Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 2
Disclaimer The assessors believe the information contained within this risk assessment report to be correct at
the time of printing. The assessors do not accept responsibility for any consequences arising from
the use of the information herein. The report is based on matters that were observed or came to the
attention of the assessors during the day of the assessment and should not be relied upon as an
exhaustive record of all possible risks or hazards that may exist or potential improvements that can
be made.
Confidentiality Statement In order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the risk assessment processes and to protect the
parties involved, it is understood that the assessors will not divulge to unauthorized persons any
information obtained during this risk assessment unless legally obligated to do so.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 3
Table of Contents
M.G.C. Services Fire Risk Assessment ................................................................................................. 1 Disclaimer............................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Confidentiality Statement ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Site information...................................................................................................................................................... 5 1: Site Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 1a: Assessment Date ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Risk level estimator ............................................................................................................................................... 7 2: Risk level estimator ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Risk level estimator continued ............................................................................................................................ 8 2: Risk level estimator continued .................................................................................................................................. 8
Action plan .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 3: Action Plan ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Actions for section 9: Fire Hazards - Electrical........................................................................................................ 9 Actions for section 10: Fire Hazards - Smoking ...................................................................................................... 9 Actions for section 11: Fire Hazards - Arson .......................................................................................................... 10 Actions for section 12: Property Heating ................................................................................................................. 10 Actions for section 13: Cooking .................................................................................................................................. 10 Actions for section 14: Lightning Strike ................................................................................................................... 10 Actions for section 15: Housekeeping ....................................................................................................................... 10 Actions for section 16: Outside contractors ............................................................................................................. 11 Actions for section 17: Dangerous substances ........................................................................................................ 11 Actions for section 18: Other significant hazards - including process hazards impacting on fire
precautions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Actions for section 19: Means of escape .................................................................................................................. 11 Actions for section 20: Compartmentation .............................................................................................................. 12 Actions for section 21: Fire safety signs and notices ............................................................................................ 13 Actions for section 22: Means of giving warning in case of fire ...................................................................... 13 Actions for section 23: Emergency lighting ............................................................................................................ 13 Actions for section 24: Manual fire extinguishing appliances ........................................................................... 14 Actions for section 25: Fire extinguishing and other fixed systems ................................................................ 14 Actions for section 26: Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements ................................... 14 Actions for section 27: Management of fire safety - training and drills ......................................................... 14 Actions for section 28: Testing and maintenance .................................................................................................. 14 Actions for section 28: Testing and maintenance .................................................................................................. 15
General information - The premises & Occupants at risk of fire ........................................................... 16 4: General information - The premises ...................................................................................................................... 16 5: Occupants at risk of fire: ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Property fire loss experience, other relevant information, fire safety legislation ............................... 18 6: Property fire loss experience ................................................................................................................................... 18 7: Other relevant information ....................................................................................................................................... 18 8: Fire legislation .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Fire hazards - Electrical .................................................................................................................................... 19 9: Fire hazards - Electrical............................................................................................................................................. 19
Fire hazards - Smoking ..................................................................................................................................... 20 10: Fire hazards - Smoking ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Fire hazard - Arson ............................................................................................................................................ 21 11: Fire hazard - Arson ................................................................................................................................................... 21
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 4
Property heating, cooking ................................................................................................................................. 22 12: Property heating ........................................................................................................................................................ 22 13: Cooking ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Lightning strike, House keeping ..................................................................................................................... 23 14: Lightning strike ......................................................................................................................................................... 23 15: Housekeeping ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Outside contractors, Dangerous substances, other significant hazards ................................................ 24 16: Outside contractors ................................................................................................................................................... 24 17: Dangerous substances .............................................................................................................................................. 24 18: Other significant hazards - including process hazards impacting on fire precautions ........................ 24
Means of escape ................................................................................................................................................... 25 19: Means of escape ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
Means of escape continued ............................................................................................................................... 26 19: Means of escape ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Compartmentation ............................................................................................................................................. 27 20: Compartmentation .................................................................................................................................................... 27 20: Compartmentation ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fire safety signs and notices ............................................................................................................................. 30 21: Fire safety signs and notices .................................................................................................................................. 30 21: Fire safety signs and notices .................................................................................................................................. 31
Means of giving warning in case of fire ......................................................................................................... 32 22: Means of giving warning in case of fire ............................................................................................................ 32 22: Means of giving warning in case of fire ............................................................................................................ 33
Emergency lighting, Manual fire extinguishing appliances, other fixed systems ............................... 34 23: Emergency lighting .................................................................................................................................................. 34 24: Manual fire-extinguishing appliances ................................................................................................................ 34 25: Fire extinguishing and other fixed systems ...................................................................................................... 34
Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements .................................................................... 35 26: Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements ......................................................................... 35 26: Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Management of fire safety - training and drills........................................................................................... 36 27: Management of fire safety - training and drills ............................................................................................... 36
Testing and maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 37 28: Testing and maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Testing and maintenance continued ............................................................................................................... 39 28: Testing and maintenance cont. ............................................................................................................................. 39
Media ..................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 5
Site information
1: Site Information
1.1: Responsible person (as defined in
section 3 of the Regulatory Reform (fire
safety) Order 2005):
Tamar Housing.
