Absolute warehouse FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

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Site conducted
Site conducted
REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2001 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in these premises, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire.
The fire risk assessment should be reviewed by a competent person by the date indicated above or at such earlier time as there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or if there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates , or if a fire occurs.

The consultant has only sampled the building fire arrangements during this fire risk assessment and there may be hazards that were not seen or were to be verified during the assessment by the consultant. The responsible person must ensure that this fire risk assessment is actioned and all areas of the building are checked and are safe.
Responsible Person
Person Consulted
Assessment prepared by
Date of Fire Risk Assessment
Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment
Suggested Date for Review

Previous Assessment Action Points

Previous assessment Action Points
- All Action Points have been actioned and closed from previous assessment.
- Some Action Points remain open from previous assessment.
- Not applicable. There were no Action Points raised at the previous assessment.
How many Action Points remain open from the previous audit?

Sect.1 - Premises, Opening, Building construction, Shared Premises, Fire call challenge, Fire Plan.

Section 1.0 Premises

1.1 Number of Floors?
1.2 Approximate Floor Area (m2)
1.3 Brief Description of Premises
1.4 Vicinity to Motorway or Railways?
- Yes.
- No.

1.4 Use of Premises and Opening Times

Use of Premises
Monday to Friday opening time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00
Monday to Friday closing time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00
Saturday opening time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00
Saturday closing time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00
Sunday opening time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00
Sunday closing time?
- Closed
- 24 Hour
- 00.00
- 01.00
- 02.00
- 03.00
- 04.00
- 05.00
- 06.00
- 06.30
- 07.00
- 07.30
- 08.00
- 08.30
- 09.00
- 09.30
- 10.00
- 10.30
- 11.00
- 12.00
- 13.00
- 14.00
- 15.00
- 16.00
- 16.30
- 17.00
- 17.30
- 18.00
- 18.30
- 19.30
- 19.00
- 20.00
- 21.00
- 22.00
- 23.00

1.5 Building Construction

1.5 Building Construction
- Class A - Non-combustible
- Class B - Traditional, Non-combustible walls/Combustible Floors
- Class C - Combustible Structure
Escape Time?
Risk Level?

1.6 Shared Premises

1.6 Is premises shared?
- Yes
- No
- Action point. See comments.
- Not applicable.
State arrangements

1.7 Fire Call Challenge

Fire Call Challenge information applicable?
Give information

1.8 Protected Stairwells

protected stair wells were checked and sterile

1.9 Fire Plan

Fire plan showing all fire arrangements completed and up to date.

Sect 2 - Occupants, 3 - Occ especially at Risk, 4 - Fire loss & 5 - Other relevant info.

Section 2.0 The Occupants

2.1 Approximate maximum number of occupants
- 1-5
- 5-10
- 10-15
- 15-20
- 20-30
- 30-40
- 40-50
- 50+
2.2 Approximate number of employees at any one time
- 1-5
- 5-10
- 10-15
- 15-20
- 20-30
- 30-40
- 40-50
- 50+
Maximum number of members of the public at any one time
- 1-5
- 5-10
- 10-15
- 15-20
- 20-30
- 30-40
- 40-50
- 50+

Section 3.0 Occupants Especially at Risk

3.1 Sleeping occupants?
3.2 Disabled occupants?
3.3 Occupants in remote areas and lone working?
3.4 Young persons?
3.5 Others

Section 4.0 Fire Loss Experience

4.0 Fire loss experience?
Give details

Section 5.0 Other Relevant Information

Other Relevant Information.

Sect. 6 - Relevant Legislation & 7 - Elimination & Control of Fire Hazards

6.0 Relevant Fire Safety Legislation

6.1 The following safety legislation applies to these premises
The Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations - Regulation 3 Risk Assessment.
HM Guidance Document - Factories and Warehouses used as reference for this assessment.
6.2 The above legislation is enforced by:
6.3 Other legislation that makes significant requirements for the precautions in these premises (Other than the Building Regulations 2000)

7.0 Fire Hazards and their Elimination or Control

7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of electrical origin?

7.2 More Specifically:

a) Fixed installation periodically tested?
- Yes. Fixed electrical installation is periodically tested.
- AP. The periodic electrical installation is overdue/not done or remedial work has not been completed.
- Action point. See notes.
Date of last inspection?
Due date of next inspection?
b) Portable appliance periodically carried out?
- Yes.
- AP: A number of items were seen that did not have a valid PAT.
- Action point. See notes.
Date of most recent inspection
c) Suitable policy regarding the use of electrical appliances?
d) Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters?
e) Is there a defective equipment procedure?
f) Were electrical leads overloaded?

