Fire Safety Risk Assessment

A number of shocking incidents involving fire have highlighted the need to better manage risks in buildings. David Adkins, managing director at Risk Warden, explains why some organisations need to give compliance with statutory regulations more focus and how the use of state-of-the-art online risk assessment tools can help to ensure that a building is as safe as possible. The Grenfell Tower disaster in London, in which 72 people lost their lives, brought the subject of fire safety into sharp focus. A government review into building regulations in the wake of this tragedy, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, made it clear that competence – defined as a combination of knowledge, skills and experience – underpins safety for all. It also found that that the current regulatory system is not fit for purpose and, with little or no quality monitoring, has created a situation where poor language confuses guidance with regulation and means that there is an overlapping regulatory enforcement framework. Why you need a fire safety action plan Sadly, Grenfell was not an isolated incident and similar events have occurred throughout the world. In 2017 a fire at a 17-storey commercial building in Iran led to multiple deaths, including those of 18 firefighters, while in 2015 16 people died in a fire in a residential building in Azerbaijan. Perhaps what is most concerning is that these types of events have been regularly occurring for many years – in 2010 a fire in a 28-storey tower block in China killed 53 people and injured at least 90, while in 2004 a fire at a care home in Scotland led directly to the deaths of 14 residents. The inquiry concluded that this tragedy could have been prevented by a suitable fire safety action plan. These examples highlight why it is vital to take the issue of safety seriously by undertaking a formal risk assessment. Put simply, if risks aren’t identified, a building’s occupants are in danger. There are a number of important pieces of legislation relating to this area in the UK including The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which contain a consistent set of requirements. Employers also have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. The Grenfell Tower disaster in London, in which 72 people lost their lives, brought the subject of fire safety into focus Responsibility for fire risk assessment When it comes to the dangers associated specifically with fire, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) places the onus on a designated responsible person within an organisation to carry out regular assessments to identify, manage and reduce the potential danger posed by fire. Article 9 of the RRFSO states that "The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions he/she needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him/her by or under this order". Any failure that leads to loss of life, personal injury or damage to property will expose a responsible person and could lead to prosecution. Outside fire risk assessors If the responsible person does not have the knowledge to carry out a fire risk assessment on his or her own, it will be necessary to call on a competent outside fire risk assessor. However, as Article 18 of the RRFSO points out, "Preference is to be given to a suitable competent person in the responsible person’s employment over a person not in their employment". Just as importantly, it states that, "A person is to be regarded as competent where they have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable them properly to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures". If an outside fire risk assessor is employed then the responsible person must undertake due diligence to ensure that the individual concerned is competent and has successful track record in this line of work. Failure to do so can have enormous repercussions like, for example, in 2017 when a former firefighter and professional fire risk assessor was given a sentence of four months in prison suspended for 12 months for providing a ‘woefully inadequate’ fire risk assessment in his capacity as a private consultant. Failure to undertake due diligence when employing a fire risk assessor can have legal consequences Monitoring and reviewing fire risk It is up to the responsible person to put processes and procedures in place to enable compliance to be fully evidenced. This includes keeping up to date records of testing and maintenance regimes that can be scrutinised by relevant enforcement authorities, as well as enabling the responsible person to monitor, control and periodically review the fire risk assessment, especially during and after significant changes to the use or layout of a building. At the moment there are no hard and fast rules as to how fire risk assessments should be carried out. However, the most important requirement is to identify the fire hazards and how people could be at risk. In addition, emergency routes and exits, fire detection and warning systems, fire fighting equipment, the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances, and the needs of vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with disabilities must be factored in. The aim should always be to remove or reduce the risks as much as is 'reasonably practicable'. A failure to provide satisfactory evidence that a comprehensive risk assessment has taken place could result in invalid insurance, large fines and even the prosecution of any individuals responsible. To that end Article 11 of the RRFSO states that "The responsible person must make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, having regard to the size of his/her undertaking and the nature of its activities, for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures". Today’s state-of-the-art solutions are structured around an intuitive internet-based interface Risk assessment and compliance tools Sometimes, particularly with large buildings or campus environments, the complexity of the risk assessment process requires a more methodical approach that takes subjectivity out of the process. When it comes to satisfying the requirements of Article 11 of the RRFSO where "the responsible person must record the arrangements", the latest generation of intuitive risk assessment and compliance tools can help. Today’s state-of-the-art solutions are structured around an intuitive internet-based interface, which allows a responsible person to be guided through the entire risk assessment process in a clear and thorough manner. This is a significant improvement on the old fashioned ‘pen and paper’ approach, as digital images can be captured and placed directly into a report at the relevant section, while templates for specific building types ensure consistency throughout. This simplifies the identification, management and prevention of any risks related to not only fire, but security, and health and safety too, thereby reducing the potential for danger within a wide variety of environments. It should always be remembered that the risk assessment is only the first stage of the process and where traditional methods often fall down is in taking – or not taking, as the case may be – any necessary remedial action. Online tools provide a more cohesive approach, as once the risk assessment has been completed all work undertaken is clearly outlined, logged and accounted for to comply with audits. This provides evidence of compliance and ensures organisations meet their legal obligations, validate their insurance, take a consistent approach to risk management and provide peace of mind for a responsible person. Making buildings safer There is a clear need for a digital record of risk assessment compliance for the whole life of a building – from design and construction through to occupation. As assessing risk can be a lengthy and complicated process, anything that makes this easier and enhances an organisation’s ability to negate the likelihood of injury or even death should be embraced. It stands to reason that risk management must be more strictly applied in order to prevent incidents that could be avoided – therefore, the use of online risk assessment and compliance tools should be at the forefront when it comes to making buildings safer.

