initial fire safety assessment - fair factories...

INITIAL FIRE SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Factory Name: KARIMS FASHION WEAR LTD

Address: Plot #1/2, 1/3 (1st & 2nd Floor) Block # KA NorthBishil, Sector-1, Mirpur, Dhaka Dhaka DhakaBangladesh

Assessor: Uttaron Technologies

Date: 27 May 2014

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The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety /17

Introduction to the Report

The following report contains a site profile and summary of non-conformities identified during an onsite assessment commissioned by theAlliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Alliance) and conducted by a third-party Qualified Assessment Firm (QAF). The assessment wasconducted against the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Assessment Protocols (APs) and Fire Safety and Structural Integrity Standard,which is harmonized with the factory assessment guidelines developed by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) forthe Bangladesh National Tripartite Plan of Action (NTPA). The goal of the Alliance process is to provide clear and practical technicalrequirements by which Bangladeshi Ready Made Garment (RMG) Factories producing for Alliance members may be consistently and fairlyevaluated for fire, structural, and electrical safety in a non-duplicative manner. Each assessment will prompt action plans that will be used byRMG factories to systematically and sustainably improve safety conditions for garment workers. Beyond tracking and reporting on actionsteps taken in a transparent manner, the Alliance organization and its members will seek to further support factory improvements throughtechnical assistance, training, implementation support for functional Worker Committees, and in some cases financial assistance and wagesupport for workers if factories are closed for remediation.

The contents of the report do not constitute a guarantee of compliance with the applicable laws, the Alliance Standard or the absolute orcontinued safety against fire, electrical and/or structural integrity issues that may lead to injury or loss of life. The report is designed to providea non-exhaustive summary of risk issues, based on a limited sampling and duration of time onsite by the named QAF. Neither the QAF northe Alliance can certify or guarantee the quality, outcome, or effectiveness of actions taken in response to the report.

For more information and report feedback please go to: www.bangladeshworkersafety.org.

FactoryName:

KARIMS FASHION WEAR LTD

Address: Plot #1/2, 1/3 (1st & 2nd Floor) Block # KA North Bishil, Sector-1, Mirpur,Dhaka Dhaka Dhaka Bangladesh

Assessor: UttaronTechnologies

Date: 27 May 2014



GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information

Factory Name: KARIMS FASHION WEAR LTD

Address: Plot #1/2, 1/3 (1st & 2nd Floor) Block # KA North Bishil, Sector-1, Mirpur, Dhaka Dhaka Dhaka Bangladesh

Country: Bangladesh

Province: Dhaka

City: Dhaka

Zip Code: 1216

Audit Duration: 1 Days 0 Hours

Re-Audit: Re-Audit After 0 Months

Draft Report Date: 27 May, 2014

Final Report Date: 30 June, 2014

Are all Action ItemsFrom PreviousAssessmentCompleted?:

N/A

Buildings in Complex: 1

Is the building(s) ownedor rented by the Factory:

Rented

Number of BuildingLevels (Stories):

6 Storied

Approximate BuildingArea (SF):

9910 SF

Date of BuildingConstruction:

Yr. 2000

Date of Last BuildingRenovation/Addition:

Yr. 2000

Ancillary Structures inComplex:

1 Shed

Approximate AncillaryStructures Area (SF):

150 SF

Number of Occupants: 230 nos.

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Number of AncillaryLevels (Stories):

1

Occupancy Type: G2

Construction Type: Type 1: RCC

Height of HighestOccupied Floor LevelAbove Grade:

60 Feet

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

Fire Protection Construction

Question: Are exit enclosures provided with fire-resistive rated construction barriers?

Priority Level: High

Non-Compliance Level: 3

Description: Exit enclosures are not provided with fire-resistive rated construction barriers.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Exit enclosures are not provided with fire-resistive ratedconstruction barriers.

Suggested Plan ofAction:

Provide fire-resistive rated construction barriers at exit enclosures. Consult aqualified fire protection engineer to design the required rated constructionbarriers.

Suggested DeadlineDate:

30 Sep 2014

Standard: Reference Alliance Standards Part 4 Section 4.5 Separation

Question: Are openings and penetrations through rated walls and/or assembliesprotected?



Description: They are Penetrations in the production floor caused by the riser pipes whichare not sealed properly.

Source of Findings: Photograph: They are Penetrations in the production floor caused by the riserpipes which are not sealed properly.


