Fire Safety Risk Assessment

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS CORPORATE HEALTH AND SAFETY & CIVIL PROTECTION UNIT

FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT (AS REQUIRED UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005)

STAGE 1: GENERIC FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

PREMISES / ADDRESS: Bethnal Green Centre, 229 Bethnal Green Road, London E2. 1st Assessment October 2008

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 1 Introduction

The Fire Safety Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (Fire Safety RRO 2005): The order has replaced over 100 separate pieces of legislation, but in particular the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations and the Fire Precautions Act. The order applies to all workplaces and places where people resort, such as the factories, offices, shops, warehouses, schools and other educational establishments, places where people sleep (hotels, boarding houses, houses in multiple occupation, residential care homes, common parts of residential flats), churches, places of assembly and outdoor events etc.

The main requirements of the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform Order 2005

In workplaces where five or more are employed to work, the employer / person in control of premises (The ‘Responsible Person’ under the requirements of the Act) must complete a written fire safety risk assessment that should assess the fire safety standards in the workplace. The risk assessment should identify:

 Fire safety hazards in the workplace (such as the use and storage of highly flammable liquids);  Identify the persons who may be placed at risk (staff, visitors, contractors etc.) especially those who may be placed at additional risk because of disability or infirmity;  The adequacy of structural features (passive protection)-e.g. fire doors, fire partitions, fire screens and fire-stopping etc;  The adequacy of active systems such as fire alarms, automatic fire detection, fire sprinklers and emergency lighting;  Provision and maintenance of the means of fighting fire (hose reels, hand held extinguishers etc.;  Adequacy of the procedural systems in place (fire evacuation emergency plan / procedure);  Maintenance of passive and active systems, conducting of fire drills and the keeping of records;  Regular monitoring, audit and review processes to ensure that standards are being maintained.

The assessment should then go on to assess the adequacy of existing controls and decide whether additional steps need to be taken to eliminate or reduce risk. The assessment must be recorded in writing, or stored electronically and kept retrievable.

High and special risk premises, such as those storing and using highly flammable substances, or premises that have a sleeping risk, or premises were occupants have special needs considerations or have physical disabilities, must be particularly examined and placed under scrutiny. The Fire Risk assessment process involves examining two aspects of fire precautions: a) Physical and active fire precautions / means of fighting fire:  Physical controls include structural fire precautions such fire doors, fire lobbies, fire separation and fire protection to form protected escape routes, fire exits etc;  Active fire controls include automatic fire detection, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting etc;  Also the provision of fixed (e.g. fire hose reels) and portable fire fighting equipment;  Means of escape in case of fire;  Means of fighting fire;  Fire brigade access and fire-fighting facilities.

The assessor would have to determine whether the fire safety measures in place are sufficient for the risk arising from the work activities or functions being carried out in the premises, determine whether the measures are operating effectively, or whether further steps in the form of additional controls, need to be taken to eliminate or reduce risk.

As part of the risk assessment process, the assessor will determine the adequacy of the physical fire safety precautions in place and go on to make recommendations for any improvements that are considered necessary. Such recommendations could include upgrading existing structural or active fire safety precautions, or recommend that additional alterations or modifications are required -such as the installation of additional fire doors, installation of automatic fire detection, or emergency lighting etc. These recommendations will be risk rated in the report with a timeline indicated when the additional controls should be implemented by. b) Management Systems LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 2  This includes arrangements for evacuating the premises, a written fire emergency plan detailing the actions to be taken in the event of fire, training of personnel, organising fire evacuation drills, special arrangements for evacuating disabled staff and visitors, those with a sensorial impairment, the temporary disabled etc. Additionally, how the emergency procedures can be communicated effectively to staff and visitors. As part of the process, consulting staff and any other employers also on the premises etc. Other areas to be examined are standards of ‘housekeeping’ and the promotion of fire safety awareness in the premises, staff training, maintenance issues –such as the maintenance of fire systems (fire alarms, emergency lighting, fixed and portable fire-fighting equipment etc. housekeeping arrangements, periodic inspections etc.

 Where the assessment discovers defects in physical fire safety standards or management systems, the employer / person in control of premise must endeavour to rectify the defects so that the risk is eliminated or reduced, so far as reasonably practicable.  The employer / person in control of premise must appoint suitably ‘competent’ persons to carry out these assessments. The employer / person in control of premises must consider whether the persons appointed to complete fire safety risk assessments are ‘competent’, e.g. that they have sufficient skills, training, knowledge, experience and other qualities to fulfil this role.  Responsible persons (the employer or person in control of the premise) must appoint suitably competent persons to assist them in fulfilling their duties and obligations under the act. For example, the appointment of a suitably qualified electrical contractor or engineer to repair, adapt or maintain the electrical fire alarm system in the premise, a suitably qualified contractor or engineer to service fixed / portable fire-fighting equipment etc.  The Fire Safety RRO also requires employers / persons in control of premises to arrange for employees to receive suitable training in the correct action to take in the event of fire and furthermore appointed staff (fire marshals) must receive suitable and sufficient training in the use of hand held portable fire-fighting equipment or other fire fighting installations, such as fire hose reels. Refresher training must also be held periodically.  The Employer must appoint and train a sufficient number of staff to assist with the evacuation of the building in the event of a fire (fire marshals).

EXPLANATION OF THE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND DOCUMENTATION

Evaluation of existing fire safety standards: This part identifies the activities undertaken at the premises and persons at risk, and examines the existing physical precaution and management systems for control fire risk. The checklist is evidence of the areas and factors that were examined as part of the inspection and assessment process and forms an audit trail.

The recording of deficiencies and defects noted and Recommendations made for action.

This section details the defects and deficiencies identified in part 1 and recommends action that must be taken to address these deficiencies.

FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED BY THE PERSON IN CONTROL OF PREMISES*:

On receipt of the stage 1 Fire Risk Assessment, the person in control of premises must take the necessary steps to implement any new control measures identified and remedy any structural fire safety defects notified. * For example in schools, the person in control of premises will be the Headteacher.

The person in control of premises - responsibilities:  Must keep the written assessment available for inspection by the Fire Authority.  Must complete a stage 2 fire safety management action plan. An example plan is shown on page 6 of this report.  Must prepare, or revise, (as appropriate) the emergency plan for the action to be taken in the event of fire, including the evacuation of the disabled. Ensuring that staff are fully trained in these procedures and arrangements.

 Must arrange for fire evacuation drills to be carried out regularly, normally every six months.  Must implement the arrangements and notify the significant findings of the assessment to employees and other premise users. LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 3  Must make arrangements for the assessment to be reviewed periodically or when there has been a change or work activity and / or the assessment is suspected of being no longer valid.  Must ensure that arrangements are in place to ensure that the building is regularly inspected to ensure that fire safety arrangements are being maintained effectively. For example, ensuring that physical and active fire systems, such as fire doors, fire alarms, emergency lighting and automatic fire detection equipment etc. are maintained in a safe condition [so far as reasonably practicable]. Ensure that records are kept of any maintenance of the systems and are kept available for inspection.

