Transcript Colin Langdown

Legislation and Policy
Compliance
•Colin Langdown
•General Manager
•Christie Intruder Alarms Limited
Does This Apply to You?
• All premises have to comply without
exception.
• Previous Fire Certificates are no longer
valid.
• Statistically a fire is likely to occur.
• You will be held accountable.
Why Should You Comply?
• Consider the threat to the safety of those
in your care.
• Consider the threat to your property.
• Consider the cost in time and resources.
• It must be taken seriously.
It Boils Down to Common Sense:
• The larger the school the more
complicated the issue.
• Take it one step at a time.
• Allow sufficient time and do not rush.
So What’s First?
• Appoint responsible person(s) to carry out
a fire safety risk assessment.
• Can be done by a professional company
on your behalf.
• Or training is available if done in house.
• This is a guide to what is involved.
What is Involved?
• Risk Assessments
• Are involved.
• Are ongoing.
• Take time to complete.
• Involve five key points.
Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards:
Sources of Ignition:
• Naked flames and heaters.
• Electrical equipment.
• Lighting equipment.
• Chemical agents.
Sources of Fuel:
Oxygen:
•RECORD
ALL FIRE
HAZARDS
Step 2: Identify the People at Risk:
• Two questions to be answered:
• Who is at risk?
• Why are they at risk?
Who is at Risk?
• Everyone!
• Particularly:
• Certain student groups.
• Lone workers.
• Disabled.
• www.drc-gb.org
•RECORD
YOUR
FINDINGS
Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, Reduce and Protect:
• Evaluate the risk of a fire occurring.
– Accidents.
– Omissions.
– Deliberate acts.
• Evaluate the actual risk to people.
– Where a fire starts.
– How it might spread.
Step 3, continued:
• Think about escape routes.
• Think about how the fire might spread.
– Smoke.
– Toxic gases.
– Flames.
• Fire doors are important.
Remove or Reduce Hazards:
• Fuel, oxygen, ignition (heat) source.
• Remove, reduce or separate.
• First consider how Oxygen can be limited
from a fire.
Remove or Reduce Hazards, continued:
• Reduce ignition (heat) sources.
• Remove or reduce sources of fuel.
• Compromise may be required.
• Early detection and warning will be
required.
Fire Alarm Systems:
• Manual Fire Alarms.
• Automatic Fire Alarms.
– Detects where humans may not notice.
– Protects when the building is unoccupied.
– Protects against arson.
• Remote Signalling.
Controlling False Alarms:
• Professional companies design out false
alarms.
• Equipment failure extremely rare.
• Regular maintenance reduce risks further.
• Filter out false activations.
Fire Alarms, continued:
• Battery back-up is required.
• Repeater panels are desired.
• Meet the Fire Brigade.
BAFE Accreditation:
• Denotes professionalism.
• Four modules:
– Design.
– Installation.
– Commissioning.
– Servicing.
Fire Fighting Equipment:
• Fire fighting skills need to be trained.
• Correct selection and location of
equipment is vital.
• Regular inspection and maintenance is
required.
• Third party accreditation is essential.
Evaluate the Escape Routes Available:
• Two separate escape routes would be
ideal.
• Early detection and warning enables
escape to a place of total safety.
• The quicker the fire will spread, the more
important evacuation procedures become.
Signage and Lighting:
• Signage required in all buildings without
exception.
• Health and Safety (Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996.
• Emergency lighting is not affected by power
interruptions.
• Professional companies should be used.
Other Considerations:
• Keep exit routes clear.
• Exit route doors must open easily.
• Check fire exit doors are secure but can
be opened.
• Do fire exits lead to the assembly points?
Use of Professional Firms:
• New and existing equipment must be in
effective working order.
• Third party accreditation ensures
competency and quality.
• Create a schedule of checks: Daily,
Weekly, Monthly, Six Monthly and Annual.
Step 4: Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct and Train:
• Records required to demonstrate
compliance.
– Record all fire hazards.
– Record all actions taken to reduce or
remove them.
– Record who is at risk especially those at
risk.
– Record action taken to reduce that risk.
Emergency Plans:
• Clear instructions to deal with any fire situation.
• Communicate to all members of staff.
• Communicate to all others that need to be kept
safe.
• Coordinate with building owners or managing
agents.
Training needs for your staff:
• What happens when a fire occurs.
• Evacuation procedures.
• Location and use of fire fighting
equipment.
• General fire safety.
• RECORD WHAT
YOU HAVE
DONE TO
COMPLY
Step 5: Review:
• Significant changes will mean a review is
required.
• Plan ahead.
• React to a near miss.
• Record whenever you carry out a review.
Guides to Assist You:
• www.firesafetyguides.communities.gov.uk
• Guide 5 Educational Premises.
• Guide 6 Small and Medium Places of Assembly.
• Guide 7 Large Places of Assembly.
• Guide 3 Sleeping Accommodation.
Thank you for your time
and attention.
•ANY QUESTIONS?