Fire Safety Management Plan for UNI GYM - Case Study Example

Name: XXX Tutor: XXX Title: Fire safety management plan for UNI GYM Institution: XXX Date of Submission: XXX Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Fire safety management plan for UNI GYM 3 Introduction 3 Fire policy statement 3 Fire Safety Management Structure 4 Fire alarm and detection 6 Fire alarm 6 Firefighting equipment 6 Fire extinguishers 6 Emergency response 8 Evacuation coordination 9 Evacuation coordinator: The role during an emergency/evacuation 9 Equipment 11 Emergence evacuation procedures 11 Staff instructions in the building 11 After hours of evacuation process 12 Evacuation coordinators (head and assistants) 13 Mobility/ disabled people within the affected area 14 Evacuation of people with disabilities 15 Typical action flow chart 15 Fire prevention and arson awareness 19 Staff training 20 Fire drills 20 Record keeping 21 The building will maintain records for the regular fire safety checks. Records for the previous three years as a minimum will be held. Fire risk assessments and training records are held by the Fire Safety Manager (Matthews, 2009). 21 Bibliography 22 Fire safety management plan for UNI GYM Introduction The purpose of this fire safety management plan is to provide the fire safety information of the sports building and to be utilized as a guide for devising emergency procedures to ensure smooth progress of safe, organized and timely evacuation when need be. Whereas fire is the main reason for the execution of an evacuation plan, other events such as extremely bad weather conditions or bomb scare might require evacuation from the building. It is important that everyone using the sports building is aware of the emergency evacuation procedures (Smith, 2010). Fire policy statement The safety management plan has been written reflect the requirements of RR (FS) O 2005, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Building Fire safety Regulation (CIBSE). Fire Safety Management Structure General responsibility for fire safety: Planning: Structure of organization Organization: Setting objectives, policy and procedures Control: Identify person responsible to specific duties Monitoring: Checks and the implementation of standards Review: Reviews of fire safety performance standards Chief Campus Warden The person with responsibility for fire safety risk assessment: Carrying out fire safety risk assessment Review of fire safety risk assessments Fire Safety Manager Maintenance program Fire detection and warning system Emergency lighting Escape routes Fire safety signs and notices Fire resisting walls, partitions and doors Fire fighting facilities Development and reviewing of the building Fire Safety Management Plan Chief Campus Warden Staff training: Fire Safety Manager Fire alarm and detection Fire alarm The building is outfitted with an automatic fire detection and alarm system which is directly linked to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Smoke and heat detectors are tactically situated all over the building. In addition, manual call positions are positioned all over the building. These fire system elements should stay unhindered always. The fire alarm activation will: Sound the fire alarm in the whole building Signal the fire service Shutdown the air conditioning system Close fire doors Activate smoke exhaust system (Smith, 2010). Firefighting equipment Portable fire extinguishers are situated within positions that can be identified easily, all over the building. It is important for everyone using the building to know where the portable fire extinguishers are located and their suitability for utilization on different kinds of fire, for example electrical, combustible liquids or ordinary ignitions. Portable fire extinguishers are only appropriate to use on fires that are small or just began (Smith, 2010). Fire extinguishers Prior to using a fire extinguisher, one should be aware of: The form of fuel burning The appropriate fire extinguisher for that form of fire How a fire extinguisher is operated Fire extinguishers are classified into four groups Form Group Use on these fire forms Water Class A (flammable solids) Wood, fabric, plastics, paper Foam Class B (combustible liquids) Petrol, oil, paint CO2 Class C (combustible gases) Butane, Methane, Propane electrical apparatus Dry chemical Class D (flammable metals) Magnesium, Aluminum Dry chemical Class E (flammable solids, combustible liquids, electrically energized) Class A, B and C fires The guidelines for operation of the fire extinguishers and their selected use criteria are shown on every extinguisher (Smith, 2010). Emergency response For there to be an organized and safe evacuation, the building should have emergency response procedures. The building emergency response procedures are supposed to be written in union with Emergency Planning Committee as well as people designated for ensuring fire safety in the building and the following will be considered: Actions to be carried out during various events: First aid, fire, violent people, hazardous materials etc. Evacuation routes and assembly points indicated on floor plans Considering disabled people Emergency resources and existing apparatus Lift procedures Reporting and communication processes Additional definite considerations, for example money being secured before evacuation by the cashier or hazardous materials in the building (Great Britain: Department for Communities and Local Government, 2006). Evacuation coordination The certified personnel involved with fire and safety activities in the building involve an evacuation coordinator who is assisted by other evacuation officers allotted for every floor. The building evacuation coordinator and assistants are chosen after being recommended by supervisors and heads occupying the diverse buildings and sections. The evacuation coordinator plays the role of coordinating building evacuations (Great Britain: Department for Communities and Local Government, 2006). Evacuation coordinator: The role during