c03_workplace_fire_risk_assessment_COMPLETE

Question 1

Preventive and protective measures should be implemented in accordance with the principles of prevention

Answer 1

(a) avoiding risks (b) evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided (c) combating the risks at source (d) adapting to technical progress (e) replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous (f) developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work and the influence of factors relating to the working environment (g) giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures (h) giving appropriate instructions to employees.

Question 2

The main enforcing authority for the RRFSO will normally be

Answer 2

the local Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA)

Question 3

A warehouse that stores stationery products generated six false fire alarms over a three month period while in the process of expanding its premises. On each occasion, the local Fire and Rescue Authority attended the premises. After the last occasion, the Fire and Rescue Authority inspected the warehouse and discovered that the employees had failed to evacuate on all but the first occasion. They also discovered that no testing or maintenance had been carried out on the fire alarm system for five years. Outline the range of enforcement action options the Fire and Rescue Authority may take as a result of their inspection findings. 10 marks

Answer 3

In the circumstances described, if the Fire Authority considers that the premises are, or have the potential to become, a high risk premises, they might issue an alteration notice requiring the employer to send them proposals of any changes they propose to make, together with a copy of the completed risk assessment. If, however, the Fire Authority is dissatisfied with the risk assessment, or the action the employer has taken, or indeed with his compliance as a whole with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO), they might issue an enforcement notice, requiring improvements to be made which would allow a minimum period of twenty eight days before compliance was required. Should the Fire Authority consider that the premises does or will involve a serious risk, they may issue a prohibition notice prohibiting or restricting the use of the premises until specific matters have been remedied. The notice may include directions as to what steps need to be taken and may be enforced immediately, or take effect at the end of a specified period. Finally the Fire Authority may decide to prosecute for any of the summary or indictable offences detailed in Part 4 of the RRFSO.

Question 4

Article 4: Meaning of ‘general fire precautions’ General fire precautions means: 6

Answer 4

 measures to reduce the risk of fire and the risk of fire spread on the premises  means of escape and measures for securing the safe and effective use of the means of escape  measures for fighting fires  measures for detecting fire and giving warning  measures relating to the instruction and training of employees  measures to mitigate the effects of fire.

Question 5

Fire prevention strategies are intended to

Answer 5

reduce the likelihood of a fire and are based upon keeping the sides of the fire triangle apart through the effective management of ignition sources, combustible materials, and oxygen sources.

Question 6

Fire protection strategies are intended to

Answer 6

protect the people, the building and other assets, should a fire occur.

Question 7

Active Fire Protection 2

Answer 7

Fire Detectionand Alarm(Element 3.3)Fire FightingEquipment(Element 3.4)

Question 8

Passive Fire Protection 2

Answer 8

Stuctural FireProtection(Element 2.3)Means ofescape(Element 3.5)

Question 9

The details of the emergency plan must be recorded if: 3

Answer 9

 more than five people are employed  the premises is licensed  an alterations notice requiring it is in force, In simple premises the emergency plan may be no more than the fire action notice.

Question 10

The emergency plan should include: 13

Answer 10

 How people will be warned if there is a fire.  What staff should do if they discover a fire.  How the evacuation of the premises should be carried out.  Where people should assemble after they have left the premises, and procedures for checking whether the premises have been evacuated.  Identification of key escape routes, how people can gain access to them and escape from them to a place of total safety.  Arrangements for fighting the fire.  The duties and identity of staff who have specific responsibilities if there is a fire.  Arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as young people, those with disabilities or lone workers.  Any machines/processes/appliances/power supplies that need to be stopped or isolated if there is a fire.  Specific arrangements, if necessary, for high fire-risk areas.  Contingency plans for when life safety systems, such as evacuation lifts, fire detection and warning systems, sprinklers or smoke control systems are out of order.  How the fire and rescue service and any other necessary services will be called and who will be responsible for doing this.  Procedures for meeting the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks, for example, the location of highly flammable materials; and what training employees need and the arrangements for ensuring that this training is given.

