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Posted By Brenda H
Sorry, me again!
A few more questions which I hope you can answer.
I have scouted guidance, however, it isn't entirely clear to me whether there is a black or white answer (unlikely!), or whether it's situation based!
1) External escape door - Small premises, 3-4 office rooms, handful of staff. Front door is mainly glass, locked by a key at night, no push bar.
Rear door is a wooden door, locked by key, no push bar etc.
Both doors are routinely unlocked in the morning.
This is acceptable isn't it?
2) Does the front escape door have to have a green fire escape sign even though the office is small and it's fairly obvious that it's the door out?
This room could be frequented by members of the public as well as staff.
3) Do fire warning alarms have to be tested weekly? Could it be monthly or longer for smaller premises?
4) Fire extinguishers, for premises with less than 200m2 floorspace, but with two exits. Would it be advised to have extinguishers by both exits, especially as the space near the back exit is higher risk as it is a small workshop?
5) Looking at classes of fires. Where do small workshops with a small holding of flammable substances fit in?
I have been through lots of guidance so please don't think I have! But couldn't decide what course of action was best for us based on the above information I have given!
Thanks, Brenda
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Posted By Berg Have you checked the Fire Safety Risk Assessment Offices and Shops guide, you can download from www.dca.gov.uk.It's a biggish doc but if you have less than 60 people and no major fire risks it's pretty simple. I can't answer you for def but a risk assessment will give you a sound basis to make your call. Doors must open in the direction of escape, ideally have a vision panel, if there is a process to ensure doors are unlocked when the building is occupied then this should suffice as long as you can demonstrate the process, e.g. records, nom persons etc. In simple premises a sign to show the alternative route / exit should be ok. Do a daily visual check of alarm systems, lights on panel, alrm points etc. A monthly functional test should be made but check with the system supplier for specific guidance on you system. Select your fire extinguishers using the Hazard info on your containers of flam material and COSHH Data sheets. I would advise to have fire extinguishers at both.
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Posted By Brenda H
Hi Berg,
Yes that is the guidance i've been trawling through and it is a risk assessment I am doing.
The questions i've posed are not clear, or there does not seem to be a mandatory requirement.
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Posted By Berg
Soz Brenda, didn't realise. The guide is directed at simple premises rather than bigger industrial etc so you can evaluate and make a judgement. On the info it seems you'd be low risk therefore arrangements don't need be too complicated.
Risk Assessment of use and storage of flam chems in the workshop will be the key and base your measure on that. As you have an alarm the supplier will give you all instructions you need.
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Posted By Ashley Wood
Hi,
As long as the fire exit is unlocked and easily openable when the building is occupied then this is ok. However, by a door being unlocked at the rear does this increase the arson risk for your premises (not knowing the location etc).
No you do not need a fire exit sign above the entrance door. You do need one above the rear door.
If you have an electronic fire alarm system installed then it must be tested weekly in accordance with BS5839 pt1 and the results recorded in a log book.
I would always advocate an extinguisher at each exit. For the rear I would recommend an AFFF foam, wall mounted at no higher than 1m from the ground with a 'use' sign next to it. Alternatively an ABC powder.
Best regards
Ashley Wood
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Posted By Brenda H
Hi there, thanks for the replies.
Think that answers my questions! :)
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Posted By Brenda H
Sorry, just re-reading, the alarm system is just a manual call point/siren system.
It's not a heat/smoke detection system.
Does the standard still apply?
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Posted By shaun mckeever
Yes
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