Fire Safety for the Anywhere Community Centre - Assignment Example

Cover Sheet FIRE SAFETY FOR THE ANYWHERE COMMUNITY CENTRE (Name of Student) (Student Number) February 27, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1 (Fire Safety Strategy of the Anywhere Community Centre Based on the Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2006) Introduction Background Information ……………………………….................. 1 The Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2006 ….. 2 Advise on the Preparation of the Anywhere Community Centre’s Fire Safety Strategy Means of Detection and Warning in Case of Fire ………………….. 5 Provision of Means of Escape at All Times ………………………….. 6 Provision of Means of Fire Fighting ………………………………...... 7 Stability of Structure in the Event of Fire ……………………..…… 8 Portable and Automatic Fire Fighting Systems ………………….. 9 Access for Fire Fighting and Fire Fighting Facilities for the Fire Service ……………………………….............................. 9 Internal Fire Spread and External Fire Spread Internal Fire Spread ………………………………………….. 10 External Fire Spread ………………………………....……...... 12 Comments ………………………………................................…….. 12 Calculation for each Specific Area / Sections of the Building of the Anywhere Community Centre The Population Density ……………………………….................. 13 The Number of Units of Exit Widths ………………………………...... 13 The Number of Exits Required ………………………………...... 14 The Limitations on Travel Distance ………………………………...... 14 Conclusion ………………………………...................................................... 14 Part 2 (Fire Safety Management Strategy of the Anywhere Community Centre) Introduction ………………………………............……………….................. 16 Selection of Appropriate Fire Safety Measures ………………………….. 18 Identification and Appropriate Use of Design Guides and Appropriate Methods ……………………………….............................. 21 Active and Passive Specifications ……………………………….................. 23 Bibliography ………………………………...................................................... 25 FIRE SAFETY FOR THE ANYWHERE COMMUNITY CENTRE Part 1 Fire Safety Strategy of the Anywhere Community Centre Based on the Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2006 INTRODUCTION Background Information: The Anywhere Community Centre is located in Prestone, Lancashire, United Kingdom. This institution offers the residents several community support services. Some of the services it offers are care and counselling which include advise and information, provision of advocacy, offering education courses in languages, Information Technology and others. Aside from these, this institution offers venue rental for gatherings like religious meetings, weddings, family get-togethers and many other services needs of the local people. As a result of its success over the past years, the centre will be expanded by having a new building with facilities such as stage room, hall, chapel, youth room, offices, infants room, oil, store, kitchen, etc. as shown by its floor plan of the new building. As a consultant of the Anywhere Community Centre, the scope of work is to advise on the preparation of the institution’s fire safety strategy. The permission from the planning authorities will only be granted subject to bringing the existing building up to the standards demanded by the Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2006. The Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 20061: The Building Regulations set design standards for new and altered buildings. The regulations on the erection, extension or material alteration of a building is discussed under the Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2006. How fire safety is designed into a building is also discussed in this document. However, separate legislation applies in different parts of the United Kingdom. Building Regulations 2006 discusses the national standards which apply to all types of buildings, from major new developments to an extension to your home. They cover all aspects of construction, including foundations, damp-proofing, the overall stability of the building, insulation, energy conservation, ventilation, heating, fire protection and means of escape in case of fire. They also ensure that adequate access and facilities for people with disabilities are provided to buildings. The fire precautionary measures tackled in the Approved Document B 2006 cover all measures that are necessary in order to achieve safety from fire.2 These safety measures will safeguard the persons in the premises of the building, its occupants as well as the fire fighters. Requirements and guidance cover are means of escape in case of fire, fire detection and warning systems, fire resistance of structural elements, fire separation, protection, compartmentation and isolation. All these can prevent fire spread and conflagration, control of flammable materials as well as access and facilities for fire fighting. ADVISE ON THE PREPARATION OF THE ANYWHERE COMMUNITY CENTRE’S FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY FOR THEIR BUILDING This section outlines the fire safety strategy for the building of the Anywhere Community Centre’s in conjunction with the drawings detailing the type of fire safety facilities that will be incorporated within the building along with their respective specifications. The development of a fire safety strategy is an essential element of building design to meet the approval of statutory authorities. The responsibility / liability for complying with the Fire Safety will depend much with the Fire Safety Officer (FSO) who will be assigned by the centre. The Anywhere Community Centre FSO will have control of any part of the premises. The FSO will carry out Fire Risk Assessment which must focus on the safety in case of fire. Special attention will be given to those at special risk like those with special needs, disabled, or elderly and those with special needs. The FSO will identify possible dangers and risks, get rid of these risks from fire, as far as reasonably possible. He / she must put in place fire precautions to deal with any risks that remain. The FSO will ensure that there is protection when using or storing flammable or explosive materials. The FSO will have a plan to deal with emergencies. The FSO will record findings and review them as and when necessary. Likewise, the FSO will see to it that the local fire enforcers or fire authorities are fully satisfied with the fire safety precautions prepared by the FSO. Means of Detection and Warning in Case of Fire: An audible means of raising the alarm is required in case of fire, the system must be capable of warning all people within all areas of a building. You need to decide and consult with the various regulations on the type of fire detection system that is suitable for your premises, before installing any new fire detection system, you are advised to discuss your proposals with your local fire authority. The fire detection system should be serviced by a contractor in accordance with BS 5839: Part 1 and the manufacturers instructions, at least Six Monthly (the minimum requirements of BS 5389) and the Occupier should also carry out their own Daily Visual inspections and Weekly Testing of the system and a record of all contractor/occupier service work/tests/inspections and any faults if they arise should be recorded in the Fire Log Book Detectors will be carefully positioned at areas that pose greater risk to occupants. A fire can be detected before it develops to a size where it threatens the life of the occupants and / or the building itself and properties. Means of detection are fire suppression systems, fire curtains and fire doors. These will ensure that when a fire occurs, the fire is isolated as quickly as possible. Advances in wireless technology makes it possible for automatic fire detection can now be installed. There are numerous forms of detection such as ionisation, optical smoke, heat, carbon dioxide, infrared or linear heat. Any of these guarantee efficiency. Another form of detection used to combat the problem of arson attacks is CCTV systems with the capability of detecting fires. It has cameras that can be targeted at high risk areas and have the added benefit of being used for security purposes. Nowadays, a higher standard of fire warning system is required. Early warning of fire is critical in any building. Efficient early warning system is needed by the Anywhere Community Centre. This system must comply with the guidance set out by authorities. Provision of Means of Escape at All Times: Arrangements need to be put in place to safely evacuate your premises in the event of an emergency, these measures form an important part of your emergency plan. All parts of a premises used as a means of escape need to be kept clear at all times, inspected and maintained on a regular basis and a record of all inspections (doors and escape routes) should be recorded in the Fire Log Book Provision of means of escape at all times will be provided through fire exits. All doors of the following rooms: stage room, hall, chapel, youth room, offices, infants room, oil, store and kitchen should have access to the fire exits. Provision of Means of Fire Fighting Provision of means of fire fighting for the building of Anywhere Community Centre can be through putting in place fire fighting equipment. Portable Fire Extinguishers should be provided, these should be serviced Annually by a contractor, (preferably accredited to ISO 9000:2000) in accordance with BS 5306: Part 3, the Occupier should also carry out their own routine, not less than quarterly and preferably Monthly visual inspections of the fire extinguishers and a record of all contractor/occupier service work/tests/inspections should be recorded in the Fire Log Book Depending on your type of business and the outcome of your risk assessment, other specialist fire fighting equipment may be required. Where required emergency lighting should be installed so that in the event of a total power failure, all emergency escape routes remain lit, so to aid safe evacuation from the building, this should be serviced and maintained by a contractor in accordance with BS 5266: Part 1 and the manufacturers instructions, the occupier should also carry out their own Daily Visual inspections and Monthly Functional Testing of the system and a record of all contractor/occupier service work/tests/inspections should be recorded in the Fire Log Book Should be carried out at least Annually and preferably twice per year simulating conditions in which one or more of the escape routes is obstructed. During these drills the fire alarm should be sounded and the fire routine rehearsed as fully as circumstances allow. Everyone must participate in the fire drill and the results of each fire drill recorded in your Fire Log Book. The FSO will provide all employees with instruction and training so that they know what to do in the event of a fire, everyone must know. The