7.3 Comments and Hazards Observed

Further comments?

Sect 8 - Smoking & 9 - Arson

8.0 Smoking

8.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of smoking?

8.2 More Specifically

a) Smoking prohibited in the building?
b) Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas?
c) Are there suitable arrangements for those who wish to smoke?
d) This policy appeared to be observed at time of inspection?

9.0 Arson

Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear reasonable? (Note 2)
Notes:- (Note 2) Reasonable only in the context of this fire risk assessment, if specific advice on security (including security against arson) is required, the advice of a security specialist should be obtained.

Sect. 10 - Portable Heating, 11 - Cooking & 12 - Lighting

10.0 Portable Heating and Heating Installations

10.1 is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable?
10.2a If portable heaters are used, is the use of more hazardous type (e.g. radiant fires, LPG Appliances) avoided?
10.2b Are suitable measures taken to minimise the hazard of ignition of combustible materials?
10.3 Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance?
- Yes
- Action point. See notes
- AP. The fixed heating systems periodic servicing has not been completed or is overdue.

11.0 Cooking

11.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking?
11.2(a) More specifically filters changed and duct work cleaned regularly?
11.2(b) More specifically suitable fire extinguishing appliances were available?

12.0 Lighting

12.1 Does the premises have a lightening protection system?

Sect. 13 - Housekeeping, 14 - Outside Contractors & 15 - DSEAR

13.0 Housekeeping

13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate?
13.2(a) Do combustible materials appear to be separated from ignition sources?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
13.2(b) Was there avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials and waste?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
13.2(c) Are there appropriate storage arrangements of hazardous materials?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.

14.0 Hazardous Introduced by Outside Contractors and Building Works

14.1 Are safety conditions imposed on outside contractors?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
14.2 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by outside contractors (including "Hot Work" Permits)?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
14.3 If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable precautions taken during "Hot Work" including use of hot work permits?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.

15.0 Hazards Introduced by Outside Contractors and Building Works

15.1 If dangerous substances are, or could be, used, has a risk assessment been carried out as required by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) 2002?

Sect. 16 - Other Significant Hazards that Warrant Consideration

16.0 Other Significant Fire Hazards that Warrant Consideration including process Hazards that Impact on general Fire Precautions.

16.1 Are there other significant fire hazards that warrant consideration?
List other hazardous and controls
Examples:- Oxy-acetylene equipment use / Bench Grinder/Abrasive Wheel use...

Sect. 17 - Means of Escape from Fire

17.1 It is considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape from fire?
Notes: (Source:HSE-Factories and Warehouses document): Table 2:Suggested travel distances:
Escape routes suggested range of travel distances: -
Where more than one escape route is provided: -
25m in higher fire risk areas (1,2)
45m in normal fire risk areas
60m in lower fire risk areas
Where only a single escape route is provided: -
12m in higher fire risk areas
25m in normal fire risk areas
45m in lower fire risk areas

Note 1:
Where there are smaller higher-risk areas this travel distance should apply.
Where the risk assessment indicates that the building is higher risk, seek advice from a competent person.

Note 2:
Some rooms are considered as places of special fire hazard,
e.g. rooms used for highly flammable paint spraying.
Shorter travel distances are generally required for these areas.
18m where there is more than one escape route.
9m with escape route.

Note 3:
The travel distance for lower risk premises should only be applied in
exceptional cases in very lowest risk premises where densities are low,
occupants are familiar with the premises,
excellent visual awareness, and very limited combustibles.
17.2(a) Adequate design of escape routes?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
17.2(b) Adequate provision of exits? (Determine the correct numbers of fire exits are provided using building size)
17.2(c) Exits easily and immediately operable where necessary?
17.2(d) Fire exits open in direction of escape where necessary?
17.2(e) Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where necessary?
17.2(f) Satisfactory means for securing exits?

17.3 Reasonable Distance of Travel

17.3(a) Where there is a single direction of travel?
17.3(b) Where there are alternative means of escape? (Where more than one escape route, 25m in higher fire risk areas (1,2)
17.3(c) There is suitable protection of escape routes?
17.3(d) Are there suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms?
17.3(e) Were escape routes obstructed?
17.4 It is considered that the building is provided with reasonable arrangements for the means of escape for disabled people?
17.5 Any further comments or deficiencies observed?

