JOHNSTEPHENSONANDASSOCIATES

FIRESAFETY/TRAININGCONSULTANTS

FireRiskAssessment
Report

DaleBuilding
CityCampus
ChesterRoad
Sunderland
SR13SD

Carriedoutby:Mr.J.Stephenson
Onbehalfof:UniversityofSunderland

DatesofAssessment:13th.January2009
SuggestedReviewDate1st January2010

RegulatoryReform(FireSafety)Order2005(TheOrder)
JohnStephensonandAssociates.ThorntreeFarm,10RussellSquare,SeatonBurn,NewcastleuponTyne.NE136HR
Tel.01912363735,Mobile07960262944.Fax01912363735.emailstephensonexfire@btopenworld.com

Thefollowingpartiesagreeandapprovethecontentoftheenclosedfirerisk
assessment:

(1)OnbehalfofJohnStephenson&Associates:

JohnStephenson
Signature&Date
(2)OnbehalfofFacilities(EstatesServices):

AssistantDirectorFacilities(EstatesServices)
Signature&Date
(3)OnbehalfofBuildingUsers:

AssistantDirectorFacilities(CampusServices)
Signature&Date
(4)OnbehalfofHealth,Safety&EnvironmentTeam:

HeadofHealth,Safety&Environment
Signature&Date

CONTENTS
2

SECTION

TITLE

PAGE

1.

FireRiskAssessmentProcess

2.

StatementofFireRiskAssessment

3.

SummaryofPremises

4.TypeofBuilding

5.UseofPremises

6.NamedResponsiblePersons

7.SummaryofRiskAssessmentFindings

8.

AssessingtheIndividualRisks

9.FireSafetyAuditChecklist&SummaryFire
RiskAssessmentOutcomes

10

10.FireRiskAssessment&ActionPlan

14

1.

FireRiskAssessmentProcess:

There are 5 key steps to fire risk assessment, as documented in Fire safety risk
assessment sleeping accommodation (Department for Communities and Local
GovernmentPublications,2006).
Step1Identifyfirehazards:
Identify:
Sourcesofignition
Sourcesoffuel
Sourcesofoxygen
Step2Identifypeopleatrisk:
Identify:
Peopleinandaroundthepremises
Peopleespeciallyatrisk
Step3Evaluate,remove,reduceandprotectfromrisk:
Evaluatetheriskofafireoccurring
Evaluatetherisktopeoplefromfire
Removeorreducefirehazards
Removeorreducetheriskstopeople
o Detectionandwarning
o Firefighting
o Escaperoutes
o Lighting
o Signsandnotices
o Maintenance
Step4Record,plan,inform,instructandtrain:
Recordsignificantfindingandactiontaken
Prepareanemergencyplan
Informandinstructrelevantpeoplecooperateandcoordinatewithothers
Providetraining
Step5Review:
Keepassessmentunderreview
Revisewherenecessary

2.

StatementofFireRiskAssessment:

This risk assessment is made under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety)Order2005.Inadditiontotheexistingcontrolmeasures,completionofthisrisk
assessment and the associated followup actions will ensure conformance with the
standardssetoutintheBS5588seriesandtheDepartmentforCommunitiesandLocal
Governmentpublication:FireSafetyRiskAssessmentSleepingAccommodation.
Whereappropriateandnecessarytheassessmentincludedtheconsiderationofsections
16,8,9,and11oftheDangerousSubstancesandExplosiveAtmospheresRegulations
2002(DSEAR).andotherlegislationrelevanttothepremises.
The risk assessment should be availablefor inspectionor validationby any authorised
person,andshouldbereviewed
Followingachangeofworkpractice,
Followingasignificantchangeofstaffinglevel,
4

Followinganystructuralormaterialchangetothepremisesorprocessesconducted,
Followinganychangeinthefireprecautionsinthepremises,
Followinganynearmissorfireincident,
Atrecommendedintervalsofnomorethantwelvemonths,*
Thehazardsand/orrisksidentified(ifany)ineachsectionofthisdocumentincreasethe
risktolifeand/orpropertysafetyinandaroundtheareasassessed.
The additional controls, recommendations and actions given for each section in the
action plan/summarysectionofthedocument should be dealt withaccordingly to bring
the assessed areas up to the required standard to reduce the risk to a level which is
acceptableinthecircumstances.
Additionally, in accordance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005,
responsible persons must, among other things, provide his employees with
comprehensive and relevant information on the risks to them identified by the risk
assessment, the preventative and protective measures taken and the procedures and
measures,whichareinplaceforseriousandimminentdanger.
Before employing a young person the responsible person must, provide the parents of
thatyoungpersonwithamongotherthings,comprehensiveandrelevantinformationon
the risks identified by the risk assessment, the preventative and protected measures
taken and the procedures and measures, which are in place for serious and imminent
danger.
The responsible person must also cooperate with other relevant responsible persons
(sharingthesameoccupancy)andinformthemofrelevantrisksinhisundertaking.
References:
1. PAS 79 Fire Risk Assessment Guidance and recommended methodology
(BSI)
2. FireSafetyriskassessmentsforSleepingAccommodation(ODPM)
3. Fireriskassessments(IOSH)
4. RegulatoryReform(FireSafety)Order2005SI1541
*Seefrontofdocumentforrecommendedreviewdate.

