Humberside Fire
And Rescue
Service

The Fire Authority for the area in which the premises are situated are, in the vast majority of cases the Enforcing Authority for this piece of legislation.

The former county of Humberside, comprises of the FOUR Unitary Authority areas of:

• Kingston-upon-Hull
• East Riding of Yorkshire
• North East Lincolnshire
• North Lincolnshire

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has a Fire Safety Inspection team in each area, who carry out inspections and offer advice to persons responsible for premises which fall under the Fire Safety Order.

If you cannot find the information you require by following the link under "What you need to know" detailed below, then you should contact your local office who will be able to assist you; they can be contacted as follows:

• Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
• Kingston-upon-Hull Community Protection Unit
• Noddle Hill Way
• Kingston-upon-Hull
• HU7 4SH
• Tel 0844 3715536
• E-mail - hullfiresafetyenquiry@humbersidefire.gov.uk

• Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
• East Riding Community Protection Unit
• New Walkergate
• Beverley
• HU17 9EQ
• Tel 0844 3715537
• E-mail - eastridingfiresafetyenquiry@humbersidefire.gov.uk

• Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
• NE Lincolnshire Community Protection Unit
• Peaks Lane
• Grimsby
• DN32 9RS
• Tel 0844 3715539
• E-mail - nelincsfiresafetyenquiry@humbersidefire.gov.uk

• Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
• N. Lincolnshire Community Protection Unit
• Laneham Street
• Scunthorpe
• DN15 6JF
• Tel 0844 3715538
• E-mail - nlincsfiresafetyenquiry@humbersidefire.gov.uk

AWSS include both water sprinkler and water mist systems.

Our personnel are committed to increasing AWSS ownership in both legislative and advisory capacities in all types of premises, both commercial and private. We will continue to work in partnership with all interested parties in the research, development and installation of new and innovative systems to protect:

• Life,
• Property,
• Heritage, and
• The Environment
• from the effect of fire.

Each application for sprinkler installation will be based upon its merits on a case by case basis. The use of sprinklers does not remove the need for other fire precautions such as an effective fire alarm system or passive fire resisting features such as fire walls and fire doors.

AWSS Facts

Did You Know That...

• AWSS are used more than any other fixed fire protection system;
• Over 40 million are fitted worldwide each year;
• AWSS systems have been proven in use for well over 100 years;
• Possibly the oldest in Britain was fitted in 1812 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London;
• The system (in its updated form) is still in use today;
• Losses from fires in buildings protected with AWSS are estimated to be 1/10 of those in unprotected buildings;
• 99% of fires were controlled by AWSS sprinklers alone;
• 60% of fires were controlled by the spray from no more than 4 AWSS sprinkler heads;
  Source: European statistics over a 10 year period;
• Accidental discharge of water from all causes is 1 in 500,000 (per year of service)
  Source: LPC;
• Accidental discharge of water due to manufacturing defects is 1 in 14,000,000 (per year of service).
  Source: FM(USA) and LPC (UK) statistics.

How Do AWSS Work...

All areas of the building to be protected are covered by a grid of pipes with sprinklers fitted into them at regular intervals. Water from a tank via pumps or the town's mains (if it can give enough flow) fill the pipes.

Each AWSS sprinkler head will open when it reaches a specific temperature and spray water onto a fire. Only the sprinklers affected by the fire operate. All others remain closed. This limits any damage to areas where there is an actual fire and reduces the amount of water used.

AWSS sprinkler heads are generally spaced (usually on the ceiling) so that if one or more operate there is always a sufficient flow of water. The flow is calculated to ensure there is sufficient water to control a fire. Factors considered include size, construction, goods stored and the general use of the building.

Different AWSS systems are used for different buildings, ie.:

• domestic/flats
• houses in multiple occupation/hostels/residential/nursing care
• schools/educational
• industrial/storage

AWSS Applications

Introduction...