Example stage 2 fire risk assessment- management action plan: As previously stated, the stage 2 fire risk assessment places a duty on the employer / person in control of premises to implement a management action plan. The plan should detail the action that will be taken to rectify the defects noted and the management action that will be taken to address any other recommendations recorded in the stage 1 report. An example stage 2 management action plan is included in page 6 of this document.

Routine Inspections & Tests:

Suggested Item Type of record to be kept frequency Daily: Visual check of means of escape routes, fire doors, Daily site checklist-signed a dated. fire exits, emergency lighting, fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers, fire safety signs and housekeeping standards Weekly Test of fire alarm system Entry in fire log book Weekly Electro-magnetic door holders Entry in fire log book Weekly Sprinkler test and check of pressure gauges Entry in fire log book Monthly Emergency lighting test Entry in fire log book Monthly Visual examination of fixed and portable fire-fighting Entry in fire log book equipment Quarterly Maintenance of fire alarm system (engineer or Entry in fire log book and service contractor) certificate retained on file. Quarterly Fire Sprinkler periodic maintenance (engineer or Entry in fire log book and service contractor) certificate kept on file Half-yearly Fire evacuation drill Entry in fire log book Half-yearly Service of generator / pumps to Wet rising main Entry in fire log book and service system. certificate kept on file. Half-yearly Emergency lighting service (engineer or contractor) Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file. Annually Service of fixed / portable fire fighting equipment Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file. Annually Dry rising main hydraulic & flow test (engineer or Entry in fire log book and service contractor) certificate kept on file. Annually Overhaul of sprinkler system (engineer or contractor) Entry in fire log book and service certificate kept on file. Annually Hydraulic flow test –Wet rising main (engineer or Entry in fire log book and service contractor) certificate kept on file. Annually Inspection / update of fire safety signs and exit Entry in fire log book. notices. Annually Staff training Entry in fire log book

The following is an example stage 2 management action plan:

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 4 Defect noted / recommendation made in Action taken Date completed stage 1 assessment: 1) Replace missing self-closing Order raised with contractor 17/03/06 to fit device to lobby door on 03/04/06 new closer ground floor. 2) Fire alarm and emergency lighting systems to be Messrs Fire Systems Ltd has been appointed First service completed 22/04/06 serviced by a competent to test and service the system on a quarterly and will be ongoing on a quarterly contractor, on a quarterly basis. basis. basis. 3) Install 2 kilogram Co2 Order raised with preferred contractor on Extinguisher installed on extinguisher in computer room 20/03/06. 02/04/06. to cover electrical risks. 4) Staff fire training required. Training sessions completed on An order has been placed with the Corporate Training to be undertaken on 27/04/06 and 01/05/06 [two Health and Safety Unit for fire training. an annual basis. courses]. 5) Fire marshals to be appointed Three additional fire marshals have been to assist with the evacuation Training completed on 27/04/06 appointed and will receive appropriate of the premises in the event or and 01/05/06. training. suspicion of a fire. Automatic fire detection to L2 of the British 6) Install automatic fire detection Standard (BS 5830 Part 1) to be installed Order raised for phase 1 works in corridors to give early over the next twelve month period. (ground floor) on 1st May 2006. warning in the event of fire Commencing with upgrading detection on the 2nd phase to be completed in May (furniture and coats etc. in ground floor immediately and installing the 2nd 2007. escape corridors) phase of detectors on the top floor in the next 12 month period. FRS100 spray to be applied to fabric in 7) Fabric display in staircases Spray treatment commenced corridors When applied, most textiles and corridors to be removed during June 2007. including Cotton, synthetic and mixed fibre or otherwise made safe by will meet: treating with fire retardant Furniture and Furnishings BS5852 part 1 spray. Completed 30th August 2007 ignition source 0 & 1 8) School must consult with kitchen staff (contractor’s Consultation arrangements employees) on fire safety agreed and in place June 2007. Agreed procedure now in place for issues including fire consultation / and communicating fire safety evacuation drills and training Staff fire safety training session information. Kitchen staff to be included in the and provide them with a copy held on 6th July 2007. arrangements for school fire evacuation drills of the fire safety risk and fire safety training sessions. assessment, the schools fire No matters are now outstanding emergency plan and this (Sept 2007). management action plan. Reduced number assemblies 9) School hall has only one agreed and in place as from June means of escape and is Agreed that the risk would be immediately 2007. Order raised to install unable to facilitate the number minimised by arranging assemblies for part double leaf fire exit on 4th July, of staff and pupils using the rather than the whole. Agreed that a second with work scheduled to take place hall during ‘all school’ double leaf exit should be provided. during summer holiday period assemblies (August 2007). Work completed 3rd September 2007.

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 5 STAGE 1 FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

PART 1: CHECKLIST

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 6 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT PART 1 - CHECKLIST

Name of Premise : Bethnal Green Centre (Occupiers Bethnal Green Centre & Life Long Learning (both LBTH).

Address: 229, Bethnal Green Road. London E2.

Person in Control of Premises: Centre Manager Premises Manager (PM) . Keith. 07949-500478

Description of the Premises. Main Building. A building of 1 and 3 floors with mezzanines, concrete floor, timber and tile and flat roof (1 floor section) 20 x 30 metres. Circa 1890s. ( I floor extension 1940s). Used as community centre. Garage and Workshops. I floor lock-up garage (5 x 3 metre) sheds and lean-to in premises yard, used as car maintenance areas. Gymnasium. A building of 1 floor (separate from the main building but within the grounds) similar age and contraction to the main building 28 x 10 metres, used as gymnasium and changing rooms. Portacabin classroom. I floor ‘L’shaped 15 x 4 metres, flat roofed. Premises Managers House. A detached house of 2 floors 10 x 12 metres, similar age and construction as the main building. (Not inspected) I was not able to confirm on inspection day whether any part of any of the buildings internally or externally (or any fixtures or fittings) are ‘listed’.

Breakdown of the staffing at the premises / persons resorting to the premises: Employees: Unrepresentative as premises are now only partly used (also next questions). Users: see above Staff / pupils with physical special needs: ? The one disabled attendee used to have a one to one carer? Trainees / volunteer workers / temporary workers: ? Members of the public (on the premises for ½ hour or more per day): see answer 1 above. Others (please specify): Premises Manager, snack bar (lease owner?) and out of hours cleaners. Activities undertaken at premises: Weekday daytime and early evening community centre use

No. Items checked

1. CONTROL OF FIRE RISKS: Yes No N/A 1 Has there been an outbreak of fire inside the premises during the last 3 years? 2 Has there been an outbreak of fire outside the premises in the last 3 years (e.g. within the grounds / car parks or other external areas forming part of the premises)? 3 Are highly flammable liquids or substances kept on the premises? 4 Are highly flammable liquids / substances being stored correctly? 5 Are highly flammable liquids / substances stored in areas outside the building (in external store cupboards, sheds or portable storage unit’s etc.)? 6 If yes, are the highly flammable liquids / substances being stored safely? 8 Are flammable liquids or substances kept on the premises? 9 Are flammable liquids / substances being stored correctly? 10 Are flammable liquids / substances stored in areas outside the building (in external store cupboards, sheds or portable storage unit’s etc.)? 11 If yes, are the flammable liquids / substances being stored safely?