3.

SummaryofPremises:

Introduction
Dale Building is apurpose designed educational building that provides studentLecture
and Workout/Lecture rooms. Only the first floor was to be included in this Fire Risk
Assessment.Thiswasduetotheimminentrefurbishmentofthegroundfloor.
GeneralInformation
Theoccupancy levelstendto vary throughoutthe dayand canbeoccupiedfrom early
morning(domesticstaff)tolatelectures/meetingsandlonestaff(workinglate)situations.
Itprovidestheusuallecture/ITandlaboratory/specialistroomsandofficefacilities,along
with the usual storage and toilet facilities. The building is protected by Automatic Fire
Detection (Addressable)and has EmergencyLighting and Fire Doorsfitted throughout.
There is no lighting protection for the building All chemicals etc. have been COSHH
assessedandproceduresareinplaceforallaspectsofthetaskscarriedout.TheLocal
AuthorityFireBrigadeareawareoftherisksinvolvedandofthechemicalsandsolvents
etc.employedduringtheresearchandteachingpractices.Externalbincompoundsare
locatedinenclosedyardsatPasteurandDarwinbuildings.

4.

TypeofBuilding:

At the time of assessment the construction of the building assessed was of traditional
construction of bricks and concrete with corrugated metal pitched roof. The building is
twostorieswithplantroomsituatedontheroof.
Areastoberiskassessed:732m2

5.

Useofpremises:

Atthetimeofassessmentthebuildingisusedforstudenteducation.

Occupancy:Staff,studentsandvisitors
Numbersemployed:Staffapprox15
Numberslikelytoresorttopremises:Students/visitors 50

6.

NamedResponsiblePersons:

(Thissectionistobekeptupdatedandanychangesrecorded)
Ultimate responsibility for the assessed premises lies with the Vice Chancellor via the
DeputyViceChancellor(Resources)viatheDirectorofFacilities.
DesignatedresponsiblepersonfortheassessedpremisesProfJohnMcIntyreDeanof
Faculty.
NominatedBuildingManagerJimSmithHeadofPharmacyHealth&WellBeing
Note:ResponsibilityforcomplyingwiththeOrderrestswiththeresponsiblepersonin
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
responsiblepersoninanytypeofpremises(e.g.amultioccupiedcomplex),allmusttake
reasonablesteps to cooperateand coordinatewith each other.(page5Guide to the
RegulatoryReformOrder2005).

7.

SummaryofRiskAssessmentFindings:
1. LifeRisk

Medium

2. BuildingRisk Low
3. StandardofFireSafetyManagement

Good

4. StandardofBookandRecordKeeping Satisfactory
5. FireTrainingRecords

Good

6. OccupantsatSpecialRisk
Disabledoccupants: Staff/students asadvised.Disabledmembersofthe
publicmayaccesspremiseswithoutrestrictions
7. FireLossExperience: None

Thepersonsandpropertyatriskisconsideredtobeallpersonsandthewhole
buildingforanyfireincident.Itisacceptedthatpersonsintheroomandthe
immediatevicinityoftheincidentareatimmediaterisk.

8.

AssessingtheIndividualRisks:

Inordertoassignprioritytotherisksidentified,assessorsmustdeterminehowlikelythe
threat posed by each hazard is to happen. The simplest method of carrying out this
prioritisation exercise is through the use of the matrix below. In this matrix, assessors
need firstly to determine how serious the hazard is (is it life threatening or merely an
annoyance). This allows the assessor to place the hazard on the severity scale of the
matrix(LowVeryHigh),runninganimaginarylineverticallyfromthisplacementgives
one series of referencepoints. Assessors now need to determinethe probabilityof the
threat actually happening (is it likely to happen almost daily, or is it unlikely to ever
happen).Oncethisprobabilityhasbeendeterminedanimaginarylinecanbehorizontally
runfromtheidentifiedprobabilityontheleftofthematrixtowhereitmeetstheimaginary
vertical line already run from the severity scale. Where the two lines cross gives the
resultantprioritisationforactiontobetaken(seeRiskMatrix).
KeytoAssessmentofRiskandRecommendationsforAction
Riskshavebeenassignedthefollowingcategories:
Lowwhilstariskexiststheexistingarrangementsprovideadequatecontrol,however
additional costeffective controls may be considered to further improve organisational
confidence
Medium the existing arrangements provide some measure of control, however
additional costeffective controls should be considered to provide the necessary
organisationalconfidence
High the existing arrangements are below the accepted standards and additional
controlsarerequiredtobeimplementedtoachievethenecessarystandards
VeryHightheexistingarrangementsarebelowtheacceptedstandardsandimmediate
additionalcontrolsarerequiredtobeimplementedtoachievethenecessarystandards
ActionswithinthePlan,havebeenassignedthefollowingcategories:
Urgentindicatesthattheactionisrequired,becausethecurrentarrangementsdonot
meet required standards and pose a foreseeable risk to life and/or property if not
addressed
Requiredindicatesthattheactionsarenecessarytoachievelegislativestandards,and
shouldbeincludedwithinanappropriateprogrammeofwork
Strongly recommended and recommended indicates that the actions reflect good
practice, or are considered to be appropriate costeffective actions which will further
reducetherisktolifeandproperty.
Whatindividualsareatriskwithinthesepremises?
Universitystaff,students,visitors,membersofthepublic,contractors(bothsitebased&
nonsitebased)andNHSstaff.