1.2: Persons with "Duties under this order"
(section 5 of the Regulatory Reform (fire
safety) Order 2005) i.e. the person having
financial control of the premises:
Tamar Housing.
1.3: Address of premises: Leigham Court,
Leigham Street,
Plymouth,
PL1 3BR.
1.4: Person(s) consulted: Various residents.
1.5: Assessor:
Malcolm Cook AIIRSM
GLENHAZEL
194 Exeter Road
Kingsteignton
TQ12 3NJ.
T:01626 460045 M:07803 651 594 E: [email protected]
Competency:
Associate member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Fire Risk Assessments in Houses of Multiple Occupancy - Fire Service College 2007.
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management.
Timber fire doors explained – Chiltern International Fire 2010.
FRACS Technical day – Warrington Fire 2010.
Intumescent products & their properties under fire – Lorient Polyproducts 2010.
The FPA Fire Risk Assessments course (IFE approved) – Fire Service College 2011.
FRACS Technical day – Warrington Fire 2011.
Fire Risk Assessments – Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Academy 2011.
Unit 1, Fire Detection and Design - The FIA July 2015.
Sprinkler systems technical update - The FPA May 2016.
The FPA Advanced Fire Risk Assessments - Fire Service College July 2016.
Written with guidance from PAS 79, CLG relevant guidance documents and Approved Document B:
Fire Safety (volume 2) – Buildings other than dwelling houses.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 6
1a: Assessment Date
1.6: Date of fire risk assessment: 12th September 2017.
1.6: Date of previous fire risk assessment: 30th August 2016.
1.7: Suggested date for review (1): 11th September 2017.
(1) This fire risk assessment should be reviewed by a competent person by the date indicated above or at
such an earlier time as there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or if there has been a
significant change in the matters to which it relates, or if a fire occurs.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 7
Risk level estimator
2: Risk level estimator
The following simple risk level estimator is based on a more general health and safety risk level
estimator of the type contained in BS 8800:
Potential consequences of fire - Slight harm Moderate harm Extreme harm
Likelihood of fire:-
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 (likelihood of fire) at these
premises is:
Medium
In this context, a definition of the above terms is as follows:
Low: Unusually low likelihood of fire as a result of negligible potential sources of ignition.
Medium: Normal fire hazards (e.g. potential ignition sources) for this type of occupancy, with fire
hazards generally subject to appropriate controls (other than minor shortcomings).
High: Lack of adequate controls applied to one or more significant fire hazards, such as to result in
significant increase in likelihood of fire.
Taking into account the nature of the
building and the occupants, as well as the
fire protection and procedural
arrangements observed at the time of this
fire risk assessment, it is considered that
the consequences for life safety in the
event of fire would be:
Medium
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 than an
occupant sleeping in a room in which a fire occurs).
Moderate harm: Outbreak of fire could foreseeable result in injury (including serious 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.
Accordingly, it is considered that the risk
to life from fire at these premises is: Moderate
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 8
Risk level estimator continued
2: Risk level estimator continued
A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportional to risk.
The following risk based control plan is based on one advocated by BS 8800 for general health and
safety risks:
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 might be a need for
improvements that involve minor or limited cost.
Moderate : It is essential that efforts be 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
might be required to establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the
priority for improved control measures.
Substantial : Considerable resources might have to be allocated to reduce the risk. If the
building is unoccupied, it should not be occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the building is
occupied, urgent action should be taken.
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 action plan.
Should the client choose not to implement any of the recommendations within this report then he shall
demonstrate how he has achieved a similar standard by alternative means. The fire risk assessment
should be reviewed regularly.)
Score (12/12) - 100% Tamar Housing - Leigham Court.
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Action plan
3: Action Plan
Definition of priorities (where applicable):
● Immediate: Issues noted by the risk assessor that were communicated to the client during the
assessment - to be corrected that day (the client stated action would be taken, results would not be
audited by the assessor).
● High: Issues noted that are critical for life safety and should be remediated as a priority. Timescales
of action will vary depending on the scale and complexity of the works required.
Lower resource actions, such as improved housekeeping should be implemented as soon as possible.
● Medium: Issues noted are serious and should be remediated as soon as resource is available.
● Low: Issues noted that are not critical to life safety, however consistently poor performance is likely
to impact on more critical systems – e.g. poor record keeping could allow life critical systems to fail
without the responsible person being aware.
Actions for section 9: Fire Hazards - Electrical
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 10: Fire Hazards - Smoking
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
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Actions for section 11: Fire Hazards - Arson
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 12: Property Heating
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 13: Cooking
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 14: Lightning Strike
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 15: Housekeeping
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority:
HIGH
15.1 In order to comply with Article 8 To
Take General Fire Precautions and Article
10 Principle of Prevention to be Applied,
supported by Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the
Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order
2005, combustible materials should be
reduced so that doors to the storage
cupboards can be locked shut.
Electrical cupboards should be locked.
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Actions for section 16: Outside contractors
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 17: Dangerous substances
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 18: Other significant hazards - including process hazards
impacting on fire precautions
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 19: Means of escape
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
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Actions for section 20: Compartmentation
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: HIGH
20.1 Fire doors should only be held open
by an approved device that is linked to the
fire alarm system.
The action below has been completed by: Date: 2
Priority:
MEDIUM
20.2 In accordance with Article 14
Emergency Routes and Exits of the
Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order
2005, fire doors opening onto the escape
route, or protecting the escape route,
should be of an FD30(s) standard; fire door
of 30-minutes incorporating intumescent
devices and smoke seals in order to further
prevent the spread of smoke and fire. This
approach will aid to further protect the
escape route allowing persons the
maximum time to safely escape the
building.
Dwelling doors and ALL lobby doors
should be further improved to meet an
FD30 (S) standard, particularly if a stay put
policy is in place.
Electrical cupboard doors should be
locked.
The action below has been completed by: Date: 3
Priority:
MEDIUM
20.3 In order to comply with Article 17
Maintenance of the Regulatory Reform
(fire safety) Order 2005, maintenance of
the fire doors is required in order to ensure
all fire doors close completely onto their
rebate without physical assistance in order
to further protect the escape route
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Actions for section 21: Fire safety signs and notices
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 22: Means of giving warning in case of fire
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority:
LOW
22.3 It is recommended that an audible
device is located within the vicinity of the
lift motor room so as to warn engineers
who may be servicing the lift at the time of
an incident within the lower communal
area. The device should be installed in
accordance with BS 5839 Part 1: 2017.
The action below has been completed by: Date: 2
Priority:
LOW
22.6 In accordance with section 23.2.2(e)
of BS 5839 Part 1:2103, on or adjacent the
control and indicating equipment, there
should be a diagrammatic representation of
the building, showing at least the building
entrances, the main circulation areas and
the division into zones.
Actions for section 23: Emergency lighting
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority:
MEDIUM
23.1 It is recommended that an emergency
light be installed within each of the
electrical cupboards to aid with the isolation of electrical supplies.
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Actions for section 24: Manual fire extinguishing appliances
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 25: Fire extinguishing and other fixed systems
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 26: Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 27: Management of fire safety - training and drills
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority: NONE
Actions for section 28: Testing and maintenance
The action below has been completed by: Date: 1
Priority:
MEDIUM
28.5 In order to comply with article 17
Maintenance of the Regulatory Reform
(fire safety) Order 2005 and the
recommendations within BS 5306, a
monthly visual inspection should be
undertaken. It is good practice to record
the results of the inspection within a fire
logbook as evidence.
Score (12/12) - 100% Tamar Housing - Leigham Court.
