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COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Employer or other Responsible Person: Director of Estates in conjunction with Council & the Vice Chancellor
Address of Property: Brotherhood Boiler House, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ
Person(s) Consulted: Estates, contractor and Security staff
Assessor: Andrew Briggs, MIFSM, MIIRSM
Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 24th August 2010
Note: various inspections/surveys conducted in the course of this exercise were non-invasive and/or sampling exercises, and therefore not fully conclusive.
Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: 9th June 2004
Suggested Date for Review: August 2012, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change
Document dated 24th August 2010
Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with Publicly Available Standard PAS 79:2007 (British
Standards Institute): Fire Risk Assessment - Guidance and a recommended methodology
(with various additions)
COVER SHEET FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
1.0 The Building
1.1 Number of floors 2
1.2 Approximate floor area: Not reviewed at this time
1.3 Construction Details: Brick & block walls, Thermolite decking supported by steel beams, asphalted felt roofing.
1.4 Occupancy: Usually unoccupied, or one member of contractor's staff present.
Security and other Estates functions occasionally use the first floor rooms.
2.0 The Occupants
2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed at this time
2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Unlikely to be more than 5
2.3 Maximum number of members of public: Nil, restricted area
(Add more detail by area or room as appropriate)
3.0 Occupants at Special Risk
3.1 Sleeping occupants: Nil
3.2 Occupants with disabilities: None at time of assessment, but possible subject to specific assessment
3.3 Occupants in remote areas: Occasional on boiler room elevated gangways (see 17.2 vii)
3.4 Others: N/A
4.0 Fire Loss Experience
4.1 Fires in past 10 years: Nil
4.2 Cost of fire losses: N/A
GENERAL BUILDING DESCRIPTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
5.0 Other Relevant Information
5.1 Detail: N/A
6.0 Relevant Fire Safety Legislation
6.1 Primary statutory provisions etc: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, referred Official Guidance & related
British Standards/Euro Norms
6.2 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
6.3 Other legislation significant to fire safety Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010
provisions in this building:
6.4 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
The following is based on BS 9999 concepts and principles, which may be used in conjunction with official guidance in assessing risks.
Categories relevant to the building are highlighted.Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist.
Occupant risk categories
Risk category Description Comments
A Occupants who are awake and
familiar with the building
Local staff; visiting contractors etc. briefed and familiarised
B Occupants who are awake and
unfamiliar with the building
C Occupants who are likely to be
asleep:
Ci long-term individual occupancy
Cii long-term managed occupancy
Ciii short-term occupancy
D Occupants receiving medical care
E Occupants in transit
Fire growth rate(s)
Category Fire
growth
rate
Typical fire growth parameter,
kJ/s3
Locations (where specific) & categories
1 Slow 0.0029 Most locations
2 Medium 0.012
3 Fast 0.047
4 Ultra-fast 0.188
Risk profile: A1
Management level therefore required: 2 (3 according to BS 9999)
See BS 9999:2008 section 8.3
1 = fully proactive; optimally staffed, controlled & resourced etc.
2 = reliably reactive; compliant with legislation & direct requirements
( 3 = N/A, less than compliant with legislation )
Environmental risks Fire-fighting water runoff and temporary release of combustion products to
atmosphere only; no other environmental impact likely
Heritage aspects Building does not have Listed status.
Business continuity (University) Considerable effect on University as a whole due to function (especially winter
months).
Business continuity (department) Serious effect.
FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition Continue insofar as possible to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre
between appliances and combustible materials in all areas, to ensure that
sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical equipment, to
ensure that all electrical fuses and circuit breakers etc are of the correct rating
and suitable for the purpose, and to switch equipment off at the end of the
working day.
7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of
electrical origin?
Y
7.2 Fixed installation periodically inspected and
tested? Portable appliance testing carried out?
Suitable policy regarding use of personal
electrical appliances? Suitable limitation of
trailing leads and adaptors?
Y Continue to ensure PAT and fixed installation testing is carried out regularly.
8.0 Smoking
8.1, 2 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a
result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate?
Arrangements for smokers? No evidence of
breaches?
Y Provide statutory No Smoking sign at main entrance. Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented,
publicised and enforced insofar as possible.
9.0 Arson
9.1, 2 Does basic security against arson by outsiders
appear reasonable? Absence of fire load
available for ignition by outsiders? (Proximity to
or presence within building)
Y CCTV in use. See also 13.4.