While AWSS sprinklers have been used for the protection of commercial properties such as factories, warehouses and department stores for over 130 years, there is now a growing recognition of their effectiveness in improving levels of life safety in other types of buildings. The latest version of Approved Document B (in support of the Building Regulations) incorporates clear recognition of the value of sprinklers in improving levels of safety for occupants as well as preventing the spread of fire.

Other developments have demonstrated the value of sprinklers in providing additional levels of safety to firefighters in large, complex structures or in buildings where the fire load is excessive. With the latest fast response sprinkler heads there is clear evidence that, even in the compartment of origin in a fire, occupants of sprinklered buildings enjoy a significant additional measure of life safety.

Life Safety and Property Protection...

There is a growing consensus that sprinklers offer a highly cost effective way of reducing the UK's fire death toll and are an accepted life safety measure. Their positive effect can often be most clearly seen when considering that it is often the most vulnerable members of our society who die in fires - the very young, the very old, the disabled or infirm as well as those who use drugs or alcohol unwisely. Sprinklers can especially benefit these groups, as well as society in general through less fires/deaths/injuries.

In the cases of social housing, care premises, houses in multiple occupation and many similar properties there are now clear arguments that AWSS sprinklers offer a greatly improved chance of preventing deaths should a fire occur. Sprinklers also protect the building itself by reducing the fire size and severity. This improves business continuity for many premises, including schools as well as reducing environmental damage to the surrounding area.

1. Benefits for Designers and Builders
2. The installation of AWSS provides additional flexibility for achieving compliance with Building Regulations. Existing or proposed unconventional or unusual buildings (including the open plan type designs often favoured by designers and applicants) will all typically benefit from AFSS installation. Even in a 'standard' type design conventional means of escape, compartmentation or fire service access guidelines may be extended accordingly. As a result, ongoing maintenance costs for such items as fire door sets and self closing devices may be reduced from the building's future maintenance budgets. The installation of AWSS will also typically benefit the occupiers Fire Risk Assessment, which is a mandatory requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Only single private domestic dwellings are currently exempt from the Order.
3. Business Continuity Plans
4. A possible reduction in insurance premiums
5. Environmental damage by reducing and effect of pollution to air, land or water courses.

Standards for Installation: AWSS can be installed using various standards. BS 9251 : 2005 covers the installation of sprinklers for residential and domestic occupancies.

Water mist type AFSS can be utilised in many applications which are covered by the British Standard Specifications. At present, no full British Standard exists for water mist systems. Work in this area is ongoing and was nearing completion at the end of 2009. However there are a number of very high standards for the design and use of these systems from the USA, Australia/New Zealand and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Types of System: While there are a range of different types of systems used in a range of premises it is considered that only wet systems should be specified in domestic premises. Pipework can generally be in copper, steel or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) which is approved for the purpose. If water pressure and flow are adequate then it is possible that the system may be connected to the water main entering the premises - subject to the approval of the Water Authority. Approved tanks or pumps are required where this is not practicable.

System Design and Installation: It is considered best practice to select a contractor who is capable and competent but who can also offer proof of compliance with an established quality assurance system. For example they could hold a relevant approval (registration or certification) from a third party certification service which is accredited by the Government-approved body the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Conclusions

1. No one in the UK has ever died as a result of a fire in a building with a working AWSS.
2. AWSS buildings prevent firefighters' deaths and injuries.
3. US experience shows around 98% of all fires in sprinklered dwellings are extinguished with only one sprinkler head operating.
4. Only AWSS heads in the immediate vicinity of the fire actually operate.
5. AWSS heads can be completely concealed.
6. AWSS heads do not cause false alarms - they will only operate in the event of a fire.
7. Maintenance costs for AWSS systems are low.
8. AWSS save lives and property as well as detecting and extinguishing the fire and raising an alarm.
9. Despite many misconceptions, AWSS systems are not difficult, unsightly or expensive to install in homes or dwellings of any size or layout.
10. Only AWSS head(s) directly affected by fire will operate in the event of a fire - not necessarily the whole room, floor or building, despite previous media misrepresentations.