an emergency/evacuation The evacuation coordinator, on noting of an emergency, has the task on these actions: Establish the nature of the emergency and establishing the suitable action to take Making sure that the suitable emergency service has been informed of the emergency Making sure that the personnel designated for dealing with fire in the building as well as the management are advised regarding the situation Instigating evacuation processes and control entry to the involved location Making sure that evacuation progresses and that any action carried out is recorded within an incident log Briefing the emergency fire services on arriving the form, height and the site of the emergency and the condition of evacuation and subsequent action on superior official’s instructions (Craighead, 2009). On noting the emergency situation or on hearing the fire alarm, the evacuation coordinator will instantly: Make sure that the pertinent emergency service is called Progress to the fire indicator panel and start evacuation processes Inform the area that has been affected through the PA system and instigate a search or initiate appropriate actions. In case a fire/emergency has been established, the evacuation coordinator should: Instantly evacuate the building Meet the emergency service and update them regarding the state of the incident In case no fire or emergency is established, the evacuation coordinator should: Update the building occupants about the false alarm Meet the emergency service and update them regarding the state of the incident Equipment Torch Helmet Emergency procedure documentation Floor plan of the whole building (Craighead, 2009). Deputy evacuation coordinator In case the evacuation coordinator is not present, the deputy will assume all the duties and roles. If possible, both the evacuation coordinator and the deputy should never be concurrently out of the building. If both of them are in the building during the activation of the alarm, the deputy evacuation coordinator should inform the fire indicator panel and wait for more instructions from the evacuation coordinator. The deputy evacuation coordinator is supposed to have same fire apparatus as evacuation coordinator. Emergence evacuation procedures Staff instructions in the building If one discovers a fire, one should: Raise the alarm instantly through operating the closest fire alarm Make sure the Fire Service is called and visibly inform them the name and address of the building and the nature of the emergency If possible, potentially unsafe processes or machineries should be shut down Do not turn off the lights. Leave the building instantly using the closest safe exit route. Leave the building fast but don’t run. Inform the evacuation coordinator or emergency services Remain outside the building until the “all-clear” is given One should only try to fight fire if it is safe to do so and if one is trained in first attack fire fighting or have training in suitable emergency methods (Craighead, 2009). If you hear the fire alarm or any other form of emergency: Follow the orders of your floor steward If possible, potentially unsafe processes or machineries should be shut down Leave the building instantly using the closest safe exit route. Leave the building fast but don’t run. Assist disabled people Report to the emergency assembly point Remain outside the building until the “all-clear” is given After hours of evacuation process All building occupants are supposed to follow the following process if fire is discovered: Raise the alarm instantly through operating the closest fire alarm In case it is safe to do so, fast confirm that the floor is clear of all other people Vacate the building instantly using the closest escape route Report to the building front Call the fire service Call security Report to security or fire service and give any information you might be knowing about the fire/incident Don’t get in the building again unless the fire service gives the “all-clear” Evacuation coordinators (head and assistants) When the evacuation is initiated, the process is as below: Guide staff, students or members of public in the building to the closest exit as fast and calmly as possible. Instruct them to carry on to the designated assembly point and wait for further directions Check toilets in addition to other places for stragglers Inform the evacuation coordinator and take action on any instructions (Craighead, 2009). Assembly point procedures All staff, students or members of public should stay within the assembly point until the situation stabilizes. Personnel carrying out searches in areas such as toilets should inform the building evacuation coordinators of their findings. They should not be allowed to go back in the building for any reason unless it is informed that it is safe to do so. During evacuation, the following points should be noted: Arranging aid for the people with disabilities Securing money and important documents in case it is safe to do so Evacuate with the least amount of personal material If possible close door and windows before leaving Preventing panic among everybody is very important Follow the instructions provided by emergency services staff Ensure that all exits/entrances are clear always Don’t permit anyone apart from the Emergency Service staff to get in the building whilst the alarm is sounding (Foley, 2003). Mobility/ disabled people within the affected area Hearing, sight or any other disability that might affect the response of persons is supposed to be handled as follows: people having any disability that would affect their safe and fast evacuation should inform the building safety personnel of their disabilities before taking any action, which might need the evacuation of the disabled people. The disabled people should be directed to a pre-arranged evacuation point and the evacuation coordinator informed. The evacuation coordinator will organize a priority evacuation for the disabled persons with the emergency services (Foley, 2003). Evacuation of people with disabilities