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chris42  
#1 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:25:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

We have had a Fire risk assessment carried out and one recommendation is to contact the Local Fire Brigade and inform them of the hazards at our site. However I was reading recently that you should not call your local fire brigade number, but use the 999 number as response may come from another area. If this is true it seems it would be better not to contact the local brigade as such, but simply have site specific information available to hand out when they arrive. We were asked to do this by the fire brigade where I worked previously anyway. The problem I have is what to put the documentation in, so it can live outside all year by the assembly point / entrance. Laminating paper only works for a while before it dies and Internet searches only come up with something that appears to go on a truck. Have any of you come across a product that does this or found some other way of storing the info ( recycling something would tick a number of boxes so to speak - shame Pringle crisp type boxes are not water tight, what an excuse). I'm happy to sort out the info inside it is just the container that I'm struggling with. Or do people advise not to do this for some reason. Any helpful suggestions ? Chris
Andrew W Walker  
#2 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:33:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Hi Chris I found these when I was looking at a similar system. http://www.solentplastic...and-airtight-kegs-drums/ Ta Andy
Kate  
#3 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:36:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I've seen them in the form of a zipped, thick plastic bag, labelled "Fire wallet". Currently our local fire brigade are happy for us to store it indoors and have asked for it to be in a red box file!
Matthew Fisher  
#4 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:38:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Matthew Fisher

Hi Chris, Firstly, I would definitely 100% NOT recommend calling 999 just to inform them of the hazards on site. I would ring the local brigade, yes it may well be another service attending, but they are still able to get information from the local forces, but also Definitely have all of the information in a fire folder etc. For many of my sites I have a fire folder, which contains all of the relevant information, and this folder in kept inside the offices, within this I also include the fire alarm test results, site plans, location of hazards, fire escape routes, location of PFE's, roll call sheets etc. etc. etc. so having this outside is in my opinion a waste as I wont contain half of the information that it should do. I have never come across fire information being stored outside. The information should be continually reviewed, and if in the event of an evacuation the information taken to the assembly point, to where the fire service can obtain that information. This way, 1 the information won't go missing when you need it most, and 2 is continually reviewed and updated so that if it were ever needed, it is containing the most accurate and up to date information.
Matthew Fisher  
#5 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:44:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Matthew Fisher

Other sites that I know of, have what is called a 'grab bag' and this is just a easily identifiable (kept in the same place) bag that contains the same information all fire information packs/folders/bags should. It doesn't really matter what the information is contained within, as long as those responsible for passing this information to the fire service, know where it is etc.
Ron Hunter  
#6 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:51:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

I think you're barking up the wrong tree here. You should inform about specific hazards, e.g. copy of asbestos register, position of flammable gases etc. Fire Service will then upload to database accessible in all appliance cabs. This ensures appropriate response and that arrive suitably informed and prepared. That reading up is done during the journey, not on-site!
Kate  
#7 Posted : 06 January 2016 15:56:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I have seen this outside, in the format I described (a weatherproof bag) - but only as a duplicate copy in a secure area on a back-up emergency access route into a COMAH site. Normally it would indeed be indoors. Completely agree about not calling 999 to give information! Yes they do load information about hazards, occupancy etc, on to their database, however they also like to have easily readable paper plans of the building, and other information, available on entry. Well mine do anyway! Specifically they've recently asked me to provide plans showing the fire alarm zones.
chris42  
#8 Posted : 06 January 2016 16:18:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

Thanks all Andrew yes that was the sort of thing in my head, but the other responses have put some doubt if outside is the best place. I was thinking outside to prevent anyone not going directly out, but going back or back in to get this info. Ie person in office is in toilet or workshop or out having cigarette etc etc. So your link may still be a good one. Kate In the back of my mind I may have seen a fire wallet, slightly puzzled by the red box file. If you did, why not just have the box file and dispense with the fire wallet. However I just googled "fire Wallet" and was surprised by the fact you can get wallet with flames that come out of it- try it ! Sorry Mathew I didn't perhaps write what I meant clearly, I was not suggesting call 999 just to make them aware of hazards, but in a real fire situation. Then if it may not be the local crew it seemed pointless pre warning them, but better to just give those that do arrive useful info. Realistically this is no big chemical site, but we do have a Oxy acetylene set and a couple of other thing they should know about, but easy enough to put on a plan etc. In my last place I have a vague recollection of a large Tupperware box behind the assembly point, with torch and other useful stuff as well as the documents ( not on boundary fence though). Just seen your last post Kate, didn't realise they had a database of info ( so will that print out and they bring it with them). This is not a big site only 6 employees there generally, I would not have thought they would be that interested in us. Interesting responses all though, thanks Chris
Safety Smurf  
#9 Posted : 06 January 2016 16:26:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Hi Chris, They don't need to print it. they can access it from a computer in the cab. A lot of FRS are doing the rounds at the moment gathering the information they need for their database. It might be a while before they get to you with such low occupancy numbers but it would depend on other factors.
Andrew W Walker  
#10 Posted : 06 January 2016 16:40:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

When we had a 7(2)d visit from the FRS they asked us to have a folder on site with all the relevant information in there- as well as e-mailing them so they had a soft copy. Fortunately we have 24 hour security so its easy to leave it in the lodge. At the time were looking at closing the site completely at weekends- so there would not be any access to the folder. It was at this point that I looked at the waterproof container. Kept in a box with a numbered seal on there- this was checked on a weekly basis. Had we have gone down this route the FRS were quite happy with the box solution on site. Andy
Ian A-H  
#11 Posted : 06 January 2016 17:39:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Ian  A-H

Fire and Rescue services have a duty under the Fire Services Act to collect (in advance) information on properties they are likely to attend, which was often known as 7(2)d visits - no surprise this refers to the relevant section in the Act. Now they collect Site Specific Risk Information (SSRI) - same thing as above and you all know the type of information needed. One important inclusion should be a simple line drawing of each storey - not an architect's drawing - too complicated. They want information on compartmentation, hazards and shut-of valves, access, water supplies etc. This will be displayed on the Mobilisation system in the cab (some systems can print) but in either case the resolution is not great, hence the need for a simple drawing. Contact your local fire station and a watch manager will visit and collect the information to be uploaded on their system. For belt and braces you can provide the same info for neighbouring brigades on site. Some of our site use a Gerda Box, they come with a break glass key, so you need to think about security, though.
Kate  
#12 Posted : 06 January 2016 17:56:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Sorry to confuse, the zip-up fire wallet and the box file are containers in use at different places and at different times - it's one or the other not both! For us, we keep the fire wallet in Reception by the fire alarm panel. The fire service have indicated that they want to be met at Reception and not at the assembly point which is across the road. Therefore we designate someone to stay outside Reception to meet them, and that person can hand the fire wallet over. In my experience this is normal, they want to go straight to the entrance and talk to someone who knows what is going on and not to the assembly point.
Kate  
#13 Posted : 06 January 2016 18:02:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Yes they will be very keen to know where the oxy-acetylene is! They do have little hand-held gadgets to access the database from, however, there is nothing like having a decent sized paper copy of a floor plan in your hands as you investigate a building.
stuie  
#14 Posted : 06 January 2016 19:37:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stuie

Chris, I used to get the local fire safety officer involved at my previous employer - they would come and have a look around take away any info etc you should be able to google the local FRS and get a general number - then ask for the Fire Safety Officer. We used to have a lockable red plastic box with the emergency contingency plan and other relevant info in as well which if need the FRS could open quite easily :-) As an aside we used to arrange training sessions with them too when they would bring a crew out to 'practice' inside the factory. PM me if you want any other info. HTH a bit Stuart
toe  
#15 Posted : 07 January 2016 00:26:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
toe

Just to add - We had a FRS visit to one of our care homes last year, they requested technical floor plans for the building (autocad format) in which we had and sent to them. It wasn't until their next inspection in which they demonstrated why they wanted the plans. They have some sort of 'star trek' system that they have loaded our floor plans into. So when they get a 999 call to the care home during the journey they will load up the floor plans of the building onto their system, this then projects the building information onto the fire-fighters helmet visor, so when they enter the building they know where all the rooms are, and important information such as gas shut of valve etc.. It looked really impressive - fighter jet stuff. I think that they were the first FRS to get this in Scotland at the time.
chris42  
#16 Posted : 07 January 2016 09:11:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

Thanks all I didn't realise they had the ability to access information in the vehicle on the way. I will obviously do both now, inform the local station and have on site info. Still not wildly keen on people potentially having to go back into the building to get it though, as I have instructed everyone no to re enter the building or go and get their coats etc. I will discuss with them and go with whatever suggestion they make on location. Inside or outside. The bag does sound good if inside, and possibly the container from Andrews link if outside. Thanks All Chris
Matthew Fisher  
#17 Posted : 07 January 2016 09:39:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Matthew Fisher

