C21-6

• Document No.

• Client / Site

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

• Personnel

• Site Photo

  Media

• Legal requirements
  
  The requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which came into effect on 1 October 2006, adopt a self assessment approach to Fire Safety in the workplace. The legislation places certain duties on the ‘responsible person’ for the premises, one of which is to ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out; when there are five or more staff employed this assessment should be recorded.
  
  The assessment set out in this document is an evaluation of the Life Safety measures and is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
  
  This fire risk assessment should be reviewed periodically and in the event of:
  
  • Changes to the work activities or the way they are organised, including the introduction of
  new equipment.
  • Alterations to the building(s), including the internal layout.
  • The introduction, change of use or increase in the storage of hazardous substances.
  • The failure of fire precautions, e.g. fire detection and alarm systems or sprinkler systems.
  • Significant changes to the type and quantity and/or method of storage of combustible materials.
  • Significant changes in the occupancy levels.
  • A significant change in the mobility level or other factors influencing the response of visitors or staff in an emergency.
  • Changes to the management of the organisation.
  
  Further guidance on the standards required within this risk assessment can be found on the ‘Fire safety law and guidance documents for business" web site. These are available as a free download from:
  
  https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documents-for-business
  
  The guidance is designed for employees, managers and occupiers of businesses and will give guidance on how to comply with the fire safety order.
  
  The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 require specific risk assessment however are considered during the fire risk assessment process.
  
  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 require specific risk assessment however are considered during the fire risk assessment process.
  
  Action Plan
  
  The action plan set out at the end of this document has been prepared in response to the significant findings of this fire risk assessment. As remedial actions are taken, evidence should be compiled and records kept showing who completed the remedial actions and the date. All actions should be signed off and dated when completed.
  
  Type of Assessment
  
  This assessment is carried out to satisfy the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and is a Type 3 visual assessment of the common parts and all rooms.
  
  The inspection of the building is visual non-invasive but where possible will seek to examine any cupboards and voids where safe to do so and so far as is reasonably practicable.
  
  The assessment will also seek to identify the provision of an adequate fire alarm. Any general comments regarding furnishing standards has been included in the significant findings.
  
  This assessment only considers the risk to life from fire to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire.
  
  The standard adopted for this Fire Risk Assessment is based upon the general guidance given in the Standards issued by Approved Document B of the Building Regulations
  
  Emergency plans
  
  You need to have an emergency plan for dealing with any fire situation.
  
  The purpose of an emergency plan is to ensure that the people in your premises know what to do if there is a fire and that the premises can be safely evacuated.
  
  Your emergency plan should be based on the outcome of your fire risk assessment and be available for residents, staff and other relevant persons such as the enforcing authority.
  
  In simple premises the emergency plan may be no more than a fire action notice but whatever form the plan takes it must be communicated to and understood by all residents.
  
  The emergency plan could include:
  • how people will be warned if there is a fire;
  • what residents, staff, visitors (including disabled) and contractors should do if they discover a fire;
  • how the fire and rescue service and any other necessary services will be called and who will be responsible for doing this;
  • how the evacuation of the premises should be carried out;
  • where people should assemble after they have left the premises and procedures for checking whether the premises have been evacuated;
  • arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as young children and babies, those with disabilities, contractors, members of the public and visitors;
  • contingency plans for when life safety systems, such as evacuation lifts, fire detection and warning systems, sprinklers or smoke control systems are out of order;
  
  Maintenance Schedule & Relevant British Standards
  
  Daily
  • Fire alarm indicator panel for normal condition. BS5839-1
  • Indicator lights in emergency lighting units.
  • Electro-magnetic exit door systems BS7273-4
  
  Weekly
  • Fire alarms (Weekly testing) BS 58391 & 2
  • Fire Extinguishers (Visual inspection) BS 5306-3
  • Fire Blankets FIA Code of practice
  • Automatic suppression systems (Fault Check) EN 12845, EN 15004
  • Fire resisting door (magnetic holding devices), electric plugs, waste bins etc BS 7273-4
  • Smoke control systems BS 9999, BS 7346-8
  
