UNIVERSITY SAINS MALAYSIA

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

CASE STUDY: COMPUTER SAINS BUILDING-UNIVERSITY SAINS MALAYSIA

MUHAMMAD IQBAL
MUHAMMAD ISKANDAR BIN BASARUDDIN
KUNG TZE PING
HUAN LIN

August 20, 2009

I. MANAGING FIRE SAFETY

Good management of fire safety is essential to ensure that fires are unlikely to occur; that if they do occur they are likely to be
controlled or contained quickly, effectively and safely; or that, if a fire does occur and grow, everyone in your premises is able to
escape to a place of total safety easily and quickly. The risk assessment that you must carry out will help you ensure that your fire
safety procedures, fire prevention measures, and fire precautions (plans, systems and equipment) are all in place and working properly,
and the risk assessment should identify any issues that need attention (Source: Fire Safety Risk Assessment, Department for
Community and Local Government, Eland Houses, Bressenden Place London SW1 E 5 Du, Mei 2006)

As we are aware fire not only can injure or kill the people, whether the people inside the building or surrounding the building, but
also can seriously damage or even destroy your business. The purpose of fire assessment is not just collecting the data and file, but
how it use to improve Safety Management systems. The assessment have to be practical and in the systematic way. Naturally, there
cannot be an “off shelf solution”. Every workplace has different view and scenario on the fire hazards, so there are many aspects to be
look into and how it can improve the fire safety management. So it is vital that assessors are able to seek commitment from the top of
the organization and to consult with all relevant personnel, to ensure that they are aware on this assessment.
Paradigms are being shifted to emphasize the concept of fire assessment and safety systems as organizations attempt to
effectively reduce losses and protect their reputation. So much so that all employees must have an understanding of fire, how quickly
it can spread, and how devastating its impact can be. With this knowledge, employees will be better equipped to recognize fire hazards
not just in their work environments but also in their homes. They will be able to take steps to introduce and practice fire safety
 behaviors. The main objective of fire risk assessment is to ensure compliance with the requirements local authority in term of fire
safety to protect the people from the risk of fire.

II. FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

Current legislation on fire precautions and procedures deals with the following general requirements:

• Means of detection and giving warning in case of fire

• The provision of means of escape from premises
• Means of fire fighting
• Training of employees and others in relation to fire safety

In addition, fire legislation requires employers to:

• Carry out fire risk assessments of workplaces and take into consideration employees, visitors, contractors, members of the public
and others who may be affected by activities carried out within their premises.
• Identify significant findings of the fire risk assessment and record the findings.
• Implement and maintain suitable control measures for controlling the risk from fire.
• Provide information, instruction and training to employees and others about fire precautions in the workplace.

The following procedure should be followed:

a) The Occupational Health and Safety Department will carry out fire risk assessments on each building of the University used for
teaching and research. A schedule of Fire Risk Assessments will be produced and published by the Occupational Health and Safety
Manager.

b) The following documents will inform the fire risk assessment:

• Previous fire risk assessment documentation

• Actions plans arising from any previous fire risk assessment or fire inspection
• Fire evacuation procedures including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans

c) Fire Risk Assessments will be recorded on the University’s Fire Risk Assessment form, copies of which will be retained by the
Occupational Health and Safety Team, the Estates and Physical Resources Department and any other parties deemed appropriate.

d) Once the fire risk assessment has been carried out, the documents will be forwarded to the appropriate Heads of
School/Department, together with a copy to the Estates Department. Heads of School/Department, the Estates Department and the
Occupational Health and Safety Department will meet as appropriate to discuss the findings of the fire risk assessment.

e) Following this discussion, the Building Fire Action Plan will be updated and agreed. It will clearly state which actions need to be
undertaken and who is responsible for each action.

f) Fire Risk Assessments will be reviewed annually by the Occupational Health and Safety Team.
III. THE AIMS OF FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

A fire risk assessment is an organized and methodical look at your premises, the activities carried on there and the likelihood
that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises.

The aims of the fire risk assessment are:

 To identify the fire hazards

Before we can go further on identifying the fire hazards, we have to know what the meaning of hazards is itself. A hazard is
something that has the potential to cause harm. Risk is the chance, whether is high or low of that harm occurring.

The best way to identify the fire hazard is to understand the things that need to create fire hazards. As the principle, fire has a
triangle of needs which is fuel, high temperature or heat and oxygen. If deprived of any of these needs, building fires will be
extinguished.

Fuel

High
Temperature Oxygen
or Heat
FIRE
 Fig.1. FIRE TRIANGLE NEEDS

In general, this triangle’s influence the building’s design is as follows. The fuel is the building structure and contents, where
the designer controls the choice of structural and finishes materials. The temperatures achieved in fires are well beyond the ability of
building cooling systems to control, so special water systems are often installed to deprive fire of the high temperature it needs.
Oxygen may be denied to a fire partly by limitations on ventilation, but these can have serious safety consequences.

 To reduce the risk of those hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practicable. As stated before, fire kills people. This
is might be a probably reason, why people rather choose their homes or office to be burglarized than to experience in fire accident.
The fire can cause fatalities and injuries. Many of these tragedies could be prevented if the people took the necessary fire prevention
methods such as undergoing a fire risk assessment.
 To decide what physical fire precautions and management policies are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your
premises if a fire does start. The policies describes the arrangements for effectively managing fire safety so as to prevent fire occurring
and, in the event of fire, to protect people and property. Inside the policies itself show the regulation, do and don’t, the guidance and
responsibility of the person in charge. The policies are structured to ensure the accountability and it will be the references to guide for
 the safety of fire management system. These policies must be review as to make sure it will be relevant to the respective building. The
extent of policy depends upon the size and the uses of premises. The fire safety policy is dependent on taking account of two principle
factors. It is physical factor and human factor

IV. CARRYING OUT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

A fire risk assessment helps us identify all the fire hazards and risks in our premises. Here is the first of five steps to carrying
out a fire risk assessment in the workplace.

Step 1 of 5: Identifying the fire hazards

For fire to occur there must be a source of ignition, fuel and oxygen. If all three are present and in close proximity, then the fire
risk could increase as a result. In the average premises. fire hazards will fall into the first two categories, whilst the oxygen will be
present in the air in the surrounding space. Occasionally oxygen can be found in chemical form (oxidizing agents) or as a gas in
cylinders or piped systems.
Potential sources of ignition could include:
• naked flames: smokers materials, matches, pilot lights, gas/oil heaters, gas welding, cookers, etc.;
• hot surfaces: heaters, engines, boilers, machinery, lighting (e.g. halogen lamps), electrical equipment, etc.;
• hot work: welding, grinding, flame cutting;
• friction: drive belts, worn bearings, etc.; or
 • sparks: static electricity, metal impact, grinding, electrical contacts/switches, etc;
• Arson, i.e. deliberate ignition.
Potential sources of fuel: anything that burns is a potential fuel, examples include:
• Solids: textiles, wood, paper, card, plastics, rubber, PU foam, furniture, fixtures/fittings, packaging, waste materials, etc.;
• Liquids: solvents (petrol, white spirit, methylated spirits, paraffin, thinners, etc), paints, varnish, adhesives, etc.;
• Gases: LPG, acetylene.

Step 2 of 5: Identifying people at risk

If there is a fire, the greatest danger is the spread of the fire, heat and smoke through the premises. If this happens, the main
risk to people is from the smoke and products of combustion, which can very quickly incapacitate those escaping. If a premises does
not have adequate means of escape or if a fire can grow to an appreciable size before it is noticed, then people may become trapped or
overcome by heat and smoke before they can evacuate.
Our assessment of risk to persons should include:
• the likely speed of growth and spread of any fire, and associated heat and smoke (remember some fuels burn much faster and
produce more toxic products than others do);
• the numbers of persons in the area including student, lecturer, employees, visitors, members of the public relevant persons as
defined by the Fire Safety Order);
• Arrangements for giving warning to people if a fire occurs. Will any outbreak be conspicuous or will some form of fire
detection and alarm system be required; and
• How they will make their escape as describe at the case study
Step 3 of 5: Evaluating the risks
Once the hazards and the persons at risk have been identified, we must assess the effect of any particular hazards, taking
account of any existing control measures that are already in place. Once this has been done, we must decide if any further control
measures are needed in order to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Further control measures may:
• Act to reduce the possibility of ignition,
• Minimize the potential fuel load in the premises, or
• Assist persons to escape from the effects of a fire, should it occur.
They may fall into a number of different categories:
• Fire safety management systems.
• Means of escape.
• Staff training.
• Fire warning systems.
• Means of fighting fire.
Different control measures can be applied to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. For example, if the risk is the possibility of a fast
growing fire, potential control measures could include one or any combination of the following:
• changing the process to use a slower burning fuel;
 • removing or reducing possible ignition sources;
• moving the hazard to an area that affects the minimum of persons, e.g. outside the premises;
• providing an additional exit/protected route to speed the escape of the occupants;
• providing a fire detection and alarm system to warn persons of the fire in its early stages;
• Training the staff to reduce the possibility of a fire occurring, e.g. housekeeping/safe working practices; or
• Providing appropriate firefighting equipment / fixed installation e.g. sprinkler system.

While this list is not exhaustive and applies to one area of risk only, it can be seen that there may be a number of different
solutions depending on the nature of the situation.
If any areas of inadequacy are identified, an action plan must to be included to show how the problem is being addressed. This should
include time-scales for achieving the required level of control and specify who is responsible for the action.
If our premises are situated in a relatively modern building it should already incorporate important control measures that were
installed to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations e.g. fire escape staircases, fire lobbies, fire doors, emergency lighting
etc. Many of these measures will also be found in older buildings. If our building was issued with a fire certificate under the Fire
Precautions Act, details of existing control measures will be detailed in that document.
We should include details of these existing control measures in our fire risk assessment. Remember, a full understanding and
evaluation of the existing control measures is essential - it is our starting point for deciding if any further action is necessary.
We should plan, control, monitor and review all the fire safety arrangements.

Step 4 of 5: Recording your findings

Where:
• a license under an enactment is in force,
• an Alterations Notice under the Fire Safety Order requires it, or
• we are an employer and have five or more employees
We must record the significant findings of our risk assessment, together with details of any people that are at particular risk.
More importantly, the record must show whether the existing control measures are adequate and, if not, what further action is required
to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Remember to make sure any control measures identified or introduced remain effective by testing and maintaining them
regularly. For larger premises we are encouraged to include a simple floor plan in our fire risk assessment. We can use the plan to
record fire hazards and control measures in a simple format that is easily understood.

Step 5 of 5: Reviewing and revising the risk assessment

It is important to remember that fire risk assessment is a continuous process and as such must be monitored and audited. New
and existing control measures should be maintained to make sure they are still working effectively.
However, if we introduce changes into our premises our original risk assessment may not address any new hazards or risk
arising from them. For this reason it is also important to review and revise our assessment regularly.
This doesn't mean that it is necessary to amend our assessment for every trivial change that occurs, but the impact of any
significant change should be considered. For example;
• A new work process may introduce additional fuels or ignition sources.
• Changes to furniture layout or internal partitions could affect the ability for occupants to see a fire and escape in time.
 • Increasing the number of people may mean that a fire exit is now too small to cope with their escape within a safe period.
• Occupying another floor of the building may mean that an electrical fire warning system is now necessary, etc.
The above list is not exhaustive and any change that could lead to new hazards or risks should be considered.

