chessington community college garrison lane, … risk assessment relates to the chessington...

Issue 2: May 2011 © Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd

Chessington Community CollegeGarrison Lane, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2JS

Fire Risk AssessmentThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Fire Safety Risk AssessmentThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Issue 2: May 2011 © Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd Page 1 of 21

Introduction

This Risk Assessment is produced in accordance with the requirements of The Regulatory Reform(Fire Safety) Order 2005, which took effect from 1st October 2006. The Order requires (Article 9)that the “responsible person” defined in the Order must make:

“a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to which relevant persons areexposed for the purposes of identifying the general fire precautions he needs to taketo comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by or under thisOrder”.

Thus the Risk Assessment is not only required to consider the risks of a fire occurring, but also thefire precautions required. These precautions include the provision of adequate means of escapefrom the premises and all other requirements, including organisational arrangements such as fireprocedures and maintenance arrangements related to fire safety.

Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd are appointed by the Royal Borough of Kingston (RBK) to providecompetent health and safety and fire safety advice and have prepared this Risk Assessment foradoption by Chessington Community College.

This Risk Assessment relates to the Chessington Community College at Garrison Lane,Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2JS, and updates the previous Fire Risk Assessment undertaken whenthe premises were under construction, with only Phase One of the construction having beencompleted.

In developing this Risk Assessment the information provided in the Department for Communitiesand Local Government guidance has been used, together with relevant British and Europeanstandards and recognised standards of good practice to which this guidance cross refers.

For the assistance of the School Governors and the Council, this Risk Assessment also incorporates(in Appendix 1) an explanation of the requirements of the Order and the obligations of the Schooland the Council.



Specific Fire Safety Risk Assessment for Chessington Community College, GarrisonLane, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2JS

1. Description of Premises

Since the last Fire Risk Assessment, undertaken in 2008, Phase Two of the premises hasbeen completed and the School is now fully occupied.

The new premises are constructed of reinforced concrete, brick, metal studding andplasterboard or Duroc cladding.

The premises consist of a ground floor, first and second floor levels. There is a large, centralAtrium under a triple glazed inflatable roof attached to steel trusses. The material for thisinflatable roof is modified copolymer ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFE). The remainderof the school roofing is flat and covered with a weatherproof, flexible PVC type covering.

The new premises are attached to the Sports Hall of the Sports Centre, which wasconstructed in 1992. The Sports Centre, which is of a single storey construction, isconstructed of reinforced concrete, brick with some studding, and plasterboard interior walls.The pitched roof of the Sports Centre is constructed of wood and steel trusses covered withtiles. There is a large fire resistant window in the wall between the Sports Hall and theAtrium and two sets of double doors connect the two premises.

The premises are used as a School during the normal school term and, outside of schoolhours, the ground floor of the premises is used as a recreational facility by the localcommunity.

Within the premises, there is one lift, which is access controlled and serves the ground, firstand second floor levels. It is understood that, where disabled children are required to accessthe first or second floor levels, they are given an access card in order to be able to use thelift. It is not in general use for other children in the School.

The total ground footprint of the Sports Centre is approximately 1,600m2 and the footprint ofthe whole School is approximately 3,200m2. Phase Two of the building consists ofapproximately 1,000m2 and comprises the Atrium, Theatre, Dance and Drama Studio, CollegeServery and Food Technology areas on the ground floor, the English and Music faculties onthe first floor and the Mathematics and Arts Faculties on the second floor.

Two accommodation staircases are provided from the first and second floor landing levelsinto the central Atrium area, with a further two enclosed stairwells located at the north-westand south-east corners, which exit directly outside the premises. A third enclosed stairwell,exiting directly outside the premises, is located in the north-east side of the premises. Allthe protected enclosed staircases include refuge areas for disabled persons at each level.

The Community College is the sole occupier of the premises and is also responsible for theex-curricula activities carried out at the premises. The Sports Hall is managed directly bystaff under the control of the Royal Borough of Kingston.



Currently there are two pupils who are wheelchair users, one of which uses a motorisedwheelchair and who would require assistance in an evacuation. Both students have apersonal evacuation plan. The total occupancy of the premises at any one time on a schoolday can be up to 785 11-19 year old students, with up to 110 sixth form students and up to100 staff.

Out of hours, the use could consist of up to 1,000 persons on the ground floor of thepremises. Sports Centre staff, employed by RBK, are responsible for the management of thecafe and main building.

There is an established lock-up routine, where the School Caretakers lock up relevant partsof the premises and give a list of remaining occupants to the Sports Centre staff. Theescape routes and staircases remain unlocked.

A sprinkler system is installed in the premises, in accordance with the LPC Rules, BSEN12845and TB221. The sprinkler system provides coverage only for the new premises and not theSports Centre. The Phase One installation of the sprinkler system was commissioned on 2nd

July 2008, when installation No. 1, consisting of 904 heads, was tested and has beeninstalled for the Ordinary Hazard class of property protection. Phase Two of the premisesare also protected by the same zoned sprinkler system.

The Atrium area is protected by zoned operation side wall sprinklers activated by infra redfire detectors covering the Atrium area.

The sprinkler system is fully monitored and zoned with a maximum of 500 heads per zone.

2. Activities

Activities carried out at the premises consist of administration, teaching, sports, dance anddrama with the use of cooking facilities, both gas and electric in A9, food technology areaand the use of chemicals and Bunsen burners in the Science Laboratories, S4-S8. Within thePhase Two construction, there is a kitchen, consisting of various cooking appliances,including a deep fat fryer, which is protected with an Ansul fixed fire suppression system.The Kitchen is also separated from the remainder of the premises by a fire resistant rollershutter, which closes on the operation of the fire alarm system.

3. Fire Hazards and Measures to Reduce the Risk of Fire

Heating at the premises is provided by two Remena P420 gas-fired boilers, which provideheated water to an air circulation system located on the roof of the premises.

There is also a wood pellet biomass boiler located adjacent to the gas boilers in the BoilerRoom, which is located at floor level, separate from the main premises.

There are two Lochinvar gas-fired boilers located in the premises Plant Room, which providedomestic hot water for the premises.



All of these boilers are fitted with flame detection devices above each unit and are connectedto isolators on the incoming gas main. Where there are isolation valves, operated bydetectors on the relevant equipment, then these should also be tested at the same time asthe normal maintenance is undertaken and records maintained.

Servicing of the gas appliances at the premises has been allocated by contract to Aldens andrecords should be maintained of all such servicing and maintenance.

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that the wood pellet burner unit is subject toa maintenance contract, in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and recordsmaintained accordingly.