Penetration of fire-resistive rated assemblies shall be protected with fireresistant protective assemblies. Need to be redone as per standards accordingto ASTM E814.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Includes doors, windows, ducts, piping, etc. Reference Alliance Standards Part4 Section 4.6 Opening Protectives and Section 4.7 Penetrations

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Question: Are separations between hazards provided with fire-resistive ratedconstruction barriers.

Priority Level: Medium


Description: It is not fully separate, the boiler in the 1st floor which is covered by 5 ft highwall.

Source of Findings: Photograph: It is not fully separate, the boiler in the 1st floor which is coveredby 5 ft high wall.


Provide fire-resistive rated construction barriers between hazard types.Consult a qualified fire protection engineer to design the required ratedconstruction barrier.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Reference Alliance Standards Part 4 Section 4.5 Separation

Fire Protection Systems

Question: Does the building have a Standpipe System?



Description: Stand pipe for fire fighting system not found. Found 1 nos. 2 inch dia. GI pipesfor water lifting.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Stand pipe for fire fighting system not found. Found 1 nos. 2 inchdia. GI pipes for water lifting.


Install a standpipe system at required locations designed by a qualified fireprotection engineer.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Does the building have a standpipe system installed where required. AllianceStandard Part 5 Section 5.4.2

Question: Does the building have a fire pump?



Description: Fire pump not found. 1 nos. ordinary water pump found which has a capacityof 1.5 KW.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Fire pump not found. 1 nos. ordinary water pump found which hasa capacity of 1.5 KW.

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014




Install a Fire pump at required location designed by a qualified fire protectionengineer.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 5 Fire Protection Systems

Question: Are notification and initiation devices for the fire alarm system installed atrequired locations based on occupancy type?



Description: The fire alarm switches are provided only near the RCC stair door, notcentrally monitored.

Source of Findings: Photograph: The fire alarm switches are provided only near the RCC stairdoor, not centrally monitored.


Install initiating devices and notification appliances as required by the AllianceStandard and NFPA 72. Devices should be part of an automatic fire alarm anddetection system for the facility.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Pull stations at egress points, smoke detectors in air handling equipment,visual and audible devices spaced appropriately based on occupancy type.Reference NFPA 72

Question: Are fire department connections provided and clearly identified for the FireProtection Systems?



Description: Fire department connections is not found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Fire department connections is not found.


Install fire department connections where required and in compliance with theStandard.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 5 Section 5.5.4 Fire Department Connections

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Question: Are portable fire extinguishers installed throughout the building at requiredlocations and mounted at the correct height?



Description: Found 18 nos Fire Extinguisher (12 nos ABC, 06 nos CO2 type extinguisher)but the height is higher than 5 ft , it is found at the height of 5'-3".

Source of Findings: Photograph: Found 18 nos Fire Extinguisher (12 nos ABC, 06 nos CO2 typeextinguisher) but the height is higher than 5 ft , it is found at the height of 5'-3".


Install fire extinguishers at locations and heights based on hazard type perBNBC Part 4 and NFPA 10.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: BNBC Part 4 Section 4.10 and NFPA 10

Question: Is the fire alarm and detection system monitored by a central stationmonitoring service or directly connected to the Fire Service and Civil Defense?



Description: No central monitoring service is not found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Any central monitoring service is not found.


Install a new automatic fire alarm and detection system. Once installed,arrange for direct connection of the fire alarm and detection system to acentral station monitoring service or the Fire Service and Civil Defence perAlliance Standard Part 5 Section 5.7.5 Monitoring. Until that time that a centralstation monitoring service or direct connection to the Fire Service and CivilDefence can be set up, a person trained to contact the Fire Service and CivilDefence in the event of fire alarm activation shall be provided. An annunciatorshall be located in a constantly attended location (such as a fire control room)to alert this person.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 5 Section 5.7.5 Monitoring

Means of Egress

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Question: Doors along the path of egress have a minimum width of 0.8 m (32 in) andhave required ratings.



Description: Doors for the emergency exit has a width of 31 inch. These are non ratedswinging type steel door.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Doors for the emergency exit has a width of 31 inch. These arenon rated swinging type steel door.


Doors along the path of egress should be minimum width of 0.8 m (32 in) andrequired ratings.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.5.6 Minimum Widths. Increased occupantloads will require a door width greater than 0.8 m.

Question: All doors in a means of egress are of the side-hinged swinging type.



Description: Found collapsible door are also used in the means of egress.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Found collapsible door are also used in the means ofegress.


All doors in a means of egress should be of the side-hinged swinging type.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8 Doors and Gates

Question: Stairs have a minimum width of 0.9 m (35 in.).