RiskMatrix:
VeryLikely

Likelihood

12

16

12

Could occur on
a daily basis, or
at least more
than once per
week

Likely
Could
occur
more than once
amonth.

Unlikely
Couldoccur
withinayear

Remote
Only likely to
occur once in a
lifetime

Low

Medium

High

VeryHigh

negligibleor
lightsmoke
inhalationonly

lighttoheavy
smoke
inhalation

heavysmoke
inhalation&risk
ofburns

riskofserious
injuryordeath

Severity

RiskRating&ActionPriorityKey:
RISKLEVEL:

ACTIONPRIORITY:

VeryHighRisk

Immediateactiontobecompleted(Required
urgently)

HighRisk

Actiontobecompletedpromptly,preferably
within3months(Required)

MediumRisk

Actiontobecompleted,preferablywithin6
months(Stronglyrecommended)

LowRisk

Actiontobecompletedwithin12months
(Recommended)

LowRisk

Noactionrequired

ActionResponsibilitiesKey:
ResponsibleParty

ResponsibleManager

Facilities

AssistantDirectorFacilities
(EstateServices)
HS&EStrategicLeader/
DesignatedBuildingManager
HeadofHealth,Safety&
Environment

Faculties/Services
HS&ETeam

TypesofActionsArising
FromFRAs
Infrastructure&technicalfire
systems
Buildinguserissues
Organisational&procedural
arrangements

Whatindividualsareatriskwithinthesepremises?
Universitystaff,students,visitors,membersofthepublic,contractors(bothsitebased&
nonsitebased)
9

9.

FireSafetyAuditChecklist&SummaryRiskAssessmentOutcomes

NameofOrganisation:UniversityofSunderland
AddressofPremises:CityCampusChesterRoad.SR13SD
BuildingNumber/Nameand/orDepartment:DaleBuilding
DateofAudit:13th.January2009

Auditundertakenby:Mr.J.Stephenson
NA

Yes No Q Risk

1 FIREPRECAUTIONS:REGULATORYREFORM(FireSafety)ORDER2005
(a) Haveappropriateriskassessmentsbeencarriedoutinaccordance
withtherequirementsoftheseregulations?
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

Havetheassessmentsbeenproperlyrecorded?
Haveallnecessaryriskreduction/riskcontrolmeasuresbeenintroduced?
Havestaffbeentrained/retrainedtoprovideforthesemeasures?
Haveriskreduction/riskcontrolmeasuresbeenmonitoredtoensure
suitabilityandeffectiveness?
(f) Arethereproceduresinplacetoensurethattheriskassessmentis
reviewedperiodicallyorsoonerifalterationsaremadetothepremises,
etc?
(g) Isthereaplanofthepremisesindicatingescaperoutes,locationoffire
fightingequipment,alarmsysteminformation,emergencylighting,risk
storageareasMainsservicesswitchgearetc.
2 FIREPREVENTION GENERAL
(a) Isthereasystemforcontrollingthequantities,safeuseandstorageof
combustibleand/orflammablesubstances(materials,liquidsandgases)on
thepremises?

(b) Istheabovesystemanditscontrolsoperatingproperly?
(c) Istheworkplacecleanandtidywithcombustiblewastematerialsand
rubbishplacedindesignatedcontainers?
(d) Iswasteandrubbishcollectedregularlyandplacedinsafeandsecure
receptaclesoutsidethepremises?
(e) Arealldesignatedsmokingareasclearlyindicated?