In accordance with The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the location ofthe main gas supply isolation valve should be clearly identified by signage, both on theoutside of the location and the actual valve used to effect isolation. Gas safety certificates,relating to inspection of the boilers, were last issued in April 2011 and indicated that therewere no actions, which required correction. Annual gas safety inspections should be plannedand undertaken and records kept on an ongoing basis.

The main electrical incomer to the premises, including a Transformer Room, which is theproperty of EDF Energy, is located in the same stand-alone building as the gas boiler, which,in turn, is located approximately 30 metres from the main premises.

There is a general no smoking policy throughout the premises, however it is understood thatthere have been some problems with students illicitly smoking in specific areas. Every effortmust be made to impose a no-smoking policy, especially in those areas, to avoid a firestarting undetected from the use of discarded smoking materials. Signs at the entrances ofthe premises, which comply with The Smoke Free (Signs) Regulations 2007, are displayed.

An Electrical Commissioning Certificate was available for Phase Two of the main electricalinstallation and had been issued on the 6th April 2009 by Darke and Taylor Ltd. However,although the test element of this Certificate had been correctly signed, neither theverification nor the design part of the Certificate had been signed. Correctly signed copies ofthis Certificate and that for Phase One should, therefore, be obtained.

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that the electrical installation is subject to afive-yearly test and inspection regime. As the premises have been constructed in twophases, it should be possible to phase the five yearly inspections accordingly to avoid all theinspection of the whole installation having to take place in the same year.

Similarly, the electrical installation for the Sports Centre should also be subject to a five-yearly annual inspection and records maintained, accordingly.

Of those portable appliances inspected, all but one were found to have been labelled and theone omitted (a flat screen monitor in the library) was thought to be new. Arrangementshave been put in place to ensure that any new portable electrical appliances brought ontothe premises are labelled to indicate the next inspection date. Portable equipment electricalinspections for the Sports Centre are organised by NPS on behalf of the Royal Borough ofKingston.



In the sixth form centre, a number of kettles were in use from a multi-socket outlet, whichwould cause a very significant overload and fire risk. If kettles are to be used in this area, itshould be arranged so that they are used with one kettle per socket. Because of thepotential problems of overload in this area, and the obstruction posed to the secondary exit,by the location of the table on which the kettles are located, the kettles should be removedor a wall mounted water heater should be provided.

Small amounts of flammable liquids are used and stored on the premises, together withsome other hazardous materials such as caustic acids and small radioactive sources, ie betaemitters. Minimum amounts of flammable materials are used in the Laboratories duringteaching sessions and returned to the Flammables Store located in the Chemical StorageRoom in S8, the Science Preparation Room. The relevant Hazard Chemical labelling isprovided on the outside of this room. Some containers, of less than 500ml of flammablematerials in regular use, are left on shelving in the chemical store rather than being returnedto the flammables cabinet. When not in use these containers should also be returned to theflammable liquid cabinet. This is a specific requirement of the Approved Code of Practice toThe Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.

Small, butane gas cylinders are used for gas torches in the Engineering Workshop. Theseare stored in open racking next to other combustible materials and would pose a significantrisk in the event of fire. These cylinders and units should not be stored inside the premiseswhen not in use, unless in a purpose designed 30 minute fire resistant cabinet vented athigh and low level to the outside of the premises. Alternatively, they could be stored in anexternally located ventilated cabinet or cage meeting the required separation distances.Specific advice should be sought from the Occupational Safety Health and WellbeingDepartment on the type and location of such storage. If indoors, the volume of such acabinet should be less than 0.5 cubic metres unless also provided with explosion relief.

An external gas cylinder storage cage is provided for larger gas cylinders external to thepremises, but is not currently in use. This cage, however, forms part of another storagearea with combustible equipment including engine driven grounds maintenance plant. If thegas cylinder storage area is to be used it will need to be effectively separated from thisstorage area by fire resistant separation. Separation distances between gas cylinderscontaining flammable gases and potential ignition sources will also need to be maintained.

Specialist advice should be sought from the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Unitbefore planning for this storage area unit being brought back into use for gas cylinderstorage.

It is understood that combustible waste, generated at the premises, is removed daily toexternal storage. It was noted that the recycling waste bins in the corridors and atria areasare of a polypropylene construction, or utilise plastic sacks, and are not manufactured fromself-extinguishing material. Because these bins are located on escape routes, they should bereplaced with bins or sack holders, which are of self-closing fire resistant construction. Thiswill greatly reduce the risk of a fire in these bins developing to a stage where the sprinklerprotection would operate and thus avoid fire and water damage.



Lightning protection is provided at the premises and was installed and tested by ThunderboltTest and Maintenance Ltd, in conjunction with Quaser Tronics Ltd, in accordance with BSENISO9001 2000, with Certificate No FS09953, Serial No 02591 dated 18th August 2008. Afurther New Installation Test Certificate was issued by the same company for the lightningprotection of Phase Two of the construction in April 2009, Certificate No C002149A MH.Lightning protection systems require at least annual inspection and test and arrangementsshould, therefore, be put in place to ensure that the lightning protection is subject to amaintenance and test contract, in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions andrecords maintained.

Fan electric heaters and radiant infra-red heaters are used within certain offices within theSchool. It is recommended that the issues associated with heating these areas are resolvedand such portable heaters are withdrawn as these represent a significant fire risk. If suchsupplementary heating is required then it should be wall mounted and thus kept clear ofcombustible materials. Candles are used on the premises in the science areas undersupervision and the use of candles during external events held at the premises would beunder the immediate control of the Site Manager or his deputised supervision. In this case,there should be a documented procedure for the use of open candles during external events.

Rules should also be produced for lettings of the premises and these should includeemergency arrangements, control of ignition sources and, in the case of the Sports Hall, thecorrect storage of polyurethane gym mats in the fire resisting storage provided. It isparticularly important that those who let the premises are warned about the need to avoidany activities such as the use of naked flames which could trigger the infra-red flamedetectors and thus the atrium sidewall deluge system.

Cooking takes place on the premises in the food technology teaching area under supervision.

All the food technology and laboratory areas are provided with Gas Guard 2 units located atthe teaching station in each room, which can be used to effect isolation of all gas andelectrical appliances in use. Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that these aresubject to a regular test and maintenance, in accordance with manufacturers’ instructionsand records maintained.

It is understood that no waste, which could give rise to spontaneous combustion, isgenerated under normal operations at the premises. If, however, the situation changes, andsuch waste could be generated, ie oil or solvent soaked rags, then fire resistant containersmust be provided for their storage, prior to disposal.

No hot work permit system, or contractors’ rules, are currently in use. It is recommendedthat these are introduced and relevant members of the premises team are trained in the useof hot work permits. The RBK Schools Health and Safety Manual contains a set of contractorrules. A similar system should be applied to the Sports Hall.

The risk of arson had been minimised by a good level of general security and the provisionof an external waste compound with secured bins.



The premises are provided with an intruder detection system, which would provide an alarmshould an entry be attempted in the silent hours or when the premises are unoccupied. Itmust be ensured that this is maintained in a fully operable condition and records maintained.

The general housekeeping within the premises and areas should be regularly monitored andareas such as the Server Room should not be allowed to become congested with materialsand boxes, which could cause a fire risk. The Sprinkler Tank Room should also be cleared ofobstructions and combustible storage. It is essential that fire load in this area is minimisedto reduce the risk of fire putting the sprinkler system out of action.

4. Fire Extinguishing Equipment

Fire extinguishers of the 3Kgm and 5Kgm CO2 and 6/9 litre water type fire extinguishers,together with fire blankets, are located throughout the premises.

Due to the high risk of vandalism, hand-held fire extinguishing equipment is located only inspecific areas, ie Laboratories, Food Technology Room, Staff Room, Plant Rooms, etc, whereonly the staff would have access to that equipment. This was considered suitable in the lightof the premises being provided with sprinkler protection. The Staff Room, however, wasonly provided with 2Kgm CO2 extinguishers and in view of the significant amount ofcombustibles in this area then these should be supplemented by 6 litre Hydrospray typewater extinguishers with a rating of 13A at each of the exits.

Servicing of hand-held fire equipment is carried out under contract by Standby FireProtection, and records are kept.

An Ansul fire suppression system is installed in the Kitchen over the range area with bothautomatic and manual operation. It should be confirmed that this system is maintained andserviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are three dry risers installed at the premises, adjacent to each of the stairwell finalexit doors.

Whilst the majority of dry riser outlets within the stairwells were correctly strapped in theclosed position, some were not. The same type of standard locking strap and padlockshould be used on the remainder and these will prevent the outlets being left in the openposition (thus releasing water when charged by the Fire Brigade) but enable the Fire Brigadeto cut them to open the outlet should a riser be needed. Arrangements must be put in placeto ensure that the dry risers are subject to an annual test and inspection, to be carried outby a suitable fire protection engineering company and records maintained.



It was noted that the dry riser inlet, adjacent to the south-east stairwell, was obstructed byshrubs and vegetation growth in front of it. Arrangements must be put in place to ensurethere is clear access to each dry riser inlet and to ensure it does not become obstructed byshrubs or other vegetation. This could be achieved by the provision of a paved access path.As the dry riser inlet at this stairwell is not clearly visible, a sign has been provided on theadjacent fence to draw the Fire Brigade’s attention to the location. This sign should,however, be located on an adjacent lamppost and point to the area where the riser inlet islocated.

A salt and grit bin had been delivered to the School and placed where it would obstruct theopening of the dry riser inlet cover adjacent to the main car park. This was to be removedand this area should be kept clear. It would be desirable to mark an area in front of this dryriser inlet with cross hatched lines to indicate that it has to be kept clear.

Sprinkler protection within the premises is provided by a drencher system around the wallsof the balconies overlooking the Atrium with drop down heads in the Classrooms, andpendant heads in the Plant Rooms. The system, which was installed by Hall and Kay (H&K)is operated by a single electric pump fed from storage tanks in the ground floor SprinklerRoom.

The system is tested weekly by opening the test valve and timing how long it takes until theclack valve lifts and passes water to operate the sprinkler alarm. These tests are recordedon a record sheet, together with the “before” and “after” pressures.

In the event of a main electrical failure to the premises, the sprinkler system would berendered inoperative. Although the sprinkler systems are not designed as a life safetysystem a total power failure to the premises would also render the smoke ventilation systeminoperative. It will, therefore, be necessary to have procedures at the School, which resultsin the School being closed in the event of a power failure, unless power can be restored veryrapidly.

A maintenance contract is currently in place with Aldens for the sprinkler system: pumps andrecords should be maintained of all work carried out. Where sprinklers have to be isolatedfor other work to be carried out, there should be a fully documented system andarrangements for extra vigilance and cover during the sprinkler shut down period.

Nine drop down spare sprinkler heads and thirteen of the conventional variety are now heldon-site for the sprinkler installation and it was understood that Aldens, the maintenancecontractor, is providing a service to attend the site and replace an activated head within twohours of being called. This holding of spares exceeds the minimum requirements underBSEN12845 and is, therefore, satisfactory.

Two fire hydrants are located on the premises, each fed from a 100mm fire main. One isadjacent to the EDF Transformer Room by the main entrance. The other is to the north-eastcorner of Phase Two, to the north of the Sports Hall.

The fire hydrants should be suitably signed and marked to ensure that they are readilyvisible at all times and not obstructed by undergrowth, etc.



Since the original construction access controlled gates have been installed. It must beensured that the Fire Authority are aware of the access arrangements to enable them toenter the site at any time, either day or night. Once inside the gates there is adequate FireBrigade access to more than half of the building perimeter, which is acceptable

5. Fire Alarm and Smoke Control System

A fire alarm was installed on the premises utilising a Vigilon control panel to EN54 2 and 41997 four loop addressable system installed by Trinity-Gent Honeywell, in accordance withBS5839 Part 1 2002. A Commissioning Certificate No CTT0734, dated 4th July 2008, wasavailable for Phase One of the construction. A further Modification Certificate covering PhaseTwo of the installation and premises, again issued by Trinity, was available dated 3rd April2009 numbered MTT 1317.

The system utilises ionisation and optical smoke and rate of rise detectors throughout all theClassrooms and Administration Plant Rooms and other service areas and has been designedas an enhanced L2 standard.

However, a review should be undertaken in relation to the location of smoke detectors bythe fire alarm and detection system supplier as there are areas of the building (such as F7)where smoke detectors seem to have been omitted from individual rooms, possibly due tochanges of internal layout since the fire alarm and detection system has been installed.

The Atrium area has a Metron fire detection system, controlled by a CE Series 1000 Mark IVpanel to BS5839 Part IV, installed by the company SET. This system uses optical smokebeams and infra-red flame detectors, which cover the Atrium area. Some of the detectors inthe Atrium can be isolated in the event of the area being used for something which couldinadvertently activate them. For this situation, there needs to be a properly documentedprocedure communicated to all concerned on how and when the isolation is carried out, andreinstated. Activation of the infra-red detectors triggers the zoned sidewall sprinkler systemin this area designed to mitigate a fire in this area.

The Atrium area is provided with smoke extract ventilation, which operates automatically onactivation of the fire detection system. Under fire conditions, the roof window vents closebut can be opened by a Fire fighters’ control adjacent to the main fire control panel in themain entrance, which can be activated only in the event of a fire alarm. There are alsomanual controls for the smoke ventilation, which are located beneath the Metron panel inthe Site Manager’s office. There was a Commissioning Certificate available for the smokeventilation, issued by Dyer Environmental Controls Ltd, dated 4th July 2008. A furtheruncompleted and unsigned Commissioning Certificate issued by Dyer was available dated16th March 2009. A completed and signed version of this Certificate should, therefore, beobtained.