Hi Chris, Normally the bag/file should be located within the office, to where there should always be someone already in the building. I would just advise the staff to obviously not put themselves in any danger by collecting the folder/bag. Its better to potentially be able to collect it if safe to do so, than just to not have an up to date one anyway.
A Kurdziel  
#18 Posted : 07 January 2016 10:31:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

As people said most fire brigades would appreciate a “grab bag” which should contain, upto date plans, locations of specific hazards, location of fire boards and fire man’s switches etc. Although they might have an electronic database, I bet you it is not upto date. You also should ask them to visit your site and they will usually appreciate such cooperation.
GerryT  
#19 Posted : 07 January 2016 14:07:38(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
GerryT

'Images projected onto helmet visors', this must be a wind up, how does that work when wearing a BA mask?
Guyzy1982  
#20 Posted : 07 January 2016 15:08:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Guyzy1982

We have an MOU with the loal fire brigade and offer familurisation tours as we have a large and complex premise, all this information i believe is on their Chem System fire officers carry but we also have a welcome pack at the main reception area which is given to the fire officer upon arrival. The pack contains the MOU which basically has all the buildings listed and any dangerous contents or substances inside (or out).
Redders  
#21 Posted : 07 January 2016 15:53:41(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Redders

You can get boxes that are attached to the outside of buildings to provide plans, risk information, etc. to the emergency services. Just google fire information box.
chris42  
#22 Posted : 07 January 2016 17:19:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

quote=Redders]You can get boxes that are attached to the outside of buildings to provide plans, risk information, etc. To the emergency services. Just google fire information box.
Thanks I was putting the word "document" in the search which brought up lots of things that were not what I wanted. However the first one after the search you suggested I clicked on is probably the most expensive red metal box I have ever seen (that didn't have wheels) or they have the decimal point in the wrong place. Having done a quick personal mental risk assessment, I think it would be dangerous for me to suggest it to the MD. Worth a look though. Thanks all Chris
toe  
#23 Posted : 07 January 2016 20:24:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
toe

GerryT wrote:
'Images projected onto helmet visors', this must be a wind up, how does that work when wearing a BA mask?
Seriously not a wind up.
mssy  
#24 Posted : 09 January 2016 06:11:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
mssy

The Gerda Premises Information Box is an effective way to store info for fire service use. Following criticism of a lack of plans at the Kings Cross fire Public Enquiry, London Underground use these at all stations and install them around 4m off the pavement level to deter vandals. Many other premises in London and elsewhere have followed their lead The LFB appliances all carry a key (Best check that your local Brigade do before buying a box) so can access the details upon arrival 24/7. Its all very well supplying your details to the fire service so they can add it to their clever databases, but the advantage of Premises Info Boxes is that you have control of their content and can amend them immediately. That is useful for temporary changes and prevents the time delay of several weeks in the fire service have to top up the info. In addition, if your premises is close to a border between Counties, the databases will almost certainly not be shared, whereas the boxes are available to all fire crews The idea that the fire service crew can access these details en route is fanciful. After getting rigged in PPE in a moving appliance and determining the route etc, it is difficult to do any more than access a summary of info when being thrown about in a fire engine cab perhaps in the dark. In addition, reading plans off of a screen is (IMHO) less effective that having hard copies available on scene. For example, when briefing a BA crew before they enter. More here http://www.gerdasecurity...ses-information-box.aspx
chris42  
#25 Posted : 11 January 2016 10:24:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

Thanks mssy, but that is the one I clicked on at a cost of about £1,000. http://www.thesafetysupp...y-grade---ge-hsspib.html I could not for the life of me see why it was so much. It is not like it has to actually be fire proof itself. For some reason a selling point was that if you used too much force of the handle it would come off. I guess security, but I would want a robot fire fighter inside it for that amount. I was just looking for something that would keep say a dozen document dry outside. So a bag / red box file inside or a plastic container as per Andrew / or even the truck one I found for under £30 ( not sure about the proper grab bag that may be more). I guess the highly public area you note a proper box is fine, just seemed extortionate. I sort of consider company money like my own and I want good value for money. Chris
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