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Actions for section 28: Testing and maintenance
The action below has been completed by: Date: 2
Priority:
MEDIUM
In accordance with article 17 Maintenance
of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety)
Order 2005 and the recommendations
within BS 5306, an approved contractor,
preferably BAFE registered, should
undertake an annual service inspection. It
is good practice to record the results of the
inspection within a fire logbook as
evidence.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 16
General information - The premises & Occupants at risk of fire
Question Response Details
4: General information - The premises
4.1: Brief description of building: This would appear to be a purpose built block of self-
contained flats of brick and concrete construction. Access
to the communal area s via a single entrance door that
leads into a lobby containing the fire alarm control and
indicating equipment, lift and base of a single concrete
protected stair. The protected stair terminates at each
landing whereby a fire door provides access to a
communal lobby approx. 2m x 2m that contains two fire
doors; one left and right. Beyond the fire doors is a further
lobby containing the dwelling doors.
Emergency lighting would appear to be contained
throughout the communal area with a category M fire
alarm system.
Access for the fire and rescue service is good.
Appendix 1
4.1.1: Number of floors Four.
4.2: Areas covered by assessment: All internal and external areas of the property.
4.3: Use of premises: Sleeping accommodation.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 17
5: Occupants at risk of fire:
5.1: Approximate maximum number: Unconfirmed number within the block.
5.2: Approximate maximum number of
employees at any one time: One.
5.3: Sleeping occupants: Unconfirmed number within the block.
5.4: Disabled occupants: None reported or witnessed.
5.5: Occupants in remote areas and lone
workers: Caretaker, gardener and contractor within common parts.
5.6: Young persons: None reported or witnessed.
5.7: Others: Delivery drivers, postal workers, refuse collectors and
emergency service personnel.
Score (1/1) - 100% Tamar Housing - Leigham Court.
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Property fire loss experience, other relevant information, fire safety
legislation
Question Response Details
6: Property fire loss experience
Comments: None reported.
7: Other relevant information
Comments: None.
8: Fire legislation
8.1: The Regulatory Reform (fire safety)
Order 2005 applies to these premises with
guidance taken from the:
Sleeping accommodation guidance notes, Approved
document B, LACoRS Guide
8.2: Enforced by: Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service
8.3: Other legislation that makes
significant requirements for fire
precautions in these premises (other than
the Building Regulations 2010)
Housing Act 2004
8.4: Appropriate liaison with fire and
rescue service Unknown
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 19
Fire hazards - Electrical
Question Response Details
9: Fire hazards - Electrical
The Law: The current regulations for electrical installations are BS 7671: 2008 Requirements for
Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition). Compliance with these regulations and
the subsequent issue of certificates of conformity are not a specific requirement, but are invariably
needed by your insurance company. However, there is a statutory duty of care under the Electricity at
Work Regulations 1989 for all electrical installations in work places to be maintained as to be safe and
to prevent danger. It is likely therefore that in the event of an accident the authorities will look at the
wiring regulations as the benchmark for standards that should be adopted.
9.1: Reasonable measures taken to prevent
fires of an electrical origin? Yes Mr. Stuart Francis-Dubois provided
anecdotal information that indicates a
rolling plan of inspections is now in place.
9.2: Fixed electrical installation
periodically inspected and tested? Yes
As above.
Appendix 2 Appendix 3
9.3: Portable appliance testing carried out? N/A None witnessed at the time of assessment.
9.4: Suitable policy regarding the use of
personal electrical appliances? N/A
None witnessed at the time of assessment.
9.5: Suitable limitation of trailing leads and
adapters? N/A
None witnessed at the time of assessment.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 20
Fire hazards - Smoking
Question Response Details
10: Fire hazards - Smoking
The Law: The Health Act 2006 and The Smokefree (Signs) Regulations 2007 as amended in 2012.
“Entrance” means an entrance for use by persons;
“smoke-free premises” means all public places and workplaces which are smoke-free by virtue of
section 2 or 4 of the Act, other than those that are exempt by virtue of regulations made under section 3
of the Act.
“The Act” is in relation to The Health Act 2006 that requires all smoke free premises to display
appropriate signage including Churches, Listed Buildings & Art Galleries.
10.1: Reasonable measures taken to
prevent fires as a result of smoking? Yes
Reasonable measures in the form of
signage has been installed.
10.2: Smoking prohibited in the building? Yes
It is understood that the property has a no
smoking policy.
10.3: Suitable arrangements for those who
wish to smoke? Yes
Any person wishing to smoke can do so at
a safe distance from the property.
10.4: Adequate signage displayed?
Yes
In accordance with Section 6 of The Health
Act 2006 and The Smokefree (signs)
Regulations 2012 a single No Smoking
sign is displayed within the premise.
Appendix 4
10.5: No smoking policy appeared to be
observed at the time of inspection? Yes There did not appear to be any evidence to
indicate a breach of the no smoking policy
at the time of assessment.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 21
Fire hazard - Arson
Question Response Details
11: Fire hazard - Arson
11.1: Does basic security against arson by
outsiders appear reasonable? Yes The property appeared to be secure at the
time of assessment and access was only
possible via the use of a key.
11.2: Is there an absence of unnecessary
fire load in close proximity to the premises
or available for ignition by outsiders? Yes
There was an absence of unnecessary fuel
loading at the time of assessment.
11.3: If provided, are wheelie bins secured
in place with lockable lids? Yes Refuse bins are secured and not accessible to an opportune arsonist.
11.4: Has there been any history of
vandalism or arson attempts in the
surrounding area? No
None reported.
11.5: Are there any pallets or skips stored
within 10m of the building? No There were no skips or pallets located
within close proximity to the property at
the time of assessment.
Score (0/1) - 0% Tamar Housing - Leigham Court.
22
Property heating, cooking
Question Response Details
12: Property heating
12.1: Is the use of portable heaters avoided
as far as practicable? N/A
12.2: If portable heaters are used:
12.2.1: Is the use of the more hazardous
type (e.g. radiant bar fires or LPG
appliances) avoided? N/A
12.2.2: Are suitable measures taken to
minimise the hazard of ignition of
combustible materials? N/A
12.3: Are fixed heating installations subject
to regular maintenance? N/A
13: Cooking
13.1: Is commercial or communal cooking
carried out on site? No
All cooking is undertaken within the
individual private residence.
13.2: If applicable, are filters changed and
ductwork cleaned regularly? N/A
13.3: Are there any deep fat fryers within
the kitchen? N/A
13.4: Are there suitable means of fighting
the fire?
(A 6Lt Wet Chemical should cover 75Lt of
cooking oil)
N/A
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 23
Lightning strike, House keeping
Question Response Details
14: Lightning strike
14.1: Does the building have a lightning
protection system? N/A Due to the height and location of the
property it is felt that a dedicated lightning
protection system is not required.
14.2: If so, is it regularly maintained? N/A
15: Housekeeping
15.1 Is the standard of housekeeping
adequate? No High amounts of storage within the
cupboard serving flat 14 were still present
to the point where the door will not close.
Appendix 5 (2016) Appendix 6 (2016)
Action:
15.1 In order to comply with Article 8 To Take General Fire Precautions and Article 10 Principle of
Prevention to be Applied, supported by Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety)
Order 2005, combustible materials should be reduced so that doors to the storage cupboards can be
locked shut.
15.2: Combustible materials appear to be
separated from ignition sources? Yes
15.3: Avoidance of unnecessary
accumulation of combustible materials or
waste? Yes
Housekeeping was good within the
communal areas & escape routes.
15.4: Appropriate storage of hazardous
materials? N/A
None witnessed at the time of assessment.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 24
Outside contractors, Dangerous substances, other significant hazards
Question Response Details
16: Outside contractors
16.1: Are fire safety conditions imposed on
outside contractors? Yes Tamar Housing Association does have a control of contractor’s policy.
17: Dangerous substances
17.1: Are substances classed as dangerous
under the Dangerous Substances and
Explosive Regulations 2002 used or stored
at the property?
N/A
None reported or witnessed at the time of
assessment.
17.2: If 'yes' has a suitable risk assessment
been conducted under DSEAR 2002? N/A
18: Other significant hazards - including process hazards impacting on fire
precautions
18.1: Are there any other significant
hazards? N/A
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 25
Means of escape
Question Response Details
19: Means of escape
19.1: Is it considered that the building is
provided with reasonable means of escape
in case of fire? Yes
The escape route within this premise is felt
not to be long or complicated and leads as
direct as possible to the final exit.
19.2: Is there adequate design of escape
routes (i.e. not through rooms of high risk
or adjacent buildings)? Yes
The escape route is via what appears to be
a protected stair.
19.3: Is there adequate provision of exits? Yes
It is felt that due to the projected low
number of persons within the building the
current provision would be adequate.
19.4: Exits easily and immediately
operable where necessary? Yes The final exits within the building were
quickly and safely operated without the
need for a key or a code.
Appendix 7
19.5: Fire exits open in direction of travel?
N/A
Whilst it is appreciated that wherever
possible exit doors should ideally open in
the direction of travel, there are less than
60 persons within the building and as such
the current guidance would indicate exit
doors do not have to open in the direction
of travel.