In Malaysia, the National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia has include the risk assessment process
as one of the scope in their safety and Health Officer Health Module (1997) according to NIOSH, three basic steps should be taken to
ensure a safe and health workplace. They are based on the concept that the workplace should be modified to suit people, not vice
versa. It is also important to regularly review the step, especially there are changes in the work environment, new technology is
introduced or standard are changed. The three steps are:

Step 1: Identifying the hazards

The identification of hazards should involve a critical appraisal of all activities to take account of hazards to employees, others
affected by activities (members of the public and contractors) and to those using products and services. Adequate hazard identification
requires a complete understanding of the working situation.
Step 2: The risk assessment process
Gather information about each hazard identified. Think about how many people are exposed to each hazard and how long. Use
the information to access the likelihood and consequences of each hazard and produce a qualitative risk table.
How likely is it that a hazardous event or situation will occur?
• Very likely – could happen frequently
• Likely – could happen occasionally
 • Unlikely – could happen, but only rarely
• Highly unlikely – could happen, but probably never will

Consequences of a hazardous event or situation:

• Situation
• Major injuries (normally irreversible injury or damage to health)
• Minor injuries (normally reversible injury or dame to health requiring days off work)
• Negligible injuries (first aid)
Once the decision on the likelihood and consequences of each hazardous event or situation have been made, then need to rate
the hazard according to how serious the risk is. The risk table is one of the ways in rating the hazard and to translate the assessments
of likelihood and consequences into level of risk. Table below is the example of the qualitative risk table.

Consequences Likelihood
Very likely Likely Unlikely Highly unlikely
Fatality High High High Medium
Major injuries High High Medium Medium
Minor injuries High Medium Medium Low
Negligible injuries Medium Medium Low Low

The event or situations assessed as very likely with fatal consequences are the most serious (high risk) and those assessed as
highly unlikely with negligible injuries are the least serious (low risk). The risk rating for each hazard should be note on a worksheet.
During the developing of risk control strategies, the hazard with the high risk rating should be tackle first.
 Step 3: Risk control
The information and ideas on control measures can come from:
• Code of practice
• Industry or trade associations
• Specialists
• Other publications including those by manufacturers and suppliers.

V. FURTHER GUIDANCE ON FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT AND FIRE PRECAUTIONS

Good management of fire safety in your premises is essential to ensure that any fire safety matters that arise are always
effectively addressed. In small premises this can be achieved by the manager or owner responsible for maintaining and planning fire
safety in conjunction with general health and safety.
In larger premises, it is good practice for a senior manager to have overall responsibility for fire safety. It may be appropriate
for this responsibility to be placed with the person designated with overall responsibility for health and safety.
An organization’s fire safety policy should be flexible enough to allow modification. It should be recognized that fire safety
operates at all levels within an organization and therefore those responsible for fire safety should be able to develop, where necessary,
a local action plan for their premises.
Section 1 Further guidance on fire risks and preventative measures
To develop long-term workable and effective strategies to reduce hazards and the risk of a fire starting we must take this item
into consideration.

1.1 HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping will lower the chances of a fire starting, so the accumulation of combustible materials in all premises
should be monitored carefully. Good housekeeping is essential to reduce the chances of escape routes and fire doors being blocked or
obstructed.
Keep waste material in suitable containers before it is removed from the premises. If we generate a considerable quantity of
combustible waste material then we need to develop a formal plan to manage this effectively.

1.2 STORAGE
Many of the materials found in your premises will be combustible. If premises have inadequate or poorly managed storage
areas then the risk of fire is likely to be increased. The more combustible materials store the greater the source of fuel for a fire. Poorly
arranged storage could prevent equipment such as sprinklers working effectively.
Combustible materials are not just those generally regarded as highly combustible, such as polystyrene, but all materials that
will readily catch fire. However, by carefully considering the type of material, the quantities kept and the storage arrangements, the
risks can be significantly reduced.
1.3 DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES STORAGE, DISPLAY AND USE
Specific precautions are required when handling and storing dangerous substances to minimize the possibility of an incident.
Your supplier should be able to provide detailed advice on safe storage and handling, however, the following principles will help you
reduce the risk from fire:
• substitute highly flammable substances and materials with less flammable ones;
• reduce the quantity of dangerous substances to the smallest reasonable amount necessary for running the business or organization;
• Correctly store dangerous substances, e.g. in a fire-resisting enclosure. All flammable liquids and gases should ideally be locked
away, especially when the premises are unoccupied, to reduce the chance of them being used in an arson attack; and
• ensure that you and your employees are aware of the fire risk the dangerous substances present and the precautions necessary to
avoid danger.

Flammable liquids
Highly flammable liquids present a particularly high fire risk. For example, a leak from a container of flammable solvents,
such as methylated spirit, will produce large quantities of heavier-than-air flammable vapours. These can travel large distances,
increasing the likelihood of their reaching a source of ignition well away from the original leak, such as a basement containing heating
plant and/or electrical equipment on automatic timers.
Aerosols
 Some aerosols can contain flammable products stored at pressure and they can present a high level of hazard. When ignited
they can explode, produce fireballs and rocket to distances of 40m. Their presence in premises can make it unsafe for firefighters to
enter a building and they have the potential for starting multiple fires.