Question 11

A factory manufactures upholstery using fabrics, and plastic pellets. These raw materials are delivered to a warehouse. The fabrics and plastic pellets are machined to form furniture coverings and cushions. The finished product is then stored in a despatch warehouse prior to distribution. The movement of goods around the premises is carried out by Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuelled forklift trucks. The company is located on the outskirts of a small town and employs 230 people Outline the range of factors that must be addressed to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is made for the premises. 20 marks

Answer 11

The factors to be addressed could have been grouped and described as follows:  Factors connected with fuels which would have to be addressed include the LPG for the forklift trucks, the flammable covers and untreated fillings, and structural issues such as the materials of construction of the premises themselves.  Ignition sources would include those connected with the use of electricity, including the likely presence of static, friction from machinery which may not be adequately maintained, ‘illegal’ smoking by personnel, the controls (or lack of them) introduced for maintenance, which might include hot work, and the possibility of arson.  As for people issues, attention would have to be given to the number of people to be evacuated in the event of a fire, including visitors and contractors, with the needs of disabled employees being particularly addressed.  Preventive actions would include special precautions for the LPG store such as segregation, bunding and the provision of a fixed sprinkler system; regular maintenance of electrical systems and cleaning of trucks and moulding machines; the use of fire resistant cover materials; minimising the amount of stock kept on the premises and ensuring a good standard of housekeeping with facilities provided for the segregation of waste.  Mitigating actions would be concerned with the compartmentalisation for higher risk areas such as the plastic store; the sufficiency and appropriate nature of the fire fighting equipment together with its location; smoke venting of warehouses together with the provision of fixed protection systems; an adequate supply of water and of foam; ensuring the audibility of alarms; and providing access for emergency services.  The assessment would need to give particular attention to the means of escape and there would have to be assurance that these were continually maintained, and that fire doors were correctly specified. Attention would have to be given to travel distances including multi-storey considerations, the provision of normal and emergency signage and emergency lighting together with refuges for subsequent evacuation and the provision of assembly points in a place of safety.  Finally the assessment would have to consider the management systems introduced for the maintenance and testing of fire precautions and mitigation equipment; the appointment and training of fire wardens; the carrying out of fire drills and the training given to employees both in evacuation procedures and the use of fire fighting equipment.

Question 12

The traditional approach to fire safety management / management of fire precautions involves a two tiered approach

Answer 12

Fire prevention strategies are intended to reduce the likelihood of a fire and are based upon keeping the sides of the fire triangle apart through the effective management of ignition sources, combustible materials, and oxygen sources. Fire protection strategies protect the people, the building and other assets, should a fire occur.

Question 13

The details of the emergency plan must be recorded if:

Answer 13

The details of the emergency plan must be recorded if:  more than five people are employed  the premises is licensed  an alterations notice requiring it is in force,

Question 14

The emergency plan should include:13

Answer 14

 How people will be warned if there is a fire.  What staff should do if they discover a fire.  How the evacuation of the premises should be carried out.  Where people should assemble after they have left the premises, and procedures for checking whether the premises have been evacuated.  Identification of key escape routes, how people can gain access to them and escape from them to a place of total safety.  Arrangements for fighting the fire.  The duties and identity of staff who have specific responsibilities if there is a fire.  Arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as young people, those with disabilities or lone workers.  Any machines/processes/appliances/power supplies that need to be stopped or isolated if there is a fire.  Specific arrangements, if necessary, for high fire-risk areas.  Contingency plans for when life safety systems, such as evacuation lifts, fire detection and warning systems, sprinklers or smoke control systems are out of order.  How the fire and rescue service and any other necessary services will be called and who will be responsible for doing this.  Procedures for meeting the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks, for example, the location of highly flammable materials; and what training employees need and the arrangements for ensuring that this training is given.

Question 15

Fire training should cover the following issues: 14

Answer 15

 What to do on discovering a fire.  How to raise the alarm and what happens then.  What to do 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 and rescue service.  The evacuation procedures for everyone to reach an assembly point at a place of total safety.  The location and, when appropriate, the use of portable fire-fighting equipment.  The location of escape routes, especially those not in regular use.  How to open all emergency exit doors.  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 a fire.  The reason for not using lifts (except those specifically installed or nominated, following a suitable fire risk assessment, for the evacuation of people with a disability).  The safe use of, and risks from storing or working with, highly flammable and explosive substances.  The importance of general fire safety, including good housekeeping.

Question 16

A factory manufactures upholstery using fabrics, and plastic pellets. These raw materials are delivered to a warehouse. The fabrics and plastic pellets are machined to form furniture coverings and cushions. The finished product is then stored in a despatch warehouse prior to distribution. The movement of goods around the premises is carried out by Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuelled forklift trucks. The company is located on the outskirts of a small town and employs 230 people Outline the range of factors that must be addressed to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is made for the premises. 20 marks

Answer 16

The factors to be addressed could have been grouped and described as follows:  Factors connected with fuels which would have to be addressed include the LPG for the forklift trucks, the flammable covers and untreated fillings, and structural issues such as the materials of construction of the premises themselves.  Ignition sources would include those connected with the use of electricity, including the likely presence of static, friction from machinery which may not be adequately maintained, ‘illegal’ smoking by personnel, the controls (or lack of them) introduced for maintenance, which might include hot work, and the possibility of arson.  As for people issues, attention would have to be given to the number of people to be evacuated in the event of a fire, including visitors and contractors, with the needs of disabled employees being particularly addressed.  Preventive actions would include special precautions for the LPG store such as segregation, bunding and the provision of a fixed sprinkler system; regular maintenance of electrical systems and cleaning of trucks and moulding machines; the use of fire resistant cover materials; minimising the amount of stock kept on the premises and ensuring a good standard of housekeeping with facilities provided for the segregation of waste.  Mitigating actions would be concerned with the compartmentalisation for higher risk areas such as the plastic store; the sufficiency and appropriate nature of the fire fighting equipment together with its location; smoke venting of warehouses together with the provision of fixed protection systems; an adequate supply of water and of foam; ensuring the audibility of alarms; and providing access for emergency services.  The assessment would need to give particular attention to the means of escape and there would have to be assurance that these were continually maintained, and that fire doors were correctly specified. Attention would have to be given to travel distances including multi-storey considerations, the provision of normal and emergency signage and emergency lighting together with refuges for subsequent evacuation and the provision of assembly points in a place of safety.  Finally the assessment would have to consider the management systems introduced for the maintenance and testing of fire precautions and mitigation equipment; the appointment and training of fire wardens; the carrying out of fire drills and the training given to employees both in evacuation procedures and the use of fire fighting equipment.

Question 17

A manual alarm system

Answer 17

consists of break-glass units and alarm sounders connected to a control panel, and can only be activated by an individual operating a break glass unit after detecting a fire.

Question 18

An automatic system

Answer 18

adds smoke and heat detectors to the above, and is designed to raise the alarm to give early warning, whether or not people are present.

Question 19

BS 5839-1 specifies three categories of system:

Answer 19

M Manual alarm system L Life protection P Property protection

Question 20

The emphasis of a category L system is

Answer 20

to ensure people are quickly and safely evacuated. This is a ‘people out’ approach.

Question 21

The emphasis of a category P system is

Answer 21

Category P systems require an effective interface with fire extinguishing systems, as property protection is based on a ‘fire out’ approach.

Question 22

Information from a fire detector signal is sent to and processed by the fire alarm control panel. Fire detection systems are further classified according to the way the information is sent and processed as either:

Answer 22

 conventional monitored systems  addressable systems (including addressable analogue).

Question 23

In a conventional monitored system

Answer 23

the detection points (either smoke or heat) are wired in radial circuits from the control panel. At the end of each circuit, a resistor or semiconductor device creates a known resistance across the circuit, providing a steady-state reference. If a detector is activated by a fire, the steady-state resistance of the circuit to which it is connected will be altered, and the fire alarm will be raised. As each radial circuit from the control panel will have a number of detectors connected to it, identification of the location of a fire is limited to the affected circuit (or Zone).

Question 24

In an addressable system

Answer 24

detectors are connected in loops rather than radial circuits, and each detector is allocated a unique identification ‘address’. Addressable analogue systems use detectors that constantly relay information on their operating condition to the control panel.

Question 25

Fire detectors are designed to detect one or more of the four characteristics of fire, namely:

Answer 25

 heat  smoke  combustion gas (such as carbon monoxide)  infra-red or ultraviolet radiation.

Question 26

Point smoke detectors utilise one (or both) of two principles:

Answer 26

Ionisation chamber smoke detectors Optical smoke detectors

Question 27

(a) In relation to automatic fire detection and alarm systems, outline the basic principles of operation of: (i) heat detectors (ii) smoke detectors 4 marks 4 marks

Answer 27

(a) (i) Heat detectors: A fixed rate heat detector has a sensing element fixed at a particular temperature. By means of a thermocouple, it detects when the predetermined temperature is reached. A rate of rise heat detector detects abnormally fast temperature rises by means of electronic resistors. (ii) Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors are of two main types: ionising and optical or photoelectric. The chamber of an ionising smoke detector has two plates set apart, one charged negatively and the other positively. A small radioactive source is used to ionise the chamber into which smoke may enter in the event of fire. The detector reacts to the change in electrical current caused by the neutralisation of ions by the smoke particles. An optical smoke detector responds either to the obscuration or scattering of focused light rays by smoke particles.

Question 28

(b) Identify the circumstances in which EACH type of detector would be appropriate. 2 marks

Answer 28

(b) A smoke detector would be inappropriate in situations where smoke, steam or vapour might normally be expected, such as in kitchens. A heat detector might be considered inappropriate in situations where sudden temperature changes might be experienced in normal circumstances or in situations where slow burning materials are involved which would have an effect on the speed of response.

Question 29

A warehouse that stores stationery products generated six false fire alarms over a three month period while in the process of expanding its premises. On each occasion, the local Fire and Rescue Authority attended the premises. After the last occasion, the Fire and Rescue Authority inspected the warehouse and discovered that the employees had failed to evacuate on all but the first occasion. They also discovered that no testing or maintenance had been carried out on the fire alarm system for five years. Identify the possible causes of the false alarms. 6 marks Identify the actions the warehouse company should take to ensure their employees respond appropriately to fire alarms. 4 marks

Answer 29

(b) Possible cause of the false alarms include:  faults due to corrosion  wiring defects  the wrong choice of detector heads or the wrong positioning of detectors or call points  a failure to isolate a zone in the vicinity of hot work  dust from maintenance or product spillage activating an optical detector  clandestine smoking or horseplay. (c) To ensure appropriate response to the fire alarm, an important primary action to be taken would be to minimise the number of false alarms and the consequent ‘alarm fatigue’. Following this, the employer would need to provide the employees with a comprehensive programme of training, backed up by the use of reminders such as pocket card campaigns and posters. This could be coupled with:  the use of a fire warden evacuation system  a programme of fire drills where senior management are seen to play a leading part  the use of an incentive scheme to reward the department with the best time for evacuation  disciplinary action in the case of persistent offenders.

Question 30

Classes of fire

Answer 30

Class A carbonaceous solidsClass B flammable liquids Class C gas Class D metal Class F fats and cooking oils Electrical

Question 31

methods of extinguishing fire can be classified as:

Answer 31

 Starvation – limiting fuel  Smothering – limiting oxygen  Cooling – limiting heat.

Question 32

Starvation Fires can be starved of fuel in three ways:

Answer 32

 By removing potential fuel from the vicinity of the fire, for example, by draining fuel from burning tanks.  By removing the fire from the mass of combustible material, for example, pulling apart a burning haystack.  By dividing the burning material into smaller fires.

Question 33

Smothering Smothering works by

Answer 33

preventing fresh air reaching the seat of the fire, and thus allowing combustion to reduce the oxygen content in the confined atmosphere until it extinguishes itself.

Question 34

Cooling Combustion will stop as soon as

Answer 34

the rate of cooling exceeds the rate of heat generated by the combustion process. Cooling the fuel is the main way in which water is used to extinguish fires.

Question 35

Extinguishing media

Answer 35

Water Red fires of a general nature ineffective against fires involving liquid fuelsFoam Cream liquid fuel firesCarbon dioxide and inert gases BlackDry chemical powders BlueVaporising Liquid GreenWet chemical yellow cooking oils and fats

Question 36

As the action of the sprinklers is likely to reduce the rate of burning of a fire and the mass smoke flow, there are number of possible benefits to building designers, including: 4

Answer 36

 the travel distance to an exit can potentially be increased, without reducing the level of people’s safety  building compartment areas/volumes may be increased, compared to similar buildings without sprinklers  fire resistance levels of structural components may be reduced  the separating distance between buildings may be reduced by one half.

Question 37

The capability of a sprinkler system is designed to match the type of risk with which it will have to cope. There are three main hazard classifications based on:  the expected fuel load of the premises  the rate of fire growth expected from the contents or processes. These are:

Answer 37

Light hazard Low combustible loading, with a slow rate of fire growth Ordinary hazard Low to moderate combustible loading, with moderate to fast rate of fire growth High hazard High combustible content, with fast to ultra-fast rate of fire growth

Question 38

The owners of a large distribution warehouse business have secured a contract from a stationery manufacturer. Their insurers have recommended that the proposed storage facility is sprinkler protected. Outline the factors to be considered in providing an adequate sprinkler system for the storage facility. 10 marks

Answer 38

An initial design factor to be considered in the provision of an adequate sprinkler system would be the capacity of water required, the existence of an adequate and assured water supply and the availability of an alternative if this was to fail for any reason. The design of the pumping system would also be important with a diesel back up if the decision was taken to install electrically operated pumps. Other factors would include:  the means of activating the system (frangible bulbs or detector activated)  the linkage of the system to alarms  the spray pattern required  the area to be covered and the presence of other combustibles apart from the stationery  the height of the storage racks and their distance from the sprinkler heads, with a decision to be taken on the need for in-rack sprinkling  the provision of fire stopping for sprinklers passing through compartmentalisation  the provision of fire water run off  the arrangements to be put in place for testing the equipment  issues concerned with the protection of the sprinkler heads and the electrical system.

Question 39

The capacity of an escape route is measured by

Answer 39

the number of persons per minute that can pass through the effective usable width (narrowest point) of the escape route.

Question 40

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

Answer 40

 80 people in higher risk premises  100 people in normal risk premises or  120 people in lower risk premises. An additional 75mm should be allowed for each additional 15 people (or part of 15).

Question 41

A width of at least 1050mm can accommodate up to:

Answer 41

 160 people in higher risk premises  200 people in normal risk premises or  240 people in lower risk premises. An additional 75mm should be allowed for each additional 15 people (or part of 15).

Question 42

Doors on escape routes should: 2

Answer 42

 open in the direction of escape  ideally be fitted with a safety vision panel.

Question 43

At least two exits should be provided if

Answer 43

a room/area is to be occupied by more than 60 people.

Question 44

Escape routes Suggested range of travel distance Where only a single route is provided

Answer 44

12m – Higher fire-risk areas 18m - Normal fire-risk areas 25m – Lower fire-risk areas

Question 45

Escape routes Suggested range of travel distance Where more than one escape route is provided

Answer 45

25m – Higher fire-risk areas 45m - Normal fire-risk areas 60m – Lower fire-risk areas

Question 46

Emergency light fittings should be positioned at or near to (i.e. within 2 metres horizontally): 9

Answer 46

 corridor intersections  each exit door  each change of direction (except on a stairway)  each stairway so that each flight is directly illuminated  changes of floor level  outside final exits  each fire alarm call point  portable fire-fighting equipment  exit and fire safety signs.

Question 47

Notices must be used, where necessary, to provide the following: 3

Answer 47

 instructions on how to use any fire safety equipment  the actions to be taken in the event of fire  help for the fire and rescue service, such as the location of sprinkler valves or electrical cut-off switches.

Question 48

There are two basic approaches to evacuation:

Answer 48

 total evacuation, which may be simultaneous or phased  progressive evacuation.

Question 49

Total simultaneous evacuation is

Answer 49

the standard approach used in premises where it would be unreasonable to expect the occupants to remain in an affected area for a prolonged time, when there is a fire. Typically the fire alarm sounders indicate an immediate evacuation and all occupants proceed to a place of ultimate safety.

Question 50

A phased evacuation

Answer 50

occurs in two stages. Key staff are alerted before the alarm sounders are activated giving an opportunity to investigate, confirm the fire and prepare the evacuation response. A phased approach is commonly used in multi-storey premises where people on the storey most at risk are evacuated in the first instance, and then the remaining storeys are evacuated at phased intervals.

Question 51

Progressive horizontal evacuation

Answer 51

typically used in hospitals and nursing homes. Vulnerable people are initially evacuated into an adjoining fire compartment on the same storey, allowing time for the fire service response and organising for full evacuation to a place of ultimate safety, if necessary.

Question 52

Zoned evacuation

Answer 52

often adopted in large retail developments, to avoid significant operational losses as a consequence of a relatively small fire. Occupants are moved away from the affected zone to an adjacent zone, while the fire-affected zone is brought under control.

Question 53

The responsible person should determine the possible objectives of the drill such as to: 4

Answer 53

 identify any weaknesses in the evacuation strategy  test the procedure following any recent alteration or changes to working practices  familiarise new members of staff with procedures  test the arrangements for disabled people.

Question 54

The key questions to be addressed by a PEEP are:

Answer 54

(1) How will the individual be given information on the evacuation procedure? (2) How will the individuals’ attention be drawn to the need to evacuate? (3) What support (assistance and/or equipment) will be necessary to ensure the individual can safely evacuate the premises?

Question 55

Outline the issues that need to be addressed when planning a fire evacuation procedure for a multi-storey office building. 10 marks

Answer 55

An initial issue that would have to be addressed would be the means of raising the alarm when a fire or other emergency is discovered and the summoning of the emergency services. In order to achieve the safe evacuation of both employees and members of the public some of whom may have sensory or physical disabilities, consideration would have to be given to both physical and procedural measures. Physical measures include:  travel distances and alternative routes  emergency lighting  clear signage of exit routes  the location of assembly points  the provision of access for emergency services  the provision of refuges and evacuation equipment. Procedural measures include:  clarifying staff responsibilities  training fire wardens  accounting for personnel  providing door marshals to prevent entry or re-entry to the office building. Security considerations, such as minimising the opportunity for theft, would also be an issue here. Liaison with the emergency services should form part of the planning process since they can help with advice on issues such as response times, their access requirements and appropriate locations of assembly areas. There should also be liaison with neighbouring businesses that could be affected by an emergency within the office building. The procedures, once drawn up, would need to be summarised on prominently displayed fire notices and tested with regular fire drills.

Question 56

During a fire drill exercise at a large multi-storey office premises, the majority of the occupants evacuated the building in less than three minutes. However, all of the people based in one area of the building failed to leave the building until a further four minutes had elapsed. (a) Explain the issues that may have contributed to the delay in evacuation. 15 marks (b) Outline the advantages of undertaking regular fire drills in workplaces.

Answer 56

(a) There are a number of issues which could have contributed to the delay, including:  distance from the alarm sounder in this area meant it couldn’t be heard  complexity of escape routes from this area slowed evacuation  difficulty of the procedures resulting in confusion and delay  no/insufficient duties of fire marshals  misinterpreting the fire alarm and not therefore not reacting appropriately  evacuation delayed to investigate why the alarm sounded. Note: this is not a complete list of issues; it includes those the examiners identified as not being included in many students answers. (b) The advantages of undertaking regular fire drills include:  compliance with legislation  ensuring occupants familiarity with their duties  ensuring occupants familiarity with routes/panic bars/bolts  opportunity for targeted retraining and communication of procedure  opportunity for investigation into need for fire alarm/building re-design.