Procedure for Fire Safety Plan at Media Factory Building - Assignment Example

Contents Page Introduction 2 Fire safety policy statement 2 Aims/Objective 2 General responsibility 3 Evacuation strategies 5 Test evacuation 6 Staff training 6 Escape routes 6 Signs 7 Record keeping 9 Arson 10 Audit and updating this manual 10 References 11 Appendix: 12 Appendix 1 12 Appendix 2 13 Appendix 3 14 Introduction Fire safety plan has reduced cases of unseen fire. Based on the urge to have a comprehensive fire safety plan, Fire Safety Order (2005) has been put in place to put guidelines on plans. Also necessary has been Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. This report will give the needed procedure for fire safety plan at Media Factory Building. Fire Safety Policy Statement In accordance with the statement from vice chancellor, University of Central Lancashire every individual has a responsibility to ensure fire safety in the compound. This has been in accordance to articles 8 to 22 of the Fire Safety Order (2005). This is also supported by BS 9999 which provides for a given degree of responsibility when designing fire safety. Objectives/Aims Testing of fire equipment regularly Proper training of staff in accordance with BS 9999 section 9 and Fire Safety Order (2005) article 13 Reduction of the spread of fire Representative Diagram for Responsibilities Responsibility of the Vice Chancellor Section 2 of BS 9999 and articles 8 to 22 of the Fire Safety Order (2005) expect the vice chancellor to; Come up with short and long term objectives on fire safety management Be on the ground to ensure that regulatory policies are adhered to avoid unnecessary fire cases Director of Facilities Management The responsibility in this case will still follow Section 2 of BS 9999 and articles 8 to 22 of the Fire Safety Order (2005) and thus expected to; Provide needed financing in accordance with Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order (2005) Keep track of all statistics related to fire safety in the institution Give the required number of fire marshals in a given time The Development and Maintenance Manager According Section 3: 7.1 of BS 9999 and 13, paragraph 1 of the Fire Safety Order (2005), Development and Maintenance Manager should inspect and test fire related gadgets regularly Raise an alarm regarding issues that are likely to compromise smooth delivery of fire safety in the compound The compound should be fitted with fire safety signs (see appendix 1) The Accommodation, Building and Grounds Manager S/he responsible for the cleanliness and ensures that flammable objects are cleared from escape routes They are also expected to comply with article 21 of the Fire Safety Order (2005) by ensuring that that Media Factory Building and the University at large are inaccessible to intruders. Manning of all potential sources of ignition within the University Safety, Health & Environment Manager Section 3: 7.1 of BS 9999 requires these officers to ensure that hot spots within the university are inspected as stipulated Ensure that fire safety plans are prepared The premises are give risk profiles which is in accordance with emergency plan arrangement Dean of Faculty/Department/School Regulations provided by BS 9999 and Fire Safety Order (2005) the office the above named individuals will be responsible for; Ensuring that all flammable substances are kept in a safe place within the institution Availability of fire preventative and or protective gadgets That staff members of the University are given emergency evacuation instructions Fire Marshals/Staff The regulations above provides for a comprehensive fire alarms which should be checked by these officers regularly (see the appendix 2 for more details) Implementing evacuation drills is held at least every twelve months Ensure that top management organ of the University are regularly informed about fire management plans or fire safety issues within the University Evacuation Strategies Responsibility of the evacuation strategist is also recognised by BSI (2008) and to that regard, Media Factory Building and the University at large will be expected to report fire related incidences in its area Besides, Educational Premises (2006) expects this office to ensure that areas that are not under surveillance are manned and under constant checking. Separately, the office can organize and call 112 or 999 either from the handset or phone. Disabled People Rights of the disabled people in cases of fire are well documented in Disability Discrimination Act (1995) (DDA). The University thus has sole responsibility to; Those using wheelchair are assisted in the event of fire Means of Escape for Disabled People (2007) and CIBSE (2010) states that refuge areas should be clear The university will have to develop Personal Emergency Evacuation plan form (PEEP) to help the