1.4 EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

Common causes of fire in equipment are:
• allowing ventilation points to become clogged or blocked, causing overheating;
• inadequate cleaning of heat-shrink packaging equipment, such as that used in in-store bakeries;
• allowing extraction equipment in catering environments to build up excessive grease deposits;
• misuse or lack of maintenance of cooking equipment and appliances; and
• disabling or interfering with automatic or manual safety features and cut-outs. All machinery, apparatus and office equipment should
be properly maintained by a competent person. Appropriate signs and instructions on safe use may be necessary.

Heating
Individual heating appliances require particular care if they are to be used safely, particularly those which are kept for emergency use
during a power cut or as supplementary heating during sever weather. The greatest risks arise from lack of maintenance and staff
unfamiliarity with them. Heaters should preferably be secured in position when in use and fitted with a fire guard if appropriate.
Cooking processes
These cooking processes can operate with high temperatures, involving large quantities of oil and combustible food stuffs. Heat
sources used for cooking processes include: gas, electric and microwave. The main cause of fire are ignition of cooking oil,
combustion of crumbs and sediment deposits, and ductwork fires from a build up of fats and grease.
1.5 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Electrical equipment can be a significant cause of accidental fires in shops and offices. The main causes are:
• overheating cables and equipment, e.g. due to overloading circuits, bunched or coiled cables or impaired cooling fans;
• Incorrect installation or use of equipment;
• Little or no maintenance and testing of equipment;
• Incorrect fuse ratings;
• Damaged or inadequate insulation on cables or wiring;
• combustible materials being placed too close to electrical equipment which may give off heat even when operating normally or may
become hot due to a fault;
• arcing or sparking by electrical equipment; and
• embrittlement and cracking of cable sheathing in cold environments.

1.6 SMOKING
Carelessly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials are a major cause of fire. A cigarette can smolder for several
hours, especially when surrounded by combustible material. Many fires are started several hours after the smoking materials have
been emptied into waste bags and left for future disposal.
Consider prohibiting smoking in your premises other than in the designated smoking areas. Display suitable signs throughout
the premises informing people of the smoking policy and the locations where smoking is permitted.

1.7 MANAGING BUILDING WORK AND ALTERATIONS

Additional risks can include:
• Hot work such as flame cutting, welding, soldering, or paint stripping;
• Temporary electrical equipment;
• blocking of escape routes, including external escape routes;
• Introduction of combustibles into an escape route;
• Loss of normal storage facilities;
• Fire safety equipment, such as automatic fire-detection systems becoming affected;
• Fire-resisting partitions being breached or fire doors being wedged open
• Additional personnel who may be unfamiliar with the premises.

1.8 EXISTING LAYOUT AND CONSTRUCTION

• Vertical shafts, e.g. lifts, open stairways, dumb waiters or holes for moving stock around;
• False ceilings, especially if they are not fire stopped above walls;
• Voids behind wall panelling;
• Unsealed holes in walls and ceilings where pipe work, cables or other services have been installed;
• Doors, particularly to stairways, which are ill-fitting or routinely left open.

1.9 PARTICULAR HAZARDS IN CORRIDORS AND STAIRWAYS USED AS ESCAPE ROUTES

• Portable heaters, e.g. bottled gas (LPG) or electric radiant heaters and electric convectors or boilers;
• Gas cylinders for supplying heaters;
• cooking appliances; and
• Unenclosed gas pipes, meters, and other fittings.

1.10 INSULATED CORE PANELS

• Mineral rock/modified phenol will produce surface char and little smoke or gaseous combustion products, at temperatures above
230°C.
• Polyisocyanurate (PIR)/polyurethane (PUR) will char and will generate smoke and gaseous combustion products, at temperatures
above 430°C PIR and 300°C PUR.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) will melt and will generate smoke and gaseous combustionproducts, at temperatures above 430°C PIR.
Section 2 Further guidance on fire detection and warning systems
Where an electrical fire-warning system is necessary then a straightforward arrangement typically includes the following:
• manual call points (break-glass call points) next to exits with at least one call point on each floor;
• electronic sirens or bells; and
• a control and indicator panel.

2.1 Manual call points

Manual call points, often known as ‘break glass’ call points, enable a person who discovers a fire to immediately raise the alarm and
warn other people in the premises of the danger. People leaving a building because of a fire will normally leave by the way they
entered.
Consequently, manual call points are normally positioned at exits and storey exits that people may reasonably be expected to use in
case of fire, not just those designated as fire exits. However it is not necessary in every case to provide call points at every exit.
Manual call points should normally be positioned so that, taking into account all fixtures and fittings, machinery and stock are in
place, no one should have to travel more than 45m to the nearest alarm point. This distance may need to be less if your premises cater
for people of limited mobility or there are particularly hazardous areas. They should be conspicuous (red), fitted at a height of about
1.4m (or less for premises with a significant number of wheelchair users), and not in an area likely to be obstructed.

2.2 Automatic fire detection

Automatic fire detection may be needed for a number of reasons. These can include:
• If you have areas where people are isolated or remote and could become trapped by a fire because they are unaware of its
development, such as lone workers;
• If you have areas where a fire can develop unobserved (e.g. storerooms);
• as a compensating feature, e.g. for inadequate structural fire protection, in dead-ends or where there are extended travel distances;
and
• Where smoke control and ventilation systems are controlled by the automatic fire-detection system. If you have an automatic fire
detection system, the system should:
• be designed to accommodate the emergency evacuation procedure;
• give an automatic indication of the fire warning and its location. If the indicator panel is located in a part of the premises other than
the control point (for example, to the secretary’s office) there should ideally be a repeater panel sited in the control point;
• be maintained and tested by a competent person; and
• communicate with a central control room
2.4 Staged fire alarms
In the vast majority of premises sounding the fire warning system should trigger the immediate and total evacuation of the
building. However, in some large or complex premises this may not be necessary as alternative arrangements may be in place. These
alternative arrangements broadly fall into two groups.
Firstly, those people potentially most at risk from a fire, usually those closest to where the alarm was activated, will be immediately
evacuated, while others in the building are given an alert signal and will only evacuate if it becomes necessary. This is generally called
a phased evacuation and the initial movement, depending on the layout and configuration of the premises, can be either horizontal or
vertical.
The second alternative is for the initial alert signal to be given to certain staff, who then carry out pre-arranged actions to help others
to evacuate more easily. It requires able, fullytrained staff to be available at all times and should not be seen as a simple means of
reducing disruption to working practices. Where staged alarms are being used, disabled people should be alerted on the first stage to
give them the maximum time to escape.

