Fire Risk Assessment in Community Halls and Licensed Premises 5th December 2014 Fire Protection Department Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Dave Gould GIFireE FdSc MCMI Fire Protection Manager

Aims & Objectives Your Responsibilities under the FSO Some Definitions Simple 5 Step Fire Risk Assessment What you should Consider in the FRA Guidance Documents

Community Halls & Licensed Premises: A Community Hall or Licensed Premises requires a ‘suitable and sufficient’ Fire Risk Assessment ; Significant Findings Must Be Recorded under : The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 If The premises is subject to a licence i.e. Premises Licence under Licensing Act 2003 or if 5 or more persons are employed by the ‘Responsible Person’

Community Halls & Licensed Premises Definitions: ‘Relevant Person’ – Any person who is lawfully on the premises or within the vicinity. ‘Responsible Person’- The person who has control of the premises e.g. Landlord, owner, agent but could be the Chair of Management Committee. ‘Competent and Capable’ person- A person who has the knowledge and experience or training to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment

5 Step Fire Risk Assessment Process What are the fire hazards in the premises ? .i.e smoking / heaters / naked flames / cooking Who is at risk ? (members of the public / staff / volunteers / children & people with disabilities ) What is your plan to keep people safe and reduce the risk ? Can you remove or eliminate the hazard and therefore the risk . What is your Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Record Plan and Train : keep a record of your ‘significant findings’. What were the hazards and what have you done to control them to bring the risk down to a ‘tolerable level’. Maintain your Fire Risk Assessment : its a living document so review and update it . If risks change or you think its no longer valid.

Main Areas For Consideration Emergency Action Plan or Event Management Plan Fire protection for areas of ‘High Fire Risk’. Method of raising the Alarm ( ‘Shout’ , Hand Gong or BS5839) : Audible in all Areas. Emergency Lighting :Escape Routes Firefighting Equipment : Kitchens etc Fire Exit Signage ( Maintained / Non –maintained )

Testing Fire alarms should be tested weekly and inspected annually. Final Exits : panic fastenings / push bars tested weekly. Emergency lighting should be tested monthly and fully tested annually. Fire fighting equipment should be examined weekly and tested annually. All annual tests / inspections must be carried out by a competent person. All should be recorded in a Fire Log Book .

Other Considerations Risk of Arson and Fire Setting in the area ? Ensuring the final exits are available at all times and don’t require a key to get out . Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Cookers, grill pans etc are regularly cleaned to ensure there is not a build up of fat which can easily ignite.

Co-operation & Co-ordination The Staff & Volunteers Users of the Facility (Community Groups) Public who Hire Premises for their use Contractors & Self Employed Other Managers / Responsible Persons who share the premises

Community Halls and Licensed Premises There are a series of guides available for use and are FREE to download as well as a template for completing the assessment. Website addresses: Guides: www.GOV.uk/firesafetylaw Templates: www.hertsdirect.org/fire

Fire safety advice for business premises, fire law guidance, fire risk assessment checklist – Communities and Local Government (CLG): www.gov.uk Risk assessment and electrical testing guidance: Health & Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk Advice on fire prevention Hertfordshire County Council www.hertsdirect.org/fire Fire Industry Association www.fia.uk.com Fire Protection Association www.thefpa.co.uk

Community Halls and Licensed Premises Any Questions ? Thank You