event of fire (an example of PEEP has been attached below, see appendix 3) Evacuation Chairs Section 46 of the BS 9999 explains about evacuation of disabled people this is also similar case with Means of Escape for Disabled People (2007). Both agree that; The University ensures that fire marshals carry the needed evacuations. An example of such task is shown below. Staff handling disabled are competent Sample of the chair The chair at work Assembly Point As required by Annex F (normative) Process plant and outdoor structures of BS 9999 (2008) and Fire Safety Order (2005) people be given the needed help or guidelines during evacuation. Signs as the one shown below should be easily seen. Test Evacuation BSI (2008) requires comprehensive and consistent records at all times BS 9999:2008, Annex H (normative) Fire safety manual also requires that there be adequate training to the staff responsible Staff Training The university is expected to train its people so as to; How to effectively open the doors as stipulated in Section 9 of BS 9999:2008 Using fire fighting equipment Evacuation of people as per guidelines such as that suggest by Large Places of Assembly (2006) Signs a. Escape Signs Signs are necessary as they guide people in the event of fire. The requirements for the sign are; Visibility especially when located at corners Advertisement are not placed at escape routes They should be positioned at point where they can be easily read Fire Action The signs the University intends to adopt should comply with Large Places of Assembly (2006). The figure below shows an example of fire action the university should adopt. Fire Door –Keep shut And Fire Door-Keep Locked While designing the safety plan, the following sign should be visible; Fire Handrails Handrails are essential part of fire safety management and they should be installed lead people to safety points. The figure below can be an example of such; Fire Warning Systems There are severally fire warning signs that the university will consider installing in order to comply with the law. The following are examples; Call Points As shown in the plan, third and second flows should be fitted with call points. The figure is an example of call point. Fire Alarms This another option the University should place at strategic points. Vibrating Devices The regulations require that device be installed to help staff and visitors with hearing problems. The figure below is an example of vibrating device recommended. Voice Evacuation Going by the requirement of BSI (2008) and Large Places of Assembly (2006), voice evacuation will be expected to sounds once there is alarm. Record Keeping Fire Safety Order (2005) expects that record be kept to help Safety measures that have been taken to reduce injury According to BS 9999:2008; H.4.1 (Design Information), there should be clear record kept regarding people who are at risk Arson To reduce arsonists, the university will be expected to; Regular checking of surveillance Setting detector to deal with intruders Gadgets that should be able to detect fire Audit and Updating Manual Media Factory Building being one point within the institution that can be regarded as fire hot spots, there will be a need to review the report twice in a calendar year. References British Standard (2008). Code of practice for fire safety, in the design, management and use of buildings. London: BSI. P53-238-232-94. British Standard (2002). Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance. London: BSI. P15-16-18 CIBSE (2010). Fire safety engineering- Guide E. London: CIBSE. P78-96-97. HM government (2007). Fire safety risk assessment, Means of Escape for Disabled People. London: the Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House. P6-7- 20-21. HM Government (2006). Fire safety risk assessment, large places of assembly. London: the Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House. P37-109-21-55-56- 112. HM government (2006). Fire safety risk assessment, Educational premises. London: the Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House. P14-15. UCLAN (2007).Strategy for Fire Safety Management. Available: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/fm/safety_and_health/fire_safety/files/Fire_Safe ty_Strategy_Dec_2007pdf.pdf. Last accessed 06/02/2013. Appendix one Maintenance Checklist Yes No N/A Comments Daily checks (not recorded) Escape routes Can fire exits be opened immediately and easily? Are fire doors clear of obstructions? Are escape routes clear? Fire warning systems Is the indicator panel showing ‘normal’? Escape lighting Are luminaires and exit signs in good condition and undamaged? Do any emergency lights and sign lights have any visible defects ? Firefighting equipment Are fire extinguishers in place? Are fire extinguishers clearly visible? Yes No N/A Comments Appendix two Appendix 3 Read More