Description: The width of the exterior stairs found 27 inch.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: The width of the exterior stairs found 27 inch.


Stairs should have a minimum width of 0.9 m (35 in.).


30 Sep 2014

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.5 Egress Width. Applies to existingconstruction.

Question: Exterior exit stairs are separated from the building with the required rating. Therating of the exterior wall shall extend 3.05 m (10 ft) beyond the ends of thestair structure.



Description: There are opening within 10 ft of the exterior exit stair.

Source of Findings: Photograph: There are opening within 10 ft of the exterior exit stair.


Provide a fire-resistive rated assembly between the exterior exit stairs and thebuilding to achieve the required separation. The rated assembly should beapproved and/or designed by a qualified fire protection engineer.


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.3.1.2. Three stories or less 1-hr rating. Fourstories of more 2-hr rating

Question: Stairwells are not utilized as storage spaces.



Description: The other factory stores material in the stairwells.

Source of Findings: Photograph: The other factory stores material in the stairwells.


Remove all stored materials in the stairwells at the noted locations.


15 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 13 Section 13.9 Safety Inspections

Question: Aisles are provided with the minimum unobstructed clear width of 0.9 m (36 in)based on occupant loads.



Description: In the 2nd floor some aisles with a clear width of 30 inch are found.

Source of Findings: Photograph: In the 2nd floor some aisles with a clear width of 30 inch arefound.

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014




Aisles should be provided with the minimum unobstructed clear width of 0.9 m(36 in).


30 Sep 2014

Standard: Higher occupancy loads will require a greater width to accommodate theincreased load. Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.5 Egress Width

Question: Means of egress are free from impediments, obstructions, and storedmaterials.



Description: Some aisles are less than 36 inch and are obstructed by machines. The otherfactory uses stairways for storage.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Some aisles are less than 36 inch and are obstructed bymachines. The other factory uses stairways for storage.


Means of egress should be free from impediments, obstructions, and storedmaterials.


15 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.3.8 Impediments to means of egress andSection 6.3.9 Reliability

Question: Doors are not locked in the direction of egress under any conditions. All hasps,locks, slide bolts, and other locking devices have been removed whererequired.



Description: Locks are not removed.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Locks are not removed.


Should be Removed all hasps, locks, slide bolts, or other locking devices atthe noted locations.


14 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.8 Doors and Gates

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Question: All occupied roofs are provided with parapets or guards with a minimum heightof 1067 mm (42 in.).



Description: Parapets found which is 34 inch high, it is not solid.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Parapets found which is 34 inch high, it is not solid.


Provide parapet that is 42 inch high according to Alliance Standard.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 12 Handrails and Guards

Question: Occupant loads are posted for every assembly and production floor in aconspicuous space near the main point of egress.



Description: Occupant loads information is not posted.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Occupant loads information is not posted.


The occupant loads shall be posted for every production floor in a conspicuousspace near the main exit or exit access doorway for the space.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 6 Section 6.4.4 Posting of Occupant Load

Question: Emergency power for exit signs is tested at least once per year. If batteryoperated, these lights are tested on a monthly basis. Functional testing ofbattery powered signs is provided for a minimum 90 min once per year.



Description: No listing records found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No listing records found.


Develop a testing and maintenance program that ensures the emergencypower for exit signs is tested at least once per year. If battery operated signsare used, these lights are tested on a monthly basis. Functional testing ofbattery powered signs is provided for a minimum 90 min once per year.

Suggested Deadline 31 Jul 2014

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Date:

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.12 Illumination of Exit Signs and MeansOf Escape.

Question: Handrails are provided on both sides of each stairway. Intermediate handrailsare provided when the stair width exceeds 2.2 m (87 in.). Handrails are notmounted lower than 760 mm (30 in.) or higher than 1100 mm (44 in.).



Description: 01 Nos common stair found and handrail is provided on one side. 01 Nosexterior stair found and handrail is provided on both side.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: 01 Nos common stair found and handrail is provided onone side. 01 Nos exterior stair found and handrail is provided on both side.


Handrails shall be provided on both sides of each stairway. Intermediatehandrails shall be provided when the stair width exceeds 2.2 m (87 in.).


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.9 Stairs and 6.12 Handrails and Guards

Question: Emergency power for means of egress illumination is verified at least once peryear. If battery operated lights are used, these lights are tested on a monthlybasis. Functional testing of battery powered lights is provided for a minimum90 min once per year.



Description: Functional list document not found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Functional list document not found.


