Nebosh Fire & Risk Management Essay

There are a number of standard combustibles around the site all of which are not accessible to the public. There is an ongoing history of vandalism and arson attack on this particular site along with an ongoing major reconstruction and refurbishment of the building and site. However, in areas under NTR management there are good controls and housekeeping practices in place with the majority of fuels being routinely cleared and stored in the correct manner, ignition sources are generally few though some attention is necessary for the venue electrical infrastructure. Therefore an overall risk rating of medium to high is allocated dependant on the intensity of the ongoing capital project works. If the suggested electrical maintenance and upgrade measures are undertaken then this will be reduced to a low/medium risk. Assessment of risk of fire spread – H/M/L with justification In general there is a good level of compartmentation within the front of house areas of the building over the first two floors (public areas), currently due to breaches in external walls to the auditorium there is now a risk to the internal staff working within the two main office spaces over the upper two floors, this new risk requires the installation of two new temporary walls. The high degree of separation in FOH areas balanced by the very large open auditorium space and roof void create a risk rating of medium/high due to the ever changing risk from site works. Upon completion of the recommendation of compartmentalisation of the roof void and along with making good all minor/medium breaches in fire doors and compartmentation this risk rating will fall to medium until completion of capital rebuild operations. With the balance in maintaining modern fire safety standards in a historic heritage buildings with alternate restrictions this may be a continual problem in bringing the fire safety standards up to levels expected under Approved Document B. Assessment of risk to persons from fire – H/M/L with justification Due to there being a well tested fire detection system in place throughout all areas of the venue and with 24 hour monitoring of detection systems, then in general the risk to occupants is low. However as there is ongoing refurbishment of internal and external areas which implies new fire hazards this risk should be assessed as being medium overall. Though there is a higher level of risk to lesser abled occupants of the cafe spaces there is in place suitable controls to safeguard visitors, staff working in office spaces are no at increased risk with there now only being a single route of escape for each office though this is soon to be remedied and as such the risk is maintained at medium rather than high. Management systems are due to be heavily changed with the ever changing natures of the building and its reconstruction, regular amendments to the Fire Safety Policy & Arrangements will be necessary in order to uphold fire safety. This is the best time to spot personal/public (fire) safety failings in elements of the building and put right as a whole. Fire risk assessment review date – with justification (based on the findings of the fire risk assessment) With the ever changing nature of the venue during the major reconstruction and restoration process it is best that review takes place within 3 months or with any notable change in operations or introduction of new fire hazards. Further I would suggest a meeting between the NTR H&S Working Party monthly with the Project Management team in order to address highlighted concerns and to plan for upcoming hazards likely to take place on site during the course of its workings. All in house requirements under this assessments should be reviewed for adequate completion in 3 months also to assess sufficiency.