action to be taken on discovering a fire, how to Raise the Alarm if they discover a fire, the action to be taken upon hearing the fire alarm, the procedure for alerting members of the public, the arrangements for calling the Fire Brigade and the evacuation procedure for the premises to an assembly point at a place of safety. The location and how to use the Fire Fighting Equipment (if safe to do so) will also be determined. Others that will be ensured are the location of all escape routes, the reason for not using lifts other than those specifically provided or adapted for use by people with disabilities in accordance with BS 5588: Part 8/ Portable and Automatic Fire Fighting Systems: The portable and automatic fire fighting systems to be used are sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems can be procured by the centre since they are readily available on the market. It should be correctly installed in each of the following facilities: stage room, hall, chapel, youth room, offices, infants room, oil, store, kitchen, and fitted throughout the building. As a result, it can significantly reduce the degree of damage caused by fire. Sprinkler protection can also sometimes be used as a compensatory feature where the provisions of the Approved Document are varied in some way. The sprinklers will be designed and installed in accordance with the regulations. Access for Fire Fighting and Fire Fighting Facilities for the Fire Service: The importance of liaising with the local fire and rescue service regarding access and facilities cannot be overstated and an agreed ‘planned response’ should be developed. If access to the building is restricted it may necessitate attendance by a different type of tender vehicle or a vehicle with specialist equipment. It could be that local resources, such as lakes or rivers, are required to supply water for the fire hoses rather than relying on a potentially inadequate mains supply. In this instance it could be prudent to consider the use of dry fire mains. Site plans with access points and other important information will be supplied to the fire and rescue service to maximise efficiency on site when dealing with an emergency. Essentially, the quicker and more effectively the fire and rescue service can respond to a fire, the greater the chances of saving the building and its contents. Internal Fire Spread and External Fire Spread: Internal Fire Spread Internal fire spread (linings) within the Anywhere Community Centre can be brick to timber panelling and wall-hung fabrics. Fire stopping will be placed adjacent to doors and between horizontal and vertical compartments. It is important that the fire stopping measures will not affect the airflow within the building, as this has the potential to create problems with moisture in the future. The fire resistance of doors should be ensured also. Sprinklers, water mist and other active systems are another means of inhibiting the internal fire spread. Careful consideration needs to be given to the location of the sprinkler heads, pipes and the source for the water. Also, active systems need to be linked to a robust automatic fire detection system in order to avoid false activation as this may have potential for water damage. It is for this reason that oxygen reduction systems are becoming increasingly popular. Oxygen reduction systems maintain the environment within a building such that it is impossible for a fire to start and also remove the potential for collateral damage should a false alarm or fire event occur. Oxygen reduction systems are particularly useful for protecting properties and rooms within the building. First aid fire fighting equipment like extinguishers and blankets should be available throughout any facilities of the building. Regular orientation training will be provided to staff. External Fire Spread External fire spread will be considered in terms of the likelihood of the building spreading fire to neighbouring buildings, or how easily a fire would spread to the building from a fire elsewhere (arson, adjoining buildings, and others). Fire spread can also be facilitated between floors if a fire in a room vents through an opening such as a window aperture that consequently exposes the cladding to the effects of external flames. Water mist suppression systems that effectively shroud the building in water mist and prevent the fire from engulfing it will be installed. Comments: This fire strategy described above satisfy the functional requirements as stated in the Building Regulations 2006 and Approved Document B 2007. As shown above this satisfaction of the functional requirements was achieved by using the guidance in the Approved Document B 2007, Volume 2 which is about the Buildings other than Dwelling Houses or Other Codes. This fire strategy also includes applicable application. This fire safety strategy for the building of the Anywhere Community Centre demonstrated how to use one or a combination of fire safety measures to achieve predetermined fire strategy objectives Part 2 Fire Safety Management Strategy of the Anywhere Community Centre INTRODUCTION As a consultant of the Anywhere Community Centre, a fire safety management strategy will be developed for this institution. This fire safety management strategy will assist the centre to comply with the requirements of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The fire safety management strategy was developed by referring to the set of guides published by the Department of Communities and Local Government as well as other relevant sources if information. The RR(FS)O places greater emphasis on building owners, managers and occupiers to carry out fire risk assessments. This will provide and maintain suitable fire precautions to protect persons resorting to the building or premises and to demonstrate the fire safety management strategies employed. SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES The selection of appropriate fire safety measures is important for the achievement of fire safety objectives of the Anywhere Community Centre. The said fire safety measures to be employed by the centre relate to the day to day management of fire safety in the building. Selection of the most fit fire safety measures is a legal responsibility on building owners, managers and occupiers since they are the ones who have control over the building and its facilities. They should take reasonable measures in order to prevent the occurrence of a fire. Their chosen fire safety measures will protect the lives and safety of the occupants in the event of fire. The building occupants should be given orientation in order to gain awareness of the significance of the fire safety measures. Likewise, the occupants should be knowledgeable of their role with regard to the prevention of fire and of the appropriate action to take in case of the occurrence of fire. A fire safety programme should be established in a building. This is done so as to correctly manage fire safety. Also, this is aimed at meeting the legal obligations. A person should be designated as the Fire Safety Manager of the Anywhere Community Centre. This designated officer has the responsibility for drawing up, implementing and overseeing the fire safety programme of the institution. This Fire Safety Manager of the centre should be of adequate status within the organisation. It is important that he / she should have authority in order to efficiently and effectively discharge his / her responsibility. IDENTIFICATION AND APPROPRIATE USE OF DESIGN GUIDES Identification of design guides should take into consideration that fire prevention is an important facet of overall fire safety. Framework for comprehensive approaches to fire safety design can be routinely relied upon. However, by using a more formalized approach to fire hazards analysis, issues related to fire prevention can be identified that are not necessarily addressed by prescriptive controls or fire protection systems. Through the use of a fire hazards analysis framework, the management can identify the limits of traditional approaches. This framework can be utilized in order to structure as well as integrate fire prevention and protection programs accordingly. Through the combination of the fire hazards analysis with risk assessment, system design, and performance-based analyses, specific fire prevention needs can be identified and effective controls can be developed. APPROPRIATE METHODS, ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SPECIFICATIONS The fire safety strategy for the building of the Anywhere Community Centre is composed of three important factors, the active and passive specifications and the management fire safety measures. For the building of the anywhere Community Centre to function safely, each of these three (3) factors must be adequately provided. The active fire safety measures are systems which activate or are required to be activated in the event of an outbreak of fire. This are composed of emergency lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, as well as the fire fighting equipment. The passive fire safety measures are features which are built into the structure of the building. These are the physical features of the building. These passive features include the provision of fire resistance to the building structure, the escape routes and exits, as well as the provision of access to and around the building. Management of fire safety within the Anywhere Community Centre building must include a full appraisal of both the active and passive fire safety measures within the building. To efficiently manage fire safety strategy, all deficiencies in the fire safety measures should be identified. Then a programme of remedial works will be put in place in order to upgrade the building to an acceptable standard. CONCLUSION For the Fire Safety Management Strategy of the Anywhere Community Centre, it is important that regular housekeeping activity is conducted in order to ensure that a fire is prevented from developing. Maintenance schedules will ensure that the protective measures put in place are still capable of performing as intended. Hence, comprehensive and regular training of staff in evacuation procedures, raising the alarm, first aid fire fighting and salvage plans should be part of the activities of the Anywhere Community Centre. Emergency drills must be performed. Any shortcomings recorded should be rectified as soon as possible. Most importantly, periodic review of the fire safety management plan should be conducted. This is especially critical after a change in use of the building or during a near-miss incident. BIBLIOGRAPHY RISCAuthority, Approved Document B: Fire Safety (Volume 2) - Buildings Other Than Dwellinghouses. Incorporating Insurers' Requirements for Property Protection, RIBA Publishing, 2008. Bailey, Colin, Structural fire design - Core or specialist subject? The Structural Engineer, May 4, 2004. UMIST, United Kingdom. Read More