The smoke control system is designed to provide eight cubic metres per second of smokeextraction through ceiling mounted grilles to allow for unimpeded escape at second floorlevel along the Atrium corridors without significant smoke obscuration on the assumptionthat escape will be achieved to the storey exits in less than 2.5 minutes.



A maintenance contract has been put in place for the smoke control system. As the buildinglife safety fire precautions have been designed and installed on the basis that the smokedetection system is operational, a procedure needs to be introduced for limiting the use ofthe School, or vacating it, if this system fails until it is restored to normal operation. Furtherdetails of how this should be approached are addressed in Section 13 below.

Additional fire and smoke venting would be provided by the ETFE inflatable roof in the eventof a serious fire as this material, although self-extinguishing, will shrink back at atemperature of between 200-300C leaving the roof open and vented. The ETFE materialdoes not produce molten drips under fire conditions.

The Sports Centre complex has its own fire alarm system, which has been provided with anew Vigilon control panel, which is in the Reception area.

The fire alarm and detection system utilises rate of rise and ionisation smoke detectionthroughout the Sports Centre complex. It was understood that both panels are interlinkedand, in the event of either being activated, they would initiate all the fire alarms soundersthroughout the premises.

Arrangements were in place to test the fire alarm systems weekly on Fridays and recordsmaintained. These weekly tests also ensure that the smoke ventilation operates correctlyand the Kitchen fire shutter closes.

The fire alarm system is linked to a monitoring centre through a Redcare connection and theFire Brigade is called automatically on initiation of an alarm. There has been one unwantedalarm since September 2010. A procedure should be introduced to ensure that there is aconfirmatory phone call to back up the automatic signal in the event of a confirmed fire.

There is a link between the lift and fire alarm system, which in the event of an alarm the liftproceeds to the ground floor and remains there. There is no fire fighters’ switch on the liftsystem. When the fire alarm activates, it is understood that the mechanism on the mainentrance sliding doors is deactivated and the doors open.

6. Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is provided throughout the premises, utilising either non-maintained ormaintained stand-alone units and selected units on the main lighting system. ACommissioning Certificate No ECN1 Serial No 0071292, dated 7th July 2008, issued by Darkeand Taylor Ltd, was available for the emergency lighting in the Phase One construction. ACommissioning Certificate No ECN Serial No 0071317 was issued for Phase Two on 6th April2009, also by Darke and Taylor Ltd. The, emergency lighting should be tested for operationevery month, discharge tested every twelve months, in accordance with the manufacturers’instructions, and the results recorded. Arrangements should be put in place to carry thisout.



7. Staff Training and Evacuation Drills

Fire drills are now undertaken at least once per term. It should be ensured, in such drills,that the user of alternative exits is forced by the simulated obstruction of normal escaperoutes.

The Fire Evacuation Plan should allocate particular responsibility for teachers to assist in theevacuation of pupils and to ensure relevant parts of the building are confirmed as evacuated.It is recommended that all teachers receive practical training in the use of fire extinguishers,in addition to training in the normal fire procedure. For staff working in science areas thisshould include training in the use of dry powder extinguishers provided.

The kitchen staff should receive practical training in the use of the wet chemical fireextinguisher provided to deal with fat fires and the method of discharge of the Ansul firesuppression system located over the cooking range.

In order to ensure effective communication it is intended to use portable radios for use byrelevant Fire Marshals who will need training in the use of this equipment. It isrecommended that all permanent teaching staff are regarded as fire marshals and,therefore, trained in this way.

As fire extinguishing equipment has to be tested by discharge every five years, it would beprudent to arrange with the servicing company for 20% of the extinguishers to bedischarged and give hands-on training at that time. All such training should be recorded andrecords maintained.

At the time of inspection, there were only two disabled pupil/students, who were confined towheelchairs. There is a documented evacuation plan for these pupils, which utilises refugepoints in each of the stairwells, which are connected by a refuge alarm/communicationsystem to a point adjacent to the main fire control panel. The system was commissioned byTrinity Protection Systems to BS5839 Part 9 and issued with a certificate No CTT0744 dated4th July 2008 and was installed by Darke and Taylor Ltd. The procedure for disabledstudents is that they are escorted to the stairwell by a responsible member of staff and carerand are accompanied in the refuge area. Generally a decision to evacuate a disabled personfrom this refuge area should only be taken when, on Fire Brigade advice, it becomesnecessary to do so. The protection of these refuge areas, combined with the provision of asprinkler system in the building, will mean that in all but the most exceptional circumstancesit should be possible for the disabled person and their carer to remain in the refuge areauntil any fire is extinguished.

An Exitmaster evacuation chair is located at first floor level in each of the three stairwell fireescape lobbies. It must be ensured that relevant staff, who may be needed to use the chair,are fully trained in the use of these chairs and that they are maintained on a regular basis,together with records kept of both training and maintenance.

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that the refuge alarm/communication systemis subject to an annual maintenance and service check and records are maintained.



It must be ensured that all disabled persons, likely to use the system, fully understand itsoperation and their part in evacuating the premises.

In view of the complexity of the integrated fire systems and their operation and use duringan evacuation, clear procedures must be drawn up and time made available for all staff to betrained with annual re-training and records maintained of such training. This training shouldapply to all new and temporary staff before they are employed.

It was understood that, in the event of an evacuation, the Incident Controller would wear ahigh visibility jacket for ready recognition by the emergency services. It was understood,however, that all other teachers and staff who assist with the evacuation also wear a highvisibility jacket and this could cause confusion in identifying the Incident Controller.Consideration should, therefore, be given to providing the Incident Controller with a safetyor bump cap, which is painted on alternate quarters, eg, red and white for ready recognition.

8. Fire Exit Signage

Fire exit signage throughout the premises was considered to be adequate with the exceptionof the secondary means of escape from the Server Room, which should be clearly signed.The signage in the gym area of the Sports Hall, where signage is to exits no longer in useand not required, should be removed.

9. Fire Action Notices

Whilst fire action notices, with information on what to do in the event of a fire, wereprovided at all light switch locations, they should also be displayed adjacent to all fire alarmcall points as some of these were missing, for example outside the server room.

Each classroom has a notice giving the location of the fire assembly points.

Whilst the fire alarm system is connected via a Redcare system to a 24 hour manned centre,this should not be totally relied upon and the fire procedure should include a clearresponsibility for calling the Fire Brigade. Where individuals are charged with thisresponsibility, they should be able to do this from a place of safety and be suitably instructedon the procedure.

