Fire Safety Management - Case Study Example

Fire Safety Management Plan for GYM Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Fire safety policy statement 6 Fire safety management structure 7 Evacuation strategies 8 Emergency response 11 Fire alarm and detection 11 Fire prevention and arson awareness 12 Routine procedures for staff 13 Selection and control of materials 13 Maintenance and testing of fire safety systems 14 Staff training and fire drills 14 Fire risk assessments 15 Record keeping 15 Audit and updating of this manual 15 References 16 Introduction The University of Central Lancashire is legally obligated to ensure the health and safety of all people who reside or enter the University (Snow, 2003). The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaced several fire safety legislations that existed prior to this period and as such, the University of Central Lancashire is obliged to act within the precincts of this legislation. This legislation rendered any certificate issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 null and void (Tondon, 2008). The legislation brought about reforms in relation to fire safety in non-domestic premises. Thus, the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC) is covered under this legislation. The legislation puts a specified duty on the responsible person in the work place. This may be the employer or any other individual who may have any control over the premise (Eskell, 2000). These persons are required to take precautions aimed at safeguarding the safety of occupants of the premise and any other person within the immediate vicinity of the premise (Furness and Muckett, 2007). This entails making sure that fire systems, procedures are adequately maintained, and that staff are trained to ensure that they are fully aware of their fire and safety responsibilities. Fire is considered a hazard in any organization that has a large building infrastructure. This Fire Safety management plan (FSMP) is being prepared to ensure that the university can manage this risk at its Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC) (Tondon, 2008). This is a new purpose built indoor facility on the main campus of University of Central Lancashire.  This facility offers a wide range of programs including instructor led classes, Student Union (SU) Sports Clubs, and individual training (Furness and Muckett, 2007). The facility has seven activity areas Fitness Suite, Cardio Zone, Sports Hall One and Two, Studio Red, Studio Blue, and Squash Court. The STFSC consists of four floors: lower ground floor, upper ground floor, first floor and second floor. The plans for these floors are illustrated below. This FSMP will ensure that a comprehensive fire risk management process is applied across the facility to ensure a high level of safety for persons using it and the property itself. It will also ensure that any fire safety issues that arise are contained and resolved faster and effectively (Eskell, 2000). The plan will in addition ensure that the facility complies fully with the University’s legal obligations in relation to fire safety. Moreover, the plan will make sure that the provided training and information on fire safety is appropriate to the community utilizing the facility. Fire safety policy statement The University of Central Lancashire shall take fire preventive steps in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC) facility via effective design, adequate maintenance of fire prevention equipment, proper working practices and procedures that comply with the University of Central Lancashire’s fire safety strategy (Furness and Muckett, 2007). In the event of a fire or reported fire in the STFSC, it is the policy of the university that the safety of its staff and third person in the premise and within immediate vicinity who will be the first priority over all other consideration (Tondon, 2008). The University of Central Lancashire regards the promotion of fire safety measures within STFSC as a mutual objective of management, employees and users of the facility and it gives priority to the health and safety of third party users and employees (Snow, 2003). The following statements have been approved by the university to ensure fire safety at STFSC and will be reviewed from time to time. The provision and maintenance of safe use and working conditions for all persons while in and around STFSC facility The provision of safe systems of work and procedures to maintain STFSC facility in a condition that prevents personal injury and the facility damage. The provision of arrangements aimed at promoting cooperation and consultation between the university and representatives of the facility users and employee on issues related to health and fire safety Fire safety management structure The above chart is an illustration of the proposed fire safety management structure for the STFSC facility at the University of Central Lancashire. The university has the ultimate responsibility under the health and safety at work Act 1974 to protect the health and safety of its staff, students and any other person accessing its premises (Tondon, 2008). In relation to fire safety, the university is responsible for maintaining the organizational structure that allows successful implementation and monitoring of the appropriate legislation and good fire safety practices. It is also responsible for allocating resources for fire safety measures and fire safety duties to managers. Evacuation strategies Evacuation strategy ensures that in the event of fire, the building occupants reach a place of ultimate safety outside the premise (Snow, 2003). The evacuation strategy ought to be chosen to take into consideration the risk profile of the premise and the allowable travel time and it need not rely on external assistance. Evacuation procedure can be either total evacuation or progressive evacuation. Total evacuation is classified into simultaneous and phased evacuation (Tondon, 2008). Since the STFSC facility is located in a storey building it is proposed that in case of fire emergence, phased evacuation need to be undertaken (Eskell, 2000). It is assumed that the STFSC facility floors are separated by fire resistant construction. Thus in case of fire, all those people who will be most immediately affected by the fire will be the first one to be evacuated (Furness and Muckett, 2007). This will be followed by all those on other floors with impaired ability to evacuate. Since the facility has four floors, the remaining two floor occupants will be evacuated together. By utilizing this phased approach, significant economies in the plan area occupied by the protected stairway will be provided. However, this strategy will demand that a range of additional active and passive fire protection measures be provided and maintained (Miller, 2006). In addition, management arrangements will be required. In order for this evacuation strategy to be employed, the following conditions must be met at STFSC facility. First, the stairway should have a protected corridor or lobby or a pressure differential system (Furness and Muckett, 2007). Second, each floor ought to be a compartment floor. In addition, the STFSC facility need to be fitted with a fire alarm that conforms to at least the L3 standard provided in BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008. Moreover, the STFSC facility needs to have an emergency voice communication system, which conforms to the BS 5839-9. Evacuation plan for a group of people that includes disabled persons need to take into consideration that people will not react exactly as planned in any emergency. Non-disabled people are likely to exit from more familiar exit point instead of the most suitable exit route (Miller, 2006). Thus, an integrated PEEP system is needed in such cases to benefit all groups of people. This system will also be able to identify any weaknesses that might be in the evacuation plans. Therefore, since STFSC facility is used both disabled and non-disabled persons, it ought to have an integrated personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEP) system. This system will help improve the safety of people using the STFSC facility. STFSC facility is likely to have staff, contractors, visitors, students and customers. Each of these individuals has a different role and different communication strategy might be required (Eskell, 2000). The communication used should allow concerted efforts and coordination to reduce effects of a fire. General population is likely to follow escape routes while disabled persons might require assistance and as such information need to be provided to them in relation to available options. They may also need to access escape assistants. The preferred evacuation options for persons with mobility impairment are horizontal evacuation into another fire compartment or to outside the building or fire lift to a place of ultimate safety outside the building. Wheelchair users can also be evacuated using similar modes (Eskell, 2000). Evacuation chairs may also be provided to wheelchair users to facilitate in their evacuation. Thus, STFSC facility needs to have different fire compartments and fire lift to assist in evacuation of mobility-impaired persons. In addition, evacuation chairs need to be provided by the STFSC facility to aid in evacuation of wheelchair users. The facility need to install flashing beacons to aid in alerting people with hearing impairment in case of a fire outbreak at STFSC facility (Miller, 2006). The visually impaired persons need to be orientated to the facility to be able to evacuate during emergency. Thus, STFSC facility will need to provide a specialist to provide this group with orientation information on how to evacuate the facility during emergency (Furness and Muckett, 2007). People with cognitive disabilities will need to be provided with good orientation facilities and measures within STFSC in order to allow them escape easily during emergence. This may entail provision of orientation information and colour coding for escape routes. Emergency response Fire systems on STFSC facility will be monitored and responded to by the Lancashire Fire service and central Lancashire university security (Tondon, 2008). In case of a fire an alarm, the STFSC facility fire wardens will evacuate the building in the manner prescribed. The university security section will be required to respond based on the guidelines of security emergency procedure v4-wi01-02 – fire and evacuation (Furness and Muckett, 2007). The security will be charged with the responsibility of coordinating activities until the Lancashire Fire and Rescue service arrives at the facility. Fire alarm and detection The STFSC facility fire alarm and detection system code of practice should be based on BS 5839. The interrelationship between fire alarm systems with other system operation in all known conditions will be important. Fire alarm systems may be used to provide signals that initiate other fire protection systems such as sprinkler or smoke control systems (Eskell, 2000). Since, STFSC facility lacks sprinkler system, the fire alarm need to be connected to smoke control system so that in case of fire, the system is initiated to protect occupants of the facility from smoke. The alarm installed at the facility need to be automatic in detection of fire (Miller, 2006). The facility will also require a fire alarm for protecting the facility from fire. This alarm will be able to automatically detect a fire at an early stage, indicate its location and raise an effective alarm in time to summon the fire fighting forces (Furness and Muckett, 2007). The facility will need to install P1 systems which cover all areas by detectors except for lavatories, water closets and void less than 800mm. the facility will also need to have life (L-type) fire alarm systems. These systems will be relied upon to sound a fire alarm allowing enough time for evacuation of occupants of the STFSC facility. The preferred l-type fire alarm is L1, which is similar to P1. Fire prevention and arson awareness Fire incidents in STFSC facility may be prevented by maintaining non-fire equipment that might start fire and control the storage and utilization of materials that could allow a fire to develop and spread (Furness and Muckett, 2007). The STFSC facility manager should carry out inspection and maintenance of potential sources of ignition; electrical and gas installation; heat dissipating