Should you wish to install an Automatic Water Suppression System in your home or commercial premises then in the first instance please contact the Technical Fire Safety Section, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Summergroves Way, Hessle, HU4 7BB, telephone number 01482 565333.

Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) provide an effective means of giving early warning of a potential fire within a premises and are especially effective and useful when the premises is UNOCCUPIED.

However, these systems are not foolproof and the vast majority (up to 98%) of actuations from these systems require NO ACTION BY THE FIRE SERVICE WHATSOEVER.

Automatic fire detection can be actuated by many common airborne materials, such as dust, insects, steam, aerosol products and also by faults with the system.

When an actuation of a fire alarm is automatically sent to the Fire Service, AND they mobilise their resources to the premises WHEN THEY ARE NOT NEEDED, this is deemed to be an Unwanted Fire Signal.

With the proliferation of these automatic fire alarm systems, the number of UwFS received has risen to such a level that the Fire Service can no longer justify mobilising the same resources it would compared to a confirmed fire.

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has therefore instigated a reduced attendance to calls from AFAs and is actively working with premises who generate these calls to reduce the number of false actuations on the premises AND the subsequent transmission of these false alarms, which make them an UwFS.

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has adopted the Chief Fire Officers Association policy and guidance for dealing with Unwanted Fire Signals, details of which can be found by following the link below:

Unwanted Fire Signals - The Chief Fire Officers Association

General

These guidelines are issued to assist local licensees to provide suitable and sufficient fire safety measures in licensed premises for applications under the Licensing Act 2003. They do not replace existing legislation relating to Health and Safety Occupancy Calculations.

As part of the licensing process the applicant should include in their operating schedule the steps they will take to promote the 4 licensing objectives. The licensing objectives under the Act include public safety and the fire brigade will be consulted by the Licensing Authority on this aspect of the application. The operating schedule should therefore contain a Fire Risk Assessment highlighting any significant findings, arising out of the assessment and any remedial actions necessary.

In order to avoid issues arising over public safety relating to fire risk, applicants are strongly advised to submit a Plan on a minimum scale of 1:100 indicating the fire safety provisions in place, this should include available Exits and associated routes, Fire Alarm if fitted, Emergency Lighting and Firefighting Equipment. Regulations yet to be published may make this a requirement.

The plan should clearly state the Occupancy and how the figure had been reached. The Licensing Authority may attach conditions relating to the maximum occupancy level/s after consultation with all statutory consultees, if the operating schedule does not include such details or there are objections to the proposed occupancy level.

Further information on how to compile a Fire Risk Assessment and calculate an appropriate occupancy figure is available on the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service website.

Where existing legislation does not provide adequately for the safety of the public or club members the Licensing A uthority may include additional conditions to ensure the safety of occupants.

The licensee shall, to the best of his/her ability, maintain and keep good order and decent behaviour on the said premises during the time of the public entertainment and notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing the licensee shall:

Provide an acceptable system of:

• Controlling entry.
• Identifying the number of persons present on the premises at any given moment in time.
• Stewarding the premises where the number of people admitted exceeds 50.

Produce on demand to any authorised officer of the Authority, the Police and Fire and Rescue Service evidence of the number of persons present on the premises.

Doors

The premises shall be provided with an adequate number of exits of sufficient dimension clearly indicated by a pictogram symbol or a combination of text and pictogram in accordance with either the British Standard 5499: Part 1 (specification for fire safety signs) or alternatively with the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996. The signs shall be illuminated by both mains and secondary lighting and conform to the relevant Code of Practice. NB Text only notices do not comply with the Health & Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. They require replacement or supplementing with new signs.

The means of entry and exit and the passages and gangways shall, during the whole time that the premises are used for the purposes of licensed activities, be kept free, unobstructed and adequately illuminated, both inside and outside the premises.

All final exit doors must be fitted with fastening devices which can be easily and immediately opened from inside without the use of keys.