10. Distances of Travel and Location of Exits

The maximum distance of travel from any point to a place of safety either outside thepremises or protected stairwell is approximately 30 metres and this is deemed acceptable.



With the exception of the English and Mathematics faculty, the maximum travel distancebefore a decision point for an alternative route, is approximately 15 metres and this isdeemed acceptable. The English and Mathematics faculties have travel distances slightly inexcess of 18 metres and this has been accepted as part of the fire engineered solution forthe building.

The Sixth Form Common Room has two exits, one of which was obstructed and led directlyto an escape stairwell. The travel distance from this room to the main escape route in theAtrium is just within 18 metres. The additional exit route to the main staircase was originallyinstalled during the construction of Phase Two to provide a means of escape from the PhaseOne construction. Given the significant occupancy of this room, it is recommended that thisalternative exit direct to the stairwell is retained and kept unobstructed.

11. Fire Separation and Measures to Reduce the Risk of Fire Spread

Compartmentation within the premises is achieved by a 30 minute fire separation on thewest side of the ground floor, ie from the entrance foyer to the west stairwell, which has a60 minute enclosure.

To the east side there is a 60 minute separation between the Atrium and the Sports Hall,with 30 minute enclosures around each stairwell.

On the first and second floors, there is 30 minute separation to the rooms on the south andwest sides, together with 30 minute enclosure around the stairwells. Since the original FireRisk Assessment, corrective action has been taken to repair and replace intumescent fire andsmoke seals on fire doors.

The doors between the Atrium and Sports Hall should be upgraded with fire and smoke sealsto ensure that they meet a fire resistant construction to FD60S standard.

The glazed area between the Sports Hall and the Atrium area is reported by the architect tobe constructed of Pyrobel 16 fire resisting glazing with twin intumescent interlayers giving astandard of fire resistance of 60 minutes including insulation. This has been confirmed bythe manufacturers and it is understood that the glazing is marked at high level to this effect.It is recommended that this glazing is clearly marked at lower level to indicate the type ofglass as this will not be obvious to a visiting Fire Officer. It is particularly important that theschool maintenance arrangements address the need for this glass, if damaged, to be onlyreplaced by a type which will meet the same standard of fire resistance.

The Sports Hall has, what appears to be originally designed as, a fire resistant compartmentfor storing combustible gym mats fitted with a fire resistant shutter intended to be operatedby a fusible link. However, this appears not to be in operation, with the door permanentlyheld open by the wire containing the fusible link. In any case, the size of the store isinsufficient with a large number of mats stored in the outer storage area. This storage areais separated from the main Hall by a brick wall with an opening directly into the Sports Hall.



Because of the hazard posed by polyurethane gym mats and, in particular, the intense heatand large volumes of smoke, which are generated if they are involved in a fire, it isrecommended that this entire storage area is separated from the main Hall by theinstallation of a self-closing fire resistant curtain or shutter with a fire resistance of at least30 minutes and preferably 60 minutes.

Any such curtain or fire shutter should be arranged so that it will close automatically on theactivation of smoke detection in the store and if the building fire alarm system is activated.There would need to be arrangements to avoid persons being trapped in the store (this isnormally provided by an emergency release control and alert when the shutter startslowering). The shutter or curtain should also be capable of being closed by manualactuation when the store is not in use, for example when the hall is used for plays orassemblies.

The Kiln Room in area S31 was correctly fitted with a fire door but it was unclear whetherthe ventilation system from this room was fitted with appropriate fire dampers to ensure thefire resistance of the room is maintained. It should be confirmed that such fire dampers arefitted and these will need to be subject to an inspection and maintenance regime inaccordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The inspection frequency normallydoes not exceed two years for such dampers.

Where turn nib locks are provided on final exit doors, as opposed to a push bar system, thenclear instructions on the operation of the lock release should be provided at the door.

12. Control of Risks from Contractors Working on the Premises

Contractors working on the premises have to provide work statements and, when accepted,have to sign in. There is a need to ensure that a hot work permit system is applied inrespect of such contractors.

13. Action in the Event of Failure of Fire Safety Systems

The fire safety of these premises have been designed around the provision of fire controlsystems such as sprinkler protection and, in particular, smoke control, the latter beingtriggered when the fire alarm system is activated. The smoke control system providessmoke extraction from the Atrium area in order to ensure that escape routes at first andsecond floor level are not obscured by smoke whilst pupils and staff reach the protectedstairwells. The sprinkler system is not designed as a life safety system, but for premisesprotection, although it would contribute to life safety by preventing a fire growing rapidly.

In the event of a total failure of the external power supply, both the sprinkler system and thesmoke control system will not function and, therefore, if there is sustained power failure (asopposed to the power being restored within 30 minutes of failure) the building will need tobe evacuated and not used until power is restored. As normal activities at the Schooldepend on electrical power, normal use of the building would in any case not be possibleunder sustained power failure conditions.



The life safety provisions of the building do not depend on the sprinkler system and,therefore, in the event of it failing the building does not need to be evacuated, but rapidaction should be taken to repair and restore the system as this provides valuable protectionto the building and enhanced life safety by containing a fire before it grows rapidly.

The smoke control system is designed to provide eight cubic metres per second of smokeextraction and, under modelled fire conditions, to provide adequate control of smoke toenable the Atrium routes on the second floor to be usable for approximately three minutes,by which time it is assumed that all personnel will have reached the protected staircaseescape routes. The modelling contained in the fire strategy is based on an assumption thatthe smoke extraction will not start until 30 seconds after a fire starts.

In the event of the smoke detection system being partially or fully inoperative, the timeavailable for escape from the upper floors, particularly the second floor using routes aroundthe Atrium will be reduced.

In the event of failure of the smoke extraction or control system for the building, it will benecessary to cease using the upper floors of the building unless it can be demonstrated thatthe actual evacuation time of staff and pupils to the escape route is within the time taken forthe smoke layer to grow to a level to impede escape. This can be established by requestingthat the original providers of the fire strategy calculate the available time for escape from thefirst and second floors in two scenarios. The first of these should be with the smokeextraction system not operable, and the second with it operable at half the normal extractionrate (due to one unit failing). It will then be necessary to demonstrate, by an evacuationdrill, that evacuation from the first and second floor to the stairwells can be achieved withinthis timescale, with one exit blocked.

If the above calculation is undertaken on the basis that the system is only partially operating,it will be necessary to ensure that the extraction is taking place from the second floorextractors as opposed to those on the first floor.

The above information may reveal that it is possible to retain occupancy of the first floor andground floors and cease using the second floor in the event of a failure of the system.

The Sports Centre and the ground floor of the School does not depend on the smokeextraction system to ensure fire safety and, therefore, if the system fails the ground floor ofthe School and the Sports Hall can be used normally whilst the system is being repaired.