2.5 Testing and maintenance

Your fire-warning and/or detection system should be supervised by a named responsible person, given enough authority and
training to manage all aspects of the routine testing and scrutiny of the system.
 The control and indicating equipment should be checked at least every 24 hours to ensure there are no specific faults. All types
of firewarning systems should be tested once a week. For electrical systems a manual call point should be activated (using a different
call point for each successive test), usually by inserting a dedicated test key (Figure 19). This will check that the control equipment is
capable of receiving a signal and in turn, activating the warning alarms. Manual call points may be numbered to ensure they are
sequentially tested.

2.6 Guaranteed power supply

If your fire risk assessment concludes that an electrical fire-warning system is necessary, then the Health and Safety (Safety
Signs and Signals) Regulations 19965 requires it to have a back-up power supply. Whatever back-up system is used, it should
normally be capable of operating the fire warning and detection system for a minimum period of 24 hours and sounding the alarm
signal in all areas for 30 minutes.
2.7 New and altered systems
Guidance on the design and installation of new systems and those undergoing substantial alterations is given in BS 5839.16 If
you are unsure that your existing system is adequate you will need to consult a competent person.

Section 3 Further guidance on firefighting equipment and facilities

3.1 Portable firefighting equipment
Fires are classed according to what is burning. Fire extinguishers provided should be appropriate to the classes of fire found in
your premises in accordance with Table 1.

Class of fire Description

Class A Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.
Class B Fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.
Class C Fires involving gases.
Class D Fires involving metals.
Class F Fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.

Number and type of extinguishers

Typically for the Class A fire risk, the provision of one water-based extinguisher for approximately
Every 200m2 of floor space, with a minimum of two extinguishers per floor, will normally be adequate.
Where it is determined that there are additionally other classes of fire risk, the appropriate type, number and size of extinguisher
should be provided.

3.2 Fixed firefighting installations

These are firefighting systems which are normally installed within the structure of the building. They may already be provided
in your premises or you may be considering them as a means of protecting some particularly dangerous or risk-critical area as part of
your risk-reduction strategy.

Hose reels
Permanent hose reels (Figure 20) installed in accordance with the relevant British Standard
(BS EN 671-3: 200021) provide an effective firefighting facility. They may offer an alternative, or be in addition to, portable
firefighting equipment. A concern is that untrained people will stay and fight a fire when escape is the safest option. Where hose reels
are installed and your fire risk

Sprinkler systems
Sprinkler systems can be very effective in controlling fires. They can be designed to protect
life and/or property and may be regarded as a cost-effective solution for reducing the risks created by fire. Where installed, a sprinkler
system is usually part of a package of fire precautions in a building and may form an integral part of the fire strategy for the building.
Sprinkler protection could give additional benefits, such as a reduction in the amount of portable firefighting equipment necessary, and
the relaxation of restrictions in the design of buildings.

Section 4 Further guidance on escape routes

Suitability of escape routes
We should ensure that our escape routes are:
• Suitable;
• Easily, safely and immediately usable at all relevant times;
• Adequate for the number of people likely to use them;
• free from any obstructions, slip or trip hazards; and
• Available for access by the emergency services.

In multi-occupied premises, escape routes should normally be independent of other occupiers, i.e. people should not have to go
through another occupier’s premises as the route may be secured or obstructed. Where this is not possible, then robust legal
agreements should be in place to ensure their availability at all times.
All doors on escape routes should open in the direction of escape and ideally be fitted with a safety vision panel. This is
particularly important if more than 60 people use them or they provide an exit from an area of high fire risk. At least two exits should
be provided if a room/area is to be occupied by more than 60 persons. This number of 60 can be varied in proportion to the risk; for a
lower risk there can be a slight increase, for a higher risk, lower numbers of persons should be allowed.

Fire-resisting construction
The type and age of construction are crucial factors to consider when assessing the adequacy of the existing escape routes. To
ensure the safety of people it may be necessary to protect escape routes from the effects of a fire. In older premises, it is possible that
the type of construction and materials used may not perform to current fire standards. Also changes of occupier and refurbishment
may have led to:
• Cavities and voids being created, allowing the potential for a fire to spread unseen;
• Doors and hardware worn by age and movement being less likely to limit the spread of smoke;
• damaged or lack of cavity barriers in modular construction; and
• Breaches in fire compartment walls, floors and ceilings created by the installation of new services, e.g. computer cabling.
 Where an escape route needs to be separated from the rest of the premises by fire-resisting construction, e.g. a dead-end
corridor or protected stairway, then you should ensure the following
• Doors (including access hatches to cupboards, ducts and vertical shafts linking floors) walls, floors and ceilings protecting escape
routes should be capable of resisting the passage of smoke and fire for long enough so that people can escape from the building.
• Where suspended or false ceilings are provided, the fire resistance should extend up to the floor slab level above. For means of
escape purposes a 30 minutes fire-resisting rating is normally enough.
Cavity barriers, fire stopping and dampers in ducts are appropriately installed.