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 7 12 Is there a significant quantity of waste material stored in the premises that presents a significant fire hazard? 13 Are there effective arrangements to control high fire risk activities –such as hot works or processes (both own employees and contractors employees)? 14 Are there large areas of combustible linings or display materials in escape routes or corridors, including fabric displays and multiple layer paper displays on notice boards etc.? 15 Is furniture or other flammable items stored in escape routes (corridors, lobbies or staircases) that pose either a fire risk or are construed as an obstruction to people evacuating in the event of fire (means of escape in case of fire)? 16 Are there any fire accelerants stored on the premise –such as oxygen cylinders, chemical fertilisers, or other oxidising agents? 17 Are there any other combustibles stored within the premise that present a significant fire / explosion hazard - such as Propane, Butane, Hydrogen or Acetylene cylinders? 18 Are highly flammable / flammable gas cylinders stored externally? 19 Are all combustibles, including highly flammable / flammable gas cylinders, stored safely in a secure container, store-cupboard, storeroom or external store etc? 20 Are store rooms and store cupboards adequately ventilated to release highly/flammable gas should the gas be released accidentally? 21 Are combustible stores highlighted by the prominent display of appropriate signs? 22 Are there any activities taking place in the premise that pose a risk of fire-such as cooking, welding, flame cutting or similar processes? Cooking only. 23 Does the premise have oil-fuelled or gas fuelled heating? Gas 24 Are reasonable measures being taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking activities, ie, filters in ventilation equipment and ductwork cleaned regularly? 25 Any other ignition sources that require consideration? CONTROL OF FIRE RISKS-COMMENTS:  Very difficult to confirm as the main building was hardly being used on the day except for parts of the ground floor and the gymnasium wasn’t being used either.  Locked steel ‘flammables’ container in yard but PM thinks it’s empty.  See next section re ground floor ‘snack’ kitchen.  Fire alarm and other contractors have drilled holes in escape staircase walls through to adjoining rooms and not fire stopped them. See part 2 for more detail and recommendations. 2. MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT, GAS SERVICES & Yes No N/A EQUIPMENT etc.: 26 If gas boilers are installed, are they being serviced annually by a competent contractor? 27 If gas boilers are installed, can you notify the exact date they were last serviced?

28 If gas boilers are installed, are automatic gas safety devices fitted? 29 Gas boilers: Are thermal cut-out devices installed? 30 Gas boilers: Fusible link system installed? 31 Other type of cut-out system – such as an integrated system data management panel? 32 If oil fired boilers are installed, is a fusible link type system installed? 33 Oil fired boilers: Other type of automatic cut-out system installed? 34 If oil fired boilers are installed, are they being maintained in accordance with the manufacturers / statutory requirements? 35 If oil fired boilers are installed, can you notify the exact date they were last serviced?

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 8 36 Are there any light bulbs or light fittings fitted too near to combustible materials? 37 Are there any electrical cooking appliances on the premises? 38 Are they being tested (Portable Appliance Test - PAT)?

rd 39 Date the equipment was last tested (PAT)? 23 April 2008 40 Are employees allowed to bring electrical equipment onto the premise? 41 If yes, is their equipment included in the PAT programme? 42 Is the building electrical system - lighting and socket ring-mains, distribution and relay boards etc. - subjected to a thorough test and examination, every five years (e.g. IEE recommended 5-year test)? 29th April 2008 43 Are there any visibly faulty or damaged electrical fittings or equipment in use? 44 Are there any portable or fixed radiant bar electric fires on the premises? 45 If yes, do they pose a risk of fire? 46 Are there any other types of fixed or portable electrical heaters on the premises-such as LPG fuelled heaters? None seen or in use on inspection day. 47 If yes, do any of they pose a risk of fire? 48 Is a member of staff responsible for visually inspecting electrical equipment on a regular basis? 49 Are multiple-point adapters used in electrical sockets? 50 Are cable reels used on the premises? 51 Are fused extension leads used in the premises? 52 If yes to 41/42/43 above, are they included in the PAT testing programme? 53 Where practical, is all electrical equipment switched off at night? 54 Are mains circuit breakers (MCB’s) installed in the building? 55 Are Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) installed in the building? 56 Does the building have a lighting protection system? 57 Are there any gas water-heaters, or gas fires on the premises? None seen or in use on inspection day. 58 If yes, are they checked / serviced annually? 59 Has a manually operated automatic-type gas safety device been installed in the kitchen? 60 If no, has a lever handle type gas safety stopcock been installed in the kitchen? 61 Has a manually operated gas safety device been installed in the boiler room? 62 If no, has a lever-handle type stopcock been installed in the boiler room? MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND GAS EQUIPMENT / SERVICES-COMMENTS:  Boilers appear to be original fittings converted to gas, PM said they are in good order and reliable and serviced annually.  Open snack kitchen on ground floor run on a concession. Kitchen area contains a domestic cooker, toaster, small fat fryer coffee machine refrigerator etc.  Pat test undertaken in April 2008 and IEE 5 year test undertaken in the same month.  No paperwork to confirm that the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) 5 year test has been undertaken in this or previous years. Unable to confirm MCB cover for electrical system. See part 2 for more detail and recommendations.

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 9 3. PHYSICAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS: MAINTENANCE OF FIRE DOORS, PARTITIONS, SMOKE STOP DOORS, FINAL EXIT DOORS / MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE Yes No N/A etc.: 63 Are all means of escape routes protected against fire for at least 30 minutes? 64 Are fire resistant doors fitted to high-risk rooms - such as laboratories, CDT rooms, boiler rooms, Gym-mat stores, electrical intake/switchgear rooms, laundries, kitchens, curriculum cookery rooms, flammable liquid and technician’s storerooms etc? 65 Is the premises effectively compartmentalised to prevent the spread of fire? 66 Are the travel distances to fire (final) exit doors acceptable? 67 Are the internal staircases adequately protected against fire - e.g. staircase enclosed with suitably fire-resistant materials with 30 minute fire resistant self-closing fire doors installed on floor landings? 68 Are all the internal fire doors being maintained in good order - e.g. no broken or cracked fire-rated glass, missing or defective self-closing devices etc? 69 Are additional fire doors required (to replace those damaged, beyond economic repair or more are required to prevent the spread of fire etc.)? 70 Are the internal escape routes (corridors, lobbies and staircases) maintained in good condition with no tripping or slipping hazards? Are staircase landings, treads, nosing’s etc. in good condition also? 71 Are the escape routes and staircases unobstructed? 72 Are the escape routes and staircases suitably fire protected with non-combustible linings, gaps, other openings, damage, or missing fire stopping around pipe work, cables or other penetrations? 73 Are the premises served by more than one staircase or escape route? 74 Do rooms or areas that have a capacity for 60 persons or more (large meeting rooms, halls etc.) have at least two suitable fire exits? 75 Does the meeting room or hall etc. have a sufficient number of exits, exit distribution, and exits of the correct dimension (units of exit width) for the maximum number of persons who will be occupying the meeting room or hall at any one time? 76 Are there any inner rooms? 77 Can the fire alarm be heard in the inner room? 78 Do the inner rooms have sufficient vision so that occupants can see if a fire starts and develops in the outer area? 79 Inner rooms: Or has the risk been reduced by an engineered solution –e.g. by installing automatic fire detection in the outer room area? 80 Do all of the designated fire exit doors open in the direction of escape - e.g. do all fire exit doors open outwards? 81 If inward opening exit doors are fitted, is the escape route for 50 persons or less? 82 Inward opening doors: does the door need to be converted or replaced so that it opens outwards? 83 Are the escape routes and fire exits wide enough for wheelchair users? 84 Are the escape routes and exits of an adequate width for the number of ambulant and non-ambulant people on the premises, including visitors (where applicable)? 85 Is it considered that the premises are provided with reasonable structural features and arrangements for the means of escape of disabled people? 86 Are any fire doors wedged open, or held open with anything other than an Electro- magnetic holder or approved automatic device - such as the ‘Dorgard’ type of automatic door release device? 87 Are the gaps around the head and edges of all internal fire doors acceptable?