Any door required for means of escape in case of fire, if fastened during the time the public are in the premises, shall be secured during such time by panic mechanisms only. Doors fitted with panic mechanisms shall be indicated either PUSH BAR TO OPEN or PUSH PAD TO OPEN in conspicuous and distinctive block lettering.

All doors required as means of escape in case of fire shall open in the direction of egress or where this is not possible be securely fastened in the open position at all times when the public are present on the premises. If this is not possible, limited occupancy will be imposed.

All doors required as means of escape in case of fire shall open in the direction of egress or where this is not possible be securely fastened in the open position at all times when the public are present on the premises. If this is not possible, limited occupancy will be imposed.

Security Devices

Any security devices other than panic mechanisms shall be removed whenever the premises are occupied.

Curtains Across Doorways

Curtains across doorways shall be adequately supported. They shall not conceal any notice other than a Push Bar to Open notice and shall be so arranged as to draw easily from the centre and slide freely. All curtains shall be so hung that they are 75mm clear of the floor.

Fire Alarm

An approved means of giving warning in case of fire shall be provided. Where an electrical system is provided it should be installed, maintained and tested in accordance with the current relevant British Standard Specification. All periodic tests and examinations shall be recorded in a logbook kept on the premises.

Notices

Notices giving instruction on how to call the Fire and Rescue Service must be prominently displayed adjacent to alarm call points and telephones in the premises.

Emergency Lighting

An emergency lighting system should be provided, maintained and tested in accordance with the current relevant British Standard Specification. The system provided in the premises and associated escape routes should fulfil the following functions:

• Indicate clearly the escape routes.
• Provide illumination along escape routes to allow safe movement towards and through the exits provided.
• Ensure that the fire alarm call points and fire fighting equipment provided along escape routes can be readily located.
• Provide illumination to external means of escape arrangements.
• Where people are unfamiliar with the premises, or there is provision for dimming of the lights and/or alcohol is consumed then generally Final Exits and intermediate luminaires must be on a Maintained System. (Illuminated at all times premises are in use)

All periodic tests and examinations shall be recorded in a logbook kept on the premises.

Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire fighting equipment shall be provided appropriate to the risk and sited in a location under the supervision of the staff. The equipment shall be tested and examined by a competent person at periods not exceeding 12 months and the results recorded in a logbook kept on the premises.

All members of the staff at the premises shall be given instruction and training as to their duties in the event of fire or other emergencies and records as to such training shall be kept in a logbook on the premises.

Close Seated Audience Provisions

If the premises are to be used with close seated audiences arrangements should be included in the operating schedule and based upon the following guidance

• The seating must at all times be so disposed as to provide free and unobstructed access to all exit doors.
• Width of gangways to be 1050mm minimum.
• Width of seat ways to be 305mm minimum.
• Where the permitted number is more than 250 persons, all seats shall be either securely fixed to the floor or battened together in lengths not less than 4 nor more than 12 and additionally all the rows of seats shall be firmly secured together.
• Any attachment used for securing a seat or rows of seats shall be so arranged so as not to cause a tripping hazard.

In all premises a diagrammatic plan showing clearly the escape routes and the seating pattern shall be publicly displayed.

Heating Appliances

All heating appliances should be suitably guarded and fixed in position in such a manner so as to prevent unauthorised persons having access to the controls or being able to approach sufficiently close to the appliance to endanger themselves.

Combustible materials or substances should not be sited close to any heating appliance. In deciding the safe distance regard should be given to the type of heater and the ease of ignitability of the nearby materials or substances. Care should be taken to ensure that radiant heaters, particularly those fitted with reflectors, are not directed towards combustible materials and that, wherever possible, they are mounted at a high level above head height, usually at least 2.5m above floor level.

No oil-fired heaters, other than those forming part of the boiler installations, should be used in the premises.

No portable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) heater should be in the premises when members of the public are present. Containers of LPG should be protected against unauthorised interference and accidental leakage. LPG cylinders, both full and empty, should be kept in safe positions in the open air away from other flammable materials or, where this is not reasonably practicable because of exceptional circumstances, in any adequately ventilated storeroom constructed in accordance with HSE Guidance.