(f) Dosmokingareashavesuitablefacilitiesforthedisposalofsmoking

materialswhichareemptiedregularly?
(g) Are"NoSmoking"rulesrigorouslyenforced?
(h) Areemployeesworkinginhighriskareas(egareaswherehotprocesses
orflammable/combustibleliquids/gasesareused)awareoftherisksand
thesafetyprocedurestoadopt?
(i) Isallupholsteredfurnitureingoodcondition?
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)

(o)
(p)

Priortoleavingthepremises,areallroomsandareasinspectedtocheck
forfirerisksandthatelectricalapplianceshavebeenswitchedoff?
Haveappropriatemeasuresbeentakentoreducetheriskofarson?
Haveallstaffreceivedbasicfirepreventioninstruction?
Dostaffunderstandtheneedtoreportanypotentialfirehazards?
Dostaffunderstandtheroleofselfclosingandotherfireresistingdoors(ie
theneedtokeepthemclosedandfreeofobstructiontoensurethatthey
willcontrolthespreadoffireandsmoke)?
Areallfireresistingandsmokestopdoors,especiallythoseonholdopen
devices,closedatnight?
Ifanypermittoworksystemsareinplace,aretheyoperatedcorrectlyatall
times?

10

NA
3 FIREPREVENTIONELECTRICALINSTALLATION,APPLIANCES,ETC
(a) Haveallelectricalsystemsandequipmentbeentestedinaccordancewith
theprovisionsoftheElectricityatWorkRegulations1989? 02.10.06
(b) Arerecordsregardingregulartestingofinstallation,equipmentand
portableappliancesuptodate?
(c) Isflexibleelectricalcableusedsafely(e.g.usekepttoaminimumandonly
shortlengthsused)?
(d) IsthereNOevidenceofoverloadingofelectricalcircuits?
(e) Iselectricalequipment(e.g.lightbulbs/fittingsandanyelectricalheating
appliances)keptwellawayfromcombustiblematerials?
(f) Arestaffawarethatonlytrainedpersonnelauthorisedbymanagementcan
makerepairsoralterationstoelectricalsystemsandequipment?
(g) Whereappropriateisthereprotectionfromlightning?
4 FIREPREVENTIONHEATINGANDCOOKINGAPPLIANCES,ETC
(a) Areallheatingappliancessafe(e.g.securelyfixedinposition,suitably
guarded,andwithanadequateclearspacefreeofstorageofanykind)?
(b) Areallcookingappliancessafe(e.g.securelyfixedinposition,properly
maintainedandusedonlyfortheiroriginallyintendedpurpose)?
(c) Arearrangementsforliquid/gaseousfuelsuppliesforheatingandcooking
equipmentadequate(e.g.easilyaccessiblewithwellmarkedshutoff
valves)?
(d) Areappropriatelyqualified/registeredcontractorsusedtocarryoutall
installationandmaintenanceofliquid/gaseousfuelsupplyequipment?
(e) Arestaffawarethatonlytrainedpersonnelauthorisedbymanagementcan
makerepairsoralterationstoliquid/gaseousfuelfiredequipmentandfuel
supplysystems?
5 BUILDINGS,PLANTANDMACHINERY
(a) Areallfire/smokebarriersingoodcondition(e.g.withanyopeningsfor
pipesducts,etcproperlyprotectedbyprovisionoffireresistingmaterialsor
firedampers?)
(b) Arefiredamperstestedregularlyforcorrectoperationandresults

recorded?
(c) Aretherepropersystemsandproceduresinplacetocontrolworkonnew
buildingsand/oralterations,repairsanddecorationofpremises,suchthat
nofirehazardsareintroduced?
6 ESCAPEFACILITIES
(a) Arefireexitssufficient(i.e.asufficientnumberandofsufficientwidth)to
enablethepeoplepresentinanyandallareastoevacuatesafely?
(b) Doallfinalexitsleadtoaplaceofsafety?
(c) Areallfireexitsreadilyavailable?
(d) Areallfinalexitsandintermediatedoorseasilyoperablefromtheinside
withouttheuseofakey?
(e) Areallcorridors,gangwaysandstairwaysformingpartofescaperoutes
freefromobstructionandnotusedforstorage?
(f) Arefloorandstairwaysurfacesingoodconditionandfreefromtrippingand
slippinghazards(includinganyexternalstairsandpaths)?
(g) Arefireresistingandsmokestopdoorsingoodcondition,withfully
operatingselfclosingdevicesandthedoorsclosingfullyontorebates?
(h) Doalldoorsonescaperoutesopeninthedirectionoftravel?
(i) Areallescaperoutesprovidedwithadequatelightingatalltimeswhen
buildingisoccupied.
(j) Isadequateemergencylightingprovidedandisitfullytestedmonthly(in
house)andserviceable?
(k) Haveappropriateprovisionsbeenmadeforthesafetyofpersonswith
disabilities,e.g.assistance,refuges?

Yes No Q Risk

11

NA
7 FIREACTIONANDEMERGENCYEVACUATION
(a) Arethereclearlydefinedwrittenfireactionandemergencyevacuation
procedures,includingprovisionforrolecalls?
(b) AretherePEEPS(Personalemergencyevacuationplan)inplaceand
aretheyadequateandreviewed?
(c) Areallemployeesfullyawareoftheseproceduresandtheirownparticular
dutiesandresponsibilitiesintheeventofanevacuation?
(d) AresuitableFireActionnoticesprominentlydisplayedaroundthe
premises(includingontheroomsideofallhotelandsimilarbedroom
doors)?
(e) Haveappropriatestaffbeeninstructedtosummonthefirebrigadeforall
fires,nomatterhowsmall?
(f) Aretheresufficientfirewardensavailabletoprovideforallworkinghours
(includinglunchandteabreaks)takingintoaccountholidaysandsick
leave?
(g) Haveappropriatearrangementsbeenmadefordealingwiththosewhoare
notnormallyonthepremises(e.g.visitorsandcontractors)?
(h) Arethefireevacuationassemblyareasinsafelocations,clearofthe
buildingandawayfromfirebrigadevehicleaccessandparking?
(i) Aretherealternativeevacuationareasavailableintheeventthatthe
nominatedonesarenotavailable?
(j) Areemergencyevacuationdrillscarriedoutatleastonceperyear?
(k) ThereareNOyoungpersonsemployed(fordefinitionseepage132of
guide)
8 FIREDETECTIONANDALARMSYSTEMS
(a) Canafirealarmberaisedwithoutplacinganyoneindanger?
(b) Isthefirealarmsysteminfullworkingorder?
(c) Aretherefirealarmcallpointslocatedadjacenttoeveryexitfromeach
floorandfromeachbuilding?
(d) Areallalarmcallpointsunobstructedandclearlyvisible?
(e) Aretheaudiblesignalsfromthefirealarmoperatedweeklyandclearly
audiblethroughoutthepremises?
9 FIREFIGHTINGEQUIPMENT
(a) Isthereadequateprovisionofportablefireextinguisherswhichareof
suitable typeforthefireriskswheretheyarepositioned?
(b) Areallportablefireextinguishersandfireblanketssuitablylocated,
positioned onbracketssecurelyfixedtothewallandavailablefor
immediateuse(notobstructedorhidden)?
(c) Arethelocationsofallportablefireextinguishersandfireblanketsclearly
identifiableevenwithouttheprovisionofappropriatesigns?
10 NOTICESANDSIGNS.
(a) Areappropriatenoticesandsignsofthetype'FireDoorKeepClosed'
providedonallvisiblesidesofallfireresistingandsmokestopdoors?
(b) Areappropriate'pictogram'noticesprovidedonallfireexitdoorsand
routessuchthatatleastonesignisalwaysvisibleforallpointsonanexit
route?
(c) Doallpanicbar'fireexitdoorshavesuitablypositioned'PushBarto
Open'signs?Doallpanicbar',pushpadfireexitdoorshavesuitably
positioned,currentstandard'PushBartoOpen',PushPadtoOpen
signs?
11 FIRESERVICEFACILITIESANDLIAISON
(a) IsthereadequateaccesstothesiteandallbuildingstoenableFire
Brigadevehiclestogetcloseenoughforfirefightingandrescue
purposes?
(b) Areallfirehydrantsinthevicinityclearlyindicatedandaccessible?
(c) IstheFireBrigadefamiliarwiththepremises?
(d) HavetheFireAuthorityfortheareabeeninformedofanyhazardous
materialsorotherissueswhichmayposeathreatduringfirefighting
operationse.g.Biochemical,radiationetc.?
(e) Haveenvironmentalrisksfromfireoccurringbeenassessed?

Yes No Q Risk

12

NA
12 TESTINGANDMAINTENANCEBYQUALIFIEDPERSON/COMPANY
(a)
Aretherequiredregulartestsandmaintenancecarriedouton.
(i) firedetectionandalarmsystems? 31.10.08
(ii) emergencylightingsystems?
(iii) fireextinguishers?
23.09.08
(iv) automaticsprinklersystems?

(v) otherfixedsuppressionsystemsinstalled?

(vi) smokeandsmoke/heatcontrolsystems?
(vii) automaticclosingdoors,shutters,etc? 31.10.08
(viii) emergencygenerators?

(ix) evacuationandfirefightinglifts?

13 RECORDS
(a) Isadedicated(inhouse)recordkeptintheFireManagementFileof:
(i) firealarmactuations,servicingandtests,
(ii) emergencylighttests,servicingandchecks,
(iii) stafffiresafetytraining,
(iv) fireevacuationdrills
(v) fireextinguisher/hosereelschecksandtests,
(vi) servicingandtestingofthefixedfirefightinginstallationsprovided,
(vii) meansofescapechecks,
(viii) testsofautomaticdoorreleasemechanisms,
(ix) testsofacousticdoorholdingdevices,(Dorgard)

(x) testsofautomatic,mechanicalventilationsystems,
(xi) portableelectricalappliancetests,
(xii) checksofanyportablelampsortorches.

Arecopiesofthefireriskassessmentandtheemergencyactionplankeptina
safe placeawayfromthepremises?