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 10 88 Have the fire doors been fitted with intumescent strips and are the strips in good condition / order? Not all 89 Have the doors been fitted with smoke seal brush strip, are these strips in good condition? Mainly escape route door sets plus some others. 90 If installed, are Electro-magnetic holders / ‘Dorgard’ devices deactivated at night (or during unoccupied periods)? 91 If installed, are Electro-magnetic holders / ‘Dorgard’ devices checked as part of the test of the fire alarm system to ensure that they are operating and releasing properly? 92 Does the premise have an external fire escape installed? 93 If yes to 76 above, is the escape maintained in good condition - treads landings and hand-rails in good order, structurally sound etc. 94 Escape staircases: Has emergency or manually operated lighting been provided to illuminate the staircase(s) during hours of darkness? 95 Escape staircases: Is the escape staircase(s) protected against the effects of bad weather – such as ice and snow?

PHYSICAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - COMMENTS:  Many of the escape route and other doors are original fittings and although in good condition for their age will need replacing with new. Many have gaps in excess of 3 mm, some escape passage to staircase doors are double swing with large gaps and no door stops.  Escape staircases are only just over a metre wide in places and the fire doors that serve them from the escape passageways are mostly only 750mm to 800mm in width.  May of the replacement newer doors to rooms opening on to escape routes and staircases although solid doors have no self closing devices or intumescent or cold smoke seal strips or fire signage  The passageways on each floor vary in width with floor to ceiling 6mm Georgian wire plate glass in timber beaded frames.  Staircase entry lobbies are small and as described above, exit onto the escape staircase through a 750- 800mm doors.  Some internal and final exit fire doors open inwards and would cause a passage or staircase obstruction if the swing were reversed.  Escape passage ceiling heights on the upper floors vary from just over 2 metres to 5 metres.  Many storeroom and escape route doors are still original panel doors , with the panels fitted with supalux or ‘asbestos’ inserts, to increase the doors fire resistance. fittings, some have been upgraded with supalux See part 2 for more detail and recommendations.

4. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (ACTIVE SYSTEMS) – FIRE ALARMS, AUTOMATIC FIRE Yes No N/A DETECTION, EMERGENCY LIGHTING ETC. 96 Has a fire alarm system been installed? 97 Is the premise fire alarm in good working order? 98 Is the fire alarm system serviced quarterly by a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.)? 99 Is the fire alarm tested each week? 100 Is there a sufficient number of call points installed, so that staff / visitors etc. do not have to travel more than 30 metres in any direction to actuate the fire alarm system? 101 Are call points tested as part of the test of the fire alarm system? 102 Is a different call point tested each week? 103 Are all the tests, including weekly and quarterly tests, recorded in a fire alarm logbook and kept available on the premises for inspection purposes? 104 Are contractor’s / engineer’s service certificates kept available on the premises? 105 Can the fire alarm system be clearly heard throughout the building and above any workplace ambient noise?

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 11 106 Is the fire alarm of a special design, incorporating flashing beacons etc., for staff, pupils, visitor’s etc. (as applicable) who are deaf or have a hearing impairment? 107 Is the fire alarm panel kept locked to prevent tampering? 108 If there is more than one building on site, are the fire alarms linked to each other? 109a) If yes to 108 above; In the event of a fire in one building do the alarms in the others: Activate fully thereby initiating an evacuation of all buildings (‘Single Stage’)? Or A b) Go into ‘standby mode’ whereby warning occupants of a possible evacuation (‘2 Stage’)? 110 Are there effective arrangements for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. wired smoke detectors, self-contained battery operated detectors etc.? 111 Are self-contained battery operated detectors installed? 112 If yes, Are they checked regularly and the batteries replaced annually. Are they in good working order? 113 Are wired detectors installed, linked into the fire alarm system? 114 If yes, are detectors installed in offices / classrooms etc. (as applicable to the type of premises)? 115 Are wired detectors installed at the head of staircases? 116 Are detectors installed in corridors? 117 Are detectors installed in rooms of high-risk - e.g. boiler rooms, kitchens, workshops, laboratories, kiln rooms etc. (as applicable)? 118 Does the smoke detection system conform to any of the following category: Type L 1 (intended for life safety) or P1 (intended for property protection): Comprehensive system for property or life protection covering the whole building; automatic fire detection in all circulation routes, staircases, all rooms, service areas (regardless of their use), kitchens, store rooms and services rooms etc. 119 Type L 2 (life safety) or P2 (property protection): AFD installed in parts of the building only. Usually escape routes (corridors and staircases), rooms that contain high fire risk such as kitchens, boiler rooms, electrical intake rooms, laboratories etc. 120 Type L 3 (intended for life safety): to give warning at an early stage to enable people to escape before escape routes become impassable. Such as rooms opening directly into escape routes that if involved in fire would compromise the use of the protected staircase (mezzanine level rooms for example). Particularly important in buildings served by a single protected staircase. 121 Type L 4 (intended for life safety): AFD installed in escape routes only – corridors and staircases. 122 Type L 5: A system that is designed for a specific risk. For example automatic fire detection has been installed in one room only because of the nature of the risk - such as a cellulose spray booth, flammable liquid store room or laboratory. 123 Type M system: System consists of manual call points and sounders only (no automatic fire detection). 124 Is the system connected to a central monitoring station – e.g. via a dedicated BT Red-care phone-line, or similar? 125 Are the escape routes provided with emergency lighting? 126 Are the external escape routes provided with emergency lighting? 127 Is the building used during hours of darkness? 128 If yes, then has escape lighting been installed in all appropriate internal and external areas? Internal only, times mains lighting only externally 129 Is the escape lighting working correctly? 130 Is the escape lighting tested frequently (occupiers test)? 131 Does a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.) service the escape lighting

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 12 quarterly? 132 Is the service carried out as part of the test / service of the fire alarm system? 133 Are the test / service inspections recorded in the premise logbook?