NFPA hires new public education leader to oversee fire and life safety education The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) appointed Andrea Vastis as senior director of Public Education. Vastis will oversee NFPA’s well-respected wildfire and home fire education programs. NFPA’s public and fire education programs The Seekonk, Massachusetts resident has held various roles in public health education, and has a long history of innovating education programs and fostering rewarding partnerships. Her ability to oversee strategic, purposeful planning, and management of interdisciplinary teams makes her a great fit for the role of leading NFPA’s public education and wildfire outreach teams. Most recently, Vastis worked for CVS Health, where she oversaw product development and promoted the role of the pharmacist in the healthcare industry. In a previous position at CVS, Vastis expanded the scope of services for the brand’s MinuteClinic within the retail health setting. Vastis also spent six years as an assistant professor and program coordinator for Community Health Education at Rhode Island College where she elevated the profile of the program and helped to transition the field of study from a concentration to its own major. Her passion for health and safety goes back to the 1990s when she worked as a senior health promotion specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Health, and as a health educator for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Wildfire protection “The energy, insight and expertise that Andrea brings to the table is exactly what NFPA is seeking to further our efforts to reach the public with lifesaving information,” NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli said. “Our public education programs have been instrumental in helping reduce loss from fire for more than a century. However, as the public is more complacent about fire and overloaded with lots of messages in lots of formats, it is critical that we develop innovative strategies and collaborate with others to deliver fire safety messages that resonate with the public and gets them to take action to be safer from harm. I have great confidence in Andrea’s ability to lead NFPA’s public education division into the future.” In her new role, Vastis oversees Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health campaign which began in 1922 In her new role, Vastis oversees Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health campaign which began in 1922. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is ‘Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.’ The campaign works to educate individuals and communities about three basic but essential steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of having a fire – and to escape safely in the event of one. Vastis will also direct NFPA’s wildfire efforts including the organisation’s Firewise USA program, which teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses. There are more than 1,500 recognised Firewise USA communities across the nation working proactively so that people and property are prepared and protected against the threat of wildfire. Fire and life safety education “NFPA is the go-to authority for fire and life safety educational content, tools, and resources. I am excited to work with the public education and wildfire teams, and organisations that share NFPA’s mission so that we can collectively save lives and reduce loss,” Vastis said. “My primary goal is to “engage, inform, and activate the public.” Vastis has a Bachelor of Science from Rhode Island College, a Master of Public Health in Social Behavioral Sciences from Boston University. Additionally, she is on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence, Rhode Island.

