Fire Risk Assessment - Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats (V.00)

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Property Address:

Client

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Date of Assessment

Epica Management Solutions engaged by the client has carried out the fire risk assessment on the formal instruction client. Any comments made in this assessment relate only to the above location.

The purpose of the assessment is to fulfil the requirements of legislation made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 including the following regulations:
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Revision (previous issue)

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Instructions

Epica Management Solutions Ltd has been commissioned by Client to undertake an independent Fire risk assessment in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the property.

A fire risk assessment is the foundation for the fire safety measures required in a block of flats.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by, or on behalf of, the responsible person will help to ensure that the chance of fire occurring in the areas under the control of the responsible person is minimised. It also helps to ensure that, in the event of a fire anywhere in the block, people can, if necessary, use the common parts safely to evacuate the building. The fire risk assessment will also ensure that appropriate managerial arrangements, such as fire procedures and maintenance of fire safety measures, are in place.

This assessment takes into account the Client’s particular instructions and requirements and addresses their priorities at that time. This report was not intended for, and should not be relied on by any third party, and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party in relation to it.

The aim of this report is to summarise the findings of the fire risk assessment, and to provide recommendations on actions needed to reduce risk of fire and comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are presented.

The information provided in this risk assessment is based on a site visit and information provided by the Client.

1.2 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on 1st October 2006 and amends and consolidates a significant number of areas of fire safety law that previously were in place such as the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.

The Order places a general duty of fire safety care on employers, occupiers and owners of almost all premises and requires them to provide and maintain adequate fire precautions.

Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the 'responsible person'. In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner. In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible.

If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.

The fire and rescue authority will examine the fire risk assessment at the time of any audit of the building. They do not carry out the fire risk assessment, but may give a certain amount of advice to the responsible person

1.3 Scope of this Fire Risk Assessment Report

As the fire risk assessment is concerned with fire safety within the common parts, the flats themselves are outside the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Accordingly, the scope of the fire risk assessment required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does not include measures to protect residents from a fire in their own flat. However, it will normally be necessary to gain limited entry to at least a sample of flats. This is to examine the necessary measures to ensure when a fire occurs in a flat, that there is not undue risk to other residents.

The relevant fire safety measures and managerial arrangements that must be considered in a fire risk assessment are, in effect, the fire safety duties set out later in this report.

In summary, the fire risk assessment must consider the ‘general fire precautions’ defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Of these, the principal ones for a purpose-built block of flats are:

• measures to reduce the risk of fire and the risk of the spread of fire
• means of escape from fire
• measures to ensure that escape routes can be safely and effectively used
• an emergency plan, including procedures for residents in the event of fire
• measures to mitigate the effects of fire.

‘General fire precautions’ also include fire extinguishing equipment and fire alarm systems. While these are not normally necessary, if such measures are present, consideration needs to be given as to whether they are appropriate or whether they are, in fact, undesirable.

The fire risk assessment must also consider the maintenance arrangements for all measures required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or, in the case of equipment and facilities for the fire and rescue service, under Building Regulations.

This fire risk assessment has been conducted with the intention of highlighting any potential risks to occupants of the property and providing recommendations to manage any potential risks encountered. In doing so, the fire risk assessment will aid the Client in addressing their statutory requirements imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The implementation of any findings and recommendations made in this report will be the responsibility of the Client, or owners of the individual dwellings themselves.

It should be noted that any owners of individual dwellings that sub-let to a third party will have other statutory fire safety responsibilities as set out under the Housing Act 2004.

1.4 Work carried out

This non destructive common parts only fire risk assessment is the basic fire risk assessment required for the purpose of satisfying the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The inspection of the building is non-destructive. But, as well as considering the arrangements for means of escape and so forth, the fire risk assessment includes examination of at least a sample of flat entrance doors. It also considers, so far as reasonably practicable, the separating construction between the flats and the common parts without any opening up of construction. However, in this Type of fire risk assessment, entry to flats beyond the area of the flat entrance door is not involved.

Where there are demountable false ceilings in the common parts, it may be appropriate to lift a sample of readily accessible false ceiling tiles. In addition, it will normally be appropriate to open a sample of service risers, provided access is practicable at the time of inspection.

Unless there is reason to expect serious deficiencies in structural fire protection – such as inadequate compartmentation, or poor fire stopping – this type of inspection will normally be sufficient for most blocks of purpose-built flats. Where doubt exists in relation to these matters, the action plan of this fire risk assessment may recommend that one of the other types of fire risk assessment be carried out or that further investigation be carried out.

Our inspection included an assessment of the basic building layout, and identification of possible fire hazards and protection measures in place at the time of inspection. The overall fire risk assessment has been undertaken using the format and methodology set out within British Standard PAS 79: 2012

1.5 Limitations

This fire risk assessment report is solely based on the observations made during the site survey, information gathered during any site meeting/discussions with the Responsible Person(s) and the documentation made available to us.

Our inspection and report is limited to the common parts of the building only as required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The scope of our inspection and assessment extends as far as the main entrance doors of each dwelling unit.

No access was gained into the roof void(s). Not all plant/store areas were open at the time of our inspection.

2.0 Property Details

The subject property comprises of:

Accommodation

Typical Block Layout:
- Ground Floor
- First Floor
- Second Floor
- Third Floor
- Fourth Floor
- Fifth Floor
- Sixth Floor
- Seventh Floor
- Eighth Floor
- Ninth Floor
- Tenth Floor
- Eleventh Floor
- Twelfth Floor
Ground Floor:
First Floor:
Second Floor:
Third Floor:
Fourth Floor:
Fifth Floor:
Sixth Floor:
Seventh Floor:
Eighth Floor:
Ninth Floor:
Tenth Floor:
Eleventh Floor:
Twelfth Floor:

General Notes about the Property

The individual flats are:
(Staircase, Exit Points, Emergency lighting, Fire alarm system, Fire detection system, Permanent Ventilation, Automatic ventilation, Fire Fighting Lift)
Notes:

3.0 Overall Risk Assessment

The following simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator of the type contained in BS 8800
Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of the risk assessment, it is considered that the hazard from fire (likelihood of fire) at these premises is:
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 arrangements observed at the time of this fire risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be:
In this context a definition of the above terms is as follows:

Slight harm: Outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupant (other than an occupant sleeping in a room in which a fire occurs)

Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could foresee ably result in injury (including serious injury) of one or more occupants, but it is not likely to involve multiple fatalities

Extreme harm: Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants
Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at these premises is:
A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk.