After all building occupants have been evacuated, the disabled people can be placed on the landing within the fire stairs or at the lift with any responsible individual, to offer the comfort and support, and they might be evacuated using the lift under the guidance of the emergency services (Foley, 2003). Evacuation of other disabled people within areas in the building that are not affected On sounding of the fire alarm, the disabled people are supposed to be advised regarding the alarm. Colleagues should be appointed to help the disabled people in case an evacuation is ordered (Foley, 2003). Typical action flow chart Fire risk assessments/General fire safety requirements The University will arrange for fire risk assessments (FRAs) to be performed on the building. Risk assessments will be carried out by a specialist as appointed by the Fire Safety Manager. Risk assessments will be reviewed yearly and the noteworthy findings discussed between the head of the building and the Fire Safety Manager (Wattz, 2009). It is recommendable that buildings are inspected constantly to make sure that: There are no smoking signs in place and aren’t impeded by signage Corridors and walkways are not obstructed Exits are always clear and not locked anytime when the building has occupants Fire fighting apparatus are available, functional as well as accessible Large amounts of materials that are easily flammable are not allowed to accumulate anywhere in the building A lot of care should be taken when using and maintaining of office/heating apparatus Any litter that has accumulated and can increase fire risk should be removed Examine whether the flammable liquids and chemicals are stored appropriately Maintenance diagram Installation Start Date Test Frequency Competent Person Smoke Alarms 1st March 2012 Test operation Replace battery Confirm if lighting is connected to the smoke alarms Unit replacement Monthly If battery is low Replace unit according to manufacturer’s instructions Building wardens Exit sign & emergency lighting 1st April 2012 According to AS 2293.2 6 months interval Licensed electrician Fire extinguishers 1st April 2012 According to AS 1851 Level, 1: 6 months interval Level 2: 12 months interval Level 4, 5: Annually Licensed fire fighting appliance expert Fire hose reels 1st April 2012 According to AS 1851 Six months interval Licensed fire fighting appliance expert Exit door hardware 1st April 2012 Make certain there is proper operation AT ALL TIMES The building wardens Fire prevention and arson awareness Students, staff and public members should be informed of the different ways of preventing fire incidences and necessary precautions that should be taken to prevent fire. They should also be informed of the small and arsons within the locality, which can show an increased arson risk to the building. All small accidental fires should be investigated fully and record of the findings kept (Wattz, 2009). Measures that can be taken to reduce arson encompass: The perimeter of the building should be secured and the area surrounding the building should be well lit Secure all building’s entry points but ensure this doesn’t hinder usage of escape routes Remove all flammable rubbish Vehicles and other portable structures should not be placed near the building Advise staff and everyone to report individuals behaving skeptically Make sure that the building’s fire detection system is evaluated and acted on Brief security regarding arson and how to detect suspicious characters (HM Government, 2006). Staff training All staff members will attend a fire awareness training course a minimum of three courses annually. This course shall consist of: Nature of fire and requirements for its development Methods for spreading of fire Ignition sources in the workplace Fire containment and escape routes Types of extinguishers and suitability for fires What to do on discovering a fire Any specific actions relevant to their site Fire drills Evacuating drills will be organized by the Chief Campus Warden at least once annually. The first evacuation exercise This might just involve sounding the alarm and building occupants walking to the assembly point. Prior to the first evacuation, all staff should be briefed by the emergency department on the following: The identity of the emergency personnel in the University Alarm system as well as the ideal means of reporting incidents Actions that should be taken in responding to the alarm signals Assembly point What is needed after completing the evacuation exercise The briefing is most effective through the emergency department since it will enable the staff to know the concerned emergency officials and know their authority and roles. When the procedures have been proved to be adequate, the initial large-scale evacuation may be performed. This ought not to be a no-notice evacuation. Sufficient warning is supposed to be given since the initial evacuation might be complex devoid the additional confusion resulting from the surprise (Wattz, 2009). Record keeping The building will maintain records for the regular fire safety checks. Records for the previous three years as a minimum will be held. Fire risk assessments and training records are held by the Fire Safety Manager (Matthews, 2009). Bibliography Craighead, G. (3rd Ed), (2009), High-Rise Security and Fire Life Safety, Butterworth-Heinemann, California. Foley, S, 2003, Resource for Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Columbia. Great Britain: Department for Communities and Local Government, (2006), Fire safety risk assessment: educational premises, The Stationery Office, London. HM Government, (2006), Fire safety risk assessments, large places of assembly, Eland House, London. Matthews, G, (2009), Disaster management in archives, libraries and museums, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., Texas. Smith, D. (3rd Ed), (2010), Fire Safety Engineering, The Charlesworth Group, Great Britain. Wattz, H, (2009), Building Fire and Evacuation Plan, Griffith University, Kessels Road. Read More