Artificial Foliage

Artificial foliage material should be of durably flame-retardant fabric. All displays of dried flowers shall be treated with a suitable flame-retardant material sufficiently durable to last the life of the flower display. In the case of artificial flowers, the material used shall be durably flame-retardant. A certificate stating that the materials have been treated with an approved flame-retardant will be required from a competent person and submitted to the Licensing Authority.

Gymnastic Foam Mats and Pits

The use of polyurethane foam in gymnastic foampits and polyurethane foam plastic mats in premises could prejudice the safety of persons using parts of the same premises for entertainment. Where such equipment or facilities are used or stored in premises also used for entertainment, they shall be subject to special precautions agreed with the licensing Authority. Suitable arrangements may be separate fire-resisting storage compartments, either within or external to the premises concerned.

Furniture and Furnishing Etc

The use of furniture, furnishings, floor coverings and synthetic materials that are easily ignited or demonstrate rapid spread of flame characteristics shall be avoided. Replacement furniture and furnishings must conform to the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations current at that time.

New curtains and other textile hangings are to be inherently flame retardant or be treated with a durable flame retardant. They should be capable of complying with the current British Standard or equivalent.

New soft floor coverings must be labelled in accordance with the British Standard or its equivalent.

Wall coverings should conform to British Standard 476: Part 7: Class 1 surface spread of flame or equivalent. However, wall coverings in escape routes should achieve Class 0 Standard.

Access Conditions

Duly authorised Officers of the Authority, Police Officers and Fire Officers shall at all times have free access to the premises for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the conditions of this licence and shall have access to any necessary records.

Pyrotechnics and Special Effects

Pyrotechnics and the use of special effects involving the use of lasers, naked flames, smoke production or any other process creating a risk of fire shall not be allowed without consent by the Local Authority.

Any special effect for use in premises must be obtained from recognised suppliers or manufacturers and shall be used in accordance with their instruction. 28 days notice with a Risk Assessment must be given to the Local Authority prior to the proposed use of any pyrotechnic device within the premises. In most cases a test firing will be required prior to the event taking place.

Emergency Service Access

Clear access into the premises must be maintained once evacuation has been completed and full access for fire appliances and crews maintained. Appropriate re-entry measures once clearance has been given by emergency services must be written into the Risk Assessment.

Adequate access shall be provided for emergency vehicles at all times.

Queues

In cases in which persons wait in queues for admission, the licensee shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that such persons do not obstruct exits, passageways, stairways and ramps leading to the outside of the premises.

Location of Cloakrooms

Provision for coats and hats shall not be made in corridors, passageways or gangways or any exit way used by the public.

Accumulation of Rubbish and Storage of Combustible Materials

No rubbish or waste paper shall be stored or allowed to accumulate in any part of the premises. Storage of necessary combustible materials shall be in such a position as may be approved by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Proper Maintenance of Premises

The electrical installations must comply with IEE or any other regulations in force in connection with the use of electricity. A qualified electrician shall inspect all electrical installations annually and the results and details of inspections must be recorded in a logbook kept on the premises.

All parts of the premises, fixtures and fittings including any seating, door fastenings and notices shall be maintained at all times in good order and condition.

Rope Barriers

All rope barriers across gangways exit ways and stairways shall be fitted with automatic catches or slip connections and shall be so fixed as to not trail on the floor when parted.

Steps and Stairways

All gangways, exit ways and the treads of steps and stairways shall be maintained with a non-slip surface. All steps and stairways shall be made conspicuous.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding in such a manner as to endanger the safety of the public or to interfere unduly with their comfort shall not be permitted in any part of the premises, procedures should be put in place to prevent this.

Safety Curtains

Safety curtains, where fitted, shall:

• Be of non flammable material
• Be maintained in good condition
• Be kept free from obstruction at all times, and
• Have the words SAFETY CURTAIN printed on them which shall be visible to the public.

The operation of safety curtains shall be tested immediately before each performance.

The operating mechanism for the safety curtains shall be maintained in good working order and a supporting certificate to this effect shall be submitted annually to the Authority.

In the event of the safety curtain failing to operate properly at any time, the licensee or nominated persons shall notify the Authority and the Fire Authority in writing within 24 hours of the failure.

If no safety curtain is fitted, any curtains used to separate the stage area from the auditorium shall have fire retardant qualities and the operating mechanism for the curtains shall be maintained in good working order. A notice to the satisfaction of the Authority shall be displayed next to where the curtains are opened stating that the curtains must be closed in the event of fire.

No scenery or props shall be kept on the auditorium side of the safety curtain or other curtain used to separate the stage area from the auditorium except with the written consent.

Fixed Installations

Stage ventilators, smoke ventilators, drenchers and their release points shall be kept free from obstruction, maintained in good working order and periodically tested to the satisfaction of the Authority.

Stage Lighting and Electrical Appliances

No illumination other than an electric light shall be employed upon the stage, in the stage basement, or stores, without the consent of the Licensing Authority.

Smoking shall be strictly prohibited within any stage area; other than as part of the action of a stage performance, and notices prohibiting smoking shall be prominently displayed at locations as required in writing by the Authority.

Disabled Persons and Access

The Disability Discrimination Act took full effect from 1 October 2004. Access and egress for disabled persons must comply with the requirements of this Act.

Building Alterations

Licensees should be reminded that building regulations and planning consent may be required for any alteration that they may wish to carry out and early consultation with the local Building Control, Planning Departments or approved inspector should be encouraged.

Identifying Sources of Ignition

• Arson
• Smokers materialsNaked Flames
• Electrical, gas or oil fired heaters, fixed or portable
• Hot processes such as welding, grinding work or cooking
• Engines or boilers
• Machinery
• Faulty or misused electrical equipment
• Lighting equipment such as halogen lamps
• Hot surfaces and obstruction of equipment ventilation
• Friction from drive belts etc
• Static electricity
• Metal impact such as metal tools striking each other

Identifying Sources of Fuel

• Flammable liquid based products such as paints varnish thinners and adhesives.
• Flammable liquids and solvents such as petrol, white spirit, methylated spirit and paraffin.
• Flammable chemicals
• Wood
• Paper and card
• Plastics, rubber and foam such as polystyrene and polyurethane, e.g. the foam used in upholstered furniture.
• Flammable gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene.
• Furniture, including fixtures and fittings
• Textiles
• Loose packaging material
• Waste materials, in particular finely divided materials such as wood shavings, off-cuts, dust, paper and textiles.
• Hardboard, chipboard, blockboard walls or ceilings
• Synthetic ceiling or wall coverings, such as polystyrene tiles.

Identifying sources of Oxygen

• Natural airflow through doors, windows and other openings
• Mechanical air conditioning systems and air handling systems
• Some chemicals (oxidising materials), that can provide a fire with additional oxygen and so, assist it to burn. These chemicals should be identified on their container by the manufacturer or supplier who can advise as to their safe use and storage.
• Oxygen supplies from cylinder storage and piped systems; e.g. oxygen used in welding processes or for healthcare purposes.

Reducing Sources of Ignition

• Remove unnecessary sources of heat from the workplace or replace them with safer alternatives, ensuring that heat-producing equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and is properly maintained.
• Install machinery and equipment which has been designed to minimise the risk of fire and explosions.
• Replace naked flame and radiant heaters with fixed convector heaters or a central heating system.
• Ensure that all electrical fuses and circuit breakers etc are of the correct rating and suitable for the purpose.
• Ensure that sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical or mechanical equipment such as overheating bearings.
• Keep ducts and flues clean
• Where appropriate, operate a permit to work system for maintenance workers and contractors who carry out hot work involving processes such as welding or flame cutting.
• Operate a safe smoking policy in designated smoking areas and prohibit smoking elsewhere.
• Enforce the prohibition of matches and lighters and other naked flames in high fire risk areas.
• Ensure that all equipment that could provide a source of ignition even when not in use is left in a safe condition.
• Make sure that any smouldering material including smokers material, is properly extinguished before leaving the workplace.
• Take precautions to avoid the risk of arson.

Minimising the potential for fuel for a fire

• Remove flammable materials and substances, or reduce them to the minimum required for the operation of the business;
• Replace materials and substances with less flammable alternatives;
• Ensure flammable materials, liquids (and vapours) and gases are handled, transported, stored and used properly;
• Ensure adequate separation distances between flammable materials;
• Store highly flammable substances in fire-resisting stores and, where necessary, keep a minimum quantity in fire-resisting cabinets in the workroom;
• Remove, cover or treat large areas of flammable wall and ceiling linings to reduce the rate of flame spread across the surface;
• Replacing or repairing furniture with damaged upholstery where the foam filling is exposed;
• Ensure that flammable waste materials and rubbish are not allowed to build up and are carefully stored until properly disposed of;
• Take action to avoid storage areas being vulnerable to arson or vandalism;
• Ensure good housekeeping
• Improve the fire-resistance of the construction of the workplace.

Reducing sources of oxygen

• Close all doors, windows and other openings not required for ventilation, particularly out of working hours;
• Shut down ventilation systems which are not essential to the function of the workplace;
• Store oxidising materials away from heat sources or flammable materials
• Control the use and storage of oxygen cylinders

Fire detection and warning

• Can the existing means of detection discover a fire quickly enough to raise an alarm in time for all the occupants to escape to a safe place?
• Can the means for giving warning be clearly heard and understood throughout the whole premises when initiated from any single point?
• If the fire detection and warning system is electrically powered, does it have a back-up power supply?
• Have you told your employees about your fire warning system, will they know how to operate it and respond to it?
• Are there instructions for your employees on how to operate the fire warning system and what action they should take on hearing a warning?
• Have you included the fire detection and fire warning arrangements in your emergency plan?

Means of escape

• How long will it take for all the occupants to escape to a place of safety once a fire has been detected?
• Is that a reasonable length of time or will it take too long?
• Are there enough exits and are they in the right place?
• Are the type and size of exits suitable and sufficient for the number of people likely to need to use them (eg wide enough for wheelchair users)?
• In the event of fire, could all available exits be affected or will at least one route from any part of the premises remain available?
• Are all escape routes easily identifiable, free from any obstructions and adequately illuminated?
• Have you trained your staff in using the means of escape?
• Are there instructions about the means of escape for your employees?
• Have you included your means of escape arrangements in your emergency plan?

Means of fighting fire

• Are the extinguishers suitable for the purpose and of sufficient capacity?
• Are there sufficient extinguishers sited throughout the workplace?
• Are the right types of extinguishers located close to the fire hazards and can users gain access to them without exposing themselves to risk?
• Are the locations of the extinguishers obvious or does their position need indicating?
• Have the people likely to use the fire extinguishers been given adequate instruction and training?
• Have you included use of fire-fighting equipment in your emergency plan?

Maintenance and testing of fire precautions

• Do you regularly check all fire doors and escape routes and associated lighting and signs?
• Do you regularly check all your fire-fighting equipment?
• Do you regularly check your fire detection and alarm equipment?
• Do you regularly check any other equipment provided to help means of escape arrangements in the building?
• Are there instructions for relevant employees about testing of equipment?
• Are those who test and maintain the equipment properly trained to do so?

Fire procedures and training

• Do you have an emergency plan?
• Does the emergency plan take account of all reasonably foreseeable circumstances?
• Are your employees familiar with the plan, trained in its use and involved in testing it?
• Is the emergency plan made available to all who need to be aware of it?
• Are the procedures to be followed clearly indicated throughout the workplace?
• Have you considered all the people likely to be present in your workplace and others with whom you may share the building?