Yes No Q Risk

ActionsSummaryTable:

ActionRiskRating
VeryHigh
High
Medium
Low
Lownoactionrequired

NumberofActions
1
5
8
19
81

13

Observation

Risk
Level

FIRERISKASSESSMENTandACTIONPLAN
HS&E
RemedialActionRecommended
Strategic
leader

1.FIREPRECAUTIONS:REGULATORYREFORMORDER(FireSafety)ORDER2005
(a)Appropriateriskassessmentshave
M Ensureafireriskassessmentiscarriedout,thatitisrecordedand
notbeencarriedoutinaccordancewith
therequirementsoftheseregulations.
(g)Therewasnoplanofthepremises
indicatingFireSafetyrelatedinformation

acopykeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile,afurthercopy
shouldbeheldbeheldinaplaceofsafetyfromthepremises.
Aplanofthepremisesshouldbeprovidedwhichshouldindicate
allfiresafetyfeaturesrelatingtothebuildingthiswouldinclude:
Escaperoutes,linesoffireresistance,firealarmandemergency
lighting,signsandnotices,firefightingequipment,serviceshutoff
pointsandanyspecificriskareas.

HS&ETeam
Brian
McBride
HS&ETeam
Brian
McBride

LeadCo
Target
ordinator Completion
Date

Comments

Malcolm
Swinburne
Malcolm
Swinburne

Mr.Swinburne isinthe
processofupdatingthe
plansofallUniversity
premises.

2.FIREPREVENTIONGENERAL
b) The system for controlling the
quantities, safe use and storage of
combustible
and/or
flammable
substances (materials, liquids and
gases) on the premises is not
effective/operatingcorrectly.

Reviewandamendthesystem,makeallrelevantstaffawareof
thechangesduringtraining.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Provideanisolationvalveatanaccessiblelevel.
Educatestaffastothelocationofthemaingascutoffvalves

FacultyTony
Alabaster

EnsurethatstaffarereeducatedoftheUniversityprocedures.
Monitor.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Designaprocedureandallocateresponsibilitytoparticularstaff
(eg.firewardens/headsofdepartment/shiftleadersetc.)the
procedureshouldbeincorporatedinNormalOperating
Procedures,berecordedinaFireSafetyManagementFileand
formpartofStaffFireSafetyTraining.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Observation:
There is no main gas isolation valve
availableinthelaboratories.Atthetime
of assessment the location of the main
valve was unknown and the individual
valveswerefixedatceilingheight.
Room 145 Propane cylinders were
being stored in the laboratory area and
werenotlinkeduporbeingused.
(j)Noprocedureexistsfortheinspection
of all rooms and areas Prior to leaving
the premises to check for fire risks and
that electrical appliances have been
switchedoff.

Observation:
At the time of assessment it was noted
that several rooms had been vacated
leaving electrical appliances and lights
switchedon.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

3.FIREPREVENTIONELECTRICALINSTALLATION,APPLIANCES,ETC
14

(c) Flexible electrical cables were not

used safely (eg use kept to a minimum
andonlyshortlengthsused).

Observations:
Stripadaptorsareincommonuse

(g)Thereisnolightningprotectiontothe
premises

Create and implement a procedure for the safe use of flexible

electric cables. The procedure should be incorporated in Normal
OperatingProcedures,berecordedinaFireSafetyManagement
FileandformpartofStaffFireSafetyTraining.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Iftheneedforthesocketsisofapermanentnaturethenconsider
theprovisionofmorefixedsockets.Ensurethattheyarenot
piggybacked,thatthecablesareclippedtotheskirting,the
adaptorisfixedtothewallandtherecommendedloadingofthe
adaptorisnotexceeded.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Inviewofthetypeandlocationofthepremiseslightningmay
poseathreatasanignitionsource.Thebuildingshouldbe
surveyedbyasuitablyqualifiedperson,anyrecommendationsin
anysubsequentreportshouldbecompliedwithandacopyofthe
reportandanyactiontakenkeptinaFireSafetyManagementFile

Facilities
PhilMarsh

5.BUILDINGS,PLANTANDMACHINERY
(a)Fire/smokebarriersappearedtobein
M AsurveyoftheconditionofFire/smokebarriersshouldbecarried
astateofdisrepair.

outbyasuitablyqualifiedperson.Anyrecommendationsor
repairsmentioned in the ensuing report should be implemented.
A copy of the report should be kept in the Fire Safety
ManagementFile

Observation:
114Switchroom Therearebreaches
of compartmentation in the ceiling and
floorofthecupboard.

Facilities
PhilMarsh

Makegoodtheholeswithanintumescentmaterial.

Facilities
PhilMarsh

VH

Thesedoor/sarerequiredformeansofescapeandmustbe
easilyandimmediatelyopenablefromwithin,atalltimesthatthe
premisesareoccupiedinordertopreventpersonsbeing
impeded/trappedintheeventoffire.

Facilities
PhilMarsh

Plant room The escape hatch has

beensealed.

VH

Releasethehatch.EducateStaff.Monitor.

(g) Some fireresisting and smokestop

doors in the premises do not conform
with current standards, A spot check of
thedoorsidentifiedthefollowing:

6.ESCAPEFACILITIES
(c) Not all fire exits were readily
available

MrSwinburne
informedFacilitiesand
escapehatchmade
operablethatday.

Observation:

AsurveyofFireResistantdoorsshouldbecarriedoutbya
suitablyqualifiedpersontoensuresuchdoorscomplywithcurrent
regulations.Anydefects/repairs/replacementidentifiedshould
becarriedoutandaprogrammeofregularinspection,repairand
maintenanceimplemented.

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Observations:
15

I.T.doorhasnotbeenprovidedwith
intumescentstripsandcoldsmoke
seals.
The main doorin to the plantroom has
no intumescent strips and cold smoke
sealsfittedintothegroovesinthedoor
(j)Atthetimeofassessmentitwas
difficulttoascertainiftheemergency
lighting(includingtheplantroom.).
providedwasadequate.Itwasdifficultto
identifytheindividualunits.

Provideandfitthesame

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Provideandfitthesame

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A survey of the Emergency lighting provision in these areas

should be undertaken by a suitably qualified person. Any
recommendations in the ensuing report should be implemented.
A copy of the report should be kept in the Fire Safety
ManagementFile.
ServiceandrepairoftheEmergencylightingprovisionoflights
thatdidnot indicateahealthyconditionortherebeingnoLEDs
displayedshouldbecheckedbyasuitablyqualifiedperson.Any
recommendationsintheensuingreportshouldbeimplemented.
AcopyofthereportshouldbekeptintheFireSafety
ManagementFile.
Itisrecommendedthattheindividualemergencylightsbe
providedwithsomemeansofidentification (stationarydots)to
enableidentificationbystaff.

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7.FIREACTIONANDEMERGENCYEVACUATION
(d) Suitable Fire Action notices were
AsurveyoftheprovisionofFireActionnoticesshouldbe
L
not prominently displayed around the
premises.

undertakenbyasuitablyqualifiedperson.Anyrecommendations
intheensuingreportshouldimplemented.Acopyofthereport
shouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile.

Therewasamixoftypesofsignageand
manual callpointsnotprovidedwiththe
same.
(f) There are insufficient fire wardens
availabletoprovideforallworkinghours
(including lunch and tea breaks) taking
intoaccountholidaysandsickleave.
Atthetimeofassessmenttherewere6
TrainedFirewardens.
(g) Appropriate arrangementsare notin
placefordealingwiththosewhoarenot
normally on the premises (e.g. visitors
andcontractors)

ThisisalreadyinhandbyMrSwinburne.

TheprovisionofFireWardensshouldbereviewedbya
competentpersonandsufficientpersonsidentifiedandtrainedto
provideforsuitablenumbersofwardensbeingavailableduring
timeswhenthepremisesisoccupied.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

Designandimplementaprocedurefordealingwithpersonsnot
normallyonorinthepremisesinanFireEmergencysituation.
TheprocedureshouldbeincorporatedinNormalOperating
Procedures,berecordedinaFireSafetyManagementFileand
formpartofStaffFireSafetyTraining.

FacultyTony
Alabaster

8.FIREDETECTIONANDALARMSYSTEMS
(b)Thefirealarmsystemdidnotappear
AninspectionandtestoftheFireAlarmsystemshouldbe
H
tobeinthefullworkingorder.

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undertakenbyasuitablyqualifiedperson.Anyrecommendations

Mr.Milburneisinthe
processofupdatingtheFire
ActionNoticesforall
Universitypremises.

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16

mentionedintheensuingreportshouldbeimplemented.Acopy
ofthereportshouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile
Removethebag.Educatestaff.
Observations:
IT room The kitchen/beverage bay is
now used as a workshop but still has a
heatdetectorfitted.
There are no visual warning devices in
thetoilets.
The automatic smoke detector head at
the top of the stairs (adj. to the plant
room)hasbeenremoved.
PlantroomTheManualCallPointadj.
to the escape hatch has had the
workingsremoved.
Room138Amemberofstaffwhouses
this room observed that the fire alarm
soundercouldnotbeheardinthatroom
General It appears as though the
whole floor is protected by smoke
detection in the circulation spaces and
heat detection elsewhere. When
investigating as to why that would be,
assumingthatuseofequipmentwasthe
reason, working practices were not
offered. It may be that they were
installed when the equipment and
practiceswheredifferenttothatoftoday

Replacetheheatdetectorwithasmokedetector.

