PAS 79 Sample Risk Assessment

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SAMPLE FIRE RISKASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

This Fire Risk Assessment was carried out using

the PAS 79 methodology. Assessments take

account of your specific circumstances.


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FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Employer or other Responsible Person: Mr. Simon

Address of Property: 1 Abbey

Person(s) Consulted: Tracey

Assessor: Jim Williams NEBOSH, IOSH, IFE,

Date of Fire Risk Assessment: 14t

April 2008

Date of Previous Fire Risk Assessment: Not Known

Suggested Date for Review : 12 months

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in these buildings, and, where appropriate, tomake recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. The report does not address the risk to property orbusiness continuity from fire.

Review[Date]

1 This fire risk assessment should be reviewed by a competent person by the date indicated above or at such earlier time as there is reason to

suspect that it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes.


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FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN

The following simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level estimatorcontained in BS 8800:

Potential consequences

of fire

Fire hazard

Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm

Low Trivial risk Tolerable risk Moderate risk

Medium Tolerable risk Moderate risk Substantial risk

High Moderate risk Substantial risk Intolerable risk

Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is

considered that the hazard from fire (probability of ignition) at this building is:

Low Medium High

Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection andprocedural arrangements observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that theconsequences for life safety in the event of fire would be:

Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm

In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows:

Slight harm: Outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupant (other thanan 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 fatalities.

Extreme harm: Significant potential for serious injury or death of one or more occupants.


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Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at this building is:

Trivial Tolerable 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 healthand safety risks:

Risk Level Action and timescale

Trivial No action is required and no detailed records need be kept.

Tolerable No major additional controls required. However, there may be a need for

consideration of improvements that involve minor or limited cost.

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 ofharm 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 buildingis unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the

building is occupied, urgent action should be taken.

Intolerable Building (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the risk is reduced.

Note that, although the purpose of this section is to place the fire

risk in context, the above approach to fire risk assessment is

subjective and for guidance only. All hazards and deficiencies

identified in this report should be addressed by implementing all

recommendations contained in the following section. The risk

assessment should be reviewed periodically.


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ACTION PLAN

It is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in order to reduce fire risk,or maintain it, the following level of BS8800 will be used.

Reference numbers correspond to document.

6.2

In accordance with IEE Regulations, a competent Electrical Engineer should test the electrical systemperiodically and the results of these tests should be recorded.

It is recommended that consideration is given to the electrical safety testing (PAT) of all electricallypowered appliances and associated equipment, office and other machines on an annual basis. Generalelectrical circuits should be tested and checked by a competent contractor every five years.

There should be managerial control on electrical items of equipment, which are brought into the

premises by members of staff. All such items should be included in the periodic electrical safety testing,which takes place/is recommended. This should be carried out before permission for the use of theitems is given.

Moderate

11.1

It was not possible to ascertain if lightning protection is provided for the building and it is recommendedthat this issue is investigated.

Tolerable

12.1

A competent person should adequately and regularly maintain office equipment such as photocopiers.

Tolerable

13.1

Second floor office requires tidying and all combustible material to be kept clear of sources of heat suchas the radiators, items left close to computer monitors and base stations

Moderate

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The second means of escape requires attention to ensure that the door is easily operable from bothsides. The use of keys on inspection shows that they can be missing and a potential risk to life. It wouldbenefit form either a push bar or twist lock to open device.

Substantial


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An additional extinguisher is required on the first floor; this could be either a dry powder or Co2extinguisher.

The water extinguisher on the second floor needs to be fixed to the wall.

Moderate

24.1

All persons at work should be instructed and trained to ensure that they understand the fire emergencyplan and fire precautions in the premises and the action to be taken in the event of fire. This may takethe form of a review a fire action notice and a walk around the building for familisation.

24.2

It is particularly important that management ensure that all newly appointed or temporary staff are madeaware of the means of escape and fire procedures at the commencement of their employment.

24.3

There should be adequate numbers of trained fire wardens so as to ensure that at least one will beavailable at all times during normal business hours.

There are two who received training two years ago but it is evident that they require refresher training tohelp them remember what there duties are and how to do the checks required in the office.

24.4

A practice fire drill should be carried out at least once and preferably twice each year simulatingconditions in which one of the escape routes from the building is considered to be unavailable. Duringthese drills the fire alarm should be operated by a member of staff who is told of a supposed outbreak offire, and thereafter the fire routine should be rehersed as fully as circumstances allow.