10.0 Portable Heaters & Heating Installations
10.1 Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as
practicable?
Y Continue to ensure that additional appliances are used only where strictly
necessary and with management knowledge and control.
10.2 If portable heaters are used: is the use of the
more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar fires or lpg
appliances) avoided? Are suitable measures
taken to minimize the hazard of ignition of
combustible materials?
X Portable electrical heaters with open elements, such as fan or radiant heaters,
must not be used.
10.3 Are fixed heating installations subject to regular
maintenance?
Y
11.0 Cooking
11.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires
as a result of cooking? Is all essential
maintenance up to date and recorded?
X
11.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned
regularly? Are suitable extinguishing appliances
available?
X
12.0 Lightning
12.1 Does the building have a lightning protection
system?
Y
FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
13.0 Housekeeping
13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Y Ensure a programme is introduced to improve housekeeping. Ensure that
housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of combustible
or hazardous materials and waste.
13.2 Are combustible materials separated from ignition
sources?
Y Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between sources of
heat and combustible materials throughout building .
13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary
accumulation of combustible materials or waste?
Y Continue to ensure that combustible items are not present in the main entrance,
being the sole escape route from the office and from the first floor.
Escape routes should be maintained as fire-sterile as possible; this is
especially critical in staircases and where there is no alternative
direction of escape.
13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible
materials?
Y N Timber pallets and any other combustibles should be stored at least 8 metres
from the fabric of the building.
13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of
combustible materials?
Y
14.0 Outside Contractor, Building Works and
Maintenance Hazards14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried
out in the building by maintenance personnel and
outside contractors?
Y Appropriate control (including Permits To work where appropriate) administered
by Estates.
14.2, 3 Are adequate fire safety conditions imposed on
outside contractors?
Y As 14.1.
15.0 Dangerous Substances
15.1 Have the hazardous properties of dangerous
substances been considered? If relevant, has a
risk assessment been carried out according to
the Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations 2002?
Y N X (1) Cylinder of compressed Propane and carbuoy of 28% Hydrochloric Acid
should be removed to suitable storage elsewhere or disposed of. (2) Risk
assessment under DSEAR 2002 will be required if Propane is to be stored or
used on these premises again.
(a) No other flammables are present. Other hazardous materials are
compressed nitrogen and sodium hydroxide based corrosives, BW40
and BW50 (up to a dozen 25 litre containers in entrance lobby);
otherwise small quantities of maintenance fluids etc.
(b) Continue to ensure that any dangerous substances temporarily
introduced (e.g. by contractors) are known and logged, that
appropriate controls are in place, and that all relevant information can
be made immediately available to the Fire & Rescue Service in the
event of an emergency.
15.2 Is there adequate information on safety provided
by the supplier on any relevant safety data sheet?
Not checked.
15.3 Has account been taken regarding:
● the special, technical and organisational
measures and the substances used and their
possible interactions.
X
● the amount of the substance involved X
● where the work will involve more than one
dangerous substance, the risk presented by such
substances in combination
X
● the arrangements for the safe handling, storage
and transport of dangerous substances and of
waste containing dangerous substances
X
FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
● any other measures introduced as a result of the
RRO
Outline plans should be drawn up of the locations and hazard classifications of
dangerous substances (e.g. corrosives) that may pose a health risk to
firefighters.
15.4 Are there safe systems of work for maintenance,
where there is the potential for a high level of
risk? X
15.5 Are sufficient control measures in place to
counter the likelihood that an explosive
atmosphere will occur and its persistence
including adjacent areas? X
15.6 Are sufficient control measures in place to
counter the likelihood that ignition sources,
including electrostatic discharges, will be present
and become active and effective X
15.7 Has account been taken regarding the scale of
the anticipated effects? X
15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available
to enable the assessment to be completed?
X
16.0 Other Significant Risks
16.1 Are there other significant ignition sources
present?
Y Boilers and ancillary equipment have numerous faisafe controls applied in
respect of fire and gas leakage.
16.2 Are there other significant fuels present? Y As 16.1.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
17.0 Means of Escape from Fire Dead end conditions exist in all locations except the floor level of the boiler
room itself.
Management should ensure that all room doors are
routinely closed at all times when there is no person
present in the room.
17.1 Is it considered that the building is provided with
reasonable means of escape in case of fire?
Y
17.2 i Adequate design of escape routes? (Calculate
for room and premises occupancy numbers &
types, where relevant.)
Y
17.2 i
suppl.
Is a suitable assembly point specified? Y Boiler House car park, no. 25.
17.2 ii Adequate provision of exits? (Calculate for room
and premises occupancy numbers & types,
where relevant.)
Y
17.2 iii Are exits easily and immediately openable where
necessary? (Alarm-linked features such as
electronic door release mechanisms to be
verified as compliant, functional and suitably
failsafe)
Y
17.2 iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape
where necessary?
Y
17.2 v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire
exits where necessary?
Y
17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Y The main entrance must remain unlocked at all times when any person is
present.
17.2 vii Are there reasonable travel distances where
there is a single direction of travel?
Y Extended travel distance on boiler room high level gantry, but acceptable.
17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where
there is an alternative means of escape?
Y
17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? Y N (1) Fire doors protecting the entrance lobby should be suitably adjusted,
upgraded and kept closed (unless automated) (see also 20.1 (2)). (2)
Recommendation to fit automatic device (Dorgard permissible) to office door
(see 17.2 ix suppl.).
17.2 ix
suppl
Where automatic devices are fitted to designated
fire doors, is appropriate automatic fire detection
fitted?
Y As proposed at 17.2 ix (2) above - no detection in room, but smoke detection
several feet away in corridor so tolerable on a fire risk assessed basis.
17.2 x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Y
17.2 xi Are all escape routes unobstructed? N Clear obstructions from alternative exit from boiler room.
17.3 Is the building provided with reasonable
arrangements for means of escape for
occupants with disabilities?
N Should any person with a disability need to enter the building, a prior
assessment of means of escape, possible adjustments, and therefore
accessibility or otherwise, must be made and strictly adhered to.
18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and
Development
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
18.1 i Is it considered that there is compartmentation of
a reasonable standard? (Including e.g. fire-
stopping of service penetrations)
N (1) Fire stopping of holes, gaps, service penetrations etc through fire resisting
construction was noted as deficient in numerous locations (e.g. gaps around
service penetrations through walls of entrance lobby) - remedial fire stopping
should be undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be
propped or wedged open at any time. Where there is an operational need, or
where management cannot ensure that these doors remain closed at all times,
automatic devices should be considered (e.g. office door, 17.2 ix (2) - but
subject to specific fire risk assessment).
18.1 i
suppl.
Is there potential for fire spread between
compartments through void spaces?
X
18.1 ii Is it considered that there is reasonable limitation
of linings that may promote fire spread?
Y
18.1 ii
suppl.
Are escape routes suitably/tolerably fire sterile? Y N Very old noticeboard with combustible postings serves no current purpose and
should be removed from staircase.
18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, are fire
dampers provided as necessary to prevent
critical means of escape against passage of fire,
smoke and combustion products in the early
stages of a fire?
X
19.0 Escape Lighting
19.1 Is a reasonable standard of escape lighting
provided?
Y Not exhaustively verified. Subject to ongoing verification by Estates.
20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices
20.1 Does the building have a reasonable standard of
fire safety signs and notices?
(1) Fire action notices do not reflect University policy in respect of fire
extinguisher use and should be amended (and a number of unnecessary
duplicated signs reduced). (2) Fit "Fire Door Keep Closed" signs to all doors off
entrance lobby and first floor landing. (3) Provide additional directional sign to
boiler room alternative exit (adjacent to pump/high level warning bell).
21.0 Means of Giving Warning in Case of Fire
21.1 Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire
alarm system provided?
Y
21.2, 3 Is automatic fire detection provided in building?
(Throughout building? Part(s) of building only?)
Is the extent of automatic fire detection generally
suitable for the occupancy and risk?
Y Smoke detection in escape routes; some heat detection elsewhere.
21.4 Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal? N But alarm signal within building can be expected to be audible in Campus
Watch offices.
21 suppl.
1
Is the fire alarm system audible or perceptible
throughout the building?
Y Appears adequate, subject to ongoing verification by Estates that 65dB is
attained throughtout.
21 suppl.
2
If unwanted fire alarm signals occur, are they
acceptably infrequent?
X Nil or negligible.
22.0 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
22.1 Is the provision of portable fire extinguishers
reasonable?
Y
22.2 Are hose reels provided? N Hose reel on back wall of boiler room is not for firefighting purposes.
22.3 Are all fire extinguishing appliances readily
accessible?