14. Fire Policy and Procedures

A fire policy for the premises is available and this should be reviewed to clearly identifyspecifically who is carrying out testing of the fire related systems and inspecting fire relatedsystems and equipment, whether in-house or by contract.



Where individuals are identified, it should be clearly shown that they are trained orcompetent to carry out those tasks. This should include all facilities, such as emergencylighting, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, intruder alarmsand fire exit inspections, etc.

As has already been stated in Section 7, Training, the operation and interaction of all the firerelated systems should be clearly communicated to all staff.

The fire policy for the building should clearly describe the circumstances where the buildinghas to be taken out of use due to the failure of fire safety systems provided and guidance onthis point is given in the section above.

15. Maximum Numbers in the Premises when used for Community Use

The fire exit capacity of the building is suitable for the normal occupancy of the School. Theground floor of the Atrium is, however, used for community use and events. The maximumcapacity of the exits for the Atrium area has been calculated in the fire strategy at 1,300.The number of people for any event in this area must be limited to this number and in thecase of a seated audience, the maximum number may need to be reduced further to provideadequate gangway access and seat spacing.

It is recommended that some standard seating and gangway layouts are drawn up, whichprovide adequate means of escape if seated audiences are to be located in this area andthese are agreed as part of any letting agreement or event plan.

16. Persons at Risk from Fire in the Premises

Persons particularly at risk from fire on the premises could, primarily, be disabled anddocumented procedures to account for this situation are attached to this Risk Assessment.Other persons at risk from fire on the premises could include staff, visitors, community usersof the premises, pupils/students and those within neighbouring properties. Fire Brigadepersonnel could also be at risk in the event of a major fire.

17. Conclusion

In order to comply with the requirements of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order2005, it is necessary to complete the actions identified in this report, as summarised inSection 18.



18. Necessary Improvements to Comply with the Requirements of The RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Issue Action Required Priority

Minimisation of Firerisk

Ongoing action should be taken to ensure that the no smokingpolicy at the premises continues to be enforced.

A review of heating of areas, which are using portable heaters,should be undertaken and these heaters should then beremoved.

Provide a documented procedure to be clearly communicated toall staff regarding the use of candles in classroom environments.

If work involving oil or solvent soaked wipes takes place intechnology, then lidded fire resistant bins will be required fortheir disposal.

The kettles, in the Sixth Form Common Room, should berelocated to avoid obstructing the exit and not utilise anoverloaded extension lead.

Medium

High

High

Low

High

Maintenance Contract As soon as the new maintenance contract is introduced thatrobust records are kept for each type of plant and equipmentbeing maintained including, in particular, the fire alarm anddetection system, intruder detection, emergency lighting, refugecommunication system, fire shutters, gas boilers, Ansul firesuppression system and sprinkler system, dry risers and GasGuard 2 units in teaching areas.

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that the woodpellet boiler is included in the maintenance contract and that gassafety inspections are undertaken on an annual basis andrecords kept. All isolation valves linked to detectors on thisequipment should be tested as part of the routine maintenance.

High

Medium

Signage Ensure that signage is provided to indicate the location of themain gas incomer and isolation valve, together with the actualvalve, which will be used to effect isolation to the premises.

Ensure that there is a handle provided for the main gas isolationvalve.

High

High

PAT testing Ensure that new portable equipment is marked with a “do notuse after” date so that it can be clear that it has not beenomitted from the routine PAT testing regime.

Medium

Electrical installationtesting

Ensure that the original completion certificates for the electricalinstallation, including that for Phase One, are properlycompleted and that a programme of fire yearly inspection andtests for both the School and Sports Hall electrical installationsare in place.

Medium




Flammable gas storage Provide correct ventilated storage for gas cartridges in the D&Tarea. If located indoors, this will need to be a fire resistantcabinet ventilated outside with a capacity not exceeding 0.5cubic metres. Ensure all gas cartridges are stored in this areawhen not in use. Advice should be sought from theOccupational Safety Health and Wellbeing unit on the exactspecification of any proposed storage arrangement.

If the external gas storage area is to be used for storing gascylinders, it will require fire separation from adjacent storageand separation distances between the storage area will need tobe achieved. Advice on the specification of this will need to beobtained as above before action is taken.

Flammable liquid containers located in the Science Preparationroom should be returned to the flammable liquid cabinet afteruse even if these are less than 500ml in capacity.

High

High

Medium

Waste bins in Atrium Provide self-closing fire resistant waste sack holders forrecyclables and waste in Atrium and corridor areas.

Medium

Housekeeping Ensure that the sprinkler tank room is kept free of combustiblestorage.

Medium

Lightning protection Ensure there is a robust system in place for the annual test andinspection of the Lightning Protection System and maintainrecords accordingly.

Low

Equipment for FireBrigade and FireBrigade Access

Ensure that all dry riser outlets are provided with a leather strapand padlocks on the valve in the closed position.

Ensure that signage to dry riser inlet near the south-eaststairwell is clearly signed and weeds and vegetation are keptclear and that the area in front of other dry riser inlets aremarked and kept clear.

Ensure that the Fire Authority are aware of the accessarrangements to ensure that Fire Brigade access is available atany time of day or night, in particular the method of opening themain security gates.

High

Medium

High

Fire extinguishers Each fire points in the staff room should be supplemented by a 6litre Hydrospray extinguisher rated to at least 13A.

High

Sprinkler system Ensure the sprinkler tank room is kept free of combustiblematerials.

High

Action in the event ofcritical fire systemfailure or power failure

A procedure should be introduced in accordance with theguidance in Section 13 above on the restriction of the use of theSchool or its evacuation in the event of a failure of critical firesafety systems or loss of power. The procedure should detailthe responsibilities for action and the particular area or areas inthe School, which cannot be used.

High




Fire alarm anddetection system

Obtain a review from the fire alarm installation and maintenancecompany on the positioning of smoke detectors particularly inarea around F7.

Develop a clearly documented system on the operation of thesmoke vent/smoke extractor systems in the event of a firealarm, both when the premises are occupied and unoccupiedand communicate to all members of staff.

Develop and document a clearly defined procedure for theisolation and reinstatement of detectors in the Atrium area.

High

High

High

Emergency lighting Ensure that there is a formal test regime for all emergencylighting on the premises to be carried out at monthly intervalsand with an annual discharge test.

Medium

Training and drills An overall training plan for staff and temporary staff should beproduced and training delivered in accordance with the plan onat least an annual basis with records maintained. The planshould include the specific elements of training listed below aswell as routine fire procedure and prevention training.

Ensure that a fire drill is conducted at least on a termly basis,with records maintained. Also, ensure that adequate time ismade available for all staff to receive fire training, especially onthe complexity of inter-related systems and that re-training iscarried out and records maintained.

