Fire Risk Assessment Module 4

Fire Risk Assessment: Module 4 - Choosing the Right Type of Detector

• Aspirating systems are particularly useful in cabinets containing highly sensitive equipment, areas where point detectors are restricted, and areas where the environment isn't suitable for point detection.

• Sprinkler systems are primarily designed to BS EN 12845.

Components of a Water Fire Extinguisher

• The Pressure Gauge indicates the pressure inside the cylinder.
• The gauge should be in the green zone for the extinguisher to be ready for use.
• If the indicator is red, the extinguisher should not be used as it is either over or under its optimum working pressure.

Fire Exit Route Illumination

• Emergency lighting systems must illuminate essential features like fire exits, fire alarm call points, changes in floor level, fire fighting equipment, corridor intersections, and stairways.

Fire Extinguishers - Safety Measures

• Fire should only be tackled when the fire alert is raised to the Control Room, fire or smoke doesn't pose a safety risk and doesn't compromise safe exit routes, the fire is small (no bigger than a small office waste bin), and the person has received adequate training.
• The extinguisher type used depends on the fire type.
• Water-based extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires (wood, paper, plastics, fabric).
• Training in using the extinguisher, including pictorial user instructions, is necessary.

Types of Evacuation Strategies

• Simultaneous Evacuation: In non-secure buildings, the evacuation relies on occupants reacting to warning signals and escaping to a safe area.
• Partial Evacuation: This strategy is for cell blocks or similar areas where occupants can self-release to a designated area but cannot leave the building without staff assistance.
• Phased Evacuation: Custodians control the evacuation by phases, prioritizing areas deemed most vulnerable.

Ionisation Detectors

• Ionisation detectors use a radioactive source to ionize the air.

Current British Standard for Fire Alarms and Detection Systems

• BS 5839: Part 1 is the current British standard for fire alarm and detection systems.

Optical Detectors

• Optical detectors use a light source, a miniature lens, and a photoelectric cell to detect smoke particles.

Sprinkler System Classes

• The 3 main classes of sprinkler systems are: Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard, and High Hazard.

Wet Risers and Building Height

• Wet risers are often installed in buildings exceeding 50 meters in height.

BS 4422 and PAS 79 Definitions of Fire Risk

• BS 4422: Fire risk is the product of the likelihood of a fire occurring and the extent of damage from such a fire.
• PAS 79: Fire risk is the combination of the likelihood of a fire occurring and the consequences (number of injuries, severity).

BS 4422, H&S Terms, and PAS 79 Definitions of Fire Hazard

• BS 4422: Identifies a hazard as the potential for harm/damage from fire.
• H&S and BS 18004: Hazard is anything that poses a risk to human health in situations of human injury, ill health or combination of both.
• PAS 79: Hazard is anything that poses a risk of fire occurring.

Generic Risk Assessment Process

• Identify hazards: Recognizing potential fire risks.
• Identify people at risk: Understanding who could be affected.
• Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect: Assessing and addressing the risks.
• Record, plan, instruct, inform, and train: Documenting and implementing safety procedures.
• Review: Periodically evaluating the effectiveness of the measures

Given Factors in Fire Risk Assessments

• Building height/storeys, construction, activities/processes, complexity, and floor space.
• Occupant characteristics, familiarity with building, state of occupants, and fire history.
• Incidents of arson/vandalism in the area.

Narrative Step Method of Risk Assessment

• Steps approach;
• Checklists;
• Logic diagrams;
• Algorithmic approach;
• Benchmarking.

Nine Steps to a Generic Fire Risk Assessment

• Information Gathering;
• Hazard Identification;
• Likelihood Assessment;
• Fire Protection;
• Fire Safety Management;
• Occupant Consequences;
• Risk Assessment;
• Action Plan Formulation;
• Regular Review.

Periodic Reviews of Fire Risk Assessments

• The frequency of reviews depends on building alterations, changes in fire precautions, routine reviews (assessor judgment), and significant changes.
• Reviews should include the reviewer's name and date for the next review.
• Reviews are needed when major alterations occur, after fires, alterations in use of the building, or changes in key personnel.
• Material changes, or a drop in standards of fire protection impact validity.

Quantitative and Qualitative Risk Assessments

• Quantitative: Uses numerical ratings to gauge the impact and probability of an event.
• Qualitative: Relies on expert judgment and experience in a non-numerical process to evaluate an overall picture of risks.

Scope and Application of Fire Safety Legislation within HMP Premises

• Responsible people must ensure suitable and sufficient escape routes during a fire.