134 Are the test / service inspections certificates kept on the premises, available for inspection? 135 Are there suitable back-up arrangements in place in the event of failure of the fire alarm system - e.g. written procedure in place, hand-bells or hand-held klaxons available, wall mounted hand or rotor bells etc? ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ETC. – COMMENTS:  Buildings has break glass call system and a good ‘ spread’ hard wired AFD system that covers all escape routes and staircases and may other rooms, (no tall classrooms).  The system is covered by a monitoring station.  Internal escape routes and staircases are covered by emergency lighting but the exterior routes have only timed mains lighting. The gymnasium has full coverage AFD and emergency lighting.  The PM has temporarily ceased his weekly fire alarm tests as a union official said he had to test them only when the building is occupied. (Which is not the case). See part 2 for more detail and recommendations.

5. FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES: Yes No N/A 136 Are the escape routes adequately sign-posted? 137 Are the fire exits adequately sign-posted? 138 Are fire instruction notices displayed adjacent to fire alarm call points? 139 Are fire extinguisher signs displayed above all extinguishers? 140 Are fire alarm (call point) indicator signs displayed? 141 Are fire door – keep shut / fire door keep locked / automatic fire door - do not obstruct signs (as applicable) displayed correctly on the appropriate fire doors? 142 Are other fire safety signs or notices required? 143 Are all the signs displayed securely fixed in place? 144 Are the location of all fire alarm call points immediately apparent, or are fire alarm call point signs displayed to indicate the location of manual call points? 145 Do all the fire signs comply with the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations? 146 Are all hose reels and extinguishers etc. (as applicable) clearly sign posted, do the signs contain information on the method and safe use of the reel or extinguisher? FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES -COMMENTS:  Some extra signage is required.(mainly self- closing door signage) See part 2 for more detail and recommendations

6. FIRE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION: Yes No N/A Have all staff (and where applicable agency staff & contractor’s employees – 147 cleaners, kitchen staff etc.) attended fire awareness training during the last 12 / 24 months? 148 Have a sufficient number of fire marshals been appointed? 149 Have all the fire marshals received appropriate training during the last 12 months. Did the training include instruction on first aid fire-fighting? 150 Are refresher training courses planned to take place in the future? ? 151 If yes, to 152 above, is refresher training planned to take place in the next 12

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 13 months. ? 152 Are fire evacuation drills undertaken in the workplace, with at least 2 drills being held each year at six-monthly intervals? 153 Is a record kept of staff training and evacuation drills, including the date of the drill, time taken to completely evacuate the building, comments on outcome of the drill etc.? Fire Drills Logged. 154 Can the premise be completely evacuated in less than 4 minutes? 155 Has a written fire evacuation procedure been produced? 156 If applicable, has the evacuation of disabled persons been included in the premises fire evacuation procedure? 157 Have all employees / contractor’s staff received a personal copy. If not is it displayed in prominent locations around the building? 158 Is the evacuation procedure regularly reviewed and re-drafted (as necessary). Is the procedure reviewed following each evacuation drill, or at least annually? 159 Do all new staff, contractors, trainees etc. (as applicable) receive first day induction training, that includes instruction on fire and safety procedures? 160 Are there any people with disabilities based at, or resort to, the building (such as the non-ambulant or mobility restricted) who may require assistance from the premise by the fire marshals in the event of a fire? Has this been taken into account in the fire marshal training? 161 Does the fire premise fire evacuation procedure include the provision and use of specially constructed disabled person’s refuges in the event of fire? 162 Have personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEP) been completed for disabled staff / pupils etc (as applicable)? 163 Have these plans been communicated to the appropriate fire marshal (s)? 164 Is the fire emergency plan for the evacuation of disabled staff / pupils (as applicable) based on staff evacuating the disabled from the building rather than placing them in a place of relative safety (refuge etc.) to await Fire Brigade rescue? 165 If yes, is staff evacuation conducted via using the fire lift? 166 Or staff evacuation via the staircase? 167 Are fire marshals aware of the correct action to take in order to evacuate people with disabilities into fire refuges to await staff / Fire Brigade rescue? 168 Are any refuges provided suitable for use and maintained in good condition? 169 If there are disabled persons, who are wheelchair users, resorting to the building - have ramps been installed to an adequate number of escape routes (final exits) in the premises? 170 Are the ramps being maintained in good order? 171 Are all staff / occupiers aware of the location of fire alarm call points and the method of operating them? FIRE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION – COMMENTS:  I was informed that the SPM that the 12 members of staff had joint fire Marshall, Fire Awareness & extinguisher training from the Borough’s trainer in December 2006. (Refreshers now required). All staff members have a joint designation as Fire marshals.  School undertake 2 fire drills per year which are logged.  School has a basic fire safety/ evacuation plan.  School has an unformalised fire alarm down procedure; this also requires revisiting and formalising. See part 2 for more details and recommendations.

7. MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE - FIXED & PORTABLE FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT, Yes No N/A INCLUDING DRY RISING MAINS AND SPRINKLER INSTALLATIONS: 172 Is the premises provided with a sufficient provision of fixed / portable fire-fighting equipment in the workplace - e.g. hose reels, water / gas extinguishers, foam, dry

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 14 powder, CO2 extinguishers etc.? 173 Is the equipment readily available, fixed on the line of escape, suitably positioned on the floors or areas (as applicable)? 174 Has the equipment been serviced by a competent person (engineer, contractor etc.) during the last 12 months? 175 Is the fire-fighting medium appropriate to the area / location being protected - e.g. type wet chemical fire extinguisher in kitchen, Co2 extinguisher in IT suite etc? 176 Does the equipment get vandalised? 177 If yes to 178 above, are steps being taken to mitigate the level of vandalism? 178 Does the building have a wet or dry rising main? 179 If yes, is the installation regularly checked and is it tested and serviced annually? 180 Does the premise require any additional portable fire equipment or fire fighting installations? MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE etc. – COMMENTS:  Fire equipment all working and seems adequate for the present risks, is secured in escape routes and special risk rooms and serviced and was maintained by FPS in May 2008. . See part 2 for more details and recommendations. 8. STAFF & OTHER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT RISK: (Note: This section will not be applicable to most council workplaces, unless there are Yes No N/A staff and other people resorting to the premises with special needs or there is a sleeping risk) 181 Is this section applicable to your workplace? 182 Do any employees / contractors work in a remote area within the workplace, or in an area containing high fire risk? 183 If yes to 154 above, are they suitably trained in the correct action to take in the event of fire? 184 Are there adequate arrangements in place to ensure their safe evacuation in the event of fire? Where the workplace is also used for sleeping purposes are there: 185 Adequate arrangements in place for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. automatic fire detection? 186 Short travel distances to protected staircases and final (fire) exit doors? 187 Fire protected routes and corridors? 188 Sufficient staff on duty to assist with the evacuation of people from the premises? 189 Adequate information available (e.g. fire evacuation notices displayed in bedrooms / dormitories) and nearby fire alarm call points? 190 Are all night duty staff trained in the use of fire equipment and the fire evacuation procedure? Where people are confined to bed, or the workplace is regularly used by people who have sensory, mobility or visual disabilities (or who have other special needs), are there: 191 An adequate number of trained staff available to assist with the evacuation of mobility / sensory disabled etc. staff, pupils and visitors (as applicable) in an emergency? 192 Are there any temporarily disabled staff or visitors in the building? 193 Has their needs been risk assessed and controls put in place for assistance in the event of fire –e.g. buddy system? 194 Adequate arrangements for early warning in the event of fire - e.g. automatic fire detection? 195 Have special adaptations been carried out to alert the deaf to evacuate the building in the event of a fire - e.g. vibrating pager systems linked to the fire alarm or high

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 15 intensity beacons linked into the fire alarm in all areas where deaf people resort? 196 Short travel distances and exit routes/final exits of an adequate width? 197 Are all escape routes free from obstructions? 198 Escape from all parts of the premises without the need to use lifts? 199 Are there any designated and suitable refuge areas? 200 Are the floors on escape routes free from slipping and tripping hazards?

If the premises is occupied by large numbers of people, particularly members of the public, are there: 201 Adequately sign posted escape routes? 202 Sufficient number of staff to assist with the evacuation of the building? 203 Appropriate communication systems in place (PA system etc.)?

STAFF & PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT RISK - COMMENTS:  I was informed that an attendee has mobility problems and has a one to one carer, but because of the reduced use of the building and facilities, I could not confirm that this service user still attends and if so, when?  No staff at present have a disability. See part 2 for more detail and recommendations (if any) 9. HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Yes No N/A 204 Are the locations of the gas, electricity and water isolation points / turn cocks and drains known and their location indicated by signs? 205 At the end of the day is a check made of windows and doors to ensure that they are secure? 206 Is the perimeter of the premise secure against intruders (walls and fencing etc.)? 207 Are waste bins, paladins and rubbish etc. stored away from the building, with bins etc. chained & padlocked to the perimeter wall to prevent intruders moving them against the building and setting fire to the contents? 208 Are all heating appliances (particularly portable heaters) kept a safe distance from combustibles? 209 Is rubbish and waste materials removed from the premise each day and then disposed safely? ?? None in use on inspection day. 210 Is there a routine inspection regime in place in respect to housekeeping issues, are electrical appliances routinely inspected as part of the process? 211 Have the premises been checked by the Fire Brigade within the last three years (e.g. for advice, inspection under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order or for Fire Brigade access etc)? 212 Are electrical intake rooms, boiler rooms and gas meter cupboards used for storage? 213 Are there any LPG cylinders, other types of cylinders, petrol, paraffin or highly flammable solvents etc. stored in the boiler room? 214 Is the fire loading in the building of such an amount that it poses a risk to life and limb? 215 Are there any chemicals or compressed gases stored on the premises that in the event of fire could pose a risk to the safety of Fire Brigade personnel? 216 Are there any chemical processes or activities (workshop activities etc.) in the building that in the event of fire could pose a risk to the safety of Fire Brigade personnel? 217 Are all external plant rooms, service rooms and external storage cupboards etc. secure to prevent intruders gaining access? 218 Is the building itself secure against intruders?

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 16 219 Under the smoke free (premises and enforcement) regulations all workplaces and places where people resort should prohibit smoking, is there any evidence that smoking is allowed inside the building? 220 Is the smoking prohibition strictly enforced? 221 With respect to contractors works on the premises, are there procedures in place for checking and supervising ‘hot works’ (e.g. works that involve flame or heat producing equipment - such as plumbing or roofing works etc.) HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS COMMENTS:  Housekeeping generally good around the school. Except for the Boiler room, parts of which are being used as a disused or obsolete furniture store.  LFB Fire Safety Officer visited or inspected the premises in May 2008 and gave verbal recommendations with regard to fire signage, but did not follow up with any official correspondence.  Contractors working in the boiler room cutting up cylinders.  All workshops on the ground floor were clear of rubbish and clean, but I am not sure when and if they are being used regularly now. See part 2 for more detail and recommendations. 10. CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS: Yes No N/A 222 Have you informed your staff about the outcome of fire safety risk assessments and the outcome and their trade union representatives (if applicable)? 223 Have you informed staff of the premise emergency plan and any special arrangements in place to assist disabled staff or visitors to evacuate in the event of a fire? 224 Have you given staff information on any dangerous or highly flammable substances held or stored on the premise? 225 Do you have arrangements for informing temporary or agency staff of your fire procedures? 226 Do you have arrangements in place for consultation with other employers working on the premises? 227 And do you consult with other employers who provide guest workers on the premise- such as maintenance workers and cleaners etc? CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS Comments:  Staff are informed about fire and safety matters. Not certain that all staff (Cleaners & Kitchen staff) receive information by cascading down?  New staff and contractors receive first day receive a verbal fire safety induction.  Liaison takes place with outside contractors when they are working on site and PFI (off site) Management. See part 2 for more detail and recommendations (if any).

PART 2: RECOMMENDATIONS – Contents:-

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 17 Introduction and Key to Risk Factors. 1. Control of fire risks. 2. Maintenance of electrical systems and equipment, gas services and equipment. 3. Physical fire precautions: maintenance of fire doors, partitions, smoke stop doors, final exit doors, means of escape in case of fire etc. 4. Electronic systems (active systems): fire alarm, automatic fire detection, emergency lighting etc. 5. Fire safety signs and notices. 6. Fire training and instruction. 7. Means of fighting fire 8. Staff & other people especially at risk 9. Housekeeping arrangements. 10. Consultation arrangements.

Key: Priorities: Priority 1 Action recommended to be completed within one month Priority 2 Action recommended to be completed within three months Priority 3 Action recommended to be completed within a year Priority 4 Long-term action to be taken – e.g. over a two to three year period. Risk rating: High Serious and immediate risk. Possible risk to life and limb.

Medium In the event of fire, there is a serious risk to the property / serious property damage is foreseeable Low Recommended improvement – will improve fire safety standards in the premises and / or to meet London Fire Brigade, British Standard recommendations or industry best practice.

Introduction: This initial Fire Safety Assessment was undertaken at the premises on the afternoon of Monday 13 th October 2008, to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and I thank ‘Keith’ the Premises Manager (PM that lives on the site) for his assistance in completing the part 1 questionnaire and accompanying me on my inspection tour of the building. It is proposed that the premises are used to accommodate part of the staff and pupils of Bethnal Green Technical College whilst that building is refurbished. Due to this, the services offered by the Centre seem to have been dramatically reduced of late. It was only possible to base the inspection on present use and occupancy as I am uncertain what is planned with regard to rebuilding, refurbishment and future occupancy. I am also unaware as to whether the internal or external existing parts of the building, or any fixtures and fittings are ‘listed’.

Due to all the above the part 2 assessment of the building is a generalisation with regard to present use and ‘possible’ shortfalls in fire safety & protection, should the proposed use mean that the day to day upper floor occupancy is much more than at present and whether this occupancy requires physical separation from the existing occupancy.

An Inspecting Officer from the London Fire Brigade Safety Unit visited the school in May 2008 and made some verbal recommendations to the PM with regard to fire signage. I recommend that the BATS Team obtain a copy of this to ensure that any recommendations the Officer made do not affect their re-building or refurbishment plans.

Recommendation / comments Priority Risk rating

1. Control of fire risks

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 18 1.1 The fire risks in the building during its present use are adequately controlled. 3 Low

1.2. Other than the boiler, room which is also being used as an obsolete or, 1-2 Low disposed of furniture store there was no combustible storage anywhere. There should be no combustible material or rubbish stored in boiler rooms or plant rooms, regardless whether the present building use continues, it is closed for refurbishments, or new occupancy is very swift, the above boiler room contents need removing and disposed of.

1.3. See next section with regard to the ground floor ‘kitchen’.

1.4. A number of small holes have been drilled trough staircase walls to 1-2 Low-Medium. adjoining rooms and the holes not fire stopped. Recommendation. Fire stop these holes.

2. Maintenance of electrical systems & Priority Risk Rating equipment / gas services & equipment etc. 2.1. The gas boilers are very old; they could even have been the original coal or coke boilers that have been converted to gas. The PM says that they are very 3 Low reliable, but because of their age there must be questions with regard to their safety and their economy. I was informed by the SPM that they are serviced by Borough standing contract annually (summer break).

2.2 The electrical distribution system at the school, including circuits, distribution boards and circuit breakers were subjected to the IEE 5-year test in May 2008. and the portable electrical equipment in the building was PAT Tested the same same month. Recommendation . That all existing service and maintenance periods should be continued.

2 2.4. The building is covered by mains circuit breakers, but with no RCD cover. The inclusion of RCD cover is recommended for any re-building or major refurbishment. same

2.5. At present part of the ground floor is used as a snack/light meal kitchen. This comprises about 9 sq. metres within the open dinning area, but not fire separated from it. Of the two doors that separate the dinning area from the fire 2-3 Medium. escape passageways, both doors are old original fittings, one has no self closer, the other has but both were wedged in the open position. The cooking appliances in this kitchen consist of a domestic gas oven and hob, domestic fat fryer, toasters, microwave ovens, refrigerator and freezer cabinet and coffee machine. The kitchen area has a counter and aluminium shutters, but neither are fire separation but for close down time security. The dinning room in which this kitchen is placed has two AFD heads. Recommendation. Fit a self closer to the door which has not got one and ensure that both doors are closed at all times, fixing Fire Door Keep Shut signs to both. With regard to future proposed building use, this kitchen and the room that houses it will need major refurbishment to bring it up to the current Fire Safety and Health & Safety (Food Regs) requirements.

3.Physical Fire Precautions (Condition of Fire Doors, Partitions, exit doors, Priority Risk Rating general Means of escape),

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 19 3.1 Defects noted regarding the condition of fire doors at the school. Many of the original doors and frames still exist in the building although in structurally good 2-3 Low-medium condition ( considering their age), most have gaps around them or between all double leaves in excess of 3 mm, most do not have single intumescent or joint intumescent and cold smoke seal strips, many open inwards rather than in the direction of escape ( mainly due to lack of room on the escape side), a few panelled doors have been upgraded by filling their panels on the risk side with 2-3 low to supalux or asbestos sheet. Many of the new doors fitted are without closers or medium all strips and the door stops are the original ones (12mm or less).

3.2. The ceiling heights and widths of the escape passageways on each floor vary, with some ceiling heights of only just over 2 metres and others as high as 5 or 6 metres. Passage widths vary from 1.5 to 2 metres. The walls of the rooms separating the escape routes from the classrooms varies from full height small panes of 6mm Georgian wired glass in timber frames to, brick and timber and plasterboard double skin .

3.3. The most awkward part of the present means of escape is the lobbies to the two small staircases from the upper floors which are small, entered from single doors and with single doors as access onto the landings of the escape staircases. Some do not open into stairwells due to there not being sufficient room on the staircase side. In some areas it may be possible sets with self- closers and magnetic door holders connected to the fire alarm, but in some areas this would be impossible. Recommendation. It may be necessary to move or remove escape passage walls further into the classrooms to enable passage widths and door widths to be enlarged. This could mean a very long and expensive refurbishment. It may be more viable to install a 2 metre wide exterior fire escape from the centre area of the upper floors to ground floor yard so that the existing staircases are for general ingress and egress and a fire escape from the rooms adjoining the staircase lobbies only. This would still probably also require the staircase doors to be made ‘door and a half’. le to fit ‘Door and a half’. To summarise a major fire door and screen replacement may be required.

3.4. The small mezzanine offices on each upper floor are served by a small flight of stairs. The offices in the mezzanine are quite large and benefit from AFD being fitted. The doors to some of these have e no self closers, some have no joint fire strips and all have no vision panels to the outsider staircase or fire signage.

3.5. The fire doors to the east internal staircase are original doors that double swing and therefore have no door stops and gaps around them; vary between 5- 10 mm. They also have no fire signage Summary recommendation. Regardless of use it is recommended that a fire door and frame replacement programme is initiated.

3.6. The Main reception self closing fire door is tied open with a piece of rope. Recommendation PM to release, remove rope and inform Reception staff of the dangers of tying open fire and smoke stop doors.

3.6. Portacabin classroom has adequate fire exits, emergency lighting and Note for AFD. information only. General Fire door schedule for any new or replacement doors, door furniture fittings and signs. That all occupied rooms that open on to escape passage ways have the following fire resistance and that any doors repaired, or replaced, also conform to the following specification. Cont…….  One half-hours fire resistance. LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 20  25mm door stops, either as a part of the frame, or screwed and stuck, or if joint fire strips are fitted to the door edges (25 x 12 mm).  Joining gaps between double doors and around frames should not exceed 3mm.  Any vision panel should be of marked BS Fire glazing or 6mm Georgian Wire Plate Glass (GWPG).  Effectively self closing with an approved self-closing device,  Held open only with approved magnetic door holding devices connected to the fire alarm. Or an approved battery operated device similar to ‘Dorgard’ triggered by the nearest audible fire alarm Joint Intumescent/cold smoke seal strips rebated into the sides and tops of doors or frame (Double sets can have just one on the meeting edge of one  of the double set).  Signed on both sides of every opening edge face of every door at about adult eye level (i.e. single doors have 2, double sets have 4) with an approved ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ (FDKS) sign.  Magnetic door holder doors should have ‘Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear’ (AFDKC) signs fitted instead of FDKS signs, in the same quantity and positions. Every storeroom or ‘no occupancy room’ opening on to escape passages or staircases should have a one half-hours fire resistance door and frame, a lock and if possible, the same intumescent or joint fire strip, but signed as ‘Keep Locked Shut’ (KLS) centrally at adult eye level on the outside face of the door only 4. Electronic systems (active systems) fire alarm, automatic fire detection, emergency lighting etc. Risk Rating Priority 4.1 I was informed that the fire alarm is being serviced every quarter. Service forms held by the SPM confirm this. Quarterly servicing complies with both 3 Low London Fire Brigade (LFB) guidance and the British Standard (BS).

4.2 The fire alarm was being tested by the SPM weekly and these tests 1 Low recorded. A different manual fire alarm call point is tested each time. This was abandoned a month ago because the4 PM was informed by a union safety officer that he should carry out the weekly test when the premises was occupied. This is not necessary. I recommend that the weekly occupiers fire alarm test, different call point tested every time and logged, is re- commenced from this date. The weekly occupier’s test of the premise fire alarm system is recommended by both the LFB and in BS guidance.

4.3 During the course of the inspection it was noted that mains automatic fire 3 Low detection is installed in the escape routes, heads of staircases, offices and some classrooms offices, boiler room halls and gymnasium, outside car workshops. and some classrooms. It is recommended that any refurbishment should include extending the AFD system to bring the whole building into Level 2 or if possible Level 1. The gymnasium building already has this level of AFD cover and emergency lighting.

4.4. The school has emergency lighting in all escape passageways and staircases, but only timed lighting in the exterior escape routes and none in the boiler room. It is recommended that the emergency lighting system be extended to these two areas as part of any refurbishment programme.

4.5 The emergency lighting system is in good working condition, receives an occupiers test weekly or monthly and is serviced and maintained quarterly with the fire alarm system. Recommendation. All the above weekly and quarterly tests, service and maintenance checks continue as now. LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 21 5. Fire Safety Signs & Notices Risk Rating Priority 5.1. Signage seen on inspection day conformed to the present legislation and was securely fixed.

5.2. Many Fire doors did not have the necessary Fire Door Keep Shut (FDKS) or 3 Low (all) Keep Locked Shut (KLS) fire signs affixed. Recommend that the necessary fire signage is fitted now or during future refurbishment works.

Note. Recommended fire sign fitting schedule:-  Every storeroom/stockroom entering on to an escape passage or Information staircase should be fitted with a fire door and that door signed centrally note only! at eye level, on the outside leaf only ‘Keep locked shut’(KLS) A number of such rooms doors require this sign.  Every self closing Fire Door should be fitted with a ‘Fire Door Keep Shut (FDKS) sign at eye level on the opening edge of every door (both sides).  If self-closing fire doors are fitted with magnetic or Dorgard holding devices, the FDKS signs should be replaced with ‘Automatic Fire Doors Keep Clear’ (AFDKC) signs, fitted in the same positions but on the open side of the door only.  Every emergency Isolation valve in kitchen, boiler room and other technical classrooms should have an appropriate pictogram isolation sign fitted adjacent to it.  A ‘Boiler Room’ sign should be displayed on the boiler house door, to indicate the location of the room to LFB personnel in the event of a fire or other emergency.  Lift entry doors on every floor should have a ‘Do not use lift when the fire alarm is activating’ sign on the wall beside them.

6. Fire Training & Instruction. Risk Rating Priority 6.1. The schools Fire Marshall’s and General staff will require Fire Refresher training by the end of this year. 3 Low (all)

This Fire awareness training that includes plans and Fire Marshall training can still be arranged via the Corporate Safety & Civil Protection Unit. Contact [email protected]. It is recommended that regardless what training they may have received at Bethnal Green Technical College. Any staff moving into this building in the future are retrained and a new Fire Safety/ Emergency plan is produced.

6.2 The premises has a basic fire evacuation procedure (fire emergency plan) which should be re-visited and updated annually, or when necessary from lessons learned from fire drills. I recommend that the school’s Fire Safety, evacuation and emergency plan is made more comprehensive and includes all of the following details and information.  Directions for a person discovering a fire ie, Close the door on the fire; raise the alarm by, breaking the nearest break glass call point.  Even though the School has a monitoring station which should call the Fire Brigade, a senior staff member should confirm they have been called once evacuation is complete.  Evacuation procedure ie, leave the premises without running, using the nearest escape route taking with you anyone you are responsible for and/ or you meet on the way.

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 22  Assembly area procedure. Ie, On exiting the premises make your way to the assembly area……………. Report to the person in charge that all are accounted for, or who is missing.  Do not leave the assembly area, or re-enter the building without the permission of the Fire Brigade.  Also include all staff with special responsibilities by name ie, Fire Marshall’s.  Detail of .any buddy’ evacuation system/ protocol with nearby schools.  And any formal protocols for ‘fire alarm down procedure’etc.

6.4 I was informed that the school hold 2 fire evacuation drills per year. These are recorded. Recommendation, continue this procedure.

7. Means of Fighting Fire Priority Risk Rating 7.1. All portable fire equipment seen on the day was secured on the walls of escape routes or special risk rooms; it was all in working condition and was adequate for the present risk levels. No additional equipment is recommended 3 Low (all) at this time. Recommendation . Should the use of the building or its occupancy change, or risk levels for all or parts of the building change, a re-assessment of cover should be part of the refurbishment.

7.2 During the course of the inspection it was noted that the existing portable fire-fighting equipment in the building was last serviced in April 2008 by FSS Ltd. Annual servicing of this equipment is recommended in LFB guidance and the BS.

8. Staff and other persons especially at risk Risk Rating Priority 8.1. Not applicable at present as no staff or pupils at present have a disability that would preclude them from hearing the alarm and self-evacuation under 3 Low supervision. If the one disabled user still attends the centre I am informed that they have a one to one carer that will assist with their safety and evacuation.

8.2. If disabled visitors (parents-others) visit the premises, even if infrequently then details on assisting those with disabilities to hear the alarm and/or evacuate should be included in the school emergency plan. Fire procedure should always be explained to all such gatherings right at the start of the event.

9. Housekeeping arrangements: Risk Priority Rating 9.1 Housekeeping in the building was generally good except for the boiler room and the ground floor snack kitchen. 2- 3 Low to medium

10. Consultation Arrangements. Risk Rating Priority 10. 1. Ensure that safety, fire safety information and the contents of risk assessments like this one are cascaded down to all staff levels. 3 Low

10.2. Ensure that co-operation and liaison exists for fire safety and evacuation information and plans to be available to the staff of outside employers and any contractors working on site, also any out of hours or ‘users’ of the premises facilities, in and out of normal hours.

Date of completion of this Stage 1 assessment: Monday 11th October 2008

Assessor: Brian Wood M .I.R.S.M.

LBTH FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT/ STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT/ REVISED APRIL 2008 (Version 4) ©. 23 Date for next review of this Stage 1 Assessment: October 2009

Note: This assessment must be immediately reviewed if suspected of being no longer valid – for example following any refurbishment or structural alteration to the school building, change in use, or part, of the premises etc. Further advice on reviewing Stage 1 assessments can be obtained from the Corporate Safety and Civil Protection Unit - Tel: 020 7364 4171.

The Officer in Control of Premises is now responsible for developing and implementing a Stage 2 management action plan. An example management action plan is attached to the introduction at the front of this report. Failure to draft and action a management action plan (2nd stage assessment) may lead to enforcement action being taken by the London Fire Brigade, under powers awarded to them under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2006.

Please note: if this report has identified a serious contravention of the requirements of the RR (Fire Safety) Order, failure to action or comply with the advice given in this report may in itself be construed by the London Fire Brigade as an offence - e.g. a failure to adequately manage fire safety in the workplace.

For example, the report may recommend that storage should be immediately removed from a protected staircase lobby. The management action required would be to arrange for the removal of the storage to a more suitable location as soon as possible and to display appropriate signage in the protected staircase lobby to reduce the risk of recurrence. If, at the time of a Fire Brigade inspection, it were discovered that the storage had still not been removed, the Fire Brigade could consider that fire safety was not being managed correctly and as a consequence immediately issue a Prohibition or Improvement Notice.

Signed: