UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
STAGE ONE
(To be completed by Faculties and Service
Departments)
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 1
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
As required by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Introduction (Fire risk assessment Questions and answers):
Q.
What is Fire risk assessment?
A.
It is a requirement under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety) Order 2005 that the University carry out a fire risk
assessment (later referred to as Stage 2) of all premises and record
any significant findings. The process of risk assessment is an ongoing task that is constantly monitored and reviewed. In addition, all
Faculties and Service Departments are required to annually update
their Fire Risk Assessment (Stage 1) documentation.
Q.
Why do the Faculties and Service Departments have to complete the
Stage One Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?
A.
The Stage One FRA is designed to allow local managers to identify
any operational fire safety related matters e.g. inappropriate storage
of combustibles, staff/students who have not received fire safety
training. These are likely to be addressed, in the main, as part of the
local management processes, with the Stage One FRA acting as a
consistent framework of areas to consider when carrying out this
review. The process can then be monitored and reviewed by
management to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved.
Q.
What is the Fire Risk Assessment process at the University?
A.
The Fire Risk Assessment process at
Wolverhampton consists of two key stages.
the
University
of
Stage One: Hazard identification and persons at risk – To be
completed by Faculty/Service Departments.
This section focuses on the identification of hazards and the persons
at risk within the Faculty/Service Department. This is accomplished
by the completion of the Stage One - Fire Risk Assessment Review.
(Appendix A). The Stage One - Fire Risk Assessment Review
should be completed by Deans of Faculty/Service Directors or their
nominated responsible person. Any issues that cannot be resolved at
a local level should be referred to the Health and Safety Department.
This stage allows Faculties and Service Department to monitor and
review their local management arrangement around fire safety,
identify any gaps and then put in place remedial actions.
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 2
If you require floor plans of your areas to assist in the completion of
the risk assessment, they are available from the Estates
Management web site:
http://www.wlv.ac.uk/staff/services/estates_and_facilities/estates_ma
nagement/space_management/building_floorplans.aspx
Stage Two: To be completed by Stage 2 risk assessment team
The Stage 2 Fire Risk Assessment Review of buildings will be
completed by the University Safety Adviser and the Health Safety
Risk Assessment Manager (HSRM) (Estates and Facilities) , along
with relevant representatives from Estates and Facilities and, where
necessary, the Campus Operations Manager and/or Faculty/Service
Department staff. The review will include, but not exclusively:

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The Design of the building;
Fire Compartmentation within the building;
Structural fire protection
Management of high risk fire areas
Fire Safety Systems
Fire alarms systems
Automatic suppression systems
Evacuation strategy
Evacuation of disabled people/mobility impaired
The role of Management
Access and facilities for the Fire Service
Command and control
The identification and prioritisation of any necessary remedial action
by the team will then be sent to the Dean of the Faculty/Service
Director/Director of Estates and Facilities for implementation, where
applicable. The Stage 2 Fire Risk Assessment will then be reviewed
by the Health and Safety Risk Assessment Manager (HSRM)
(Estates and Facilities) and the University Safety Adviser on an
annual basis.
Further Reviews
The Fire Risk Assessments (Stage One and Two) should also be
reviewed if there is a proposal to change the layout of the workplace,
where a structural change is proposed or where there is a proposal to
introduce new materials/processes. This review must be carried out
before any such change in the interests of safety and in order to
prevent the unnecessary commitment of finance and resources.
In addition, the Fire and Rescue Services will carry out periodic visits
and inspections as they consider necessary.
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
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Appendix A – Stage One Fire Risk Assessment review
Fire Risk Assessment (Stage One) to be completed by Dean of
Faculty/Service Director or appointed representatives.
Faculty/Service Department:…………………………………………………
Survey Party – enter names and position of individuals carrying out the
hazard identification exercise.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
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Date of Survey:………………………………………………………………
Once completed, this survey must be approved by Dean/Service Director.
Signature (Dean/Service Director):…………………………………………
Date:………………………………………………………………………………
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
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Fire Risk Assessment Questionnaire - Stage One – to be completed
by Faculties and Service Departments
Faculty/Service Department::………………………………………………….
Location: (Indicate site and the buildings included):
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
1.
Combustible Materials – ‘Identifying sources of fuel for fire’
Anything that burns is fuel for fire. You will need to look at things
that will burn reasonably easily and are in sufficient quantity to
provide fuel for a fire or cause it to spread to another fuel source.
Some of the most common ‘fuels’ in workplaces are listed below,
you will need to identify if they are present in your workplace.
(Please circle the appropriate response)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
Flammable liquid based products such as paints, varnish, thinners and
adhesives.
Flammable solvents such as petrol, white spirit, methylated spirits and
paraffin or flammable chemicals.
Flammable chemicals
Paper and card, particularly if allowed to accumulate in the workplace
Plastics rubber and foam such as polystyrene and polyurethane
Flammable gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or acetylene
Textiles
Waste materials, in particular finely divided materials such as wood
shavings, offcuts, dust, paper and textiles
Are excessive quantities of combustible materials displayed or stored in
the workplace?
Are substantial areas of walls or ceilings covered with flammable
linings?
Are there any other readily combustible materials in the workplace,
which present a significant hazard? e.g. furniture, fabrics, etc.
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
I.
If YES (to any of the above)
Identify combustible materials present and location i.e. room numbers,
buildings etc
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Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 5
)
Have any of the following been introduced into your workplace to
reduce the risks posed by materials and substances that burn?
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
s)
Flammable materials and substances have been removed or reduced to
the minimum required for the operation of the business
Materials and substances have been replaced with less flammable
alternatives
Flammable materials, liquids (and vapours) and gases are handled,
transported, stored and used properly
Adequate separation distances between flammable materials is ensured
Storing highly flammable substances in fire-resisting stores and, where
necessary keeping a minimum quantity in fire-resisting cabinets in the
workroom.
Flammable waste materials and rubbish are not allowed to build up in
the workplace
The storage of materials in areas that are not vulnerable to arson or
vandalism
Good housekeeping practices in the workplace
2.
II.
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
Sources of Heat – ‘Identifying sources of ignition for a fire’
Potential ignition sources in your workplace can be identified by
looking for possible sources of heat, which could get hot enough to
ignite the material in the workplace. You will need to identify from
the list below whether these sources of heat are present in your
workplace. (Please circle the appropriate response).
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
Naked flames
Electrical, gas or oil-fired heaters (fixed or portable)
Hot processes (such as welding or grinding work)
Cooking
Engines or boilers
Machinery
Faulty or misused electrical equipment
Lighting equipment, e.g. halogen lamps
Hot surfaces and obstruction of equipment ventilation, e.g. office
equipment
Friction, e.g. from loose bearings or drive belts
Static electricity
Metal impact (such as metal tools striking each other)
Arson (is this a potential problem?)
Are there ducts or flues in the area, which may allow a fire to spread?
Are there light bulbs and fittings near flammable materials?
Have all portable electrical appliances been tested, including all privately
owned appliances used by staff/students?
Does the electrical equipment have extension leads?
Are there multi-point adaptors in electrical sockets?
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
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s)
Are there any other sources of heat in the workplace? (if YES give
details below)
YES
If YES, (to point s only)
What are they and where are they located? i.e. room numbers, buildings
etc
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Indications of ‘near misses’, such as scorch marks on
furniture or fittings, discoloured or charred electrical plugs
and sockets, cigarette burns etc, can help you identify hazards
which you may not otherwise notice.
3.
Persons at Risk – ‘who is at risk if there is a fire?’
As part of your assessment you will need to identify who may be at
risk if there is a fire in your workplace, from the list below please
indicate who would be at risk in your workplace (please circle all
relevant options)
If YES, state
approx
numbers
Staff
Students
Visitors (including contractors)
Others (please specify)
…………………………………………………
4.
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
Fire Procedure
It is important that staff, students, visitors and contractors know
what they should do if a fire occurs in the workplace. They should
all be given information about what to do in the event of a fire. The
University Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedure is a concise
document, which must be communicated and understood by all
members of staff and students. The Fire Procedure also impacts on
visitors and contractors on the University premises. Please indicate
how the Fire Procedure is communicated in your workplace.
(Please circle).
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 7
NO
a)
b)
c)
d)
5.
Are Fire Procedure Notices prominently posted in key locations
throughout the workplace?
If NO, what action has been taken to address this situation?
……………………………………………………………………………
…
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……
Are all staff made aware of the Fire Procedure on their first day of
employment?
If NO, what has been done/can be done to address this situation?
……………………………………………………………………………
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Are all students (Faculties only) made aware of the Fire
Procedure on their first day?
If NO, what has been done/can be done to address this situation?
……………………………………………………………………………
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……………………………………………………………………………
………
Are visitors and contractors made aware of the University Fire
Procedure?
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
Training
Fire Precautions at work is a mandatory training event and a
legal requirement for all staff at the University. The training
includes information on general fire precautions, risks from
flammable materials, the control of risks, and the role individuals
can play in reducing and controlling sources of ignition and fuel for
fire.
a)
b)
Have all staff in your Faculty/Department attended a Fire Safety
Presentation/refresher or completed the ‘on line’ training course?
If NO, what is being done to address this situation?
………………………………….…………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……
Have all of your students (Faculties only) received Fire Safety
information?
If NO, what is being done to provide students with this
information?
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 8
c)
……………………………………………………………………………
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…………
Can Fire Safety information be improved e.g. electronic reminders
of fire safety information for staff and students?
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
Suggestions
……………………………………………………………………………
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……..
6.
Fire Drills/Emergency Evacuations
In the event of a fire your staff and students will need to know what
to do. Staff and students must be trained in accordance with the
University Fire Procedures, which will need to be regularly tested.
Arranging fire drills in the workplace will be a major part of testing
these procedures as well as performance in unplanned
evacuations.
a)
Would you describe the performance of your staff in a Fire
Evacuation as satisfactory?
If NO, what has been done to address this situation?
……………………………………………………………………………
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………
b)
c)
Would you describe the performance of your students (Faculties
only) in a Fire Evacuation as satisfactory?
If NO, what has been done to address this situation?
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………........................................................................................
Have all staff and students in your workplace taken part in an
emergency evacuation drill in the last 6 months?
If NO, why not? (e.g. no drills run, shift patterns of staff etc.)
……………………….……………………………………………………
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Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 9
d)
Do you consider the frequency of fire drills as satisfactory?
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
If NO, how often would you recommend they are run?
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……
7.
Means of Raising the Alarm
Workplaces need to have effective means of detecting an outbreak
of fire and for warning people in your workplace quickly enough so
that they can escape to a safe place before the fire is likely to make
escape routes unusable.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Can the means for giving warning be clearly heard and understood
throughout the whole of the workplace when initiated from any
single point?
If NO, what are the particular issues that relate to your workplace,
have they been previously raised and who with?
………………………………………………………..……………………
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…..
Do all of your staff know how to operate your fire warning systems
and how to respond to it?
If NO, how do you intend to make them aware of this?
………………………………..……………………………………………
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…..
Is fire detected in your workplace by automatic smoke/heat
detectors?
If NO, how is fire detected in your workplace?
……………………………………………………………………………
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…..
Is the alarm raised automatically? (Is Automatic Fire Detection
(AFD) present in your workplace)
If NO, how is it raised? (e.g. manual sounders etc.)
……………………………………………………………………………
8.
Means of Escape
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
Page 10
Once a fire has been detected and a warning given, everyone in
your workplace should be able to evacuate without being placed at
undue risk. When assessing the means of escape from your
workplace, you should ask yourself whether people could escape to
a place of safety before being cut off and exposed to risk of injury.
a)
b)
c)
Are all escape routes easily identifiable, clearly signed, free from
obstructions, adequately illuminated and have acceptable travel
distances to reach a place of relative safety?
If NO please explain the problems in more detail (please give
precise locations)
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Have all staff been trained in using the means of escape
Do all staff and students leave by their ‘nearest available exit’ as
requested under the University Fire Procedure?
If NO what has been done to make staff and students comply?
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AFTER COMPLETING THIS SECTION OF THE RISK ASSESSMENT
PLEASE ENSURE IT IS SIGNED BY YOUR DEAN OF
FACULTY/SERVICE
DIRECTOR,
AND
KEPT
WITHIN
THE
FACULTY/SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ONGOING MONITORING
AND REVIEW. IF THERE ARE ANY ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED FROM
CONDUCTING THIS RISK ASSESSMENT THAT YOU ARE UNABLE
TO RESOLVE AT A LOCAL LEVEL YOU MUST CONTACT THE
HEALTH AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER ADVICE.
THIS DOCUMENT MUST BE REVIEWED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
End of document
Fire Risk Assessment – Stage 1 v.3 Nov 2014
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YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO