Fire Risk Assessment

• Document No.

• Client / Site

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

• Personnel

Occupiers details and location of property

• Location
  Address

• Activity

• Officers & PCSO

• Special Constables

• Police Staff

• Others

• Special needs on site

• Enter details

• None

• Description of property

• Means of escape

• Travel distances

• Adjoining premises activities

• Responsible Person

  Sign

• Assessment Originator

  Sign

Summary

Potential hazards and processes that could lead to a fire occurring

• Sources of ignition

• Sources of fuel

• Hazardous substances

• Structural

• Adjoining premises

• General comments

General Care

• General Care - Risk of injuries to Officers, Staff, Visitors or Members of the public due to:

Uncontrolled presence and/or excessive amounts of combustible materials

• Ensure that there is no build up of combustible materials and where there is an excess that they are stored correctly

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Limit quantities being used

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Enforce 'Clear Desk' policy

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Uncontrolled presence and/or excessive amounts of flammable materials

• Limit use of flammable materials

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Keep substances locked in a 'fit for purpose' storage container which is clearly marked

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Keep flammable storage units away from dedicated escape routes

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Keep containers away from heat sources

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Uncontrolled disposal of waste materials

• Ensure that all waste is cleared from offices on a daily basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all waste is disposed of on a regular basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Poor condition or unsuitable furniture

• Ensure that all furniture complies with EU Standards and that foam padding is effectively retardant

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that worn or broken furniture is disposed of promptly and correctly

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unsuitable equipment and machinery

• Ensure that all equipment and machinery as 'fit for purpose' and has been risk assessed prior to use

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all portable electrical items are tested in accordance with requirements (PAT) and labelled with test details

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all equipment vent and fan systems are free from obstruction and away from combustible materials

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure all electrical equipment is properly shut down when not in use

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Smoking in improper places

• Ensure force smoking policy is adhered to

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Monitor external smoking areas especially at the end of the day

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• No smoking signs displayed in prominent places

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Arson attack

• Ensure that where possible suitable precautions have been taken or systems put in place to eliminate or reduce threat of arson attack

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unsuitable, obstructed and unkempt escape routes

• Ensure that all internal floors and floor coverings on the escape routes are satisfactory and that the floor is level and even

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure all internal egress routes are kept clear of obstructions and safe to travel

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Is steps/stairs are on escape route ensure that hey are effectively marked and illuminated

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that travel distances from workstations and rest areas to specified fire escapes are within safe tolerances

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that suitable means of escape are provided from all areas of the premise

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective fire doors

• Ensure that opening mechanisms on 'final exit doors' work correctly and are signed up with instructions on how to open

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure fire doors are not wedged in the open position

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all fire doors are correctly rated in respect to being effectively fire retardant and that they are fitted with vision panels

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all fire doors correctly open in the direction of travel of the egress route towards the emergency exits

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure all doors are correctly marked

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all door closers work correctly

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Where fitted ensure automatic closers are in a satisfactory and safe condition

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all doors are in a satisfactory and safe condition with intumescent seals, where fitted, in good orders and free from paint

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unkempt stairwells

• Ensure stairwells are kept free of combustible and flammable materials at all times

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure stairwells are kept free from obstructions

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure handrails, stair treads and nosings are in a safe condition

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that light levels are adequate

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective or defective emergency lighting

• Ensure that emergency lighting throughout the escape route is suitable and adequate

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that emergency lighting is maintained and checked on a regular basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective and/or damaged wall and partitions

• Ensure that the integrity of walls and partitions are intact with no holes or damage

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all walls and partitions throughout the premise are suitably fire resistant

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that any structural changes are logged and that integrity is not affected

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Blocked external doorways

• Ensure that all external doorways have 'Keep Clear' signs clearly displayed outside

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure daily checks are carried out to ascertain exit door is free from obstruction

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unchecked electrical systems and equipment

• Ensure that electrical installation checks have been carried out at the recommended periodicity and that the results are recorded

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all electrical switches, sockets and trunking are compliant and they are in a safe condition

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all portable electrical items are tested in accordance with requirements (PAT) and labelled with test details

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unsuitable assembly points

• Ensure assembly points are clearly marked and located at a safe distance from the building and away from any other hazards

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective or non-existent fire alarms

• Ensure that a suitable means of raising the alarm in the event of a fire is provided commensurate with type and size of premises

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure fire alarms are checked on a regular basis and that the checks are logged

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that fire alarms are maintained on a regular basis and that the results are logged

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that the alarms can be heard throughout the premises

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that in shared accommodation that the alarms can be heard thought the building

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all personnel are aware of what the fire alarm sounds like

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective fire detection systems

• Ensure fire detection units (where applicable) are fitted and operational including battery fed smoke alarms

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure fir detection systems are suitably maintained at regular intervals

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Ineffective or confusing signage

• Ensure that correct and legible graphical/text signs clearly indicate the following:

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• All exit and emergency exit routes

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All final exits

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Escape door opening mechanisms

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire alarm call points

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire actions

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire equipment identification & location

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire extinguisher identification

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire safety instructions

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hazard & warning identification

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Safe areas

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• First aid equipment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Prohibition notices

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure that viewing distances for signs are suitable and compliant

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all fire and emergency signs comply to BS 5499 and that they are easily visible even in reduced lighting

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Lack of or untrained Fire Wardens

• Ensure that sufficient and suitable 'Fire Wardens' are nominated and trained commensurate with the size of the premise

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Unsuitable and ineffective portable fire fighting equipment

• Ensure suitable and sufficient portable fire extinguishers are provided commensurate with type and size of premise

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that extinguishers are located correctly either wall mounted or in purpose built floor trays

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all portable fire fighting appliances are in date for test and subject to regular maintenance routines

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• A separate risk assessment will be required if training personnel on use of fire extinguishers

Unsuitable and ineffective fixed fire fighting equipment

• Ensure that any fixed fire fighting equipment, hose reels, sprinkler systems etc. are tested on a regular basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that fixed systems are maintained on a regular basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Communication and Records

• Risk of injuries due to lack of awareness and suitable instruction of BTP premise due to the following:

Premises fire plans

• Ensure fire plan for location has been created and briefed out to all officers, staff, visitors and contractors

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all requirements are catered for

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Fire logs

• Ensure that the Fire Log sheets is kept up to date and it contains the relevant information

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Safety information for visitors and contractors

• Ensure that all visitors and contractors sign in the relevant log

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all visitors and contractors are made aware of fire safety procedures

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that in the event of a fire that a system is in place to take account of visitors and contractors

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Utilities

• Ensure that all utility shut off points (Gas, Electric & Water) are clearly marked and easily accessible

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Asbestos

• Ensure that the premise has been checked for the presence of asbestos

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• If asbestos present ensure that all areas affected have been listed and are made aware to authorities in the event of a fire

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Induction package

• Ensure that the Fire Action Plan is communicated to all personnel

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that all new joiners, transferee's, staff and probationers are given appropriate instruction at the earliest opportunity

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Reinforce fire awareness on a regular basis

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Special Areas

• Risk of injuries to Officers, Staff, Visitors and Public due to hazards in special areas:

Property store

• Ensure flammable property/evidence is stored in correctly fireproof cabinet

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure biological hazard property/evidence is clearly marked and stored correctly

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that correct warning signs are displayed on the entrance door indicating hazards within

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Detention units

• Ensure that all Custody Officers and staff are aware of how to safely evacuate detainees

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure procedures are adhered to in respect of smoking articles in cells

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Enforce ' No Smoking' policy within cell areas

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

External compounds

• Ensure all external bins are kept locked shut

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Where skips are used ensure that they are secure and kept away from boundary fences

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Where flammable materials are stored ensure that the container is kept locked and stored materials are kept to a minimum

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Premises adjacent railways

• Ensure that premise/railway boundaries are kept clear of rubbish or combustible materials

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Be aware of risks of residual magnetism and potential power surges caused by railway electrical systems

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

Fire Fighting Equipment

Portable equipment

• Add Portable Fire Appliance where applicable

Appliance

• Choose appliance type

  CO2 Extinguisher

  Foam Extinguisher

  Water Extinguisher

  Fire Blanket

• Quantity

• Next Test Due

  Date

Fixed Equipment

• Add Portable Fire Appliance where applicable

Appliance

• Choose appliance type

  Hose Reel

  Sprinkler System

  Dry Riser

  Other

• Description

• Quantity

• Next Test Due

  Date

Fire Alarm System

• System Manufacturer

• Model Number

• Serial Number

• Maintenance Contractor

• Maintenance carried out at regular intervals

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Next Test Due

  Date

• Records kept at location

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Premises guide

• Guides should be clearly marked and located at a secure point normally inside the premises and close to the main entrance door in a marked container. The information contained should be in a plan format but without mention to specific and possible sensitive areas

• Ensure that an up to date I guide detailing relevant information of the premises and a basic line drawing plan is available at the main entrance to the building for use by Fire Authorities

  Safe

  At Risk

  N/A

• Ensure that the following items of information are included:

• Portable and fixed fire fighting apparatus listed with relevant locations

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Type of fire alarm/detection system employed

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Location of fire alarm panel

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Location of utility shut off points

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage locations of harmful substances

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Relevant safety data sheets for harmful substances

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Details, locations and type of asbestos if present

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Location of nearest hydrant/dry riser

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Assessment Review Criteria