equipments; equipments in cavities and voids; furniture, décor, furnishings and equipments; floor coverings and other fire risk equipment. Fire can also be prevented from starting at STFSC facility by the fire safety manager (Tondon, 2008). This may be attained through occupant’s behaviour monitoring, smoking policy monitoring, housekeeping, routine disposal of wastes, minimization of hazards of combustible contents, establishment of purchasing standards for furniture, reduction of conditions that may result in gas and dust explosion, maintenance of furniture, routine checks and inspections, maintenance of integration with other systems, work permit issuance, risk assessment of new equipments, training and education and establishment, maintenance of out of hours inspection and security. To reduce the likelihood of arson and to mitigate the effects if it does happen good security arrangement ought to be provided in the STFSC facility (Eskell, 2000). However, a balance should be struck between the security needs and means of escape. Routine procedures for staff Emergency plan and evacuation procedures should be known to all staff. All staff areas should have fire instructions displayed. These ought to state important actions to be undertaken when fire is discovered and when fire alarm is heard (Eskell, 2000). These instructions need to be positioned conspicuously in all parts of the STFSC facility (Furness and Muckett, 2007). Key members of staff should be given specific roles in the fire emergency plan. Staff members designated to help in evacuation should carry keys to allocated areas. Selection and control of materials The size and nature of the gap and anticipated differential movement should be considered when selecting materials for stopping fire (Maguire, 2006). Where minimum differential movement is anticipated and where the gap is less than 25 mm, cement, gypsum based plaster and cement or gypsum based vermiculite/perlite mixes should be selected as fire stopping material (Eskell, 2000). These materials should be reinforced by non-combustible materials to maintain their physical integrity. Selection of plastic materials should involve great care since some of them are highly flammable (Tondon, 2008). Materials used in constructing ceilings should also be selected careful since they contribute nothing to fire resistance. The amount and storage of rubbish should be controlled and should be stored in a safe location away from the facility. Maintenance and testing of fire safety systems Maintenance and testing of fire safety systems is very important since it ensures that fire safety systems operate correctly in the event of fire. There are three levels of maintenance and testing of fire safety systems: level 1, level 2 and level 3 (Tondon, 2008). Since the STFSC facility houses many people, level 1 maintenance system, which is dynamic for monitoring of fire safety systems, is recommended. This will ensure that equipment is kept fully functional at all the times the facility is in use. The following table shows frequency of testing various systems. System Frequency of maintenance Who to test and maintain Fire alarm systems Annually Licensed alarm contractor Fire extinguishers Annually Trained fire extinguisher Emergency lights and emergency lighting Monthly Fire equipment technician Security systems Monthly Trained professionals CCTV Monthly Trained professionals Access systems Weekly Regular employees at the facility Staff training and fire drills Fire Warden training will provided by the university annually on specified courses as advised by the Fire Safety office. The course will be delivered by a qualified fire contractor involved in FSO and Fire Warden training manuals will be provided to all participants (Miller, 2006). Fire drills will be conducted annually within the STFSC facility. This will educate occupants and users of the facility on the correct procedure of evacuation. These exercises will be carried out by fire wardens under supervision of fire safety officer. Fire risk assessments Fire risk assessment should involve identification of the fire hazard and people at risk; evaluation, removal, reduction and or protection from the risk; recording, planning, informing, instructing and training the occupants of the facility; and reviewing the risk (Miller, 2006). Fire risks at STFSC facility can be identified by looking out for sources of ignition. To identify people at risk one needs to identify those people who are likely to present in the facility when there is fire outbreak (Della-Giustina, 1999). For the STFSC facility, students, staff and other users of the facility are people at risk. Evaluation helps to know the likelihood of fire occurring and if high can be removed or reduced and those likely to be affected is protected. Recording and training helps reduce the effect of fire outbreak. Review of the risk ensures that fire risk is effectively controlled. Record keeping Records should be kept in relation to all activities aimed at improving fire safety of occupants and facilities within STFSC facility (Eskell, 2000). Such records may include findings of evacuation, maintenance activities and inspections, drills and number of occupants of the building at any particular time. Audit and updating of this manual Audit reports will be reviewed jointly by the university occupational health and safety unit and property and facilities division (Miller, 2006). This manual will be updated after every two years or when there are changes in the national fire and safety legislations. References Della-Giustina, D. 1999. The Fire Safety Management Handbook, 2nd Ed. London: American Society of Safety Engineers Eskell, C. 2000. Fire Safety Management. London: Butterworths Tolley Limited. Furness, A., and Muckett, M. 2007. Introduction to fire safety management. New York: Elsevier Maguire, R. 2006. Safety cases and safety reports: meaning, motivation and management. London: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Miller, R. 2006. Fire safety management handbook, 2nd Ed. Manchester: Tottel Pub. Snow, D. 2003. Plant Engineer's Reference Book, 2nd Ed. London: Butterworth-Heinemann Tondon, S. 2008. Fire Safety Management. London: Arise Publishers & Distributors. Read More