Y
23.0 Automatic Fixed Systems
23.1 Is there a suitable sprinkler or water based
system, gaseous local application or total
flooding provided that is adequate for the risk
present?
N X
24.0 Other Fixed Systems and Equipment
24.1 Are there suitable smoke control facilities for the
risk present?
N X
24 suppl. Is there suitable provision of a fire-fighters'
switch(es) for high voltage luminous discharge
tube signs etc? Has suitable notice of these
been given to the Fire & Rescue Authority,
including switch colouring and marking?
X
MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
25.0 Procedures and Arrangements
25.1 Fire safety is managed by: Director of Estates.
25.2 Are suitably and sufficiently competent persons
appointed to assist in undertaking and ensuring
the preventive and protective measures (i.e.
relevant general fire precautions)?
Y
25.3, 4 Is there a suitable record of fire safety
arrangements? Procedures properly documented?
Suitable arrangements for summoning the Fire &
Rescue Service, meeting them on arrival and
providing relevant information including that
relating to hazards to fire-fighters? Suitable
arrangements for ensuring that the premises have
been evacuated? Suitable fire assemply point(s)?
Adequate procedures for evacuation of persons
with disabilities?
N Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering
all appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building.
25.5 Are persons nominated and trained to use fire
extinguishing appliances?
Y Only Campus Watch are nominated (completion of training currently
pending). It is unlikely that any building occupants will require full training
but consideration should be given to maintenance staff, contractors and
the fire risks they are exposed to.
25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with
evacuation, including evacuation of persons with
disabilities?
X Not applicable; minimal specialist staff; could be expected to account for
each other reliably in the event of an evacuation.
25.7 Is there appropriate liaison with the Fire & Rescue
Service (e.g. any relevant notifications,
familiarization visits etc)
Y
25.8 Is a system of routine in-house, local inspections
of fire precautions implemented?
Y N Ensure that a system of local checks and inspections of fire safety features
is implemented throughout all locations. Under BS5306-3:2009, fire
extinguishers should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded.
See also 27.9.
26.0 Training and Drills Appropriate fire safety training of contractors' staff should be verified.
26.1 Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction
and training on induction?
Y
26.1
suppl.
Are all students and/or visitors given adequate fire
safety information and instruction at an
appropriate time?
Y Continue to provide adequate fire safety information and instruction and
training to visitors/contractors at the earliest opportunity
MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
26.2 Are all staff given adequate periodic fire safety
refresher instruction and training at suitable
intervals?
Repeat basic fire safety information at not less than yearly intervals, and
provide full refresher training at not less than 3 yearly intervals.
26.3 Does all staff training provide information,
instruction or training on the following: fire risks
in the building, fire safety measures, action in the
event of fire and on hearing the alarm signal,
operation of manual call points, location and use
of fire extinguishers, means of summoning the
Fire & Rescue Service, identity of persons
nominated to assist with evacuation, identity of
persons nominated to use fire extinguishing
appliances?
Y But see requirement at 26.0 above.
26.4 Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire
marshals) given additional training?
X
26.5 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals,
and in accordance with official guidance?
X Not appropriate for this building due to nil or minimal staffing.
26.6 When the employees or visitors of another
employer work or are accommodated in the
premises:
26.6 i Is the employer given appropriate information
(e.g. on fire risks and general fire precautions)?
X
26.6 ii Is it ensured that the employees and visitors are
provided with adequate instructions and
information?
X
27.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
27.1 Adequate maintenance and inspection of premises
by competent persons?
Y ~ It is suggested that condition and suitability of fire doors should be
assessed at least every 5 years, and of fire stopping at least every 10
years.
27.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire
detection and alarm system?
Y
27.3 Monthly and annual testing routines for
emergency lighting?
Y
27.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing
appliances?
Y
27.5 Periodic inspection of external escape staircases
and gangways?
X
27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of
rising mains and/or hydrants?
X
MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly
inspection and annual testing of evacuation and/or
fire-fighting lifts?
X
27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of
sprinkler installations?
X
27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security
fastening?
? Implement regular routine checks of alternative exit door (under 25.8).
27.10 Annual inspection and test of lightning protection
systems?
