Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Responsible Person: Head of Biosciences in conjunction with Council & the Vice Chancellor
Address of Property: Stacey Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ
Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: 30th June 2010, 15th February 2006
Suggested Date for Review: February 2018, or as per UoK SHEU official schedule, or in event of significant change
2.1 Approximate maximum number: Not reviewed at this time (except former Hub - se 17.2 ii).
2.2 Maximum number of staff at any one time: Not reviewed at this time
6.1 Primary statutory provisions etc: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, referred Official Guidance & related
British Standards/Euro Norms
6.2 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
6.3 Other legislation significant to fire safety Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010
provisions in this building:
6.4 Enforced by: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
RISK SUMMARY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
The following is based on BS 9999 concepts and principles, which may be used in conjunction with official guidance in assessing risks.
Categories relevant to the building are highlighted.
Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist.
Environmental risks Fire-fighting water runoff and temporary release of combustion products to
atmosphere. Possible release of asbestos. Depending on location and extent
of fire, possible environmental impacts from release of various substances to
soil, watercourse and/or air. Possible radiological and biological releases.
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
7.0 Electrical Sources of Ignition Continue insofar as possible to maintain/encourage safe separation distance of
½ metre between appliances and combustible materials in all areas, to ensure
that sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical equipment,
to ensure that all electrical fuses and circuit breakers etc are of the correct rating
and suitable for the purpose, and to switch equipment off at the end of the
working day.
7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of Y The adjoining brick shed (site of a previous fire involving a compressor, now
electrical origin? disconnected) is currently disused.
7.2 Fixed installation periodically inspected and Y Continue to ensure PAT and fixed installation testing is carried out regularly.
tested? Portable appliance testing carried out?
Suitable policy regarding use of personal
electrical appliances? Suitable limitation of
trailing leads and adaptors?
8.0 Smoking
8.1, 2 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a Y Ensure University smoking policy continues to be implemented, publicised and
result of smoking? Prohibited where appropriate? enforced insofar as possible. See also 20.1 (1).
Arrangements for smokers? No evidence of
breaches?
9.0 Arson
9.1, 2 Does basic security against arson appear Y
reasonable? Absence of fire load available for
ignition in vulnerable areas? (Proximity to or
presence within building)
11.0 Cooking
11.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires X
as a result of cooking? Is all essential
maintenance up to date and recorded?
11.2 Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned X
regularly? Are suitable extinguishing appliances
available?
12.0 Lightning
12.1 Does the building have a lightning protection Y
system?
FIRE HAZARDS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
13.0 Housekeeping
13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Y Ensure that housekeeping programme continues to include prompt removal of
combustible materials and waste.
13.2 Are combustible materials separated from ignition Y Continue to maintain safe separation distance of ½ metre between appliances
sources? and combustible materials throughout building .
13.3 Is there an avoidance of unnecessary N Remove chairs, packaging, trolley, cleaning materials, equipment etc from the Escape routes should be maintained as fire-sterile as possible; this is
accumulation of combustible materials or waste? rear staircase and former Hub staircase which must must not contain especially critical in staircases and where there is no alternative
combustible materials at any time - strict requirement. See also 13.5. direction of escape.
13.4 Is there appropriate storage of combustible Y Continue to ensure that open skips and other combustible materials, including in 8 metre distance is understood to be a requirement of the University's
materials? Kier Construction's compound adjacent, are placed at least 8m from the building insurers; other sources specify variously from 5 to 12m.
and secure.
13.5 Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of N See 13.3 - combustible materials such as timber pallets, plastic packaging and
combustible materials? housekeeping materials were seen in the rear staircase on several recent
occasions. Kent Fire & Rescue Service enforcement officers require that no
items are stored in protected escape staircases, even non-combustible, since
the introduction of other materials may in effect be encouraged. It is strongly
recommended that the rear and former Hub staircases should therefore not
contain noncombustible items either, unless regular and reliable inspections can
be implemented (see 25.8).
15.2 Is there adequate information on safety provided Y Continue to ensure that safety data sheets are readily available for all dangerous
by the supplier on any relevant safety data sheet? substances.
● the amount of the substance involved Reduce quantities or substitute for a less volatile substance, etc.