The following risk based control plan is based upon one advocated by BS 8800 for general health and safety risks:
The rating applied above has been based upon the findings in the areas where access was available, and based upon a visual inspection. It should be noted that deficiencies may exist within other areas of the building, in particular the individual dwelling units themselves.
A full inspection of all of these areas could lead to the overall risk rating being increased, and further items being added to the Action Plan.

4.0 Risk Assessment and Action Plan

The outcome of the fire risk assessment is presented in an action plan found in appendix A. The action plan sets out a list of any physical and managerial measures that are necessary to ensure that fire risk is maintained at, or reduced to, an acceptable level and help to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

In formulating an action plan, the following questions have been considered:

• Will the plan, once implemented, achieve adequate safety for people?

• Will any hazards to health and safety be created?

• Are the actions reasonably practicable, taking cost, effort and risk into account?

• What will the view of residents be if the actions are implemented?

• Will it be practicable to maintain the precautions in place during normal use of the building?

• Do the proposed actions have any implications for accessibility and safety of disabled people?

5.0 General Actions to improve Fire Safety

The following general advice is provided in order to assist in the reduction of risk from fire.

• Occupants should be made aware of the common ignition sources and causes of fires within dwellings, such that they can take personal responsibility for reducing the associated risks.

• Occupants should be made aware of the action to be taken in the event of fire and this should be included as part of any ‘information pack’. Simple fire procedure notices for residents should also be displayed in prominent locations.

• Occupants should also be made aware of the workings of the fire detection and alarm system recommended for their dwellings, (together with basic methods of maintenance and testing) and the need for good housekeeping, such as keeping escape routes clear of combustible materials.

• Occupants should be made aware of the procedure for raising any queries or issues associated with fire safety within the common parts. The Client should ensure that a complimentary procedure exists for logging all such notifications and taking the necessary actions. This information could be included within an Occupant’s handbook.

• Occupants with language or learning difficulties may need certain of the above information to be provided in an alternative format.

6.0 Date for Review

The fire risk assessment is a living document, which cannot remain valid for an unlimited length of time. It needs to be reviewed periodically.

For compliance with the FSO, fire risk assessments need to be reviewed:
• regularly (see below)
• when material alterations take place
• when there is a significant change in the matters that were taken into account as the risk assessment was carried out – this includes a widespread change in the type of residents occupying the block
• when there is a reason to suspect that the original fire risk assessment is no longer valid (eg after a fire that occurred within, or spread to, the common parts)
• after completion of significant works completed to address shortcomings identified by the fire risk assessment.

Review of a fire risk assessment is not necessarily the same as a repeat of the entire fire risk assessment process. If a thorough fire risk assessment has been carried out, a shorter review exercise might be carried out regularly, with a more fundamental new fire risk assessment competed at less regular intervals.

The frequency with which fire risk assessments should be reviewed in the absence of any known changes is not defined in the FSO. The date by which a fire risk assessment should be reviewed should be determined as part of the process of carrying out a fire risk assessment.

The frequency of review should take into account the rate with which changes, including those arising from the need for maintenance work, are likely to occur, and the risk to people that might arise from changes. This means that a less frequent review might be acceptable if there is close management control of the common parts, including frequent routine inspections.

As a general guide, for a low risk, modern, low-rise block (eg a block of no more than three storeys above ground, built within the last 20 years), a review every two years might be sufficient, with a new fire risk assessment completed every four years.

For blocks with higher risk – arising from social factors, the age of the building, and so forth, and blocks over four storeys in height, an annual review might be more appropriate, with a new fire risk assessment every three years. In extreme cases, for the highest risk premises, an annual fire risk assessment might be appropriate.
This fire risk assessment should be updated following the completion of the works as recommended within the Action Plan. From thereon-in it is recommended that it be periodically reviewed by a competent person every:

Appendix A - Fire Risk Assessment

Summary

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Responsible Person:
Address of Premises:
Person(s) Consulted:
Assessor:
Date of Fire Risk Assessment:
Date of previous Fire Risk Assessment:
Suggested Date of Review*
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

* This 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 there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates or if a fire occurs.

General Information

The Premises

No. of Floors:
Approximate Floor Area:
Brief Construction Details (materials, age etc):
Use of Premises:

The Occupants

Approximate Maximum No.:
Approximate Maximum No. of Employees:
Maximum No. of Members of the Public at Any One Time:

Occupants Especially at Risk

Sleeping Occupants:
Disabled Occupants:
Occupants in Remote Areas and Lone Workers:
Young Persons:
Others:

Fire Loss Experience

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Other Relevant Information

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Relevant Fire Safety Legislation

The following fire safety legislation applies to these premises:

When a block of flats is designed and constructed, Building Regulations make requirements in respect of various fire safety measures. However, there is no ongoing control for the maintenance of these measures under Building Regulations; the regulations have no further effect until there are proposals for alterations. After the block is occupied, control of fire safety is transferred to the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is enforced by Fire Authority.

The Housing Act 2004 is enforced by Department of Environmental Health is enforced by the Local City Council.

There is overlap between the Housing Act and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Housing Act applies to the common parts and the flats themselves, while the common parts also fall within the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A further complexity is that the safety of the common parts from fire can sometimes rely on fire safety measures within the flats, into which there is no power of entry by the fire and rescue authority, or power to make requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However, there is such a power under the Housing Act.

Common examples of the influence of fire safety measures within flats on the fire safety of the common parts include the following.