19.6: Satisfactory means for securing
exits? Yes The final exit/s were not secured by means
of a lock, bolt or other device that required
a key or a code to safely operate.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 26
Means of escape continued
Question Response Details
19: Means of escape
19.7: Reasonable distances of travel where
there is a single direction of travel?
(Travel distances were measured using a
BOSCH DLE50 laser device)
Yes
A travel distance of 4m was measured from
the dwelling door of flat 43 to the lobby
fire door and a further 1.5m to the fire door
leading into the protected stair.
19.8: Reasonable distances of travel where
there are alternative means of escape? N/A
19.9: Suitable protection of escape routes?
(*) Yes
19.10: Escape routes un-obstructed? Yes
The escape route was free from obstruction
at the time of assessment throughout the
entire length.
19.11: It is considered that the building is
provided with reasonable means and
arrangements for escape for disabled
people?
Unknown
It is understood the property operates a stay
put policy.
(*) Significant source of ignition and/or fuel on escape route, 30-minute fire-rated route/protected
staircase.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 27
Compartmentation
Question Response Details
20: Compartmentation
20.1: Is it considered that
compartmentation is of a reasonable
standard?
No
The lobby fire doors on the 3rd level of the
building were wedged open at the time of
assessment as per the previous assessment;
the assessor removed the wedges from the
doors.
A revisit was made on 27th Sept 2017 and
wedges had returned.
Appendix 8 (2016) Appendix 9 (2016) 2017
Action:
20.1 In order to comply with Article 14 (2) (b) of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005, in the
event of danger it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as
possible; fire doors must only be held open by approved devices that are actuated by the fire alarm
system and those containing damage should be repaired or replaced so as to maintain a 30-minute fire
protected route.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 28
Question Response Details
20: Compartmentation
20.2: Escape routes protected (smoke/heat
seals & fire doors)?
No
The doors to the electrical cupboards
located on each floor contain a self-closing
device, intumescent devices and smoke
seals but were not locked.
Flat 41 does not appear to have a
functioning self-closing device or any
intumescent devices with smoke seals in
order to further protect the lobby.
The lobby doors leading onto the protected
stair appear to contain 3 high melting point
hinges, intumescent devices and smoke
seals although the inner lobby doors do
not.
Appendix 10
Action:
20.2 In accordance with Article 14 Emergency Routes and Exits of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety)
Order 2005, fire doors opening onto the escape route, or protecting the escape route, should be of an
FD30(s) standard; fire door of 30-minutes incorporating intumescent devices and smoke seals in order to
further prevent the spread of smoke and fire. This approach will aid to further protect the escape route
allowing persons the maximum time to safely escape the building.
Dwelling doors and ALL lobby doors should be further improved to meet an FD30 (S) standard,
particularly if a stay put policy is in place.
Electrical cupboard doors should be kept locked.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 29
Question Response Details
20: Compartmentation
20.3: Fire doors close fully on to rebate
without assistance? No Some dwelling doors and lobby doors that
were witnessed had to be closed with
physical assistance.
Action:
20.3 In order to comply with Article 17 Maintenance of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005,
maintenance of the fire doors is required in order to ensure all fire doors close completely onto their
rebate without physical assistance in order to further protect the escape route
20.4: Service openings fire stopped? N/A
20.5: Service cupboards constructed in
suitable fire resisting materials? Yes
20.6: As far as can be ascertained, fire
dampers are provided as necessary to
protect critical means of escape against
passage of fire, smoke and combustion
products in the early stages of fire? (*)(**)
N/A
(*) Based on visual inspection of readily accessible areas, with a degree of sampling where appropriate.
(**) A full investigation of the design of HVAC systems is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 30
Fire safety signs and notices
Question Response Details
21: Fire safety signs and notices
21.1: Are there completed fire action
notices displayed? Yes
There are now fire action notices
prominently displayed so as to give clear
instruction on what action to take in the
event of fire or imminent danger.
2017
21.2: Are there escape signs installed to
indicate alternative routes? Yes
Installed within the escape route.
21.3: Are there Fire Door Keep Shut signs
on both sides of the door, if applicable? Yes
The lobby fire doors on each level of the
building do now contain signage; some
doors were still wedged open at the time of
assessment.
Appendix 11 (2016) Appendix 12 (2016) 2017
21.4: Are there Fire Door Keep Locked
signs if applicable? Yes
Store cupboards on each floor do now
contain signage although some were still
unlocked at the time of assessment,
including the electrical cupboards.