Sect. 18 - Measures to limit fire spread, 19 - Lighting, 20 - Signs & 21 - Means of giving warning

18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development

Note 3: Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas with a degree of sampling where appropriate.
Note 4: A full investigation of the design of HVAC systems is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment.
Note 5: Based on visual inspection but no test of illuminance levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standards carried out.
Note 6: Based on visual inspection but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out.
18.1(a) It is considered that there is compartmentation of a reasonable standard? Note 3 above refers.
18.1(b) It is considered that there is reasonable limitation of linings that might promote the spread of fire?
18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, fire dampers are provided as necessary to protect critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in early stages of fire? Note 3 and 4 above refers.

19.0 Emergency Escape Lighting

19.1 Reasonable standard of emergency lighting system provided?

20. Fire Signs and Notices

20.1 Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices?

21.0 Means of giving warning in case of fire

21.1 Reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided? (Note 6)
21.2 Automatic fire detection provided? (throughout building or part of building)
21.3 Extent of automatic fire detection generally appropriate for the occupancy and fire risk?
21.4 Remote transmission of alarm signals?

Sect. 22 - Manual Appliances, 23 - Automatic Extinguishing System & 24 - Other relevant systems

22.0 Manual Fire Extinguisher Appliances

22.1 Reasonable provision of portable fire extinguishers?
22.2 Hose reels provided?
22.3 The fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible?

23.0 Relevant Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems

23.1 Type of system?

24.0 Other relevant fixed systems and equipment?

24.1 Type of system if one exits?
24.2 Suitable provision of fire-fighting switch(es) for high voltage luminous tube signs, etc, if applicable
Note 7: Relevant to life safety and this risk assessment (as opposed purely to property protection).

25.0 Procedure and Arrangements

25.1 Fire safety is managed by site manager. (Note 8)

Note 8: This is not intended to represent a legal interpretation of responsibility, but merely reflects the managerial arrangement in place at the time of this risk assessment.
25.2 Competent person(s) appointed to assist in undertaking the preventative and protective (i.e. Relevant general fire precautions)?
25.3 Is there a suitable record of the fire safety arrangements?
25.4 Appropriate fire procedures in place?
25.4a Are procedures in the event of fire appropriate and properly documented?
25.4b Are there suitable arrangements for summoning the fire and rescue service?
25.4c Are there suitable arrangements to meet the fire and rescue service on arrival and provide relevant information, including that relating to hazards to fire-fighters?
25.4d Are there suitable arrangements for ensuring that the premises have been evacuated?
25.4e Is there a suitable fire assembly point(s)?
25.4f Are there adequate procedures for evacuation of any disabled people who are likely to be present?
25.5 Persons nominated and trained to use fire extinguishing appliances?
25.6 Persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of disabled people?
25.7 Appropriate liaison with fire and rescue service (e.g. by fire and rescue service crews visiting for familiarisation visits)?
25.8 Routine in-house inspections of fire precautions (e.g. in the course of health and safety inspections)?

Sect. 26 - Procedures and Arrangements

26.0 Procedure and Arrangements

26.1 Staff given adequate fire safety instruction and training on induction?
26.2 All staff given adequate periodic "refresher training" at suitable intervals?
26.3 Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on the following:
26.3a Fire risks in the premises?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
26.3b The fire safety measures in the building?
26.3c There is a documented action plan in the event of a fire?
26.3d There is an action plan on hearing the fire alarm signal?
26.3e Staff trained is method of operation of manual call points?
26.3f The location and use of fire extinguishers was satisfactory?
26.3g Means of summoning the fire and rescue service?
26.3h Identity of Fire Marshals nominated to assist with evacuation?
26.3i Identity of Fire Marshals nominated to use fire extinguishing appliances?
26.4 Staff with special responsibilities (e.g. Fire Marshals) are given additional training?
26.5 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals?
Dates and time of last drill? i.e. time taken to evacuate, number of staff/visitors/contractors involved?
Any fire drill issues reported?
26.6 When the employees of another employer work in the premises is their employer given appropriate information (e.g. on fire risks and general fire precautions) and is it ensured that the employees are provided with adequate instruction and information?