Y
27.11 Other relevant inspections or tests: (including e.g.
ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting systems,
door holdback devices, electronic door release
systems)
Y
28.0 Records
28.1 Are appropriate records kept for:
28.1 i Fire drills? X
28.1 ii Fire training? ? Provide and maintain records of fire safety training.
28.1 iii Fire alarm tests? Y
28.1 iv Emergency escape lighting tests? Y
28.1 v Maintenance and testing of other fire protection
systems?
Y
29.0 Young Persons
29.1
Have the following matters been taken into
particular account in risk assessment in respect
of young persons:
29.2
the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and
immaturity of young persons X
29.3 the fitting-out and layout of the premises X
29.4
the nature, degree and duration of exposure to
physical and chemical agents X
29.5
the form, range, and use of work equipment and
the way in which it is handled; X
29.6 the organisation of processes and activities X
29.7
the extent of the safety training provided or to be
provided to young persons X
29.8
risks from agents, processes and work listed in
the Annex to Council Directive 94/33/EC on the
protection of young people at work X
30.0 Behavioural Aspects
MANAGING FIRE SAFETY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
30.1
Is there evidence from previous fire drills and
other emergencies indicating that some
occupants may be unaware, unwilling or fail to
evacuate? (Aside from disability-related) N
30.2
Is there evidence of disregard of fire safety
provisions amongst building occupancy and/or
management? N
30.3
Is there evidence of significant human
interference with fire safety provisions? N
INDEX DETAIL DESCRIPTION
31.0 Fire Strategy - building design/layout
31.1 The ground floor is divided into two fire compartments (boiler room and office suite, separated by
entrance lobby and staircase); the first floor is a single fire compartment not separated from the entrance
lobby.
31.2 The evacuation strategy is simultaneous and immediate for the entire building and all occupants.
31.3 The building is well provided with access routes for firefighting by the Fire & Rescue Service - a main
access road and two dedicated fire roads provide approach on three sides of the building. Fire hydrants
are available next to two adjacent buildings (Ingram and Library) and are maintained in an operational
state.
32.0 Fire Strategy - systems
32.1 The fire alarm system provides for manual operation and automatic detection in order to give sufficiently
early warning of fire to occupants.
33.0 Fire Strategy - particular risks
33.1 Aside from the boiler machinery which operates with various fire-related safeguard controls, the building
presents a very low fire loading except in some areas of offices and stores.
33.2 Compressed nitrogen is present in the boiler room and stored against the oil tank bund wall. Alkaline
corrosives are stored at the foot of the staircase (up to a dozen 25 litre kegs).
33.3 No persons with disabilities are ever present (at time of writing). Thorough individual assessment will be
required before any individual with a relevant disability accesses the building.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
This simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator in BS 8800.
Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist.
Potential consequences of fire ► Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm
Fire hazard ▼
Low Trivial OR tolerable risk * Tolerable risk Moderate risk
Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk
High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk
* at discretion of Fire Risk Assessor
Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the
hazard from fire (probability of ignition) at this building is:
Low / highly unlikely
Medium / unlikely X
High / likely
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 risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be:
Slight harm X - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment
Moderate harm
Extreme harm
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 bedroom in which a fire occurs).
Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could result in injury of one or more occupants, but it is unlikely to involve multiple
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
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 this building is:
Trivial
Tolerable X - following completion of recommendations of this fire risk assessment
Moderate
Substantial
Intolerable
A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk. The following risk-based
control plan is based on one advocated by BS 8800 for general health and safety risks:
Risk Level Action and Timescale
Trivial No action is required and no additional detailed records need be kept.
Tolerable No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for consideration
of improvements that involve minor or limited cost, and various corrective actions may
be required.
Moderate It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should
be implemented within a defined time period.
Where moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute extreme harm, further
assessment may be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis
for determining the priority for improved control measures.
Substantial Considerable resources may have to be allocated to reduce the risk. If the building is
unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the building is
occupied, urgent action should be taken.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced.
Any significant change, occurrence, finding or development should be reported
immediately to the University’s Safety, Health & Environment Unit so that mitigating action
can be taken and this Fire Risk Assessment reviewed and updated.
Important note: this assessment of risk is made on a probable or 'best endeavour' basis, since this report is based on a sampling exercise.
It is possible that greater risks remain undetected in areas or aspects that have not yet been accessed or addressed.
ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
ORGANISATION: University of Kent ASSESSOR: Andrew Briggs
BUILDING: Boiler House DATE: 24th August 2010
ACTION PLANIt is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in
order to reduce fire risk to, or maintain it at, the following level: TOLERABLE
Note - only acute/remedial/salient/particular items appear below. Various
standard/general requirements relating to e.g. training, records and maintenance have not been
carried forward to the Action Plan, but are nevertheless necessary - see previous worksheets.
REFERENCE ACTION REQUIRED TO ELIMINATE OR CONTROL SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS PRIORITY * RESPONSIBILITY TARGET DATE COMPLETE
See also Further Comments/Detail/Clarification etc. in previous worksheets,
where relevant
6 figure numbers
are Estates
Helpdesk Work
Requests
or carried
forward to:
( √ = Estates
spreadsheet)
8.0 Smoking
8.1, 2 Provide statutory No Smoking sign at main entrance. 2A/B 234886
13.0 Housekeeping
13.4 Timber pallets and any other combustibles should be stored at least 8 metres from
the fabric of the building.
2A/B Estates &
contractor
Immediate &
ongoing
15.0 Dangerous Substances
15.1 (1) Cylinder of compressed Propane and carbuoy of 28% Hydrochloric Acid should
be removed to suitable storage elsewhere or disposed of. (2) Risk assessment
under DSEAR 2002 will be required if Propane is to be stored or used on these
premises again.
2A/B (1) Estates local
management
(2) Estates
Immediate &
potential/
ongoing
15.3 Outline plans should be drawn up of the locations and hazard classifications of
dangerous substances (e.g. corrosives) that may pose a health risk to firefighters.
3A Estates local
management
Short term
17.0 Means of Escape from Fire
17.2 ix (1) Fire doors protecting the entrance lobby should be suitably adjusted, upgraded
and kept closed (unless automated) (see also 20.1 (2)). (2) Recommendation to fit
automatic device (Dorgard permissible) to office door (see 17.2 ix suppl.).
(1) 2A/B
(2) 3A/B
(1) Partly 234887,
also Estates &
Contractor
(2) Estates
Ongoing (2) √
17.2 xi Clear obstructions from alternative exit from boiler room. 1A Estates local
management
Immediate
18.0 Measures to Limit Fire Spread and Development
ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
18.1 i (1) Fire stopping of holes, gaps, service penetrations etc through fire resisting
construction was noted as deficient in numerous locations (e.g. gaps around
service penetrations through walls of entrance lobby) - remedial fire stopping
should be undertaken throughout. (2) Designated fire doors must not be propped
or wedged open at any time. Where there is an operational need, or where
management cannot ensure that these doors remain closed at all times, automatic
devices should be considered (e.g. office door, 17.2 ix (2) - but subject to specific
fire risk assessment).
2A/B (1) 234887
(2) Estates local
management and
Contractor
(2) Ongoing
18.1 ii suppl. Very old noticeboard with combustible postings serves no current purpose and
should be removed from staircase.
2A/B Estates local
management
Immediate to
short term
20.0 Fire Safety Signs and Notices
20.1 (1) Fire action notices do not reflect University policy in respect of fire extinguisher
use and should be amended (and a number of unnecessary duplicated signs
reduced). (2) Fit "Fire Door Keep Closed" signs to all doors off entrance lobby and
first floor landing. (3) Provide additional directional sign to boiler room alternative
exit (adjacent to pump/high level warning bell).
2A/B (1) Estates
(2), (3) 234886
(1) Short to
medium term
(1) √
25.0 Procedures and Arrangements
25.3, 4 Provide, resource and implement a written Fire Emergency Plan covering all
appropriate procedures, responsibilities and features of the building.
1A/B Safety Unit &
Estates
Short term
25.8 Ensure that a system of local checks and inspections of fire safety features is
implemented throughout all locations. Under BS5306-3:2009, fire extinguishers
should be checked at least monthly and the results recorded. See also 27.9.
2A/B Estates local
management
Ongoing
26.0 Training and Drills
26.0 Appropriate fire safety training of contractors' staff should be verified. 3A/B Estates Short term
* PRIORITY (N.B. to Fire Service College Fire Safety Engineering Division scale, not PAS 79)
Category A. Fire Risk to Persons:
1A - A serious life safety risk and/or a major or serious contravention of current fire safety legislation.
This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority.
2A - An important life safety issue and/or a contravention of current fire safety legislation and/or official guidance, that may lead to enforcement action if not addressed.
This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay.
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