NFPA’s fire safety recommendations for revelers for the 4th of July celebrations With the Fourth of July fast approaching and the summer months upon us, indulging in barbecues, holiday parties and swimming often top the list of activities to enjoy during the summer season. To help everyone do so safely, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding people about potential summer fire and electrical hazards and providing tips and recommendations to minimise them. “By knowing where potential fire and electrical hazards exist during the summer months and taking the needed steps to prevent them, people can enjoy activities such as grilling, swimming and celebrating the Fourth of July while keeping their families, guests and homes safe,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of NFPA’s Outreach and Advocacy Division. Following are NFPA’s summer-related safety statistics and tips: Fireworks NFPA recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals  NFPA recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Fireworks annually cause devastating burns, injuries, fires, and even death, making them too dangerous to be used safely by consumers. On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for nearly half of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2017 Fireworks Annual Report, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2016. There were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle rockets. Sparklers were the most common type of fireworks causing injury to pre-schoolers, and 400 of the 900 sparkler injuries were related to children under five years old. Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2016. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July and 58 percent grill on Labor Day Grilling Fire Safety All types of grills pose a risk for fires and burn injuries. According to NFPA statistics, July is the peak month for grilling fires followed by May, June and August. Roughly 9,600 home grill fires were reported per year. The leading causes were a failure to clean, using the grill too close to something that could burn or having things that could catch fire too close to the grill, and unattended grill use. Leaks were the leading cause of gas grill fires. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July and 58 percent grill on Labor Day. The following are tips for grillers: The grill should be placed well away the home or deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. The grill should also be a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Have a three-foot (1 meter) “kid-free zone” around the grill. Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays below. Never leave your grill unattended. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) Electric Shock Drowning happens when marina or onboard electrical systems leak electric current into the water. The current then passes through the body and causes paralysis. When this happens, a person can no longer swim and ultimately drowns. Here are tips for swimmers and boat owners: Tips for swimmers Never swim near a marina, dock or boatyard, or near a boat while it’s running. Obey all “no swimming” signs on docks. Tips for boat owners Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification. Each year, and after a major storm that affects the boat, have the boat’s electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician to be sure it meets the required codes of your area, including the American Boat & Yacht Council. Make the necessary repairs if recommended.

NFPA-IAFC-NVFC unveil joint fire service safety initiative The “Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz” Sweepstakes is back as part of the annual Safety Stand Down campaign. Hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety Health & Survival Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the interactive online quiz emphasises the importance of the 2018 Safety Stand Down theme, “Be Aware – Get Checked.” Fire Service Safety Stand Down The NFPA, IAFC and NVFC are asking all fire and emergency services personnel to take the 2018 quiz, which will be available June 22 through July 9 at www.nfpa.org/fireservicequiz. The quiz contains 15 questions related to being aware of your health and getting annual check-ups, with a focus on firefighter physicals, NFPA 1582 and the IAFC Roadmap to Firefighter Health and Wellness. Everyone who completes the quiz will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a limited-edition challenge coin commemorating this year’s Safety Stand Down theme. IAFC-NVFC joint fire safety initiative Safety Stand Down is a joint educational and awareness initiative of the IAFC and NVFC. This year’s event takes place June 17-23, and departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during this week to focus on training and education relating to health and safety. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and personnel can participate. With this year’s theme, members of the fire and emergency services are encouraged to focus on understanding, implementing and monitoring a comprehensive annual medical/physical and navigating the Road Map to Firefighter Health and Wellness. Topic information, training materials and videos will be available at www.SafetyStandDown.org, the official website for the Safety Stand Down event. “The 2018 Safety Stand Down highlights the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for individuals to be aware of their health by having annual medical physicals,” said Curt Floyd, NFPA’s fire service technical lead and a former fire chief. “NFPA applauds the NVFC and the IAFC for reminding firefighters and command staff that it is their responsibility to continue to remain vigilant in their awareness of their personal health and wellness throughout their careers.”

NFPA 720 CO detection and warning system to be inducted into 2019 edition of NFPA 72 Upon adjournment of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Meeting in Las Vegas, the requirements of NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment are one step closer to issuance by the Standards Council as incorporated into the 2019 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 720, which has worked to minimise occupant risk to carbon monoxide in homes and other occupancies since it was first issued in 2003, will be withdrawn once the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 is issued by the Standards Council this August. National Fire Protection Association Several NFPA task groups and technical committees have diligently worked over the past three years to integrate the requirements of NFPA 720 into NFPA 72, with the goal of providing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in a single, comprehensive document. “Having two separate alarm system documents on different revision cycles has proved confusing and inefficient for code officials, enforcers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) responsible for implementing and enforcing the codes’ requirements in their states and jurisdictions,” said Richard Roux, senior electrical specialist at NFPA. “Providing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in one document will help make their work much easier and more streamlined.”  Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm Some 38 states currently adopt or reference NFPA 720, which requires carbon monoxide detection in homes Some 38 states currently adopt or reference NFPA 720, which requires carbon monoxide detection in homes. Some states only require that carbon monoxide alarms be installed in new home construction, while others only require carbon monoxide alarm installations when there is an attached garage or similar construction. Some of these requirements are the result of state statute, while others are amendments to a state’s building code. Roux emphasizes the importance of making sure that states and jurisdictions are aware of NFPA 720 being rolled into NFPA 72. NFPA 720 “All stakeholders who adopt or reference NFPA 720 need to know about the upcoming changes, so they can make the necessary adjustments and continue delivering carbon monoxide protection to the states and/or jurisdictions they serve,” said Roux. “At NFPA, we’re doing all we can to make sure we get the word out, and we strongly encourage anyone with a vested interest in this issue to do the same.” An article in the May/June 2018 issue of NFPA Journal, ‘Smarter About Smoke’, provides a complete overview of key changes to the 2019 NFPA 72, including the integration of NFPA 720.