Front doors
The flat entrance doors are critical to the safety of the common parts in the event of a fire within a flat. The doors must be self-closing and afford an adequate degree of fire resistance. Where these doors are, under tenancy agreements, the responsibility of the freeholder, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Housing Act may both be used to address deficiencies, but, in many cases, it will be the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that is more appropriate to apply.

In the case of many existing leasehold flats, the responsibility for maintenance of the flat entrance doors rests with the residents. In this case, the freeholder’s power to arrange for defects to be rectified may be limited or non-existent, making enforcement action on the freeholder inappropriate.

Under these circumstances, the residents might be regarded as other persons having control of premises (as defined by Article 5(3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005), with a duty to ensure the adequacy of the flat entrance doors. However, use of powers under the Housing Act may be a more appropriate and better defined route to achieving compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In new leases, ideally the freeholder should retain control over all flat entrance doors.

Internal doors
To protect the common parts from a fire within a flat, reliance is sometimes placed on internal fire doors within every flat. In determining compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it may be necessary to establish whether these doors are present. Reliance may need to be placed on the powers of the Housing Act to address this issue.

Ventilation systems
Common kitchen or bathroom extract arrangements can be a route for fire-spread between flats. A ‘stay put’ policy may be compromised by inadequate measures to prevent spread of fire via a common extract duct. Again, while it may be argued that some powers to address such deficiencies might exist under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, there is no doubt that the powers of the Housing Act can be used for this purpose.

A protocol has been developed that sets out an interrelationship between local housing authorities and fire and rescue authorities with regard to which enforcing authority takes the lead enforcement role in different properties, including purpose-built flats.

The protocol describes the manner in which the two enforcing authorities can work collaboratively to discharge their legislative powers under the Housing Act and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in respect of fire safety. The protocol, to which many local housing authorities and fire and rescue authorities have signed up, allows the application of common fire safety standards and describes which body takes the lead in different circumstances. Under the Protocol, arrangements are put in place for consultation and communication between the local housing authority and the fire and rescue authority, so that unnecessary duplication is avoided and one authority can take the lead in any given case.

Managing Fire Risk - Preventing Fire

Smoking

By law, smoking is not allowed in the common parts of blocks of flats. There still exists the very real need to remain vigilant, not only because of people inadvertently smoking in areas where the law prohibits it, but also because of illicit and surreptitious smoking. Indeed, with regard to smoking, people’s efforts to conceal their actions, can often result in increased risk.
Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of smoking?
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Is “No Smoking” signage erected?
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Smoking prohibited in the building?
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Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas?
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Are suitable receptacles for smokers’ materials found outside entrances?
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Are suitable receptacles for smokers’ materials being emptied regularly?
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This policy appeared to be observed at time of inspection?
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Arson

In 2008, deliberate ignition was the cause of some 17 per cent of fires in dwellings – the third largest cause of fires in dwellings. These fires resulted in 59 deaths and nearly 1,600 non-fatal casualties6. Security is therefore a key element of fire prevention in blocks of flats.
Is there good physical security, with suitable locks on doors and windows in common parts?
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Is access control linked to entry-phones in flats?
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Is there effective lighting, both externally and internally, in the common parts?
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Is CCTV, particularly on entrances and external façades available?
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Are common areas free from combustible material?
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Is there a presence by people such as caretakers and concierges?
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For communal letterboxes, use of suitable enclosures designed to contain burning material?
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Are there any supporting initiatives to address anti-social behaviour?
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Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to the building or available for ignition by outsiders?
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Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is fundamental to reducing risk in blocks of flats.
Controlling the presence of combustible materials and ignition sources not only reduces the potential for accidental fires to start and develop in the common parts, it also significantly reduces the scope for deliberate fires. It also ensures escape routes are free of obstructions that might hinder the evacuation of people from the building and access for fire-fighters.
Is the standard of housekeeping adequate?
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Combustible materials appear to be separated from ignition sources?
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Appropriate storage of hazardous materials?
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Avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials?
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Are corridors and stairway landings free from • bicycles, • dry clothes • door mats, • pot plants, • pictures • seating • rubbish bags • wheeled bins • buggies and prams • mobility scooters, bicycles and motor cycles • lockers and cabinets • washing machines, tumble dryers and other goods awaiting disposal • unwanted bedding and mattresses • upholstered seating • children’s toys and play furniture • shopping trolleys. • other.
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Recycling

Recycling initiatives encourage residents to avoid waste and use resources sustainably. However, collection schemes often involve materials being set out in corridors, lobbies and stairways within the common parts, giving rise to a potentially serious fire hazard.
Are corridors and stairway and flat landings free from recycling containers?
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Avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste?
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Are appropriate arrangements for recycling in place?
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Electrical Hazard

Fires of electrical origin account for some 17 per cent of all fires in the home, the second largest cause. In 2008, these fires resulted in 28 deaths and around 1,200 injuries. Ignition of combustible materials through overheating or arcing can result when faults develop in wiring or in appliances. Such faults are often evident before a fire occurs.
Were electrical fitting and equipment within the common areas free from damage?
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Are electrical distribution boards located in secure cupboards or rooms, within which there is no storage or rubbish?
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Are residents prevented from connecting wiring from their flats to decorative lights or other equipment in the common parts?
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Are residents prevented from using sockets in the common parts to charge their appliances or power equipment within their flats – running extension leads compounds the hazard by compromising the fire separation between the flats and the common parts?
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Are key-operated socket outlets found within common parts to restrict access to cleaners and other legitimate users?
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Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested?
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Portable appliance testing carried out?
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Suitable policy regarding use of personal electrical appliances?
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Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters?
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Heating & Ventilation Systems & Equipment