21.5: Are there signs to warn attending fire
crews of danger (electrical intakes, gas,
oxygen etc.)? Yes
The doors to the electrical cupboards
located on each floor now contain signage
to warn fire crews.
Appendix 14 (2016) 2017
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 31
Question Response Details
21: Fire safety signs and notices
21.6: Is there a suitable fire assembly point
identified? Yes
A suitable area is available that is a safe
distance from the building.
21.7: Are there any other issues with any
signage relating to fire? No
No significant findings.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 32
Means of giving warning in case of fire
Question Response Details
22: Means of giving warning in case of fire
22.1: Reasonable manually operated
electrical fire alarm system? Yes
Strategic break glass points were noted on
each floor.
Appendix 15
22.2: Automatic fire detection provided
appropriate to risk?
Yes
No detection within the lift motor room
however this is located on the roof and
unlikely to spread affecting the escape
route.
No detection within the protected stair that
also contains the lift doors at each level,
however, current guidance for purpose
built blocks of flats does not indicate any
requirement.
22.3: Can the alarm be heard over
background noise? No
There is no means of audible warning
contained within the lift motor room
located on the roof in order to warn service
engineers of a fire within the main
building.
Action:
It is recommended that an audible device is located within the vicinity of the lift motor room so as to
warn engineers who may be servicing the lift at the time of an incident within the lower communal area.
The device should be installed in accordance with BS 5839 Part 1: 2017.
22.4 Remote transmission of alarm
signals? N/A
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 33
Question Response Details
22: Means of giving warning in case of fire
22.5: Facility to indicate all zones in a state
of fire simultaneously? Yes The current control and indicating
equipment would appear to contain the
facility to display all zones.
Appendix 16
22.6: Zone plans displayed for attending
fire crews? No
There is currently no diagrammatic
representation of the building as
recommended in the current British
Standard, BS 5839 Part 1: 2017.
Action:
22.6 In accordance with section 23.2.2(e) of BS 5839 Part 1:2107, on or adjacent the control and
indicating equipment, there should be a diagrammatic representation of the building, showing at least the
building entrances, the main circulation areas and the division into zones.
22.7: Any false signals recorded and action
taken? Yes
It is apparent that any false signals would
be quickly acted upon.
22.8: Any automated devices linked to the
fire alarm system (roller shutters, air-con
etc.)? N/A
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 34
Emergency lighting, Manual fire extinguishing appliances, other fixed
systems
Question Response Details
23: Emergency lighting
23.1: Is there a reasonable standard of
emergency escape lighting system
provided (internal & external) (*)? No
There does not appear to be any emergency
lighting within the electrical cupboards
situated on each floor should there be a
need to isolate the electrical supplies.
Action:
23.1 It is recommended that an emergency light be installed within each of the electrical cupboards to aid with the isolation of electrical supplies.
(*) Based on visual inspection, but no test of luminance levels or verification of full compliance with
relevant British Standards carried out.
24: Manual fire-extinguishing appliances
24.1: Firefighting equipment installed
appropriate to risk? Yes One CO2 extinguisher was noted within the
lift motor room during 2016 & 2017 for the
use by contractors.
Appendix 17
24.2: Are all fire-extinguishing appliances
readily accessible? Yes The appliance is readily available.
25: Fire extinguishing and other fixed systems
25.1: Are there any systems in place (gas
suppression, sprinklers etc.)? N/A
25.2: Suitable provision of fire fighter
switch (es) (for high voltage luminous tube
signs, lifts etc.)? N/A
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 35
Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements
Question Response Details
26: Management of fire safety - procedures and arrangements
26.1: Fire safety is managed by: Tamar Housing Association.
26.2: Competent person(s): Tamar Housing Association.
26.3: Appropriate fire procedures in place? Yes
Fire procedures in the form of an Action
Notice are now prominently displayed
within the communal areas.
26.4: Suitable arrangements for
summoning the fire and rescue service? Yes
Landline within the flats plus a good
mobile phone signal.
26.5: Are there suitable written
arrangements to meet the fire and rescue
service on arrival and provide relevant
information, including that relating to
hazards to fire fighters?
Yes
Residents are likely to meet the fire and
rescue service upon their arrival.
26.6: Are there suitable arrangements for
ensuring that the premises have been
evacuated? N/A
26.7: Is there a suitable assembly point? Yes
A suitable area is available at a safe
distance from the property.