NFPA introduces CodeFinder tool to reference international codes and standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released CodeFinder, a new interactive online tool that identifies the NFPA codes and standards that are in effect in U.S. municipalities or counties, as well as in regions of Canada, South America, Latin America and the Middle East. Keeping up with new hazards, changing technologies and best practices is essential when it comes to optimising safety; but for busy building, design, electrical, emergency response, fire protection and industrial practitioners, it can be daunting to stay current on the codes being enforced in a given country, state or region. CodeFinder helps users around the globe identify the NFPA codes and standards in effect, including those referenced in other codes. The tool considers the data available at the state level, in cities with more than a quarter million in population and in counties with over one million in population (or the largest municipalities in the state). The tool also identifies the NFPA codes and standards being used in countries outside the United States. NFPA Conference & Expo  At this week’s NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, President and CEO Jim Pauley highlighted the new tool, and emphasized the important role that codes, and standards play in the fire and life safety ecosystem. Pauley called for greater government responsibility; a commitment to using current codes and standards globally; safety prioritisation; a skilled workforce; code compliance and enforcement; well-resourced emergency preparedness and response support; and increased public education efforts. "CodeFinder was developed so that those charged with fire and life safety can easily access up-to-date safety benchmarks and help reduce risk in our world" “Codes and standards are developed by experts from around the globe to ensure a minimum level of safety. Current editions of codes incorporate learnings from new research, case studies, loss experience, and innovation. By applying the most recent codes and standards, we will ensure that people and property get the level of protection that they expect and deserve,” Pauley said. “CodeFinder was developed so that those charged with fire and life safety can easily access up-to-date safety benchmarks and help reduce risk in our world.” CodeFinder online code-locator tool  CodeFinder utilises color-coded mapping, a convenient hovering feature, and filtering by jurisdiction. Users can also search by topic or by the most frequently used NFPA codes and standards. There is even a place for users to provide code information, if the information is not already included within CodeFinder. The new digital code-finding tool includes International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and International Code Council (ICC) information, as well as the NFPA codes and standards that are referenced within those IAPMO and ICC documents. The referenced NFPA documents are considered part of those codes – and, as such, should be enforced to ensure complete compliance and the ultimate level of safety. CodeFinder also references the NFPA documents that are in use in Canadian provinces and territories, as well as in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia and the United American Emirates. Color-coded mapping Designed to be informational and educational, CodeFinder does not provide a comprehensive or exhaustive list of codes and standards usage, nor are amendments to those codes and standards reflected in the tool. The color-coding on the map reflects only the most up-to-date edition of a particular code or standard incorporated by any authority having jurisdiction. Prior to using the new NFPA resource, users will be prompted to review more details and disclaimers for CodeFinder.

The Fire Risk Assessment infographic details the responsibilities of employers and building owners towards fire safety The Fire Risk Assessment Network have released a new infographic detailing the responsibilities of employers, building owners or occupiers with regards to fire safety at the workplace. The visually compelling, easy-to-understand infographic also includes information about general safety hazards, fire risk assessments and the law. It is of the utmost importance that those responsible for workplaces and other buildings, which are open to public access, can avoid fires by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures, including carrying out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. Mitigating risks The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to identify the fire hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate, remove or reduce the risks, record your findings, prepare an emergency plan, provide training and review and update regularly. The infographic provided by the Fire Risk Assessment Network details the three things that fires need to start, and what procedures that employers must follow to combat these three things. The complete infographic explores what the ways are to carry out a fire risk safety assessment, and different studies, guidance and information for business owners to be safe. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 helps promote fire safety in England and Wales, and this infographic hopes to help others know more about fire safety.