as the main entrance to the walkway there is sufficient emergency exits which discharge to open air and are fitted with magnetic locks. The risk of fire spread from the walkway to a high-rise block is remote because the walkway is class ‘0’ construction surface spread of flame rating therefore will not contribute to fire spread within the walkway, there is no furniture or furnishings in the walkway to add to the fire loading. As there are no likely ignition sources from plant or services in common areas, smoking materials or deliberate ignition would seem the most likely potential cause of a fire in these areas. The corridor is separated by self-closing fire doors to separate the blocks of flats and inhibit smoke spread within the tunnel. However there are some defects with these doors, which should be addressed, as a priority to ensure the means of escape from all blocks will not be compromised in the event of a fire. Concierge Offices The concierge offices control security to all three blocks and have a CCTV system covering inside and outside the building. The premises are fitted with a fire alarm system with automatic detection and first aid fire-fighting equipment is in place but requires an annual test. Emergency lighting is provided in this area. Two people 24 Hours per day for 365 days a year man the premises. The premises are provided with an alternative escape exit route, which is not DDA compliant. CCTV premises Provided with adequate alternative means of escape, mains operated domestic smoke detection, foam, carbon dioxide extinguishers and fire blanket Refuse Chute Room The refuse chute room is protected by a water-based sprinkler system as described earlier and the access room from the corridor is a one-hour fire door. Tank Room and Electrical Cupboards These rooms are provided with fire doors and are kept locked shut.

17

Conclusion and Comment

It is considered that the most likely place/origin of a fire in the building is within a residential flat. The smoke alarms provided in each flat will alert the residents within one to two minutes and enable them to evacuate safely during the early stages of the fire. The entrance door to each flat is provided to contain and restrict a fire to within the flat for a nominal 30 minutes, preserving the lift lobby and single protected staircase available for the residents of other flats, visitors & contractors etc. to escape via one of the ground floor exit doors. It is likely that some other residents may be alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm operating within a flat. National fire safety advice available to residents of high rise flats recommends that residents are safe & should remain in their flats (unless they have a fire) which pre-supposes that the construction and compartmentation supports the ‘stay put’ principle until the fire is extinguished or rescue occurs. A fire, which originates in a service riser, will be contained and its growth restricted by the walls and fire resisting locked door for a nominal 30 minutes. Service risers do not normally contain likely sources of ignition and therefore the risk of a fire occurring within these areas is consequently low. However, as there is no automatic detection in common areas the likelihood of discovery at an early stage is reduced. Earlier discovery is more likely to occur during the day when residents and are awake within a service riser there is a likelihood that the fire will spread through the entire shaft as there is no fire separation at each floor level.

A fire occurring in a refuse chute is not likely to adversely affect the flats or common staircase, as the chutes is located beyond a nominal 30-minute fire door. This pre supposes that the door is in good condition and that the permanent ventilation has not been obstructed. A fire occurring in the ground floor refuse store is protected by an automatic water suppression system, which should contain the fire until the Fire & Rescue Service deal with the situation. A fire occurring on the ground floor caretaker’s area is likely to have a more serious affect on the structure and safety of other residents/occupiers than a fire at a higher floor level as this forms the means of escape routes for all persons in the building. As there are no likely ignition sources from plant or services in common areas, smoking materials or deliberate ignition would seem the most likely potential cause of a fire in these areas. The amalgamation of carelessly discarded smoking materials in the common staircase and refuse chute rooms is a serious risk of fire and should be monitored on a regular basis. An uncontrolled fire within a common area and consequential temporary loss of the means of escape staircase is potentially the most serious scenario both for residents/occupiers and for the Fire and Rescue Service. Therefore these areas should and are maintained to the highest standard.

18

Recommended review date: September 2015

Action Required Date Action Taken &

Signature Fire Hazards Although no smoking signs in place there is evidence that smoking takes place within the common areas. The amalgamation of carelessly discarded smoking materials in the common staircase and refuse chute rooms is a serious risk of fire and should be monitored on a regular basis It is recommended that the policy of removal of unwanted furniture and materials in the drying rooms and storerooms is strictly maintained to keep the fire loading of the building to a minimum Means of Escape

The following obstructions to the ventilation in the refuse chute rooms was apparent at the time of the survey- 15,14,12,10,9,7 and 4 Any obstruction of the room ventilation/staircase will cause severe smoke logging and may affect the means of escape Fire Doors and Compartmentation Flat entrance doors are typically substantial timber with aluminium non-sprung letter plate. Except where subject to comment in the fire door schedule. These doors are not fully inspected at time of survey but are typically 30 minute notional fire resisting doors with one pair of hinges. In some cases are fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals or one inch doorstops. They are fitted with standard or rising butt hinges. Therefore they would not reach the present day standard in most cases. There is a program to replace these doors with FD30(S) doors as standard in the Borough Fire Warning System The ground floor and common area fire warning system in the concierge, bin store and the Caretakers area are tested and maintained by contractors. There does not appear to be a fire safety log book/folder for all the records of testing on site. It is essential that all records of tests and maintenance are available for inspection by the Fire and Rescue Service, in fact it is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and would be considered an offence if these records are not carried out or not available for inspection. Therefore it is recommended that these records should be made available to the Fire & Rescue Service when carrying out an audit on the building

19

Emergency Lighting It is unknown if the emergency lighting system is compliant with BS 5266 or if it is effective. There appears no means to carry out the monthly flick test and no records of the electrical engineers soak test under BS 5266. During the inspection it was noticed that some light fittings had a green indicator, others a flashing green indicator and some no indicator at all ! This is a potentially serious issue as not only is it non-compliant it is unknown if the system is effective as there were no test records available on-site to refer to. Therefore it is recommended that the system is checked by a qualified electrical engineer to determine if it is effective or compliant with the latest standard. A means of being able to carry out the monthly test is recommended as it is clearly a contravention of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 if these tests are not carried out. All test records should be made available when the Fire & Rescue Service carry out an audit on the building. Fire Training The caretakers were provided with fire training to explain the fire defence arrangements in the High-rise blocks and extinguisher training in 2012. It is recommended that the concierge staff receive either similar training or receive written instructions on the fire procedures for the building. A refresher course for the caretakers and new staff is also recommended. The residents of the flats have received fire safety booklets in the past; however with the turnover of residents in the block it is recommended that they should receive written notification of the expected response by residents to a fire either within their flat or in the block. This advice should be the mirror the government advice for fires in high rise

blocks of flats. Fire Policy and Procedures The caretakers are well drilled on the fire procedures, however not all the concierge staff are. The caretakers no longer live in the blocks and are not on call. Therefore a set of written procedures is recommended to be circulated to all staff working in the blocks as the concierge staff are the only staff managing the building on a 24/7 basis.

20

Management It is recommended that to avoid any non-compliant issues arising during Fire authority audits a fire safety logbook is maintained in each block. The Logbook/folder should contain the following records;

1. Fire Risk assessment 2. Fire policy/procedures 3. Building electrical safety test record 4. Fire alarm test records 5. Sprinkler test records 6. Emergency lighting test records 7. Fire Training records 8. Extinguisher test records 9. Dry Riser test records 10. Fire door check records 11. PAT testing records

The inspection of these records forms part of the audit process and it is a requirement to keep these available for inspection at the time of the audit. Bob Rose G I Fire E Fire Safety Advisor

Documents

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT MACRO CHECKLISTseparate statement will be made regarding the ground floor, which affects all blocks. ... The scope of this Fire Risk assessment is for the common