● where the work will involve more than one Introduce appropriate segregation measures to ensure that
dangerous substance, the risk presented by such incompatible substances do not come into contact with each other.
substances in combination Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the requirement
to prevent confusion between connecting devices. Risk assess and
design laboratory procedures and reactions so as to minimise risk.
Account should be taken of potentials for unintended or uncontrolled
reactions including runaways, including the effect of possible failure
of equipment or power supply.
● the arrangements for the safe handling, storage G29, Technical Services: store all flammables in a suitable marked cabinet. See also 16.3.
and transport of dangerous substances and of
waste containing dangerous substances
● any other measures introduced as a result of the Implement the requirement to train appropriate staff in the use of
RRO appropriate fire fighting equipment suitable for the risks present (see
25.5).
15.4 Are there safe systems of work for maintenance, Ensure that appropriate safe systems of work are in place and that
where there is the potential for a high level of written instructions for the carrying out of particular high-risk work are
risk? issued. Ensure that workers are suitably trained, informed and
instructed. Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the
requirements where power failure can give rise to the spread of
additional risk; if/where critical, equipment and protective systems
must be capable of safe operation independently of the rest of the
building in the event of power failure. Ensure that appropriate
requirements for emergency manual override, shutdown etc are
safely met.
15.5 Are sufficient control measures in place to See also 23.1. Prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including e.g. by
counter the likelihood that an explosive appropriate ventilation.
atmosphere will occur and its persistence
including adjacent areas?
15.6 Are sufficient control measures in place to Ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the
counter the likelihood that ignition sources, requirements where on operation of emergency shutdown,
including electrostatic discharges, will be present accumulated energy must be dissipated as quickly and as safely as
and become active and effective possible or isolated so that it no longer constitutes a hazard.
15.7 Has account been taken regarding the scale of Where relevant, reduce to a minimum the number of persons
the anticipated effects? exposed in the risk area. Introduce additional measures to avoid the
propagation of fires or explosions. Provide explosion pressure relief
arrangements. Provide explosion suppression equipment. Provide
plant which is constructed so as to withstand the pressure likely to be
produced by an explosion. Provide suitable personal protective
equipment.
15.8 Is sufficient additional safety information available Provide appropriate safety information as full implementation of
to enable the assessment to be completed? DSEAR risk assessments progresses.
16.3 Other risks relating to fire Various non-flammable compressed gas cylinders are present within
laboratories, including those recently refurbished. These should preferably be
relocated outside the building and the gases piped in.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
17.2 ii In the case of roof access, are there adequate A Permit to Work system applies for roof access - account should be taken of
suppl. exits/routes? extended travel distances, limited audibility of fire alarm signal and Campus
Security awareness in case of fire evacuations.
17.2 iii Are exits easily and immediately openable where Y The fire exit door at the foot of the rear staircase should release automatically The fire exit door at the former Hub entrance is non-
necessary? (Alarm-linked features such as on activation of the fire alarm (the green breakglass should not need to be compliant having two turnbuttons requiring to be opened,
electronic door release mechanisms to be operated). but is viewed as tolerable temporarily pending
verified as compliant, functional and suitably refurbishment and/or reassessment of means of escape.
failsafe)
17.2 iv Do escape exits open in the direction of escape Y
where necessary?
17.2 v Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire Confirmed that sliding doors have battery backup and are linked to the fire Alternatively, doors should be openable in emergency by
exits where necessary? alarm system. Information has been requested from Estates to confirm nature outward pressure and have escape signage to that effect,
of other failsafe arrangements. or suitable relief exit doorways should be provided.
17.2 vi Are there satisfactory means for securing exits? Y
17.2 vii Are there reasonable travel distances where Y Dead end conditions exist on all upper floors at the South end of the main block
there is a single direction of travel? (see also further comments at 17.2 ix)), and on the ground floor at the far end of
the former Enterprise Hub.
17.2 viii Are there reasonable travel distances where Y Previous dead end conditions on the upper floor of the former Enterprise Hub,
there is an alternative means of escape? although not exceeding travel distance limits, have been relieved by the
addition of external escape staircases.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
17.2 ix Is there suitable protection of escape routes? N The main staircase and refuges are not fully protected at present - 201 A. All rooms off the L1 & L2 South dead-end corridors
Reception room should be half hour fire-separated from the staircase (both (main block) should be designated fire doors; alternatively,
doors to FD30S standard). (a) all rooms (as well as the corridors) should be provided
with smoke detectors, or (b) the corridors could be
considered as "rooms" and the rooms "inner rooms" off
them (i.e. tolerable at present if requirements in 17.2 ix
suppl. 1 below are met).