Ensure that staff receive practical training in the use of fireextinguishers including, for kitchen staff the use of a wetchemical extinguisher.

Fire marshals will need to receive training in the use of portableradios used in fire evacuations.

Ensure that relevant staff and disabled persons are practised inthe use of the Exitmaster evacuation chairs.

During fire drills, ensure that the use of alternative exits isforced by the simulated obstruction of some exits.

Disabled pupils and relevant staff and carers need to be briefedin the use of the refuge communication system.

High

High

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

High

Fire exit signage Provide additional fire exit sign for alternative exit from serverroom.

Where turn nib locks are provided on exit doors, provide clearsignage on operation on the door.

High

Medium




Fire action notices Provide fire action notices at all manual fire alarm call pointswhere these are not currently provided.

High

Where turn nibs are provided on fire exit doors, provide signageas to their operation, in order to open the doors.

High

Arrangements forlettings

Ensure that there are written arrangements for premises lettingsincluding maximum numbers of people permitted as indicatedand permitted and prohibited activities. The arrangementsshould include requirements and restrictions in relation to theuse of open candles during events, the control of ignitionsources and, in the case of use of the Sports Hall, the correctstorage of gym mats.

Create standard seating layout plans incorporating adequatespacing, linking of chairs and gangways for events and lettings.

High

High

Fire marshals Ensure that all school staff are trained in fire marshal duties andthe use of extinguishers and allocate appropriate responsibilitiesfor confirming floors have been evacuated following an alarmactivation.

Provide the Emergency Incident Controller with a cleardesignation such as a quartered painted, safety/bump camp.

Medium

Medium

Fire Brigadenotification

Develop and implement a clear procedure for notifying the FireBrigade in the event of a fire, to confirm a fire signalled by theautomatic Redcare system.

Medium

Distance of travel andlocation of exits

The secondary exit from the Sixth form Common Room directlyto the protected stairwell should be reinstated and allobstructions removed.

Medium

Fire separation andmeasures to reducethe risk of fire spread.

Upgrade the fire doors to the Sports Hall to meet a full fireresistant standard with intumescent and smoke seals.

The glazing panel between the Sports Hall and the SchoolAtrium should be clearly marked at low level to indicate the typeof fire resisting glass. Maintenance arrangements for anydamage to this glass should be documented to ensure that it isonly replaced with fire resistant glass to the same standard.

Install a fire curtain or shutter giving at least 30 minutes fireresistance in the outer opening of the Sports Hall gym matstorage area with an arrangement that this is closedautomatically on activation of smoke detection or the alarmsystem. During events, this curtain or shutter should be keptclosed.

Inspect the ventilation system for the Kiln Room in S31 and toconfirm that either the ducting is fitted with a fire damper orthat fire separation is achieved in another way.

High

High

High

Medium




Contractor control Introduce hot work permit system for work undertaken inpremises by contractors and provide training to relevant staff inits use.

Medium

Fire policy andprocedures

Review the fire policy to apportion direct responsibilities for thetesting and maintenance of all fire related systems.

Medium

Develop a clear procedure for the operation of accessarrangements for the emergency services out of hours andcommunicate to them accordingly.

Implement a fire safety inspection, to be carried out bycaretaker/staff on a daily/weekly basis and record findings, withactions to address any shortfalls.

Develop a fire folder, which will be held in Reception and givento the emergency services on arrival. This should containdetailed plans of the premises, together with locations of mainservice incomers, gas water and electricity, fire hydrants,chemical and gas stores or areas of other specific risk.

A set of plans should be attached to this Risk Assessment.

Medium

Medium

High

Low

Signed: _____________________________________

Assessment Date: 25th May 2011

Review Date: June 2012

Appendix 1

Summary of Requirements ofThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005


1. Application and Effective Date

The Order was approved by Parliament in June 2005 and took effect on 1st October 2006.The Order applies to all premises other than those specifically exempted from therequirements.

The principal exempted premises are private domestic premises in single occupancy, ships,aircraft, vehicles, mines and offshore installations.

The Order, therefore, applies in full to Chessington Community College.

The Order, in a similar way to previous fire safety legislation for hotels and places of work,requires precautions that can reasonably be required in the circumstances of the case or, inrelation to safeguarding employees, a requirement to do all that is reasonably practicable.Published Government guidance gives information on what is considered a reasonablestandard. Where standards are marginally inadequate, it may be reasonable to improvethem over a period of time, or when other alterations are undertaken. The risk assessmentapproach enables these types of improvement to be prioritised. However, it is notacceptable to operate to inadequate standards without taking prompt action to redress thesituation.

Where building or alteration work is being undertaken, it is particularly important thatrelevant opportunities are taken to make necessary fire safety improvements, as this is notonly cost effective, but would be regarded as acting in a reasonable way.

2. Purpose of The Order

The Order has been made to ensure adequate standards of fire safety, to simplify existingfire safety legislation and to ensure that there is a consistent approach to fire safety.

Previous legislation was spread across a range of statutes, some of which only applied tospecific types of premises.

3. Responsible Persons

The Order places legal duties on a ‘responsible person’ for compliance with therequirements.

The ‘responsible person’ is defined as an employer in respect of a workplace which is, to anyextent, under their control and where the premises are not a workplace the person in controlof the premises. Where there is no one in control of the premises the ‘responsible person’ isdefined as the owner.

The Council, as the employer of staff at the College, will be the ‘responsible person’ inrespect of Chessington Community College’s activities.

Appendix 1



The Head Teacher and Board of Governors of the School will also have a legal duty to ensurethe school is compliant. ‘Responsible persons’ have the legal duty to ensure therequirements of the Order are met.

4. Persons Safeguarded by The Order

The fire precautions put in place by the ‘responsible person’ are required to safeguard“relevant persons”. This is anyone who may be in the building, or in the immediate vicinity,who could be put at risk by a fire. It does not, however, include risks to fire fighters whilstattending a fire.

However, it should be noted that there are other legal duties for which RBK is responsible,applicable to the safety of fire fighters. For example, RBK would have responsibilities underThe Health and Safety at Work etc Act for the safety of fire fighters who may need to enterthe building in the event of fire if there were unexpected dangers caused, for example, bydangerous storage of hazardous materials.

5. Enforcement

Fire authorities have powers of inspection of premises subject to the Order, includingChessington Community College. Inspections can be proactive at any time or reactive (forexample following a fire). Fire authorities have powers to require improvements within aspecified period of time (by serving an Enforcement Notice), powers of immediate or delayedprohibition to prevent non compliant premises being used in whole or part (by serving aProhibition Notice) and powers to initiate a prosecution.

Fire authorities will normally, as part of an inspection, require to see the risk assessment andtake a view on whether it is adequate and whether the physical fire precautions and fireprocedures are adequate.

Prosecution can take place if it is established that requirements are not being met (forexample locked or blocked fire exits or overcrowded premises). Such a prosecution couldtake place following an inspection or following a fire.

The maximum penalty for breaching the requirements of the Order is an unlimited fine.However, where the offence would place one or more relevant persons at risk of death orserious injury in the event of fire, the maximum penalty is an unlimited fine and two years’imprisonment. It should be noted that this more serious penalty is related to persons beingat serious risk should a fire occur, as opposed to there being a serious risk of a fireoccurring. This level of penalty can also be imposed for breaching an Enforcement Noticeserved by a fire authority.

Appendix 1



6. Principal Requirements

The principal fire safety requirements of the Order, which are addressed in more detail inthis risk assessment in relation to Chessington Community College, cover the following areas.

a. General fire safety duty (Article 8)

The Order imposes a duty to take such general fire precautions as are reasonablyrequired in the circumstances of the case to make the premises safe.“General Fire Precautions” is a defined term and includes minimising the risk of a fireoccurring as well as taking precautions so as to be able to address the situation if itdoes occur. Thus, there is a legal duty to minimise the risk of fire. This duty tominimise the risk of fire is in addition to, and separate from, the remaining duties listedbelow.

b. Risk assessment (Article 9)

The requirement to undertake a risk assessment has been explained above.

c. Principles of prevention (Article 10)

This section requires a hierarchy of measures to be considered, with avoiding risksbeing at the top of the hierarchy and including replacing the dangerous by the lessdangerous, adapting to technical progress and having a coherent overall strategy forfire safety.

d. Fire safety arrangements (Article 11)

This includes a requirement for the ‘responsible person’ to give effect to appropriatearrangements for the planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of firesafety measures. This includes appropriate fire procedures, allocation of staff andmanagement responsibilities, appropriate planning for maintenance of fire safetyequipment and a duty to monitor and review that these continue to be effective.

e. Elimination of risks from dangerous substances (Article 12)

This Article relates to appropriate controls in relation to flammable and similarsubstances. It will not generally apply to the School except in relaton to smallquantities of flammable materials or when contractors are on the premises or if gascylinders are used.

f. Fire fighting and fire detection (Article 13)

This Article requires that, where necessary, appropriate fire fighting equipment and firedetection is provided. It also requires that there are arrangements for fire fighting andcompetent people to implement the measures, in order to ensure the safety of thosepresent.

Appendix 1



Fire extinguishers are usually always regarded as necessary. Fire detection can benecessary if a fire could start and grow undetected in part of the premises and putpeople elsewhere at risk.

There is also a requirement to arrange necessary contact with the emergency services.

g. Emergency routes and exits (Article 14)

This section relates to having an adequate number and size of emergency routes andexits, keeping them unobstructed and having doors which can be easily and quicklyopened.Detailed technical guidance supporting the Order gives calculation methods for thewidth and number of exits and the travel distance to them. Whilst establishedstandards provide for an increased time of evacuation and increased travel distances toexits for lower risk premises, it is specified in the Guidance that certain minimumstandards of means of escape are always required even when the fire risk is low.Conversely, premises with higher fire risks, or large amounts of flammable materials,require a higher standard.

Generally, for most normal risk premises, it is expected that total evacuation must beable to take place within two and a half minutes, on the assumption that certainalternative exits will be blocked.

Part of the requirements relating to escape routes is the protection of such routes byfire separation and self closing fire resistant doors. Such doors perform the vitalfunction of delaying the spread of fire and smoke on to escape routes and contain anoutbreak of fire in part of a building.

The effectiveness of such doors is vitally dependant on their design installation andmaintenance. Most fire resistant doors used for protecting the means of escape willhave a fire resistance of at least 30 minutes. However, poor installation, damaged fireor smoke seals, or changes to the door furniture or glazing can result in the fireresistance being drastically reduced. To be effective fire doors have to be closed andhence it is essential that such doors are fitted with self closers. Where such closerscreate practical difficulty in the use of a building, the doors can be fitted with doorholders which release when a fire is detected or the fire alarm is operated.

Fire separation of a building and the escape routes also depends on penetrations inwalls and ceilings (for example made by services such as pipes cabling and ventilationducts) being effectively sealed by fire resistant material or, in the case of ventilation,ducts fire dampers).

h. Procedures for serious and imminent danger (Article 15)

This requires appropriate fire procedures, including fire safety drills, to be establishedwith competent persons to implement them.

Appendix 1



i. Additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous substances(Article 16)

This Article specifies detailed requirements where there are significant quantities ofdangerous substances. The requirements include warning and emergency measuresand special evacuation arrangements.

j. Maintenance (Article 17)

This requires an effective system of maintenance to be in place for fire safetyequipment and facilities and for them to be maintained in working order.

This includes the maintenance of emergency lighting, signage, fire extinguishers, firedetection and alarms fire doors, door releases and fire dampers.

It is generally regarded that a suitable system of maintenance includes appropriaterecords, proper corrective action and monitoring of the records and action taken.

k. Safety assistance (Article 18)

This requires the ‘responsible person’ to appoint one or more ‘competent persons’ toassist in meeting the requirements and to provide appropriate advice.

In this context, the competent assistance includes those who will implement safetyprocedures (such as fire marshals, building security etc), in addition to a competentsource of advice which the Council has already appointed in the form of QuadrigaHealth & Safety Ltd. Those appointed have to be competent to address the area ofresponsibility. For example, those appointed to operate fire extinguishers must betrained to do so and those responsible for implementing a system of maintenance haveto be able to understand what is needed, how often it is needed and the importance ofimplementing the requirement consistently. Similarly, those (such as an outsideorganisation) who are used to service fire safety equipment also have to be competent.

l. Training and information (Articles 19 and 21)

This requirement specifically applies to providing information and training foremployees, including the provision of fire safety drills. Such training must be providedon induction and subsequently, particularly when there are changes of location, oractivities which could cause new or increased risks.

m. Provision of information to employers and the self employed from outsideundertakings (Article 20)

This requires relevant information to be provided to other organisations and their staffwho may be working on the premises (such as contractors) and the emergencyprocedures which apply, including details of those such as fire marshals and how theycan be identified.

Appendix 1



n. Cooperation and coordination (Article 22)

This requirement applies when employees of others are present on the premises, suchas contractors, and requires precautions to be coordinated. The use of relevant oermitto work systems, such as hot work permits, are an essential part of such coordination.

o. Duties of employees (Article 23)

All employees have a duty under the Order to take reasonable care for themselves andthose who might be affected by their actions or inactions and to cooperate with theiremployer to enable the requirements to be met.

chessington community college garrison lane, … risk assessment relates to the chessington...

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