Moderate

25.2

There is a fire alarm system installed, and the indicator panel was showing no faults. It is recommendedthat a check is made with the installation company to confirm that they have provided a certificate ofinstallation and commissioning and that they or another competent contractor are engaged in a servicingcontract to maintain and service the system in accordance with British Standard 5839 part 1.

It is recommended that the fire alarm system should be tested by management on a weekly basispreferably at the same time and on the same day each week but using a different call point each time.These tests should be recorded.


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25.3

The existing emergency lighting system must be tested and examined by a qualified electrical engineerand a test certificate obtained to confirm that the system meets the relevant British Standard, BS 5266,to ensure that persons are not at risk of the emergency lighting failing whilst escaping in the event of fire.It is also recommended that monthly tests are carried out by management on the emergency lighting

system by the simulation of a failure of the power supplies. The results of these tests should berecorded. Any failure of luminaries etc should be recorded and arrangements made to provide thenecessary repairs.

25.4

All fire extinguishers require to be serviced to BS 5306

Moderate

26.1

The log book records remind management to complete regular training, tests and checks. Failure tocarry out the tests etc could result in increased risk due to failure of the fire precautionary arrangementsin an emergency.

It is recommended that a dedicated fire log book is provided, in which all fire related records should bemaintained.

Maintain comprehensive records of all:

fire alarm actuations, servicing and tests, emergency light tests, servicing and checks, staff fire

training,fire evacuation drills, fire extinguisher checks and tests, servicing and testing of the fixed firefighting installations provided,means of escape checks, portable electrical appliance tests.

Tolerable

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To confirm if an asbestos report has been done.

Moderate

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A simple floor plan of building showing location of fire extinguishers, escape routes, gas, electric mainisolation switches. This should be positioned at the main entrance to enable fire-fighters assistance ifrequired to search the building in an emergency.

Tolerable


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General points to keep in mind, which will require constant review.

3.2

Staff with special needs will need to have a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) to beimplemented according to each individuals needs and other members staff made aware of there role inorder to assist such ones. A copy of the PEEP should be kept with the fire risk assessment.

Staff will need to be aware of members of the public that may require assistance in the event of anemergency due to special needs.

3.4

Lone working needs to be avoided as far as possible, if however someone needs to work in a part of thebuilding by themselves then they should make sure that they have told someone where they are going

and how long they expect to be especially if it is for long periods of time. A policy on lone workers needsto be in place and all made aware of it.

5.

Due to the fact of sharing your second emergency exit on the second floor with another premise then anagreement in writing in a form of a policy to ensure full access, as this applies to both parties. Thisshould include regular checks that this exit is never blocked and can be open easily form both sides hasstated in point 15. Also it should be agreed that during drills that this exit is used and a combined drill atagreed times would be beneficial.


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GENERAL INFORMATION

1. THE BUILDING

1.1 Number of floors: 3 Floors

1.2 Approximate floor area: m per floor.N/A m gross.

m on ground floor.[delete units as appropriate]

1.3 Brief details of construction: Stone and timber

1.4 Occupancy: Office

2. THE OCCUPANTS

2.1 Approximate maximum number: 6

2.2 Approximate maximum number of employees at any one time: 5

2.3 Maximum number of public, 1-2

3. OCCUPANTS AT SPECIAL RISK

3.1 Sleeping occupants: No

3.2 Disabled occupants: No

3.3 Occupants in remote areas: No

3.4 Lone Workers: No

3.5 Other activities: No

4. FIRE LOSS EXPERIENCE

No

5. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Second escape route is through another premise.


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FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR ELIMINATION OR CONTROL

6. ELECTRICAL SOURCES OF IGNITION

6.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of

electrical origin? Yes No

6.2 More specifically:

Fixed installation periodically inspected and tested? N/A Yes No

Portable appliance testing carried out? Yes No

Suitable policy regarding the use of personal electrical

appliances? Yes No

Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters? Yes No

6.3 Comments and hazards observed:Many electrical items in use with long adapters, but no testscompleted.

7. SMOKING

7.1 Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of

smoking? Yes No


Smoking prohibited in the building? Yes No

Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas? N/A Yes No

Suitable arrangements for those who wish to smoke? Yes No

7.3 Comments and hazards observed:

8. ARSON

8.1 Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear

reasonable ? Yes No

8.2 Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to thebuilding or available for ignition by outsiders?

Yes No


2Note: Reasonable only in the context of this fire risk assessment. If specific advice on security (including security against arson) is

required, the advice of a security specialist should be obtained.


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9. PORTABLE HEATERS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS

9.1 Are portable heaters used within the premises? Yes No

9.2 If portable heaters are used,

is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar

fires or lpg appliances) avoided? N/A Yes No

are suitable measures taken to minimize the hazard of

ignition of combustible materials? N/A Yes No

9.3 Are fixed heating installations subject to regular

maintenance? N/A Yes No


10. COOKING

10.1 Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of

cooking? N/A Yes No


Filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly? N/A Yes No

Suitable extinguishing appliances available? Yes No

10.3 Comments and hazards observed:Fire blanket available, but not really required as no cooker, onlymicrowave, toaster and kettle in kitchen. A 2 kg Dry Powder in theentrance to kitchen would be more appropriate.

11. LIGHTNING

11.1 Does the building have a lightning protection system? N/A Yes No

11.2 Comments and deficiencies observed:

12. OTHER SIGNIFICANT IGNITION/HEAT SOURCES THAT WARRANT

CONSIDERATION

12.1 Ignition sources: Computers, Printers, Photo copier,



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13. SOURCES OF FUEL

13.1 Is the standard of housekeeping adequate? Yes No


Combustible materials appear to be separated from

Ignition, heat sources? Yes No

Avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible

materials or waste? Yes No

Appropriate storage of hazardous materials? N/A Yes No

Avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials? Yes No


Second floor office had unnecessary amount of combustible material

left all over the floor and in particular boxes and paper left close to aradiator.

Cupboard on ground floor under stairs had cardboard boxes stackedup, ideally need to be removed when no longer required.

14. HAZARDS INTRODUCED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS

AND BUILDING WORKS

14.1 Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the

building by outside contractors (including hot work permits)? Yes No

14.2 Are fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors? Yes No

14.3 If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable precautions

taken during hot work, including use of hot work permits?

N/A Yes No

14.4 Comments:

All work is carried out by the landlord and he is will be responsiblefor control of hot works.


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FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES

15. MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE

15.1 Is it considered that the building is provided with

reasonable means of escape in case of fire? Yes No


Adequate provision of exits? Yes No

Exits easily and immediately operable where

necessary? Yes No

Fire exits open in direction of escape where

necessary? Yes No

Avoidance of sliding or revolving doors as fire exits

where necessary? Yes No

Reasonable distances of travel:

Where there is a single direction of travel? Yes No

Where there are alternative means of escape? Yes No

Suitable protection of escape routes? Yes No

Suitable fire precautions for all inner rooms? Yes No

Escape routes unobstructed? Yes No

15.3 Is it considered that the building is provided withreasonable arrangements for means of escape for disabled

Occupants? Yes No


The second means of escape on the top floor on inspection would not

open. The door was double locked with no keys. The door leads to anadjacent yet separate business. I gained permission from the occupier

to examine the door and found that they did not realise that it waslocked and found the correct keys, but the door was stuck to theframe from years of painting. Eventually the door was forced openand I explained to both parties that this exit must remain available toboth sides has a second means of escape. A easily operable system of

opening this door is required such as a push bar or twist lock to openfrom both sides, but in the short term keys must be left for each side.As this is an internal door then security should not an issue.


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16. MEASURES TO LIMIT FIRE SPREAD AND DEVELOPMENT

16.1 Is it considered that there is:

Compartmentation of a reasonable standard Yes No

Reasonable limitation of linings that may promote fire spread. Yes No

16.2 Comments and deficiencies observed:The doors are not to British Standard for fire doors, but they are of asolid wood design and do have self closing devices which may be acompromise due to being a listed building, but a number were

wedged open or propped open with a stone and such practice mustcease.

17. ESCAPE LIGHTING

17.1 Reasonable standard of escape lighting system provided ? Yes No

17.2 Comments and deficiencies observed:There is escape lighting located at the top of the stairs, none on the

first floor, and one that is positioned onto the ground floor stairs, butmay not shine onto the corridor leading to the main door.Only in winter is the office used during the short spell in dark hours

but the escape lighting needs to be tested to see if in an emergencypersons are able to see there way out safely. Additional units may berequired for the first floor and above the main front door, or thepurchase of torches may be sufficient. Escape lighting is alsorequired for the second means of escape and to be positioned above

the door.

18. FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES

18.1 Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices? Yes No


There were no fire exit signs or directional signs to show whereescape routes were, in particular as clients and customers do visit theoffice. There was only one fire action notice, and no extinguishersigns.

3 Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas, with a degree of sampling where appropriate.4 Based on visual inspection, but no test of luminance levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out.


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19. MEANS OF GIVING WARNING IN CASE OF FIRE

19.1 Reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system

provided ? Yes No

19.2 Automatic fire detection provided? Yes Yes No(throughout

building)(part of

building only)

19.3 Remote transmission of alarm signals? Yes No

19.4 Comments and deficiencies observed?No break glass point on ground floor, but there is detection in bothrooms on the ground floor so there may be a view that these wouldset off the alarm in the event of a fire, however normally break glass

points are positioned by all exits according to BS 5839- part 1

20. MANUAL FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPLIANCES

20.1 Reasonable provision of portable fire extinguishers? Yes No

20.2 Hose reels provided? Yes No


One is required on the first floor, but if one is purchased for the

kitchen then this would cover the rest of the floor, the disadvantageof a dry powder is when used it would make visibility poor as thestairs is the main escape route. So a Co2 would be an alternative.

21. RELEVANT AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

21.1 Type of system:

21.2 Comments:

5 Based on visual inspection, but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out. Relevant to life safety and this risk assessment (as opposed purely to property protection).


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22. OTHER RELEVANT FIXED SYSTEMS

22.1 Type of system:

22.2 Comments:

MANAGEMENT OF FIRE SAFETY

23. PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS

23.1 Person responsible for fire safety : Mr David Hazelwood

23.2 Competent person(s) available to assist in implementation of

fire safety legislation? Yes No

Comments:

23.3 Appropriate fire procedures in place? Yes No

(Fire emergency plan or fire action notice)

Comments:

23.4 People nominated to respond to fire? N/A Yes No

Comments:

23.5 People nominated to assist with evacuation? N/A Yes No

Comments:

23.6 Appropriate liaison with fire brigade? N/A Yes No

Comments:

6 This is not intended to represent a legal interpretation of responsibility, but merely reflects the managerial arrangement in place at the time

of this risk assessment.


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23.7 Routine in-house inspections of fire precautions (e.g. in the

course of health and safety inspections)? N/A Yes No

Comments:

24. TRAINING AND DRILLS

24.1 Are all staff given instruction on induction? Yes No

Comments:

24.2 Are all staff given periodic refresher training at suitable

intervals? Yes No

Comments:

24.3 Are staff with special responsibilities (e.g. fire wardens, use of

firefighting equipment) given additional training? N/A Yes No

Comments:

2 Members of staff have had fire warden training 2 years ago, butevidence seems to suggest that they have forgotten what is requiredand the checks they need to do.

24.4 Are fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals? N/A Yes No

Comments: No record

25. TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

25.1 Adequate maintenance of workplace? N/A Yes No

Comments and deficiencies observed:

25.2 Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and

alarm system? Yes No


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25.3 Monthly, six-monthly and annual testing routines for

Emergency lighting? Yes No


25.4 Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances? Yes No


25.5 Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains? N/A Yes No


25.6 Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler

installations? N/A Yes No

Comments:

25.7 Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings? N/A Yes No

Comments: Second means of escape not checked for some time.

25.8 Annual inspection and test of lightning protection system? N/A Yes No

Comments:

25.9 Other relevant inspections or tests:

Comments:

Checks are not being done.


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26. RECORDS

26.1 Appropriate records of:

Fire drills? N/A Yes No

Fire training? Yes No

Fire alarm tests? N/A Yes No

Escape lighting tests? N/A Yes No

Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems? N/A Yes No

26.2 Comments: No log book in use, so no records.

27. FIRE-FIGHTER PROTECTION

Good access to property, no major risks or dangers.

27.1 Asbestos report done?

Not Known and needs to be confirmed.

27.2 Any other hazards?

No

28. Additional information.

A simple floor plan of building showing location of fire extinguishers, escape routes, gas, electric main

isolation switches. This should be positioned at the main entrance to enable fire-fighters assistance ifrequired to search the building in an emergency.


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Documents

PAS 79 Sample Risk Assessment