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Providethesame

Replacethesame

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Facilities
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Replacethesame

Conductanaudibilitytestandiftherequiredlevelsarenotmet,
providefurthersounders.Circulatestafftofindoutifanyother
areaswithsimilarproblemsareprevalent.
Ifnooperationalreasonsexistthenitisrecommendedthat
considerationbegiventotheinstallationofsmokedetectionin
areaswherepossible.Itislikelythatamultielementdetectormay
givemoreefficient/flexiblecoveragestartingwithhigherriskareas
combinedwith maintenance/refurbishingschemes.

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FacultyTony
Alabaster
Facilities
PhilMarsh

9.FIREFIGHTINGEQUIPMENT
(a) The provision of portable fire
extinguishersofsuitabletypeforthefire
risks where they are positioned
adequate appears inadequate in the
followingareas.

Theportablefireextinguisherprovisionintheseareasshouldbe
reviewedbyasuitablyqualifiedperson.Anyrecommendations
mentionedintheensuingreportshouldbeimplemented.Acopy
ofthereportshouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile.

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IT there is no coverage for electrical

risksinthisroom.
(b)Areallportablefireextinguishersand
fire blanketssuitablylocated, positioned
on brackets securely fixed to the wall

ProvideandfixtothewallaCO2extinguisher.

Fix/refix/rehangportablefireextinguishersonwallmounted
bracketstothecornerofthelandingbelow.Theywillthennotbe

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and available for immediate use (not

obstructedorhidden)?
Observations:
Room 134 Seminar room. The Dry
powder ext. appears to be in place for
historical reasons and has not been
testedsince08.05.
HosereelsHavenotbeentestedsince
09.06.

directlyinthewayofpeopleusingtheescaperoute.
Removeobstructionsandmaintainfireextinguishersclearof
obstruction.

Removethesame.Serviceandrelocatetoareaofneed.

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Therearesufficientextinguishersinplacetodealwithfiresintheir
earlierstagesofdevelopment.Thegeneralmoveisnottoprovide
thesame.Ifthisisnowthepolicy,thehosereelsaretobe
removedandanyindicationofthesametoberemoved.

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Providenoticesofthetype'FireDoorKeepClosed'/FireDoor
KeepLockedShutonallvisiblesidesofallfireresistingand
smokestopdoors.

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Thesignageprovisionshouldconformtocurrentstandards.
Provisionofsignsonexitdoorsandroutesshouldbesurveyedby
asuitablyqualifiedperson.Anyrecommendationsmentionedin
theensuingreportshouldbeimplemented.Acopyofthereport
shouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile.

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PhilMarsh

Areviewofthefiresafetysignageprovidedshouldbeundertaken
by a suitably qualified person. Any recommendations should be
implementedandacopyofanyreportandactiontakenshouldbe
keptintheFireSafetyManagementfile.

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10.NOTICESANDSIGNS.
(a) Notices and signs of the type 'Fire
DoorKeepClosed'werenotprovidedon
all visible sides of all fireresisting and
smokestop doors and notices stating
Fire Door Keep Locked Shut, were not
provided for all cupboard/services
doors.'
(b) Appropriate 'pictogram' notices were
not provided on all fire exit doors and
routes such that at least one sign is
always visible for all points on an exit
route.
Plantroom.
(d)listedarethedeficienciesinsignage
whichshouldberectified.

Noneofthefirefightingequipmentsited
in labs and offices have been provided
withID/Loc.Signage.

Provideandfixthesame.

DisabledRefuges.

Provideandfixthesame.

Gas and Electrical Service cupboards

andswitchgear/valves.

Provideandfixthesame.

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FireActionNoticesateveryManualCall
Point.
Pressurised gases signs for all rooms
containingthesame.

Provideandfixthesame.

Provideandfixthesame.

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PhilMarsh
Facilities
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12.TESTINGandMAINTENANCE
(a)Therewasnoevidenceatthetimeof
assessment to show that the required
regulartestsandmaintenancehadbeen
carriedouton:

(ii)Emergencylightingsystems.

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PhilMarsh

Whilstthereisevidenceofabiannualfulltestand
inspectionoftheemergencylightsystem.Thereisno
evidencethatasystemforweeklyvisualinspectionofthe
emergencylightfittingsforcorrectoperationand
cleanlinesswhichisrecordedhasbeenimplemented.Ora
monthlytesttosimulateafailureofthesupplyandshow
thateachlampilluminatedandwhichisrecorded. Sucha
systemshouldbedevisedandimplemented.

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13.RECORDS
(a)Therewasnoevidenceatthetimeof
the assessment that dedicated records
ofthefollowingwerebeingkept:

(vii)Meansofescapechecks.

(viii) Tests of automatic door release

mechanisms,

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Recordsofallperiodicchecksmadeonthemeansofescape
shouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile.
Recordsofallperiodictestsmadeontheautomaticdoorrelease
mechanismsshouldbekeptintheFireSafetyManagementFile.

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Facilities
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19