Develop a testing and maintenance program that ensures the operation of allexist signs is verified at least once per Develop a testing and maintenanceprogram that ensures the operation of all exist signs is verified at least onceper year. If battery-operated signs are used, these lights shall be tested on amonthly basis. Functional testing of battery powered signs shall be providedfor a minimum 90 min once per year.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.12 Illumination of Exit Signs and MeansOf Escape Lighting

Question: Stair designation signs are provided at each floor entrance from the stair to thefloor in English and Bengali. Signs indicate the name of the stair and the floorlevel. Signs are posted adjacent to the door.

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Priority Level: Low


Description: Stair designation signs are not posted in English and Bengali at each floor.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Stair designation signs are not posted in English andBengali at each floor.


Install signage adjacent to each stair door indicating the stair name and thefloor level at the noted locations.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 6 Section 6.9 Stairs

Fire Safety Programs

Question: Are the required number of people trained and certified in fire fighting, first aid,and rescue training by the appropriate authority.



Description: All the training are conducted internally.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: All the training are conducted internally.


Fire drill should be conducted on a quarterly basis according to standard.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 13 Human Element Programs

Question: Emergency egress maps are posted at the entrance to each exit stair or mainpoint of egress.



Description: Emergency egress maps are not posted at the entrance to each exit stair.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Emergency egress maps are not posted at the entrance toeach exit stair.


Post emergency egress maps at the entrance to each exit stair or main pointof egress.


31 Jul 2014

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.4 Evacuation Plan

Question: Training programs are implemented and documented in accordance with theAlliance Safety Training Curriculum.



Description: Training programs are not implemented and documented in accordance.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Training programs are not implemented and documentedin accordance.


Training programs should be implemented and documented in accordance.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13

Question: A Fire Safety Director position has been filled.

Priority Level: Low


Description: Manager, Admin & Compliance are in change of fire safety.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Manager, Admin & Compliance are in change of firesafety.


Create a Fire Safety Director position and fill the position with an individual thathas had sufficient training to be able to carry the required duties.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.1 Fire Safety Director

Question: Fire Department pre-planning has been completed.

Priority Level: Low


Description: Completed Fire Department pre-planning has not been seen.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Completed Fire Department pre-planning has not beenseen.


Complete fire department pre-planning activities with the local Fie Service andCivil Defense.

Suggested Deadline 31 Jul 2014

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



Date:

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.1 Fire Safety Director

Question: A written housekeeping policy is established and enforced.

Priority Level: Low


Description: A written housekeeping policy is not found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: A written housekeeping policy is not found.


Establish written corporate and plant policies on housekeeping to ensurescheduled cleaning for floor, wall, ceiling, supply and return air ventilationsystems. Promptly reschedule skipped cleanings. Provide a documented lineof authority for authorizing a cleaning delay and rescheduling. As a generalrule the maximum tolerable deposit thickness for loose fluffy lint is 13 mm (½in.) over a maximum of 46.5 m2 (500 ft2). Limit dense deposits to 6 mm (¼ in.)and oil saturated deposits to 3.2 mm (⅛ in.). Maintain electrical systems ingood working order and keep free of lint buildup to reduce the potential forignition. This includes cleaning inside junction boxes, buses, trays, tunnels,etc.


31 Mar 2015

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.6 Housekeeping

Question: A hot-work permit program has been established.

Priority Level: Low


Description: A hot-work permit program has not been established.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: A hot-work permit program has not been established.


A hot work permit system program shall be enacted for all RMG facilities inaccordance with NFPA 51B.


31 Dec 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.4 Hot Work Permit and NFPA 51B

Question: Smoking is only allowed at designated areas.

Priority Level: Low


Description: Smoking policy is not found. 'No smoking zone' is found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Smoking policy is not found. 'No smoking zone' is found.

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014




Smoking shall be prohibited in any garment factory building, separate storagebuilding, or any building or area where the Inspector of the Factories Rules(1.6.3.7) Part 53 requires that smoking be prohibited. If an Owner creates adesignated smoking area outside the buildings, information on the location ofthese designated areas shall be posted on the signs required in 13.5.2.


15 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 13 Section 13.5 Smoking

Question: Are all applicable permits up to date including Fire License & Boiler License.

Priority Level: Low


Description: Up to date fire License is found but boiler license is not found.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Up to date fire License is found but boiler license is notfound.


All applicable permits should be kept up to date including Boiler License.


31 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 13 Human Element Programs

FactoryName:




Date: 27 May 2014



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