  Monthly
  • Emergency Lighting (activation test) BS 5266-8
  • Fire alarm (if automatic generator is used) BS 5839-1
  
  Quarterly
  • Fire alarm BS 5839-1
  • Any automatic fire suppression systems BS EN 12845, EN 15004, BS 5306-4
  • Smoke Control Systems BS 9999, BS 7346-8
  • 6 Monthly
  • Fire Alarm BS5839-1
  • Electro-magnetic door holders BS 7273-4
  • Kitchen Extract Systems B&ES TR/19
  
  Annually
  • Fire alarm BS 5839-1
  • Fire extinguishers BS 5306-3
  • Escape lighting (Full duration (discharge) BS5266-8
  • Fire blankets FIA code of practice
  • Any automatic fire suppression systems BS EN 12845, EN 15004, BS9251
  • Kitchen Suppression BS EN 16282-7
  • Smoke control systems BS9999, BS 7346-8
  • Lightning Protection Systems (11 or 13 months) BSEN 62305 for systems that post-date 1st September 2008 and BS 6651 prior
  • Gas Installations (Gas Safe Registered Member) Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (Amended)
  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) HSE Guidance
  • Kitchen Extract Systems B&ES TR/19
  
  5 Yearly
  • Fire Extinguishers (extended Service) BS 5306-3
  • Commercial fixed wiring installation test BS 7671
  
  10 Yearly
  • Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher (Hydrostatic Test) BS 5306-3
  • Residential fixed wiring installation test BS 7671

Management Considerations and Practices

• Who is the person responsible for fire safety as defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 ?

• Does the occupier have a written safety policy, with written risk assessments that are reviewed regularly ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All buildings need a fire strategy the complexity of it differs depending on the size and scale of each property.
  
  For larger, more complex buildings or those housing hazardous activities, the drawings included in the strategy may be accompanied by a body of text, particularly in cases where the egress (exit) route changes depending on the source of the fire.
  
  Typically, buildings requiring a complex fire strategy include;
  • All buildings over 11m tall
  • HMOs
  • Residential care facilities
  
  The core requirements covered are stated in Part B from Schedule 1 of The Building Regulations 2010.
  

• Is an appropriate fire strategy available ?

  Yes

  No

• How many fire marshals are in place and is this sufficient for the risks presented ?

• Is there an emergency plan, if so how is it communicated to staff ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If so is a fire plan discussed and agreed with affected parties ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• What is the companies evacuation strategy and is this sufficient?

  Select Single Stage Evacuation Progressive Horizontal Evacuation Delayed Evacuation

  • Single Stage Evacuation
  • Progressive Horizontal Evacuation
  • Delayed Evacuation

• Is a building fire plan available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the induction training include "action to be taken in the event of a fire" and is it recorded?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are people trained in fire awareness and how often is it updated ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there adequate instructions for calling the Fire Service in the event of a fire ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Building Design & Use

• What is the site used for and how is it laid out?

• How is the building constructed?

• Number of floors in the building?

• Any history of fires on site?

  No Previous Fires

  Previous Fires

• Are there adjoining buildings?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Does the building have external cladding and if so is it proved fire safe ?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Does the building have sufficient compartmentalisation?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Is the building fitted with lightning protection to BS EN/IEC 62305?

  Yes

  No

Means of Escape

• Are fire drills carried out twice a year ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• When was the last drill ?

