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MJ Wigan  
#1 Posted : 16 October 2023 12:26:02(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
MJ Wigan

I know this is a tricky one without seeing the building however we propose to open a pop up night shelter in the lower floor of a local church. The space will sleep up to 20 males , there will be no cooking facilities on site only the use of a microwave and kettle by security staff and is generally low risk. There is only one fire exit to this area . I have looked at guidance online which suggests that 1 exit is acceptable for travel distances no more than 25 meters , which i beleive it is. The reason for the one exit is that access to rest the of the church needs to be prevented for security reasons. We will be conducting our own fire risk assessment for the sleeping accommodation but there are no specific risks , this is just pop up beds from 6pm-8am . Ive tried to download relevant standrads but cant get hold of any free copy of BS999 which i saw mentioned in a similar post. the space has manual call points , fire alarm and extinguishers. We will get the local fire brigade in for advice but trying to pre empt any potentional problems we may not have considered should anyone have any thoughts ?

antbruce001  
#2 Posted : 16 October 2023 12:51:46(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
antbruce001

Firstly, the (free) guidance you need is at the website below;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-sleeping-accommodation

Secondly, with less than 60 people a single exit may well be acceptable. If it's only 20 there should be no problems at all.

You may have to justify how you will make sure everyone hears the alarm, as the volume of the alarm sounders will normally need to be louder for sleepers, as is measured at the bedhead. But, if you have staff awake all night (or they sleep very close to a sounder themselves), then your fire risk assessor may be able to justify the existing alarm on the basis that verbal instruction to wake and evacuate may be adequate.

The above is based on very limited information and other factors may invalidate the advice given.

Hope it helps,

Tony.

MJ Wigan  
#3 Posted : 16 October 2023 13:08:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
MJ Wigan

Thankyou Tony , yes the Security will be awake all night and each person will receive an induction to the shelter which will cover fire safety . We will of course wait to see what the fire brigade say but based on what i have read it seams that we will be ok 

firesafety101  
#4 Posted : 17 October 2023 11:36:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Along with the FRA you will need PEEPS for any persons needing assistance to evacuate.  Your security people would need training to assist them.

John D C  
#5 Posted : 18 October 2023 13:17:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
John D C

When you say there is only one fire exit are you including the entrance door otherwise you have two exits as all exits can be used.
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