Number of people using the premises

As your escape routes need to be adequate for the people likely to use them you will need to consider how many people,
including employees and the public, may be present at any one time. Where premises have been subject to building regulations
approval for use as either an office or a shop, the number and width of escape routes and exits will normally be enough for the
anticipated number of people using the building. In such buildings where the risk has changed or buildings were constructed before
national Building Regulations it is still necessary to confirm the provision. For offices, the maximum numbers of staff, visitors and
contractors liable to be in the building at the same time will be known by the responsible person. For shops, the responsible person
will normally be aware of the maximum number of people liable to be present from a personal knowledge of trading patterns. There
will also be an appreciation of the use of the building by those with special needs, such as the disabled. If you propose to make
changes to the use or layout of the building which may increase the number of people, you should check the design capacity by
referring to guidance given in the Building Regulations Approved Document B.

Mobility impairment
• A refuge is a place of reasonable safety in which disabled people can wait either for an evacuation lift or for assistance up or down
stairs (see Figure 23). Disabled people should not be left alone in a refuge area whilst waiting for assistance with evacuation from the
building. Depending on the design and fire resistance of other elements, a refuge could be a lobby, corridor, part of a public area or
stairway, or an open space such as a flat roof, balcony or similar place which is sufficiently protected (or remote) from any fire risk
and provided with its own means of escape and a means of communication.
• Where refuges are provided, they should be enclosed in a fire-resisting structure which creates a protected escape route which leads
directly to a place of total safety and should only be used in conjunction with effective management rescue arrangements. Your fire
safety strategy should not rely on the fire and rescue service rescuing people waiting in these refuges.
• If firefighting lifts (provided in high buildings as firefighting access) are to be used for evacuation, this should be co-ordinate with
the fire and rescue service as part of the pre-planned evacuation procedures.
• Normal lifts may be considered suitable for fire evacuation purposes, subject to an adequate fire risk assessment and development of
a suitable fire safety strategy by a competent person.
• Since evacuation lifts can fail, having reached a refuge a disabled person should also be able to gain access to a stairway (should
conditions in the refuge become untenable). An evacuation lift with its associated refuge should therefore be located adjacent to a
protected stairway.
• Enough escape routes should always be available for use by disabled people. This does not mean that every exit will need to be
adapted. Staff should be aware of routes suitable for disabled people so that they can direct and help people accordingly.
• Stairways used for the emergency evacuation of disabled people should comply with the requirements for internal stairs in the
building regulations. Specialist evacuation chairs or other equipment may be necessary to negotiate stairs.
• Plans should allow for the careful carrying of disabled people down stairs without their wheelchairs, should the wheelchair be too
large or heavy. You will need to take into account health and safety manual handling procedures in addition to the dignity and
confidence of the disabled person.
• Stair lifts should not be used for emergency evacuation. Where installed in a stairway used for emergency evacuation, no parts of the
lift, such as its carriage rail, should be allowed to reduce the effective width of the stairway or any other part of an emergency
evacuation route.
• Where ramps are necessary for the emergency evacuation of people in wheelchairs they should be as gentle as possible. Ramps
should be constructed in accordance with Approved Document M

Figure 1: An example of a refuge

Widths and capacity of escape routes and stairways
Once you have established the maximum number of people likely to be in any part of the premises, the next step is to establish that the
capacity of the escape routes is adequate for people to escape safely in sufficient time to ensure their safety in case of fire. The
capacity of a route is determined by a number of factors including the width of the route, the time available for escape and the ability
of the persons using them.

A width of at least 750mm can accommodate up to:

• 80 people in higher risk premises;
• 100 people in normal risk premises; or
• 120 people in lower risk premises.
A width of at least 1050mm can accommodate up to:
• 160 people in higher risk premises;
• 200 people in normal risk premises; or
• 240 people in lower risk premises.
Escape routes Suggested range of travel distance
Where more than one escape route is provided
25m in higher fire-risk area1
45m in normal fire-risk area
60m in lower fire-risk area2
Where only a single escape route is provided
12m in higher fire-risk area1
18m in normal fire-risk area
25m in lower fire-risk area2
Travel distance
Having established the number and location of people and the exit capacity required to evacuate them safely, you now need to
confirm that the number and location of existing exits is adequate. This normally determined by the distance people have to travel to
reach them. Table 2 gives guidance on travel distances. It should be understood, however, that these distances are flexible and may be
increased or decreased depending upon the level of risk after you have put in place the appropriate fire-prevention measures (Part 1,
Step 3.3). In new buildings which have been designed and constructed in accordance with modern building standards the travel
distances will already have been calculated. Once you have completed your fire risk assessment you need to confirm that those
distances are still relevant. When assessing travel distances you need to consider the distance to be travelled by people when escaping,
allowing for walking around furniture or display material etc. (see Figure 24). The distance should be measured from all parts of the
premises (e.g. from the most remote part of an office or shop on any floor) to the nearest place of reasonable safety which is:
• A protected stairway enclosure (a storey exit);
• A separate fire compartment from which there is a final exit to a place of total safety; or
• The nearest available final exit.

Escape routes Suggested range of travel distance

Where more than one escape route is provided
25m in higher fire-risk area1
45m in normal fire-risk area
60m in lower fire-risk area2

Where only a single escape route is provided

12m in higher fire-risk area1
18m in normal fire-risk area
25m in lower fire-risk area2

Figure 2: Measuring travel distance Figure 4: Alternative exits

Figure 3: Inner

Figure 5: Alternative exits separated by fire-resisting construction

CASE STUDY
Site Map

Guar
d
house
General Description
Location: USM, Penang
Building code: G31
Type of building premise: School offices
No. of floors: 7 floors

History of School of Computer Science

The School of Computer Sciences was established officially on the 1st of March 1995 after functioning for a period of 10
years as the Division of Computer Science, an independent and autonomous unit within the then School of Mathematical
and Computer Sciences. The period had witnessed various advances, developments and achievements of Computer
Science pertaining to academic programmes, research and development, consultancy, community services and others.
The School of Computer Sciences will continue its efforts to strengthen its curricula and at the same time explore
research areas that contribute significantly to the development of the nation.