B. Some fire doors to rooms are of older design, lacking
intumescent strips and smoke seals - tolerable if
maintained in good condition such that door leaves self-
close fully into rebates and latch shut.
C. The Stores hatch shutter does not require full fire
resistance for life safety purposes, given dual escape
directions in the corridor outside, but provides protection
and should be shut if safe to do so in the event of the fire
alarm sounding.
D. External windows within 1.8m of the external escape
staircases are fire resisting.
E. Designated fire doors must not be wedged or propped
open at any time.
17.2 ix Are escape routes suitably/tolerably fire sterile? N (1) Remove freezer from South corridor on L1, or enclose in fire resisting A. Dead-end corridors and escape staircases should be
suppl. 1 construction. (2) Remove photocopier from South corrdor on L2, or enclose in maintained fire-sterile. Regarding actions (1) and (2), see
fire resisting construction. (3) Electrical control units above the door at the foot further comments at 17.2 ix above: option (b) is only viable
of the internal staircase in the former Enterprise Hub should be enclosed in fire if the corridors contain lesser fire risks compared with the
resisting materials. (4) Remove open pinboard from ground floor foyer - no rooms off them. See also 13.3.
open combustible postings are permissible in the staircase enclosure. B. The main staircase is not entirely fully fire sterile (small
social areas on ground floor and L2 including tables with
minimal leaflets etc), but tolerable with requirement (4) met
and so long as combustible materials do not proliferate
further.
17.2 ix Where automatic devices are fitted to designated Y Not all to previous CFOA requirement of 1.5m, but acceptable.
suppl. 2 fire doors, is appropriate automatic fire detection
fitted, and are they of an appropriate type?
17.2 x Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Y B214 must be used as a store room only, i.e. not "occupied" at any time, unless
suitable provisions are made to relieve its inner room condition.
17.2 xi Are all escape routes unobstructed and safely Y Continue to ensure that all escape routes and gangways, including through
passable? rooms, remain unobstructed at full width at all times. The gangway through
B211 (escape route from B210) required furniture removing when inspected and
should continue to be monitored.
17.3 Is the building provided with reasonable Y Ramps from final exits from teaching labs lead immediately to grassed area. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans must continue to
arrangements for occupants who may have Paths should be provided to allow people with mobility impairments to move to be devised for all persons with impairments who may
difficulty escaping? a place of safety irrespective of ground conditions. require assistance to escape safely.
17.3 Are disabled refuges suitably provided, N Positioning of the new refuges in the rear staircase should be corrected so that See also 17.2 ix (1) - refuges in main staircase are
suppl. 1 protected, signed and accessible? a wheelchair will not impede the escape route width. currently not sufficiently protected, and (further comment
B) not fully fire sterile, but relieved by alternative refuges in
the rear staircase and (on L2) in Ingram Phase 2.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
18.2 As far as can be reasonably ascertained, are fire Unknown - see 18.1 i.
dampers provided as necessary to prevent
critical means of escape against passage of fire,
smoke and combustion products in the early
stages of a fire?
23.1 Is there a suitable sprinkler or water based N Consider providing fume cupboards/hoods with suppression systems where Any fume cupboard/hood ducting installed in future should
system, gaseous local application or total work undertaken carries a fire risk, especially where ducting passes through fire pass up the exterior of the building wherever practicable.
flooding provided that is adequate for the risk compartmentation.
present?
INDEX DETAIL YES NO N/A COMMENTS, CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED ETC. FURTHER COMMENTS, DETAIL, CLARIFICATION ETC
25.3, 4 Is there a suitable record of fire safety Y The fire emergency plans should be reviewed for adequacy in common
arrangements? Procedures properly with other University buildings.
documented? Suitable arrangements for
ensuring that the premises have been evacuated?
Suitable fire assemply point(s)? Adequate
procedures for evacuation of persons with
disabilities?
25.3,4 Are suitable and sufficient arrangements in place Y Campus Security response. Kent Fire & Rescue Service statements, reflecting national fire
suppl. for investigating fire alarm activations, brigade policy: "From 2 April 2013, any premises reporting an
summoning the Fire & Rescue Service, meeting automatic fire alarm sounding will be required to confirm to 999 staff
them on arrival and providing relevant information that there is a fire, or signs of fire, before any fire fighting response
including hazards to firefighters? is sent", requiring "trained, designated people who can safely
investigate the cause of the fire alarm and escalate or downgrade
the situation as required".
25.5 Are persons nominated and trained to use fire Y It is recommended that key laboratory staff receive hands-on training in fire Campus Watch / FM staff are nominated and trained, but cannot be
extinguishing appliances? extinguisher use at not less than 3 year intervals. expected to enter areas of special risk to carry out first-aid
firefighting. For all
persons except those fully trained, fire extinguishers should not be
used unless necessary in order to escape.
25.6 Are persons nominated and trained to assist with Y Efforts should be made to appoint more fire marshals and deputies in Campus Security arrangements facilitate assisted evacuations
evacuation, including evacuation of persons with order to achieve full coverage of evacuation management. except where otherwise specified in PEEPs. Session
disabilities? leaders (lecturers etc) must take reasonable responsibility for
ensuring and confirming the safe evacuation of all persons present,
but without putting themselves at risk.
25.7 Is there appropriate liaison with the Fire & Rescue Y
Service (e.g. any relevant notifications,
familiarization visits etc)
25.8 Is a system of routine in-house, local inspections Y N Local checks and inspections of fire safety features by fire marshals or
of fire precautions implemented? other nominated persons should be extended throughout the building. Key
requirements of this fire risk assessment should be covered.
25 suppl. Is there local awareness of PEEP requirements Y Ensure awareness and continue to identify where PEEPs might be
for regular building users with disabilities, required; contact Michelle Dawson, SHE Unit confidentially in each case.
impairments and other relevant conditions? See also section 17.3.
Would such persons be identified and referred?
27.5 Is there adequate provision for ensuring external Implement reliable de-icing and snow clearing arrangements for external
suppl. escape staircases and gangways remain escape staircases and walkways. Note that at times when these are not
passable at all material times during inclement safely passable, occupancy of teaching laboratories and L1 of the former
weather? Hub should be limited. Estates are unlikely to be able to provide sufficient
priority for immediate occupancy.
27.6 Six-monthly testing and annual inspection of X
rising mains and/or hydrants?
27.7 Weekly and monthly testing, six monthly X
inspection and annual testing of evacuation
and/or fire-fighting lifts?
27.8 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of X
sprinkler installations?
27.9 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security Y
fastening?
27.10 Annual inspection and test of lightning protection Y
systems?
27.11 Other relevant inspections or tests: (including Y Subject to findings of 18.1i.
e.g. ductwork dampers, fire shutters, venting
systems, door holdback devices, electronic door
release systems)
28.0 Records
28.1 Are appropriate records kept for:
31.1 The main part of the building is on three floors each served by a subdivided corridor, plus a roof plant
room (i.e. 7 in total), with two protected staircases. On L2 the main staircase links via a lecture theatre
and corridor to the adjacent Ingram Phase 2 building.
31.1a The building includes the former Enterprise Hub on two floors with a central protected staircase and two
external escape staircases.
31.2 The evacuation strategy is simultaneous and immediate for the entire building and all occupants except,
briefly, those tasked with coordinating the evacuation.
31.3 The building is adequately provided with access routes for firefighting by the Fire & Rescue Service. Fire
hydrants are available to the front of the adjacent Sports Centre and to the rear (former Giles Lane
Teaching Annexe area) and are maintained in an operational state.
34 suppl. Regarding business continuity comments (Risk & Fire Growth worksheet) - BFPEM Evaluator L-curve (Fire Service College, Feb
2006) predicts a moderate to high probability that a fire will be limited, based on a design fire originating in a first floor office.
This simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimator in BS 8800.
Assessment of risk is on a "probable" basis, recognising the degree to which this Fire Risk Assessment is based on sampling; undetected risks may exist.
