Devoncourt
Fire Risk Assessment
Property
Devoncourt Flats
85 Berryhead Road. Brixham Devon TQ5 9AB
Built
Built 1962 as 21 residential flats – no planning restrictions.
Additional three flats added 1994/5 number 22,23,24.
Construction
24 individual flats.
Private access to each flat
Block with steel frame for balconies. (re-placed 2018)
9” dividing solid block walls between each flat, dry lined
Flat roof.
There is a high degree of compartmentation in the premises
Usage
Private Residential flats.
The flats and grounds are not open to the public.
Current use:- main and second homes, holiday homes and small office.
Some flats are let by the individual owners as winter lets and/or holiday lets, or permanent ASHT tenancy agreements.
When the flats are unoccupied the site manager inspect the flats weekly, for the owners to ensure all services to the flats are switched off.
Externally
Free standing garage used for storage and building maintenance.
Car parking on three sides of the main building accommodating 24 cars.
Assessed for
and inspected by
Robin Hooker, for and behalf of Devoncourt owners and residents
(professional advice received from Shell.Training.UK)
Dated and signed
First Assessment 07/09/06 updates since….
Wednesday, 23rd July 2019 Signature ……………………. .
Robin Hooker
Identification of Persons at Risk.
Risk
Details
Action
Persons at Risk
Sleeping
Assessment
Risk of Fire occurrence
All persons, children and pets on the premises.
All persons, children and pets resident in the premises.
All persons, children and pets visiting the premises - guests
Persons asleep in the premises
Children playing on the premises
All staff on the premises.
All contractors visiting the premises
All delivery persons visiting the premises
Persons walking by the premises.
Persons as risk – Sleeping.
Persons sleeping in the flats will be familiar with the exits and entrances.
They will be owners or their invitees, or guests or on holiday or SHT residents.
No members of the public are permitted.
Ground floor – maximum persons sleeping 38
First floor – maximum persons sleeping 38
Second floor – maximum persons sleeping 38
A fire on the premises could be started in one of the following ways
1. Accidental – the knocking over of lights, portable heating
appliances, lighted cigarettes or candles, or chip pans
2. By an act of omission – where an electrical appliance or
wiring is not properly maintained or where matter is
allowed to collect near a heat source, or a heat source is
used to dry clothes
3. A deliberate act of setting something on fire to cause
attention or damage.
Review persons at risk periodically
Display warning notices ‘what to do in the event of a fire’ for all to see. – done
Updated 12/07
No smoking signs are displayed in each flat.
No smoking permitted inside the building. No Smoking Signs are displayed on the Notice Board.
Identification of Sources of Fire
Risk
Details
Proposed Action
Sources of Fire
All inflammable and flammable products, material and possessions.
Electrical goods, tv, toasters cookers, microwaves, fridges CD players etc, portable lights and circuitry
Cleaning products
Paint, thinners and maintenance products and tools (air tight)
Naked flames – matches, lighters, candles. Fires (banned)
Smoking – matches, lighters cigarettes, cigars, pipes (banned)
Gas lighters (banned)
LPG portable heaters. BBQ and building equipment (banned)
Electrical sockets
Electrical fuses and RCD circuit breakers (trips)
Clothing bedding and personal possessions
Furniture and beds
Motor vehicles
Battery Powered Disability Scooter.
No charging or storage of a battery within the building
External charging and storage only.
PAT check
Annually
Check RCB protected electrical circuits annually - done
Training and correct storage - continual
Banned
Smoking restricted inside the building. No smoking signs put in all bedrooms
Banned LPG heaters, oil heaters and BBQ
Ensure that sockets are not overloaded.
Ensure that fuses and trips are not over rated.
All comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended.
Battery Powered Disability Scooter
Must not/ cannot park beneath the building or block any exits
Alarms and Evacuation
Risk
Details of Alarms and detection equipment
Proposed Action
Alarms not heard of faulty.
Each flat is fitted with a standard battery smoke detector in the corridor to warn to occupants of that flat of a fire within the Lounge – kitchen- bathroom and hallway or of smoke seepage form adjoining flats
Each flats is filled with a
Radio linked smoke detector to BS5446(1) installed in all bedrooms – each linked to all other bedrooms in the building. Battery powered 10 year lithium. 85 Decibels
The radio link provides notification to all other occupants of smoke or fire anywhere in the building.
The activation of one linked detector will activate all linked detectors in the building.
A test can be made of the link by depressing the test button and holding it in test mode for 2 seconds.
Mains powered unit have battery back-ups.
Owners and SHT tenants are contracted to maintain smoke detector and batteries in smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors to be tested before a Holiday occupancy
ALL smoke detectors are tested and must be tested prior to any occupation.
A record is maintained of tests that carried out to smoke detectors in the individual flats which are un-occupied, and prior to occupation.
Notice board statement advices all occupiers to advice the management is any smoke detectors are not working or bleeping to indicate a low battery.
Identification - Escape Routes
Risk
Details of Risks
Escape routes + alarms
Proposed Action
Ground Floor
A fire on the Ground floor may affect the possible escape route for all occupiers the first & second floor of the building
A fire in Flats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and rear of the building.
A secondary effect may be of heat gasses and flame igniting the roof and spreading along the roof to other flats in the building.
Further if the intensity of the fire is such, it may burn through the ceilings and floors and directly effect the roof above., and the flat below.
Because of the construction of the building – 9” solid block walls – between flats it is unlikely to directly effect the flats adjoining on either side.
A fire in Flat 1, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and possibly into the stairway of the building, and to the roof above.
Persons on the ground floor may evacuate the building though their entrance and up their stairs
Radio linked smoke detector installed in all bedrooms – each linked to all other bedrooms and corridors in the building
Display warning notices ‘what to do in the event of a fire’ for all to see - done
A 30 min fire door is installed on each flat to protect the stairway inside the building.
Flat 1 may escape along their balcony to the right into flat 2
The external staircase is of block construction with Dura anti slip fire resistance fibreglass steps, it is open on three sides to fresh air and will dissipate any smoke and heat quickly
Ensure the entrance and stair case are never blocked at all times
Ensure the 30 minute fire doors, are not propped open or the self closers broken . – daily checks
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Identification - Escape Routes
Risk
Details of Risks
Escape routes + alarms
Proposed Action
First Floor
A fire on the first floor may affect the possible escape route for all occupiers the second floor of the building
A fire in Flats 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12a, 14, 23 will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and rear of the building.
A secondary effect may be of heat gasses and flame igniting the roof and spreading along the roof to other flats in the building.
Further if the intensity of the fire is such, it may burn through the ceilings and floors and directly effect the roof above., and the flat below.
Because of the construction of the building – 9” block walls – between flats it is unlikely to directly effect the flats adjoining on either side.
A fire in Flat 8, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and possibly into the stairway of the building, and to the roof above.
Persons on the first and second floor may evacuate the building down their main staircase which is open to fresh air.
Radio linked smoke detector installed in all bedrooms – each linked to all other bedrooms and corridors in the building
Display warning notices ‘what to do in the event of a fire’ for all to see in each apartment
The staircase is of block construction with Dura anti slip fire resistance fibreglass steps, it is open on three sides to fresh air and will dissipate any smoke and heat quickly.
Flat 8 may escape along their balcony to the right into flat 9
Ensure that the staircase is kept free from litter and obstructions.
A fire extinguisher is placed on each landing.
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Identification - Escape Routes
Risk
Details of Risks
Escape routes + alarms
Proposed Action
Second Floor
A fire on the Second floor may affect the possible escape route for all occupiers the second floor of the building
A fire in Flats 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and rear of the building.
A secondary effect may be of heat gasses and flame igniting the roof and spreading along the roof to other flats in the building.
Further if the intensity of the fire is such, it may burn through the ceilings and floors and directly effect the roof above., and the flat below.
Because of the construction of the building – 9” block walls – between flats it is unlikely to directly effect the flats adjoining on either side.
A fire in Flat 15, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and possibly into the stairway of the building, and to the roof above.
A fire in Flat 23 or 24, will vent heat smoke and gasses to the outside from the front and possibly into the stairway of the building, and to the roof above. Concrete floors.
Persons on the first & second floor may evacuate the building down their main staircase which is open to fresh air.
Radio linked smoke detector installed in all bedrooms – each linked to all other bedrooms and corridors in the building
Display warning notices ‘what to do in the event of a fire’ for all to see in each apartment
The staircase is of block construction with Dura anti slip fire resistance fibreglass steps, it is open on three sides to fresh air and will dissipate any smoke and heat quickly
Flat 15 may escape along their balcony to the right into flat 16
All staircases are fitted 8w or 3w LED 3 hour with automatic emergency lighting to BS5266: 2005
Flat 24 has a rope for escape from the balcony
Ensure that the staircase is kept free from litter and obstructions.
A fire extinguisher is placed on each landing.
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Identification Escape – Routes description
Risk
Details of Risks
Routes of escape
Proposed Action
All Floors
A fire on any floor may effect the possible escape route for all occupiers the building
The travel distance from any flat does not exceed minimum distance of 18m
An exit may be blocked.
Escape method Internal
Main staircase inside the building – protected by 30 minute Fire Doors, and self closers, with emergency 3 hour lighting
Escape method External
The staircase is of block construction with fire resistance steps, it is open on three sides to fresh air and will dissipate any smoke and heat quickly. Illuminated with emergency 3 hour lighting.
Escape method 3
15 & 8 only
Flats 8 and 15 may escape by exiting onto their, then onto the balcony of the flats adjoining to their right – wind-break dividers are openable
All staircases are fitted 8w
3 hour with automatic emergency lighting to BS5266: 2005
Ensure all routes are clear and un-obstructed. – daily
Ensure that the 30 minute fire doors are not propped open or the self closers broken . – daily
Check Emergency Lighting weekly
Identification of Risks. – Smoke and Gas
Risk
Source of fire and smoke
Action taken to minimise risk
Proposed Action
Smoke Inhalation
and the spread of fire
Individual flats
Each flat is fitted with one or more smoke detectors. Battery operated. To BS5446 standard, and
a Radio Linked Smoke Detector in each bedroom linked to all other flats and corridors in the building
The detectors are checked regularly by cleaning staff, caretakers and owners and long term tenants.
A notice is in each flat asking the owners/occupiers to check the smoke detectors regularly and not to remove the batteries, and to not smoke in the bedrooms.
Owners and SHT tenants are contracted to maintain smoke detector and batteries in smoke detectors.
ALL smoke detectors are tested and must be tested prior to any occupation.
A record is to be maintained of checks carried out to smoke detectors in the individual flats which are un-occupied, prior to occupation.
Record of Tests is maintained
A test of the linked smoke detectors will be carried out weekly
Record of Tests Chart to be maintained
There are No smoking signs in the corridors bedrooms and on the office notice board which is visible 24 hours a day.
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Identification of Risks – Spread of fire
Risk
Risk – source of fire
Proposed Action
Implementation Date
Smoke Inhalation
and the spread of fire
other sources
Launderette
Electrical installations
Main circuit boards
30 minute fire door is fitted to protect hallway
Automatic Fire extinguisher fitted
The electrical equipment isolators and RCD cupboard outside flat 22 are protected by steel casings – steel boxes.
Additional protection is provided by a 30 minute minimum fire retaining cupboard to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to the stairway constructed with fire resistant GlasRoc 2 hours panelling. [Installed Oct 2007]
A smoke detector has been installed adjacent to the switch gear + emergency lighting.
Weekly check of automatic fire extinguisher by sight
Identification of Risks - Spread of fire
Risk
Source of fire
Proposed Action
Proposed action
Smoke Inhalation and the spread of fire
Office and garage
Smoke detectors are installed in the office and Garage
A 30 minute fire door to the office with a self-closing device is installed
A clear access and exit must be made through the garage for any persons in the rear of the garage.
Combustible material must be kept to a minimum.
Rubbish must not be allowed to collect.
All off-cuts and part-used combustible materials must be disposed of.
All paint and cleaning combustible materials must be stored away from any windows or doors.
A 2ltr Fire Extinguisher be available in the garage.
Hazardous material stored outside the garage must be kept to the minimum. All leaves and of-cuts and part used combustible materials must be removed. Gas bottles must be kept to a minimum. Empty bottles should be removed.
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear, fallen items and careless storage
Identification of Risks Naked Flame.
Risk
Source of fire
Action taken
Proposed Action
Fire Prevention
Potential sources of fire
Cigarettes
Pipes
Candles
Matches
BBQ
Oil Heaters
No smoking signs and no naked flame signs are displayed on the communal notice board which is visible 24 hours a day.
No smoking and no naked flame signs displayed in the car parks
No smoking signs are displayed in the all flats
A notice is in each flat asking the owners/occupiers to check the smoke detectors regularly and not to remove the batteries, and to not smoke in the bedrooms.
Owners and SHT tenants are contracted to maintain smoke detector and batteries in smoke detectors.
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Banned LPG heaters, oil heaters and BBQs , are removed immediately, if found
Limitation of Risks.
Risk
Action taken to date
Proposed Action
Fire Warnings and signage.
Fire extinguisher signs in situ
Fire door signs is situ
What to in the event of a fire signs in situ
Fire extinguishers in staircases
Emergency lighting in situ
Continual vigilance at all times.
Intervene before any risk becomes dangerous
Check weekly for vandalism, wear and tear
Continue to up grade where necessary and replace is damaged or fallen.
Emergency lighting checked weekly. Discharge test every six months
Limitation of Risks.
Risk
Action taken to date
Proposed Action
Fire Fighting Equipment
Dry Powder Fire extinguishers minimum 1lb installed in each flats.
Fire blanket installed in each flats.
Fire extinguishers installed in all staircases. Foam, Water, Dry Powder and CO2
Automatic dry powder fire extinguishers installed in the launderette and basement.
Foam fire extinguisher in office, to provide running cover anywhere.
Weekly check for vandalism, wear and tear
Weekly check operation efficiency and dates.
Limitation of Risks.
Risk
Action taken to date
Proposed Action
Staff training
Written training instruction and verbal training given to all staff and cleaners.
Copy held in blue site Training Manual in office middle drawer.
A fire safety check list is displayed on the office wall
Continual vigilance at all times.
Intervene before any risk becomes dangerous
Assess risks mentally at all times while on the premises; do not leave it to others.
All new members of staff to receive full training
Refresher training to be given to all staff annually
Assess risks mentally at all times while on the premises, do not leave it to others
End of Assessment.