Heating and ventilation systems serving the common parts are often now completely separate from the systems in the flats. However, this has not always been the case. In the past, communal ducted warm air systems have been employed to heat individual flats. It is still not unusual to find common extract systems for bathrooms and, sometimes, kitchens. The hazards arising from communal heating and ventilation systems include both a potential for ignition and a route for fire-spread through common ducts and risers.
Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable?
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If portable heaters are used is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar fires or LPG appliances) avoided?
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If portable heaters are used are they sturdy and not easily knocked over?
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If portable heaters are used are suitable measures taken to minimise the hazard of ignition of combustible materials?
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Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance?
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Are gas safety checks carried out?
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Lightning

Lightning is a source of ignition in a small proportion of fires. However, the risk depends on factors such as; the location of the building, the building’s size and construction, the proximity of the building to other structures and the local topography. Retrospective installation of lightning protection is rarely likely to be considered essential for compliance with legislation in existing blocks of flats. However, any existing lightning protection systems should be subject to regular inspection and testing.
Does the building have a lightning protection system?
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Is the lightening system inspected and tested on a regular basis?
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Cooking

Although cooking does not occur in the common parts of a block of flats, it is the most common cause of fire in dwellings – some 45 per cent in 2008. It may be necessary to consider cooking hazards where there are communal facilities
Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking?
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Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly?
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Are suitable extinguishing appliances available?
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Hazards introduced by outside contractors and building works

Contractors bring with further hazards which derive from their working activities and these will affect the level of fire risk within the property.
Are fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors?
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Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by outside contractors (including 'hot work' permits)?
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If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable precautions taken?
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Dangerous Substances

Some dangerous substances when ignited or heated can explode. A suitable and sufficient DSEAR risk assessment should be carried out if these substances are held at the premises.
If dangerous substances are, or could be, used, has a risk assessment been carried out, as required by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002?
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Managing Fire Risk - Fire Protection

Compartmentation

Adequate compartmentation is a basic requirement in all purpose-built blocks of flats. The standard of fire separation, whether between individual flats, between flats and the common parts, or between the common parts and ancillary accommodation, such as refuse chutes and plant rooms, is a key consideration when undertaking a fire risk assessment.

The current minimum level of fire resistance is:

• 60 minutes and higher in the case of high-rise blocks
• 30 minutes in small, two-storey blocks of flats.

Previous design standards for older, traditionally built blocks of flats, with timber floors, permitted a lower level of fire resistance, typically 30 minutes.

Please note as a benchmark, the minimum levels of fire resistance for compartment walls and floors for existing blocks of flats should be:

• three-storey – notional 30 minutes fire resistance – typically timber floors with lath and plaster ceilings.
• four- and five-storey – full 30 minutes fire resistance – typically timber floors with plasterboard ceilings.
• six-storey and above – 60 minutes fire resistance.

The responses below are made based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas and please note that a full investigation of the HVAC systems is outside the scope of this assessment
Compartmentation of a reasonable standard*
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Is compartmentation available at every floor (unless it is within a multi-level flat)?
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Is compartmentation available at every wall separating a flat from any other part of the building?
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Is compartmentation available at every wall and floor enclosing a refuse storage room?
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Reasonable limitation of linings that might promote fire spread?
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Are floors and walls found in good condition with no openings?
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Are intentional openings, waste chute, service riser, ect protected?
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Are penetrations through compartment walls and floors sealed?
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Are escape routes constructed with non-combustible linings?
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As far as can reasonably be ascertained, fire dampers are provided as necessary to protect critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire?
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Means of Escape from a Fire

The means of escape in a block of flats can be considered to comprise two distinct, but obviously linked, components:

• means of escape from an individual flat
• means of escape from the exit of each flat, using the common horizontal and vertical routes in a building, to a final exit leading to a place of ultimate safety outside.
It is considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire?
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Adequate design of escape routes?
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Adequate provision of exits?
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Exits easily and immediately open able where necessary?
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Fire exits open in direction of escape where necessary?
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Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits where necessary?
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Satisfactory means for securing exits?
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Are escape routes unobstructed?
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It is considered that the building is provided with reasonable means of escape for disabled people.
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Flats Served by a Single Stairway

Flats with a single escape route from a flat entrance door to the stairway
Is every flat should be separated from the common escape stairway by a protected corridor or lobby?
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Is the distance of travel between the flat entrance door and the door to a lobby or stairway limited to 7.5m.
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Is the smoke control provided whether by natural or mechanical ventilation, in the lobby or corridor adjacent the stairway?
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Is the smoke vents on the fire floor and the vent at the head of the stairway operated automatically by means of smoke detectors in the common access corridor or lobby to the flats?
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Small Single Stairway Buildings

Where a single-stairway building is small, relaxations in the provisions apply, providing:

• the top floor of the building is no more than 11m above ground level
• there are no more than three storeys above the ground level storey
• the stairway does not connect to a covered car park
• the stairway does not serve ancillary accommodation, unless the ancillary
• accommodation is separated from the stairway by a protected lobby or corridor with a permanent natural vent or ventilation by a mechanical smoke control system
• there is an openable vent provided on each floor level for use by the fire and rescue service, or alternatively, there is a remotely operated vent at the head of the stairway.
Is every flat is separated from the common escape stairway by a protected corridor or lobby?
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Is the distance of travel from flat entrance door to the stairway limited to 4.5m? (if smoke control is provided in the lobby, the travel distance can be increased to 7.5m)
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In single-stairway buildings with only two flats per floor, the lobby between the stairway and the flats is not essential, providing the flats have protected entrance halls. Is the vent at the head of the stairway an AOV operated by smoke detectors?
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Flats with More than One Escape Stairway

Blocks with more than one common escape stairway and alternative routes from the flat entrance door to a stairway.
Is every flat should be separated from the common escape stairway by a protected corridor or lobby?
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Is the travel distance from a flat entrance door to the door to the nearest stairway or lobby should be limited to 30m
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Is the common corridor that connects two or more escape stairways subdivided by a self closing fire-resisting door to ensure smoke will not affect access to more than one stairway? (This door can be omitted if the maximum travel distance from a flat entrance door to a stairway or lobby is not more than 15m)
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Is any dead-end section of an access corridor separated from the rest of the corridor by a self-closing fire-resisting door? (the single direction of travel in the deadend section of corridor should be limited to 7.5m)
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Is the smoke control provided whether by natural or mechanical ventilation found in the lobby or the corridor adjacent the stairway to protect the stairway?
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Is there an openable vent provided at the head of the stairway?
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Means of Escape from a Fire - Escape from Flats with External Balcony or Deck Access Approach