• What is the escape time for occupants ?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Are escape routes within guidence figures?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Where appropriate, do doors used for means of escape open in the direction of travel?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there sufficient exits for the number of people likely to be on the premises?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all gangways and escape routes free from obstruction ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all escape routes adequately lit ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are means of escape routes free from materials which would assist the spread of fire ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the means of escape route satisfactory ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there any dead ends ?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Are extinguishers in place at fire exits ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Fire Doors

• FD30 doors should generally be no less than 44mm in thickness
  FD60 doors should generally be no less than 54mm in thickness
  
  The glazing has to be fire resisting to 30/60 minutes integrity meeting the requirements under BS 476-22:1987. Glazing should be marked with an acid etching giving the trade name in the corner of the pane and marked with the appropriate British Standard. Glazing that is marked with BS 6206:1981 or equivalent European standard is not fire resisting glazing and is provided for safety purposes only
  
  Where self-closing devices are specified, standard overhead units should be used meeting BS EN 1154. Older closers may be tested to BS 6459-1 and it is recommended these are replaced. Note that the strength and features of the control must be correct for the size and use of the door fitted.
  
  Hinges should be tested as part of the overall fire doorset. Refer to BS EN 1935:2002. Where a door is subject to repair as a result of this report, it is recommended the hinges are confirmed to be fitted with intumescent pads as part of the door upgrade.
  
  In addition to intumescent strips, which are standard on most fire doors, most fire doors should be fitted with smoke seals. In general, all fire doors leading onto means of escape (such as protected corridors, stair-cores and protected lobbies) should be fitted with these seals.
  
  Doors should be close fitting to the frame with a maximum gap of 4mm but 3mm is the usual working gap around the side and top of the door. The threshold gap at the bottom of the door may be a maximum of 10mm, but 8mm is the usual working gap. Smoke control door-sets should not have a threshold gap greater than 3mm (see BS 9999:2008 Section 33.1.7 for more information).
  

• Do fire doors have BWF-CERTIFIFIRE, Doorset Scheme or alternative certificate and Label on top edge?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the door leaf sit against the door stop and free from distortion?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If the door if veneered or lipped, is the glue still holding firmly inplace?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the door free from damage including dents and holes?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the door frame firmly attached to the wall?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If a planted door stop is present, is it firmly attached?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the frame to door leaf gap constantly between 3mm (Minimum) and 4mm (Maximum)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are intumescent seals in place

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are seals well attached inside the groove in the frame of door leaf?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are seals free from damage and paint?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If fitted are smoke seals continuous around the frame or door leaf?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a minimum of 3 hinges with all screws present?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are screws used the correct size (filling the recess but not protruding or fouling with the hinge body)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are hinges free from metal fragments, oil leakage or other signs of wear?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are hinges free from non-combustible packing?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are self closers on fire doors in working order?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Fire Extinguishers

• The fire rating is found by multiplying the floor area in metres squared (m2) by 0.065
  Therefore for a floor area of 200 metres squared the fire rating is 200x0.065=13A
  
  A 9 litre water extinguisher has a fire rating of 13A therefore one 9 litre water extinguisher will be required for every 200 metres squared of floor area
  
  For any storey in a building with a floor area equal or less than 400 metres squared there should be a minimum 2 X Class A extinguishers with a minimum combined rating of 26A
  
  Examples:
  Floor area 130 m2 2 X 13A extinguishers
  Floor area 390 m2 2 X 13A extinguishers
  
  For a floor area of 1250m2:
  For 13A extinguishers. 1250 X 0.065 divide 13 (extinguisher rating) = 6.25 round up to 7
  
  There should be a minimum of 2 extinguishers per floor with a combined rating of 26A, unless the upper floor area is very small I.e below 100 m2 and in single occupancy, in which case only a minimum rating of 13A is required on the upper floor

• Detail the number and type of extinguishers present.

• Are extinguishers maintained by a qualified technician as per BS5306 part 3?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• When were the extinguishers last inspected?

• Are extinguishers inspected weekly by the customer?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are extinguishers located within safe travel distances?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do all of the extinguishers have a sign detailing what they are ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there sufficient class A extinguishers for combustible materials ?<br><br>Detail combined rating and square meterage.<br><br>Class A extinguishers are:<br>Water/ AFF Foam / Powder/ Wet Chemical / Water mist

  Yes

  No

• Are there sufficient class B or C extinguishers for flammable substances ?<br><br>Detail combined rating.<br><br>Class B extinguishers are:<br>Foam / Dry Powder / CO2 <br><br>Class C extinguishers are:<br>Dry powder/ Foam

  Yes

  No

Storage

• Are the storage areas for combustible materials separated from other areas by fire division walls ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is storage well controlled ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are high risk areas free from storage of combustibles ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are aisles and means of escape routes free from storage and obstructions?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are flammable or hazardous liquids and gases stored safely ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Combustible Materials

• Are quantities of combustible materials (e.g. paper, packaging, fabrics, clothing) displayed or stored safely ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is it necessary to store or display them ?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Can the goods be replaced with less combustible alternatives ?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

Flammable Substances

• Are they stored in fire resisting stores away from ignition sources ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the store have ventilation ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Can the substance be replaced with less flammable substances, and / or keep reduced amounts ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have COSHH assessments been carried out on all flammable substances ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does site need to consider DSEAR legislation?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Location of COSHH Assessments.

• Location of highly flammable / oxidising substances in the building

• Are there any flammable substances (e.g. paints, solvents etc) in the building ?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Maximum quantity of highly flammable / oxidising substances in the building

Furnishings & Welfare

• Are all furnishings fire retardant in the building?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the site have canteen/kitchen with cooker?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Have fire blankets been provided for risks of burning oils?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Housekeeping

• Are the areas clean and tidy ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is waste stored safely ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the waste collected on a regular basis and placed in suitable receptacles outside of the building and away from fire exits?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Smoking & Arson

• Is smoking limited to designated "safe" areas only?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have appropriate security measures been taken to prevent arson and are these measures maintained ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is Arson a potential problem?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

Lighting and Emergency Lighting

• Is all of the artificial lighting in the building working ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do staff work during hours of darkness or in areas where there is no natural light ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the site have any toilet facilities without a source of natural lighting?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is an emergency lighting system installed ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is emergency lighting checked visually daily, monthly illumination check and annual power down test?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the system cover all necessary areas?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Heating

• What heating system is in place ?

  Electrical Heaters (fixed)

  Electrical Heaters (Portable)

  Gas Heater

  Other

• Is the heating system maintained and operationally safe ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are portable electric heaters used and do they have a suitable PAT?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Electrical System

• Has the fixed electrical system been inspected and certificated within the last five years?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are portable electrical appliances tested in line with Schedule A of Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If so what date was it last checked ?

• If so when are the next due testing ?

Persons at risk

• How many persons are likely to be in the premises, any shift work or night working?

• Do people sleep at the premises over night?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do the premises have Non-English speakers present ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do young persons use the building (under 16 Years of age)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do elderly persons use the building?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there likely to be individuals in the building that have an impairment, disability or mobility issues and are control measures in place ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Staff working in remote areas

• Do staff work in remote areas ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a system in place to warn people in remote areas ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are exit routes lengthy or difficult ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Visitors and members of the public

• Do visitors / members of the public enter the building ?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Are visitors escorted, if not are they inducted to the site ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there an effective system for logging visitors in and out of the building ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a system in place for checking visitors exit the building in the event of an emergency evacuation ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Contractors and Maintainence Workers

• Do contractors / maintenance workers enter the building for any reason ?

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Are contractors briefed on fire procedures prior to starting work ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there an effective system for logging contractors in the event of an emergency evacuation ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a system for monitoring hot work ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Fire Alarm Category

• The categories of fire protection are:
  
  Protection of Life
  Category L1 – Maximum life protection
  Features detectors in all areas of a building where a fire could feasibly start. Detectors are linked up to a centralised alarm system. This alerts the whole building should a fire break out.
  The objective of this setup is to ensure that inhabitants are given the earliest possible warning, should an emergency occur. It is therefore the ideal standard for premises such as large hotels and care homes, where early detection of a fire is crucial to the chances of escape.
  