Fire hazard ▼
Low Trivial OR tolerable risk * Tolerable risk Moderate risk
Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk
High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk
* at discretion of Fire Risk Assessor
Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the
hazard from fire (probability of ignition) at this building is:
High / likely
Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements
observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would be:
Moderate harm
Extreme harm
Slight harm: Outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupant (other than an occupant
sleeping in a bedroom in which a fire occurs).
Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could result in injury of one or more occupants, but it is unlikely to involve multiple
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
fatalities.
Extreme harm: Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants.
Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is:
Trivial
Moderate
Substantial
Intolerable
A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk. The following risk-based
control plan is based on one advocated by BS 8800 for general health and safety risks:
Tolerable No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for consideration
of improvements that involve minor or limited cost, and various corrective actions may
be required.
Moderate It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should
be implemented within a defined time period.
Where moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute extreme harm, further
assessment may be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis
for determining the priority for improved control measures.
Substantial Considerable resources may have to be allocated to reduce the risk. If the building is
unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the building is
occupied, urgent action should be taken.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced.
Important note: this assessment of risk is made on a probable or 'best endeavour' basis, since this report is based on a sampling exercise.
It is possible that greater risks remain undetected in areas or aspects that have not yet been accessed or addressed.
ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
ACTION PLAN
Note - only remedial/salient items appear below. Various other, general requirements are also necessary - see previous worksheets.
REFERENCE ACTION REQUIRED PRIORITY * RESPONSIBILITY TARGET DATE COMPLETE
6 figure numbers = (or √ = carried
Estates Helpdesk forward to Estates
Service Requests spreadsheet **)
13.0 Housekeeping
13.3 Remove chairs, packaging, trolley, cleaning materials, equipment etc from the rear 1A Biosciences Immediate/
staircase and former Hub staircase which must must not contain combustible urgent and
materials at any time - strict requirement. See also 13.5. ongoing
17.3 suppl. 1 Positioning of the new refuges in the rear staircase should be corrected so that a 2A Estates Short term √
wheelchair will not impede the escape route width.
21 suppl. 2 Flashing beacons should preferably be fitted at least in circulation areas and rooms 2 to 3A Estates Medium term √
people with hearing impairments may at times occupy alone.
23.1 Consider providing fume cupboards/hoods with suppression systems where work 2A/B Biosciences Ongoing
undertaken carries a fire risk, especially where ducting passes through fire recommen-
compartmentation. dation
25.6 Efforts should be made to appoint more fire marshals and deputies in order to 2A Biosciences Short term and
achieve full coverage of evacuation management. ongoing
25.8 Local checks and inspections of fire safety features by fire marshals or other 2A/B Biosciences Ongoing
nominated persons should be extended throughout the building. Key requirements
of this fire risk assessment should be covered.
* PRIORITY (N.B. approximately to Fire Service College Fire Safety Engineering Division scale, not PAS 79)
Category A. Fire Risk to Persons:
1A - A serious life safety risk and/or a major, serious or overt contravention of current fire safety
legislation and/or official guidance.
This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority.
2A - An important life safety issue and/or a contravention of current fire safety legislation and/or official
guidance, that may lead to enforcement action if not addressed.
This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay.
ACTION PLAN FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
3A - A significant life safety issue which, in combination with other significant findings, may result in an
increased risk to persons.
Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire safety practice.
4A - A life safety issue recommended for consideration in accordance with good fire safety practice.
Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate.
Category B. Fire Risk to Property, Business Continuity, Environment, Amenity, Heritage etc.
1B - A serious risk of damage by fire (with possible legal implications, depending on the enforcing
authority involved).
This matter requires immediate attention and must be given high priority.
2B - An important potential fire damage issue (with possible legal implications, depending on the
enforcing authority involved).
This matter requires attention with the minimum of delay.
3B - A significant potential fire damage issue which, in combination with other significant findings,may
result in an increased risk to the property.
Advised to implement programme of work or action in accordance with good fire protection/prevention
practice.
4B - A property protection issue recommended for consideration as a medium of longer term objective in
accordance with good fire prevention/protection practice.
Advised to implement action or programme of work as appropriate.
** Capital items are subject to a further scored priority system via the Estates
fire safety planning spreadsheet