Sect. 27 - Testing and Maintenance

27.1 Adequate maintenance of premises?
27.2 Periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system?
- Yes. Periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system are carried out.
- AP. The periodic service of the fire detection and alarm system has not been done or is overdue.
- Action Point. See notes.
Date last checked?
27.3 Periodic servicing of emergency lighting system?
- Yes. Periodic service of the emergency lighting system has been completed.
- AP: The periodic service of the emergency lighting system is overdue or has not been completed.
- Action point. See notes.
Date last checked?
Serviced completed by?
27.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances?
Date of last fire extinguishing appliance tests?
Inspecting company name and/or inspection report reference?
27.5 Periodic inspection of external escape staircases and gangways?
Date of last inspection?
Inspecting company name and/or inspection report reference?
27.6 Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains?
27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly inspection and annual testing of fire-fighting lifts?
27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installation?
27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastening?
Date of last inspection?
27.10 Other relevant inspections or tests?

Sect. 28 - Records

28.0 Records

28.1a Appropriate records of fire risks in the premises?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
28.1b Appropriate records of Fire Warden training?
- Yes.
- No.
- Action point. See notes
- Not applicable.
- Not known.
Fire Warden quantity and date of certificates?
28.1c Appropriate records of weekly fire alarm tests?
- Yes. Weekly tests on fire alarm system are completed and are recorded.
- AP. Weekly tests on the fire alarm system are overdue.
- AP. Weekly tests on the fire alarm system have not been completed and recorded.
- Action point. See notes.
Date of last test?
28.1d Appropriate records of monthly emergency escape lighting tests?
- Yes. Monthly testing of the emergency lighting system is completed and recorded.
- AP. The monthly testing of the emergency lighting system is not being completed or recorded.
- AP. The monthly testing of the emergency lighting system is overdue.
- Action point. See notes.
Date of last test?
28.1e Appropriate records of Maintenance and Testing of other protection systems?

29.0 Fire Risk Assessment Category.

The following simple risk estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator of the type contained in BS 8800: Potential consequences of fire and likelihood of fire:
Slight harm/Moderate harm/External harm:
Low Trivial risk
Medium Tolerable
High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk

Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the hazard from fire (likelihood of fire) at these premises is:

Low/Medium/High
In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows:

Low: Unusually low likelihood of fire as a result of negligible potential sources of ignition.

Medium: Normal fire hazards (e.g. potential ignition sources) for this type of occupancy, with fire hazards generally subject to appropriate controls (other than minor shortcomings).

High: Lack of adequate controls applied to one or more significant fire hazards, such as to result in significant increase in likelihood of fire.

Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangement 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/Moderate harm/Extreme harm
In this contact 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 room in which fire occurs).

Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could foreseeably result in injury (including serious injury) of one or more occupants, but it is likely to involve multiple fatalities.

Extreme harm: Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants.

29.0 Fire Risk Assessment Category (Cont...)

Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at these premises is:
- Trivial: No action is required and no detailed records need to be kept.
- Tolerable: No major additional controls required. However, there might be a need for improvements that involve minor or limited cost.
- Moderate: It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risks. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined period.
- Substantial: Considerable resources might 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 take.
- Intolerable: Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until risk is reduced.
Further Comments?
A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportionate 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 detailed records need to be kept.

Tolerable: No major additional controls required. However, there might be a need for improvements that involve minor or
limited cost.

Moderate: It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk.
Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined period.

Where moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute extreme harm, further assessment might be required to
establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the priority for improved control measures.

Substantial: Considerable resources might 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.

(Note that, although the purpose of this section is to place the fire risk in context, the above approach to fire risk assessment
is subjective and for guidance only. All hazards and deficiencies identified in this report should be addressed by implementing
all recommendations contained in the following action plan. The fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly.)

Fire Risk Assessment

1. People at risk from the hazards listed below are: Full Time Employees, Cleaners, Contractors and Visitors (ensure cleaners,
contractors and visitors sign in and out).

2. Site Manager or Supervisor must ensure:

a) A Fire Drill is completed twice (2) annually and recorded in the 'Fire Register'

b) Review this risk assessment and make any changes and or addition which are necessary and depot specific.

c) That fire escape routes, fire exits, fire extinguishers are not obstructed or blocked and the fire alarm system (if installed) is in
good working order.

d) Gas installations and heaters (if applicable) are regularly serviced by a competent person.
Signature of Auditor
Signature of person consulted