History of School of Mathematical Sciences

The School of Mathematical Sciences was established in May 1974. It was previously known as the School of
Mathematical and Computer Sciences until the separation of the two sections on March 1, 1995. Since its establishment,
the School has undergone rapid development and made significant advances pertaining to academic programs, research
and development, teaching and consultancy.

Computer Labs Facilities for Undergraduate Teaching

• There are an average of 45 computers (Pentium 4) are allocated to each lab.
• These labs are operated by 8 technicians
The labs are open during office hours, during semester breaks, and are open until 11:00 pm during the semester. The
General Office for the lab is located on Level 3 (Room 305).

Computer Labs Facilities for Research and Undergraduate Project

The labs are open 24 hours a day to students who have been given permission to use the labs and the list of the students
will be posted on each lab. Each lab is supervised by a coordinator and is assisted by security personnel who are
supposed to patrol the designated area.

1. Analysis and Identifying the fire hazards on case study

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 1St Floor

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 Ground Floor

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 6th Floor

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 7th Floor

Legend
Location of fire hazard
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To identify fire hazard,

Conference room, Meeting room and VIVA room

(Location: Ground, 5th and 7th floor)
This type of room mostly will be used for presentation, conference and meeting events. Since there are many types
of electrical equipment like computers, projectors, speakers, microphones, LCD screen and compact fluorescent
lights occur in this room, therefore, the flow of electricity may overload or short circuit may happen if the total voltage
is too high. Short circuit from the electronic equipment will create the sparks, and then produce the fire. This situation
will bring hazard to people.
General Office
(Location: Ground, 6th, 7th floor)
The fire hazards in this room are papers, furniture, boiler etc. However, papers and furniture can be said as the main
hazards because there got some furniture especially book shelf will be used to store student’s assignments. If fire
happen, the fire will spread around the area and finally burn the book shelf and papers. If the all the book shelf are
put at the specific corner, then fire will not spread so fast. Conversely, if the book shelves are anyway, it will increase
the rate of fire to spread.

Computer Lab, Network Research Room, Data Processing Lab, Artificial Intelligent lab, Information Security
Engineering Lab and Audio Lab
(Location: Ground, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th floor)
Two hazards can be found in computer lab, that is, electronic equipment (computer) and the fire sprinkler system.
The fire sprinkler system should not install above the electronic equipment because the water sprayed from the fire
sprinkler will cause short circuit among the computer. But, there are many number of fire sprinklers and computers in
the computer lab, the possibility to produce sparks from the computers will increase if water was sprayed on it.

Lecturer Rooms
(Location: From Ground floor to 7th floor)
Basically, no potential sources of ignition and fuel like arson, engine, machinery or flammable liquid will exist in
lecturer rooms of Computer Science School. However, other sources like wood, paper, furniture and electrical
equipment cannot be ignored as fire hazards. Some lecturer will smoke in the room and if they accidentally put their
cigarette on piece of paper but didn’t realize it, then fire will happen. Furthermore, with only one piece of fire sprinkler
being installed for each room, is it capable to put out the fire in short period? In addition, outside the lecturer rooms
have some recycle materials like small book shelf was put along the corridor, this will make the means of escape not
wide enough for people to run out from the building due to the corridor was blocked by waste materials and difficult to
access.
Photostat Room
(Location: 5th floor)
There have both potential sources of fuel and potential sources of ignition. For example, Photostat machine,
electrical equipment, paper and furniture like wooden shelf, all are exist in this room. The relationship of these type
hazards can be described as following. When we operating the Photostat machine, it require electricity input. Then, if
people use it continuously from morning to evening, the motor inside the machine will become very hot and may burn
itself. At the same time, papers which are put near to that machine will also be affected by the fire and burn itself
automatically until the fire was spread to wooden shelf. As a result, whole room will be easily burned by fire.

Forensic Lab
(Location: 5th floor)
Forensic lab has a lot of chemical liquid and some of these chemical liquid are flammable liquid. Therefore, the
possibility of fire is very high. During fire, if this type of chemical was heat up by fire, some will explore directly and
this situation may also affect the room which is next to it and let fire spread immediately.
2. Analysis and Identifying People at Risk
Identifying people at risk can show at escape route which formulated on the building. Every storey has manual for escape
route and exit light in doors which connected to exit entrance.
 Manual escape route on each storey

Base on our assessment, the building has 3 exits in each storey with open space in the centre and we has mapping of escape
route for the case study like describe at the below:
3. Evaluating the Risk
Ground Floor
1st Floor
2nd Floor
3rd Floor
4th Floor
5th Floor
6th Floor
Step 4- Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct and Train.
In Step 4 there are four further elements of the risk assessment we should focus on to address the management of
fire safety in the building. In smaller premises this could be done as part of the day-to-day management, however, as
the premises or the organization get larger it may be necessary for a formal structure and written policy to be
developed.

As we survey the identified building, we saw a there are a structured organization in term of fire management team.
During our investigation, we saw most every level, there is an information about who is the responsible person if
there is any fire. This people must have been train to organize the evacuation in such of fire. This information is easy
to get and most of the people within the building are well known about this information because it already stick to the
place where it easy to get.