  Category L2 – Additional life protection
  Features smoke detectors in all rooms that form part of an escape route, including corridors. Detectors also need to be installed in all high-risk rooms, such as kitchens, boiler rooms and areas with heavy plant machinery.
  L2 systems are effective at providing an early warning to occupants beyond the source of the fire and those working in high risk areas. Examples of properties that typically employ this system include factories or medium sized residential premises.
  
  Category L3 – Standard life protection
  Features detectors in all escape routes and rooms that open onto an escape route. The objective of this system is to ensure that all inhabitants of the building are given enough warning to escape a fire, before their exit is impeded by the presence of flames, smoke or toxic fumes.
  This category of fire alarm system is typically adopted in regular sized office blocks and commercial buildings that have flights of stairs.
  
  Category L4 – Modest life protection
  Features detectors within escape route areas only, such as in corridors and stairways. Any circulation areas that makes up part of the escape passage should also be fitted with a detector.
  Commercial properties that generally adopt this category of system are those that have a lower level of risk. For example, an office that consists of ground floor rooms only would require less warning time to evacuate all personnel.
  
  Category L5 – Localised life protection
  Installed to tackle a specific fire risk in a certain area of a building. For example, if there is a room in a building that poses an exceptional hazard because of the items stored there or business activities carried out there.
  An L4 category system may be appropriate for the building in general but an L5 system is also required, in order to recognise the level of risk this particular room presents.
  
  Protection of Property
  Category P1
  A P1 fire alarm system involves installing detectors in all areas of the building. The objective of a system like this is to protect buildings that are critical to the operations of a business.
  By implementing maximum protection across a whole site, those in charge of fire safety can ensure that any fire that breaks out is detected and neutralised as quickly as possible. This lowers the risk of damage and disruption and in turn, the financial impact that a fire could inflict on a company.
  
  Category P2
  In a category P2 fire alarm system, fire detectors are installed in high risk areas only. Whilst a system like this does not provide the same level of cover as a P1 solution, it does provide early detection for the most likely sources of a fire.
  This early detection will decrease the time it takes for the fire services to arrive on the scene and will help to minimise any damage to the property and losses to the business.
  

• What category of protection is in place at time of assessment?

  Category L5

  Category L4

  Category L3

  Category L2

  Category L1

• Is this category suitable for this premises?

  Yes

  No

• Additional Comments

Maintenance Practices - Manual Fire Alarm Systems

• Is this maintained annually and records kept ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is it tested weekly and records kept ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there sufficient clearly visual fire exit and fire exit directional signs in the building to lead people to an ultimate place of safety?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all fire resistant doors indicated with "Fire Door Keep Shut" or similar sign?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Detection and Warning - Automatic Fire Warning Systems

• Does alarm system have a zone plan as required by BS5839-2?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all high risk areas protected by detectors ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the coverage of the detectors adequate ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the system maintained by an approved contractor six monthly ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are records kept of maintenance and inspections ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the alarm signal automatically transferred to an alarm receiving central station ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Workplace Risk Level

• What is the workplace risk level;<br><br>High risk - eg sleeping accommodation, flammable, materials, undesirable structural features, unusual circumstances.<br>Medium risk - eg most buildings including offices, shops, or selling easily combustible goods.<br>Low risk - few flammables, wet process and non combustible materials

  Low Risk

  Medium Risk

  High risk

• When is the next fire risk assessment needed?

  12 months or sooner

  24 months or sooner

Additional considerations and areas of acceptable non compliance

• Are there any areas that fall outside of current guidance and legislation and are they acceptable in this setting?

Action Plan

• Required Action,Action to be taken, Due date, Action by, Date action completed

  Select Green (Within 12 Months or more) Amber (within 6 Months) Red (immediately)

  • Green (Within 12 Months or more)
  • Amber (within 6 Months)
  • Red (immediately)