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Posted By John Hewitt
Has anyone a view on the need for fire drills in Churches.
The Governmnet's guide to the new regs suggests that for a small to medium sized place of assembly various training is required for staff of which fire drill practice is listed as one of the items. Interpreting this into a small to medium sized church premises this training would be required for Stewards and leader who may have duties, say, as fire marshalls. However for simple premises the training need be no more than simply walking around and showing people where the fire exits are.
In offering voluntary advice to such an organisation I intend to do just this after we have appointed responsible people. I would also propose giving basic fire extinguisher training but instructing folk not to put themselves in to danger. Fire marshalls would check toilets and other rooms where people may be. One of the problems is that responsible people need to be appointed for every group that use the premises, e.g. scouts, brownies, women's group, bowling group, etc. some of whom rent rooms and are not otherwise connected with the main occupier. Another problem is casual lettings.
Any opinion would be welcome, especially over the need to test evacuation procedures. Due to the age of the congregation I have, for put such testing on hold as there would be a risk of serious injury should anyone fall or be taken ill.
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Posted By FJ
Have they done a thorough fire risk assessment?
Are there written instructions given to all groups?
Is there anyway that at the start of a service , even once a year, things could briefly be mentioned (churches are not immune from fires!)?
With the increase in vandalism/attacks on churches and the way many are left isolated during much of the week it is vital that this is tackled fully.
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Posted By David Bannister
My wife works in a place of religious assembly. They have chosen to invite (summon) all the user groups to send a couple of representatives to a fire awareness training session.
It appears that a bit of my work has rubbed off on to her and she has been pushing for this. The local fire officer's advice was the deciding factor though!
It has not yet taken place so sorry, no details.
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Posted By Garry Homer
Having once been a Churchwarden I appreciate your concern. At that time some years ago I was under the impression the main church building that is used for services alone was exempt.
This was from the response I kept getting to my questions about why the Fire Brigade made valid suggestions about our hall that was separate from the main building but had nothing to say about the single door access and extensive wood furnishings and floors in the church. A serious fire in that doorway would trap us all but this may not be a probable location for a fire, tiled floor and mostly stone walls and no soft furnishings. The ceiling is some 25 - 35 feet above so there would not be an initial accumulation of smoke.
I did insist the propane bottles used by the youth groups when they went camping that were stored in the boiler room in the basement were removed. Not a popular decision but necessary for fire insurance and plain common sense without any real need to refer to the regs on safe storage of LPG.
There was always talk of extending the main building to provide more facilities and that would provide an alternative escape route, but sadly, nothing came of those plans.
We did create a meeting room in the basement and provide a fire escape door through a 4 foot thick wall.
The hall that is used by many different groups is inspected annually and each group is instructed to leave the building via the nearest three sets of double doors - main entrance and 2 escape doorways. We have extinguishers placed as required by the Fire Brigade but we do not encourage anyone to use them. One group with toddlers had regular fire drills, a requirement of her organisation.
Generally, I did not have much concern about regular users, but one off hire for birthday parties was more of a concern where 12 to 15 year olds did not want too much adult supervision by their parents. We insisted their should be a minimum of 6 adults present. That way each exit, kitchen and the toilets could be supervised. It also kept out local youths that would be attracted by the music.
Garry
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Posted By Phillip
As one has to minimise ignition sources. To comply with the spirit of the Fire Order should the use of lit candles in services be prohibited?
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Posted By Ian_Phillips
I hope I read that comment on candles in the 'spirit' it was intended.....!
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Posted By Sally
It is maybe taking this post a little off topic but I was interested to notice in Spain that they don't have real flame candles in the churches but use electric imitations. so instead of lighting a candle you put 1 euro in a slot and a little electric tea light lights up.
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Posted By Karen Wilson
John - we conduct drill on an annual basis at our church. We record details of instruction given, effectiveness of the drill etc, call point alarm tests, have assembly points identified, check the emergency lighting. During the week the activities held within our church are open to non-members, members of the public at luncheon clubs. More importantly it is a place of work for those working in the community kitchen etc. The HSE also have a useful document for Voluntary organisations and health and safety therien.
Contact me should you wish to discuss further.
Karen
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