Emergency plan
You need to plan the action that people in the building and other people in the workplace should take in the event of
a fire. If there are more than five people then it must have a written emergency plan. This emergency plan should be
kept in the workplace, be available to the people and outsider and form the basis of the training and instruction which
have been prepared or provide. Any written plan should be available for inspection by the fire authority.
The purpose of the emergency plan is:
 • to ensure that the people in the building know what to do to if there is a fire; and

• To ensure that the workplace can be safely evacuated.

In drawing up the emergency plan, we need to take the results of the risk assessment into account. For most
workplaces it should be easy to prepare a reasonable and workable emergency plan. In some small workplaces the
final result may be some simple instructions covering the above points on a Fire Action Notice. However, in large or
complex workplaces, the emergency plan will probably need to be more detailed.

If the workplace is in a building which is shared with other people or occupiers, the emergency plan should be drawn
up in consultation with those people and the owner(s) or other people who have any control over any part of the
building. It can help to agree on one person to co-ordinate this.
The plan should provide clear instructions on:

• the action employees should take if they discover a fire;

• how people will be warned if there is a fire;

• how the evacuation of the workplace should be carried out;

• where people should assemble after they have left the workplace and procedures for checking whether the
workplace has been evacuated;
• identification of key escape routes, how people can gain access to them and escape from them to places of
safety;

• the fire-fighting equipment provided;

• the duties and identity of employees who have specific responsibilities in the event of a fire;

• arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as contractors,
those with disabilities, members of the public and visitors;

• where appropriate, any machines/processes/power supplies which need stopping or isolating in the event of
fire;

• specific arrangements, if necessary, for high-fire-risk areas of the workplace;

• how the fire brigade and any other necessary emergency services will be called and who will be responsible
for doing this;

• procedures for liaising with the fire brigade on arrival and notifying them of any special risks, eg the location
of highly flammable materials; and

• what training employees need and the arrangements for ensuring that this training is given.
Information and instruction to the people
It is important that the people in the building know how to prevent fires and what they should do if a fire occurs. They
should all be given information about the fire precautions in the work- place and what to do in the event of a fire. The
management also need to ensure that they include people working in the premises outside normal hours, such as
cleaners or shift workers.

Ensure that training and written information is given in a way that the people can understand, and take account of
those with disabilities such as hearing or sight impairment, those with learning difficulties and those who do not use
English as their first language.

On their first day, all employees should be given information about:

• the location and use of the escape routes from where they are working; and

• the location, operation and meaning of the fire warning system where they are working.

Train
About the training, most of the people must be well train enough to fight and mange if the fire occurred. The type of
training should be based on the particular features of the workplace and must take a few consideration such as :
• it should explain the emergency procedures;
 • take account of the work activity, the duties and responsibilities of people;

• take account of the findings of the risk assessment; and

• be easily understandable by the employees.

Besides that, you should ensure that all people (and contractors) are told about the evacuation arrangements and
are shown the means of escape as soon as possible after attending the premises.

Training should be repeated as necessary (usually once or twice a year) so that the people remain familiar with the
fire precautions in the workplace and are reminded about what to do in an emergency - including those who work in
the premises outside normal hours, such as cleaners or shift-workers. It is very important that the people know about
any changes to the emergency procedures before they are implemented.

Training should preferably include practical exercises, eg fire drills, to check people's understanding of the
emergency plan and make them familiar with its operation. In small workplaces, this might consist of making sure
that people are aware of details of the Fire Action Notice.

The training should include the following list such as:

• the action to take on discovering a fire;

• how to raise the alarm and what happens then;

• the action to take upon hearing the fire alarm;

• the procedures for alerting members of the public and visitors including, where appropriate, directing them to
exits;

• the arrangements for calling the fire brigade;

• the evacuation procedures for everyone in your workplace to reach an assembly point at a safe place;

• the location and, when appropriate, the use of fire-fighting equipment;

• the location of the escape routes, especially those not in regular use;

• how to open all escape doors, including the use of any emergency fastenings;

• the importance of keeping fire doors closed to prevent the spread of fire, heat and smoke;

• where appropriate, how to stop machines and processes and isolate power supplies in the event of fire;

• the reason for not using lifts (except those specifically installed or adapted for evacuation of disabled people
and

• the importance of general fire safety and good housekeeping.

In addition to the training in general fire precautions, the people should be informed of the risks from flammable
materials used or stored on the premises. They should also be trained in the precautions in place to control the risks,
particularly their role in reducing and controlling sources of ignition and fuel for the fire. Those working in high-risk
areas should receive specific training in safe operating procedures and emergency responses. Where appropriate,
training should cover:

• standards and work practices for safe operation of plant and equipment and safe handling of flammable
materials (especially flammable liquids);

• housekeeping in process areas;

• reporting of faults and incidents, including leaks and spills of flammable liquids;

• emergency procedures for plant or processes in the event of fire, spills or leaks; and

• relevant legal requirements.

Step 5 – Review and Revise

Sooner or later there will be changes in the workplace which have an effect on the fire risks and precautions, eg
changes to the work processes, furniture, plant, machinery, substances, buildings, or the number of people likely to
be present in the workplace. Any of these could lead to new hazards or increased risk. So if there is any significant
change, there will be need to review the assessment in the light of the new hazard or risk.

Do not amend the assessment for every trivial change or for each new job, but if a change or job introduces
significant new hazards you will want to consider them and do whatever you need to keep the risks under control. In
any case, you should keep your assessment under review to make sure that the precautions are still working
effectively.

If a fire or 'near miss' occurs, then the existing assessment may be out of date or inadequate and should reassess. It
is a good idea to identify the cause of any incident and then review the fire risk assessment in the light of this.