26.8: Have you produced Personal
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
(PEEPS)? N/A
26.9: Persons nominated and trained to
assist with evacuation? N/A
26.10: Routine in-house inspections of fire
precautions (e.g. In the course of health &
safety inspections)? Yes
The caretaker undertakes a weekly visit of
the communal areas.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 36
Management of fire safety - training and drills
Question Response Details
27: Management of fire safety - training and drills
27.1: Are all staff given adequate fire
safety training in induction? Yes Tamar Housing Association does have a
comprehensive induction process for its
entire staff.
27.2: Persons nominated and trained to use
fire-extinguishing appliances? N/A
It is felt not practicable to install fire-
fighting equipment within this building.
27.3: Are all staff given adequate periodic
"refresher training" at suitable intervals? Yes
Tamar Housing Association provides a
comprehensive induction programme that
includes fire safety within all its properties
that is regularly refreshed.
27.4: Staff training/information includes
fire risks in the premises? Yes
Staff likely to be in the building are
familiar with its layout and risks.
27.5: Staff training/information includes
action in the event of a fire? Yes
The training provided does include
information on how to raise the alarm.
27.6: Staff training/information includes
action on hearing the fire alarm? Yes
The training provided does include
information on what action to take.
27.7: Staff training/information includes
method of operation of manual call points? Yes
The training provided does include
information on how to raise the alarm.
27.8: Staff training/information includes
means for summoning the fire and rescue
service? Yes
The training provided does include
information on what action to take.
27.9: Are all staff with special
responsibilities (e.g. fire wardens) given
additional training? N/A
No staff permanently based at this
property.
27.10: Are fire drills carried out at
appropriate intervals? N/A Due to the nature of the building being
residential it is felt not practicable to
undertake fire drills.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 37
Testing and maintenance
Question Response Details
28: Testing and maintenance
28.1: Weekly testing of the fire alarm
system? Yes Evidence was available on the caretakers’ inspection sheet.
Appendix 18
28.2: Servicing of the fire alarm system? Yes
Mr. Stuart Francis-Dubois has provided
information that indicates servicing has
been implemented.
28.3: Monthly testing of the emergency
escape lighting? Yes Evidence was available on the caretakers’ inspection sheet.
28.4: Annual servicing of the emergency
lighting? Yes Mr. Stuart Francis-Dubois has provided
information that indicates servicing has
been implemented.
28.5: Monthly check of the fire-
extinguishing appliances? No No formal evidence to suggest the fire
extinguisher within the lift motor room is
checked.
Action:
28.5 In order to comply with article 17 Maintenance of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005
and the recommendations within BS 5306, a monthly visual inspection should be undertaken. It is good
practice to record the results of the inspection within a fire logbook as evidence.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 38
28.6: Annual maintenance of fire-
extinguishing appliances? No The last service date on the CO2
extinguisher within the lift motor room was
December 2003.
Appendix 21
Action:
In accordance with article 17 Maintenance of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 and the
recommendations within BS 5306, an approved contractor, preferably BAFE registered, should
undertake an annual service inspection. It is good practice to record the results of the inspection within a
fire logbook as evidence.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 39
Testing and maintenance continued
Question Response Details
28: Testing and maintenance cont.
28.7: Periodic inspection of external escape
staircases and gangways? N/A
28.8: Six-monthly inspection and annual
testing of rising mains? N/A
28.9: Weekly and monthly testing, six
monthly and annual testing of firefighting
lifts? N/A
28.10: Monthly and annual inspection of
all fire doors? Yes Anecdotal information from the caretaker
(Nick) indicated that doors within the
communal area are inspected.
28.11: Routine checks of final exit doors
and/or security fastenings? Yes
Doors are used on a daily basis and as such
defects would be quickly raised.
28.12: Other relevant inspections or tests;
Smoke vents, Refuge points, Sprinkler
systems (25yr head test), Gas systems etc. N/A
28.13: Is a fire logbook kept on site? Yes
A sheet is kept within the display cabinet
located within the block.
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 40
Media (2016)
Appendix 1 Appendix 2
Appendix 3 Appendix 4
Appendix 5 Appendix 6
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 41
Appendix 7 Appendix 8
Appendix 9 Appendix 10
Appendix 11 Appendix 12
Tamar Housing - Leigham Court. 42
Appendix 13 Appendix 14
Appendix 15 Appendix 16
Appendix 17 Appendix 18