Spread of Smoke

Is the width of the access balcony or deck less than 2m?
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Is the width of the access balcony or deck greater than 2m?
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If greater are downstands fixed to restrict lateral spread of smoke?
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Additional Fire Hazards

Are there additional fire hazards located off the balcony or deck?
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Ancillary Room
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Store Room
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Mains Cupboard
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Other
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Travel Distance

All flats within 45m of fire fighting vehicle access point?
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All flats within 45m of landing valve of a dry rising main?
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All flats within 60m of landing valve when located in a fire fighting shaft?
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Alternative Escape

Is there an alternative escape available from each flat entrance along the open balcony or deck to two or more escape stairways?
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Are the separating walls between the flats and access balcony or deck and the flat entrance doors are not required to be fire-resisting?
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Single Direction Escape

Is there single direction escape to a single stairway?
Are the walls between flats and the balcony fire resisting up to height 1.1m from balcony or deck level?
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Are all door s breaching the 1.1m high fire resisting separation self closing FD20 fire doors?
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External Stairways

Is there an external stairway?
Are there regular inspections carried out to ensure safety?
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Is the external stairway protected from a fire in the building?
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Means of fire-resisting partitions
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Fire-resisting glazing
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Self-closing fire-resisting doors
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Internal Stairways

Is there an internal stairway?
Are there regular inspections carried out to ensure safety?
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Is there an openable vent for fire service use? 1m2 minimum
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If not is there an openable vent over the stair?
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Escape Over Roofs

Is an escape route by way of the roof?
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Is the escape route leading upward?
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If escape is upward then are fire resisting doors provided across stairways to separate the route down from the route up?
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Is the escape across a roof?
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If the escape is across a roof is the roof flat?
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If the escape is across a roof, is no ladder access is available?
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If the escape is across a roof, does it lead to a protected stairway or external stairway?
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Are all stairways linked to the escape route under the control of the same landlord or owner?
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Does the roof escape route have adequate guarding and is defined?
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Is there adequate emergency lighting and signage?
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Is the part of the roof forming the escape route and supporting structure fire resisting?
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Fire Safety Signs & Notices

Fire exit signage may be required in circumstances where there are:
• alternative exit routes
• secondary exits by way of an external stair
• across a flat roof
• where there is any potential for confusion.

In general, ‘Fire Door Keep Locked Shut’ signs should be provided on:
• the external face of doors to store rooms
• electrical equipment cupboards
• any ancillary rooms located within the common parts.
Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices?
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Emergency Escape Lighting

Adequate artificial lighting and, where necessary, emergency escape lighting should be provided in common escape routes, such as corridors, lobbies and stairways, to enable residents and visitors to make their way safely out of the building.
Reasonable standard of escape lighting system provided within all common escape routes? (Based on a visual inspection, but no test of illuminence levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard.)
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Is the emergency lighting tested at least monthly?
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Refuse and Chute Rooms

Arrangements for the disposal of waste and refuse are important provisions within blocks of flats to prevent the build up and storage of combustible rubbish in the common parts. Refuse storage rooms and refuse chutes are therefore normally present in all but the smallest of blocks of flats
Is the refuse and chute room approached directly from the open air or by way of a protected lobby with permanent ventilation?
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Is the refuse and chute room separated from all other parts of the building by fire-resisting construction? (60-minute fire resistance)
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Is the refuse and chute room not located within protected stairways or protected lobbies?
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Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Fire detection and alarm systems are not normally provided in the common parts of blocks of flats (with the exception of sheltered housing schemes), however there may be circumstances in which such a system needs to be provided in order to compensate for shortcomings in compartmentation and means of escape.
Reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided? Based on a visual inspection, but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out.
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Automatic fire detection provided?
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Extent of automatic fire detection generally appropriate for the occupancy and fire risk?
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Remote transmission of alarm signals?
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Manual Fire Extinguishing Appliances

Fire extinguishing appliances are not normally required in common areas of flats however there is a need to provide appropriate fire extinguishers in plant rooms, ancillary accommodation, common community facilities, staff rooms and place where people are employed to work.
Reasonable provision of portable fire extinguishers?
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Hose reels provided?
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Is all fire extinguishing appliances readily accessible?
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Relevant automatic fire extinguishing systems

Relevant to life safety and this risk assessment (as opposed purely to property protection)
Type of system:

Other Relevant Fixed Systems

Type of fixed system & location:
Suitable provision of fire-fighters switch(es) for high voltage luminous tube signs, etc.
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Security Locks and Access Systems

Any security locks fitted to flat entrance doors and alternative exit doors from flats should be easily operable by the residents from the inside without the use of a removable key.
Are all self closing doors operational?
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Can all final exit doors from the building be easily openable from the inside without the use of a key or code by residents and visitors?
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Are any exits fitted with separate electronic locking mechanisms, or such mechanisms which form part of a security access system, must fail-safe on power failure and have a standby power supply?
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Flats in Mixed Use Buildings

It is important that compartmentation between flats and other occupancies is of a high standard to reduce the risk of fire-spread and to support the ‘stay put’ policy which should, wherever possible, be adopted for purpose-built blocks of flats
Are flats separated from other occupancies in mixed-use buildings by walls and floors affording a minimum fire resistance of 60 minutes.?
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Are common means of escape routes, including corridors, lobbies and stairways, separated from other occupancies by fire-resisting construction to ensure the escape routes remain safe to use at all times?
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In buildings of four storeys, can the stairways serve both flats and other occupancies? And are the stairways separated from each occupancy by a protected lobby at each level?
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In buildings over four storeys, where the flats are not ancillary to the main use, the flats are served by an independent alternative escape stairway that is not shared with other occupancies in the building?
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Where a block of flats shares a common escape stairway with, for example, commercial premises below, has the fire alarm system been extended to incorporate both the flats and the commercial premises?
undefined

