Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
Table 11.2 Example of an inspection aide memoire
Frequency Item to be checked
Daily Morning: Are escape routes clear?
Are the fi re exits available for use?
the main objective which is to monitor the condition of
workplace precautions such as the effectiveness of the
housekeeping programme and no smoking regime or
the management and control of fl ammable substances.
A simple checklist may be created from the details
suggested in Table 11.2 (see Appendix 10.2).
Details of such inspections are likely to be retained
within the fi re log book or fi re safety manual so that
evidence is readily available for future fi re safety inspections,
reviews and audits.
On larger sites or where there are a number of
buildings that require formal fi re safety inspections, it
may be the responsibility of the facilities management
team or those nominated to take charge of the facilities,
to coordinate the fi re safety inspection programme.
Where fi re safety systems are in place it is likely that the
facilities management team, or their nominees, will be
actively involved in the inspection programme as they
are responsible for managing a large proportion of the
systems that are in place, for example the fi re alarm and
detection system, fi xed installations (sprinklers, etc.) and
fi re doors.
The periodic inspections of fi re safety systems
are likely to be recorded within the fi re log book and
will be considered as part of the proactive monitoring
programme, particularly as the items form a critical
component of the workplace precautions or control
measures that reduce the overall risk in relation to fi re.
11.3.3 Maintenance of general fi re precautions
Formal systems need to be adopted to ensure that general
fi re precautions are maintained in a good state of
operation and repair. Table 11.3 gives an overview of a
typical inspection regime indicating the equipment to
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Evening: Is the electrical equipment switched off?
Has rubbish been disposed of safely?
Are all windows shut?
Weekly Do self-closers on the doors operate correctly?
Are fi re signs visible?
Is there suffi cient space between stored materials and sprinkler heads, fi re detectors and lights?
Monthly Are all extinguishers in their correct places and do they appear to be in working order?
Are the hoses on the hose reels neatly coiled and the valves easy to turn on?
be inspected, the period between inspections and who
should conduct them.
11.3.4 Maintenance of technically complex
systems
Further details of proactive monitoring including testing,
cleaning and maintenance of items such as gas fl ood
systems, sprinkler systems and smoke and heat exhaust
ventilation systems will be found within the manufacturers’
guidance documentation (operations and maintenance
manuals or construction health and safety
fi le – CDM).
Clearly the proactive monitoring and testing that
is required for the above systems will require a high
level of technical competence and it is often the case
that external contractors are engaged to undertake
such work. The responsibilities of the organisation in
respect of this external monitoring will be to ensure that
documentary records and evidence are maintained to
show that such equipment remains safe and fi t for its
intended purpose.
11.3.5 Using the fi ndings of an inspection
The results of the inspection will provide evidence of the
effectiveness of the workplace precautions and controls
that have been introduced to reduce the risks from fi re
and explosion.
As has previously been discussed, the mechanisms
for analysing the fi ndings may take a number of forms
that may also include statistical analysis, if numerical
scales have been utilised, which is often the case
when undertaking general health and safety workplace
inspections.