Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
Figure 10.25 Crowd control stewards Figure 10.26 Fire marshal supervising emergency
evacuation
and a plan showing the key features of the venue including
hazardous areas and the means of escape.
Deployment – the numbers of stewards provided
must be based on a risk assessment rather than a
precise mathematical formula. The factors that should
be considered when assessing the numbers of stewards
required at any venue should include:
➤ Previous experience of the type of crowd expected
at the particular venue
➤ The state of underfoot conditions including any
uneven ground
➤ The presence of obstacles within or around the site
that may affect crowd fl ow rates
➤ The size of the expected crowd
➤ The method of separating crowds from hazards
➤ The deposition of the crowd particularly whether or
not they are expected to be sitting or standing.
Irrespective of the numbers of stewards provided, it is
most important that an effective chain of command is
established. Typically stewards will be controlled by
the use of a chief steward (with similar duties to an FIC)
supported by a number of senior supervisors who are in
turn responsible for the direct supervision of a group of
6–10 stewards. In order to support this chain of command
it is vital that good communications exist between
the stewards. This is normally achieved by the provision
of radio communications.
Training – due to the potential risks associated
with managing safety within crowds, it is important
that stewards can demonstrate appropriate levels of
competence. The level of training will depend on the type
of functions to be performed; again it is important to keep
a record of any training and instruction provided, including
the date and duration of the instruction, the details of
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the person giving and receiving instruction and the nature
of the instructional training. As a result of the training and
instruction stewards will need to be able to demonstrate
the following;
➤ An understanding of their responsibilities towards
the safety of themselves and others
➤ Conduct pre-event safety checks
➤ Be familiar with the layout of the site particularly
regarding means of escape, fi rst aid, welfare and
facilities for people with special needs, etc.
➤ Their specifi c duties, e.g. which areas they are
responsible for and what their specifi c duties may
be while the event is in progress
➤ Controlling and directing the crowd under normal
circumstances
➤ Controlling and directing the crowd under emergency
situations
➤ Recognising crowd conditions, e.g. overcrowding/
frustration
➤ Ensuring gangways and exits are clear at all times
➤ Dealing with disturbances or incidents
➤ Ensuring that combustible refuse does not
accumulate
➤ Being familiar with the arrangements for evacuation
including coded messages
➤ Communicating with the chief steward in the event
of an emergency.
10.4 Assisting disabled people to escape
There is no specifi c legislation that requires special
arrangements for disabled people in the event of fi re.
However, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)