Fire Fighting Facilities

Fire-fighting facilities are required in certain blocks of flats to assist the fire and rescue service for the safety of life. Guidance for fire-fighting facilities for new blocks of flats is as follows.
• In blocks of flats without an internal fire main, there should be vehicle access for a fire appliance to within 45m of all points within each flat.
• In blocks of flats fitted with a fire main, all points within each flat should be within 60m of a landing valve on the fire main in a fire-fighting shaft (45m if the landing valve is in a protected stairway).
• Flats over 18m in height should be provided with a fire-fighting shaft, consisting of a fire-fighting stairway and a fire main located in the stairway, and a fire-fighting lift. The fire-fighting lift can, in blocks of flats, open into the common corridor giving access to the flat entrance doors, providing the lift doors are no more than 7.5m from the door to the stairway.
Is there vehicle access for fire appliances?
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Is there access for fire fighting personnel?
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Are there fire mains within the building?
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Can there be venting of heat and smoke from the basement areas?
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Managing Fire Risk - Ongoing Control

Fire safety is managed by:
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.
Competent advice is available from:

Coordination with other Occupiers

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also imposes duties on a responsible person to “coordinate and cooperate” with other responsible persons, either located in the same building or having responsibility for fire safety measures in the block. This may apply where the block of flats is part of a development with shops, hotels and other commercial premises, unless there is substantial fire separation between the two and there are no shared escape routes.
Is there vehicle access for fire appliances?
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Is there access for fire fighting personnel?
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Are there fire mains within the building?
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Can there be venting of heat and smoke from the basement areas?
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Management of Fire Safety - Procedural

Competent person(s) appointed to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures (i.e. relevant general fire precautions)?
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Is there a suitable record of the fire safety arrangements?
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Appropriate fire procedures in place?
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Are procedures in the event of fire appropriate and properly documented?
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Are there suitable arrangements for summoning the fire and rescue service? (Summoning of the fire and rescue service would be by residents/third party dialling 999.)
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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?
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Are there suitable arrangements for ensuring that the premises have been evacuated?
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Is there a suitable fire assembly point(s)?
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Are there adequate procedures for evacuation of any disabled people who are likely to be present?
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Persons nominated and trained to use fire extinguishing appliances?
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Persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of disabled people?
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Appropriate liaison with fire and rescue service (e.g. by fire and rescue service crews visiting for familiarisation visits)?
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Routine in-house inspections of fire precautions (e.g. in the course of health and safety inspections)?
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Engaging with Residents

Landlords and others responsible for managing blocks of flats should seek to engage with residents and communicate a number of vital fire safety messages.

Has the client informed the resident of:
How they can prevent fires in their own home and in the common parts?
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The importance of maintaining their block secure (making sure doors close behind them when they enter or leave) and being vigilant for deliberate fire setting?
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That they should never store or use petrol, bottled gas, paraffin heaters or other flammable materials in their flats, on their balcony or in shared areas?
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What action they should take if they discover a fire?
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How they can ensure they can make their way safely from their flats and how to exit the building once they have left their flat?
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What ‘stay put’ means if there is a fire elsewhere in the building?
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What they must do to safeguard communal escape routes, especially taking care to make sure fire doors self-close properly and are not wedged, tied or otherwise held open?
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What the policy on the use of common parts requires of them?
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How they can avoid inadvertently damaging the building’s fire protection when making changes to their flat?
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When and how they should use fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment, if provided, and why they should not move it or otherwise interfere with it except to use it in an emergency?
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What is involved in testing their smoke alarms and how often they should do it?
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Ways they can assist the fire and rescue service by not blocking access when parking, and by keeping fire main inlets and outlets, where provided, clear?
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How they can report essential repairs needed to fire safety measures in their flat and elsewhere in the block?
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Instruction Training and Information for Non Residents

Caretakers, housing officers and others working in, or visiting, blocks of flats need to be provided with instruction, training and information relating to the fire safety measures in the building and the procedures they should follow in the event of fire. This should relate to the activities they undertake.
Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction and training on induction?
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Are all staff given adequate periodic 'refresher training' at suitable intervals?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on fire risks in the premises?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on the fire safety measures in the building?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on action in the event of fire?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on action on hearing the fire alarm signal?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on method of operation of manual call points?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on location and use of fire extinguishers?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on means for summoning the fire and rescue service?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on identity of persons nominated to assist with evacuation?
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Does all staff training provide information, instruction or training on identity of persons nominated to use fire extinguishing appliances?
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Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire wardens) given additional training?
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Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals?
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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)?
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When the employees of another employer work in the premises: Is it ensured that the employees are provided with adequate instructions and information?
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Controlling Hazardous Activities

Unlike many other types of building, there are few activities that take place within the common parts of block of flats that are inherently hazardous. The exception is building and engineering works, whether alterations or repairs.

Irrespective of whether they are undertaken by in-house personnel or a contractor, there is potential during such works, not only to start fires or create new hazards, but also to impair fire safety measures, even if only temporarily.

Confirm there were no examples of the following occurring during the assessment by external contractors or visitors
Making holes in compartment walls and floors?
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Removing stairway doors required protecting the escape routes in order to allow free access for delivering materials?
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Parking over fire hydrants?
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Placing site huts too close to the building?
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Leaving gas cylinders inside the building overnight to avoid having to store them properly away from the building?
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Blocking access to a fire main inlet?
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Leaving combustible building materials in common parts?
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Opening up parts of the structure without providing suitable fire resistant hoarding to separate work areas from occupied parts?
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Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire safety systems & equipment

All fire safety systems and equipment need to be maintained in effective working order. It is therefore necessary to have in place arrangements for routine inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance.
Adequate maintenance of premises?
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Weekly testing and periodic (6monthly) servicing of fire detection and alarm system?
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Periodic servicing of smoke and heat alarms?
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Monthly and annual testing routines for emergency escape lighting?
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Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances?
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Periodic inspection of external escape staircases and gangways?
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Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains?
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Monthly testing for the fire fighting lift for correct operation using the manual controls?
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Weekly and monthly testing and annual testing of fire-fighting lifts
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Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installations?
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Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings?
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Annual inspection and test of lightning protection system?
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6monthly inspection of fire resisting doors self closing devices?
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Management of Fire Safety Records

Records should be maintained of all testing and inspections particularly if trends want to be identified and appropriate preventative action applied.
Appropriate records of Fire drills?
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Appropriate records of Fire training?
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Appropriate records of Fire alarm tests?
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Appropriate records of Smoke and Heat alarm tests?
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Appropriate records of Emergency escape lighting tests?
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Appropriate records of Sprinkler tests?
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Appropriate records of fire fighting lift tests?
undefined
Appropriate records of Fire extinguishing appliance checks?
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Appropriate records of External staircase and gangway checks?
undefined
Appropriate records of rising mains tests?
undefined
Appropriate records of Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems?
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Reviewing and Auditing Fire Safety Standards

Many organisations also undertake audits as part of the process of ensuring compliance with
their legal obligations and demonstrating due diligence in the management of their housing stock.

Audits and formal reviews need not take place every time there is a change of resident.
Nor, indeed, will it be necessary to do so every time minor works take place. Good practice is to encourage a process of dynamic risk assessment by all those responsible for fire safety. This way, people continuously think about fire safety during their work activities. However, periodically, and where warranted by the nature of the changes that have taken place, a formal review needs to be carried out and should be recorded. Periodic reviews should always include consideration of the action undertaken in response to the previous risk assessment.

Checklists for employees for fire safety inspections should confirm that:
• combustible waste or storage is not present in corridors, lobbies, stairways and chute rooms
• any notice boards are not overflowing with outdated messages and posters
• other infringements of the policy on the use of the common parts are not taking place
• doors to residents’ store rooms, electrical cupboards, plant rooms, bin stores and other ancillary rooms are not being left or held open
• front doors and other entrance and exit doors are closing properly
• where provided, fire extinguishing appliances are not missing, discharged or damaged
• there are no signs of damage to fire-resisting walls, doors and glazing between flats and the common parts
• vents required for smoke control have not been tampered with, forced open and damaged (eg by residents seeking to air stuffy atmospheres or to remove the smell from illicit smoking) or blocked up to prevent draughts
• fire exit signs or fire action notices are not missing or defaced
• where provided, fire detectors, call points and sounders are still in place and have not been damaged, covered over or interfered with in anyway
• fire main outlets, where provided, are not damaged or obstructed
• emergency light fittings are working normally eg illuminated signs are still lit.

Action Plan

Priority Definitions:

1 - Immediate action required
2 - Action required within 6 months
3 - Action before next Fire Risk Assessment/Review
4 - Ongoing maintenance issue
Issues & Corrective Actions:
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Photographs:

Appendix B - Fire Safety Advice for Residents

Fire Safety Advice

Protecting you and your household

The easiest way to protect your home and family from fire is with a working smoke alarm

A smoke alarm can provide an early warning of a fire and allow you to make your escape – but only if it is working. You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Test your smoke alarms regularly.
• Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your smoke alarm.

You can prevent fire from happening by taking a few simple steps

Don’t leave cooking unattended, and avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone with cooking on the hob.
• Be especially vigilant when cooking with oil. Don’t overfill chip pans and NEVER throw water on a chip pan fire.
• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly, use a proper ashtray and don’t smoke in bed.
• Don’t overload electrical sockets.
• Turn off appliances when not in use. Don’t even leave them on standby.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of children.
• Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains. Children shouldn’t be left alone with lit candles.

Keep safe and plan your escape

If your home is not already provided with smoke alarms, fit one in your entrance hallway (and landing of any upper or lower floor). For even better protection, fit one in your lounge and fit a heat alarm in your kitchen. Make sure your smoke and heat alarms meet British and European standards. If you fit more than one, link them together so they all sound the alarm.

Get an electrician to fit mains-powered devices, and buy models that have a standby power supply in case of mains failure.

Your flat is in a building designed to be fire-resisting. A fire should not spread from one flat to another, so that you need not leave your home if there is a fire elsewhere in the block. That said, if in doubt, get out.

Always leave if your flat is affected by smoke or heat or if told to by the fire service. Your stairway is designed to be safe for escape throughout the course of a fire. Always use the stairway to descend to ground level if escaping.

Do Not Leave Your Belongings Or Rubbish In Corridors, The Lift Lobby Or The Stairway.

This could affect you and your neighbours if there was a fire.

If you are in a corridor, lift lobby or stairway and you notice a fire, leave the building immediately and, if safe to do so, alert other residents in the immediate vicinity on your way out (knock on their doors).

Do Not Put Yourself At Risk. Do Not Return To Your Flat Until It Is Safe To Do So.

Remember:

• Test your smoke alarm once a week.
• Keep the exit route from your flat clear so you can escape in an emergency.
• Close doors at night, especially the doors to the lounge and kitchen to prevent fire spreading.
• Plan your escape NOW. Be prepared and don’t wait until it happens.

Appendix C - Stay Put Policy

If a fire breaks out inside your flat:

• Leave the room where the fire is straight away, then close the door.
• Tell everyone in your flat and get them to leave.
• Close the flat entrance behind you.
• Do not stay behind to put the fire out.
• If there is a lift – DO NOT USE IT
• Raise the alarm by using a “Break Glass” call point.
• Call the fire services – Dial 999 or 112

If you see or hear of a fire in another part of the building:

• The building is designed to contain a fire in the flat where it starts. This means it will usually be safe for you to stay in your own flat if the fire is elsewhere.
• You must also leave immediately if smoke or heat affects your home, or if you have been told to leave by the fire services.
• If there is a lift – DO NOT USE IT
• If you are in doubt – GET OUT

To call the Fire Services:

• Dial 999 or 112
• When the operator answers, give your telephone number and ask for fire.
• When the Fire Service reply, give the address where the fire is.
• Do not end the call until the Fire Service has repeated the address correctly.

Appendix D - Contractors / Visitor Policy

Fire Safety Policy for Contractors to use

This policy has been developed to advise contractors on their obligation to provide fire safety whist carrying out repairs or improvement works to the Council’s high-rise blocks of flats and sheltered housing schemes.

The health and safety requirement for construction work, which includes fire safety, is provided by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

The overall aim is to prevent fires and allow a safe means of escape in the event of a fire. Contractors are required to:

• Undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment before works commences on site.
• Maintain compartmentation, emergency lighting and fire alarm systems during the course of the works or make alternative arrangements if these are compromised.
• Provide a fire-stopping certificate for completed works, where any firebreaks or barriers are disturbed or worked on in communal areas or service ducts.
• Ensure all operatives and sub-contractors have relevant information and appropriate instruction about how to prevent fires and what they should do if there is a fire.
• Undertake specific fire risk assessments and ensure all additional precautions are identified for any hot works, working in a confined space, etc.
• Ensure a safe system of work and control measures are put in place before work starts.
• Ensure that their work does not compromise the security of the building, for example, by propping opening doors etc.
• Remove building and waste materials from site on a daily basis, unless specific provision is made and approved by the CPS.
• Remove plant and equipment from site at the end of each working day, unless given specific approval for storage.
• Ensure all electrical equipment is tested and suitable for use.
• Ensure flammable liquids or LPG is not stored on site.
• Ensure that escape routes and stairways are kept clear from obstructions and any protective coverings are to be flame retardant.
• Where the work affects the escape routes, alternative arrangements must be made and approved by the CPS.
• Ensure that the access route for the fire brigade is kept clear at all times.
• Ensure all operatives know the emergency plans before commencing work, which includes knowing:
o Existing site precautions
o Escape routes and fire exits (make sure dead ends don’t prevent escape)
o How to raise the alarm
o Procedure for calling the fire brigade
o The ‘stay put’ policy if not immediately affected by the fire
• Obtain expert advice and guidance if altering, removing or replacing any passive fire protection during any repair or refurbishment works.

Fire Safety Guidance to Visitors

Testing of the Fire Alarms takes place regularly
• The fire alarm is a continuous single pitch note and will continue for no more than 10seconds under testing.

If an alarm sounds:
• Do not put yourself at risk.
• Vacate the building immediately by the nearest
• Do not re-enter the building for any reason
• Only re-enter when the Fire Services confirm that it is safe to do so

If a fire breaks out inside the flat you are visiting:
• Leave the room where the fire is straight away, and then close the door.
• Tell everyone in the flat and get them to leave.
• Close the flat entrance behind you.
• Do not stay behind to put the fire out.
• If there is a lift – DO NOT USE IT
• Raise the alarm by using a “Break Glass” call point.
• Call the fire services – Dial 999 or 112

If you see or hear of a fire in another part of the building:
• The building is designed to contain a fire in the flat where it starts. This means it will usually be safe for you to stay in the flat if the fire is elsewhere.
• You must also leave immediately if smoke or heat affects the flat you are visiting, or if you have been told to leave by the fire services.
• If there is a lift – DO NOT USE IT
• If you are in doubt – GET OUT

To call the Fire Services:
• Dial 999 or 112
• When the operator answers, give your telephone number and ask for fire.
• When the Fire Service replies, give the address where the fire is.
• Do not end the call until the Fire Service has repeated the address correctly.

Visitors who are disabled or partially disabled should follow the Stay Put Policy.

SMOKING is not permitted anywhere on the premises.

Appendix E - Checklist Procedure

These fire safety checklists have been prepared to assist duty holders, managers and other responsible persons to co-ordinate and maintain a fire safety record keeping system. Whilst this is not comprehensive it seeks to cover the main requirements for demonstrating compliance with current fire safety legislation. The checklists should be kept up to date and readily accessible for inspection by the enforcing authority when required.

Fire Alarm (for further information see BS 5839: Part 1), or equivalent EU standard.

It is important that the operations of testing do not result in a false signal of fire. Weekly test and examination to ensure that the system is capable of operating under alarm conditions, namely:

• Operate trigger device (Manual call point or detector) or end of line switch on a zone circuit. Zones should be tested in strict rotation, each zone being tested at least quarterly for a monitored system and weekly for an un-monitored system. Each time a zone is tested a different trigger device should be used.
• Examination of batteries and connections including electrolyte level.
• Quarterly and annual inspection and test. No guidance is given as these should be done by the installer or by an employee who has received special training by the installer.

Emergency Lighting (for further information see BS 5266: Part 1), or equivalent EU standard.

Because of possible failure all tests should be undertaken at times of least risk. Regularly inspect the system for cleanliness, particularly luminaires. Battery banks and generators should be checked following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Monthly test of self contained luminaires, by simulation of a failure of the normal lighting supply, for sufficient time to allow all luminaires to be checked for proper function.
• Annual test of self contained and central battery systems by simulation of a failure of the normal lighting supply, for a continuous period, for its full duration. During the test, check all luminaries for proper function. These should be done by the installer or by an employee who has received special training by the installer.

Quarterly/Six Monthly/Annual Routines

The service and maintenance schedules detailed in the current British Standard should be carried out by a competent person who will supply the user with a signed, dated report of the inspection.

Records

All tests shall be recorded in the appropriate space on the checklists. Defects and remedial work required/carried out should be recorded. Copies of the service and maintenance schedule report should be attached.

Electrical Inspections

Five Yearly- Arrange for the electrical system of fire safety installations to be checked in accordance with the testing and inspection requirements of the current IEE Wiring Regulations; for any defects found to be logged and the necessary action taken, and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.

Appendix F - Signatures

Epica Management Solution - Health and Safety Adviser:
Company Representative: