Case Study - Commercial
Case Study - Commercial
Vibrant Food
Background
One of our clients Vibrant Foods contacted us regarding doing fire risk assessments on 4 businesses they had recently purchased.
There were concerns about the general and fire risk these properties posed and needed a quick turn around to start any protection measures immediately to ensure business continuity.
We requested certain information regarding size, location, processes, occupation levels and any copies of previous fire risk assessments on the properties and carried out site visits
We then agreed a price for all 4 properties and a time frame for each property which they were happy to move forward with.
Our qualified registered assessors visited the properties and the client got a complete in depth PDF fire risk assessment upon completion of the reports and regular contact was made throughout to help compliance where possible.
Fire Risk Assessments for 4 separate premises.
Introduction
Businesses consisting of four distinct buildings required a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Each building has unique characteristics, functions, and risks. The primary goal of this assessment is to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate existing safety measures, and recommend improvements to ensure the safety of occupants and property and ensure legal compliance.
Business Complex Overview
Building A: Office Spaces
- Function: Administrative offices
- Floors 2
- Occupancy:100 employees
- Key Features: Open-plan offices, conference rooms, a small kitchen on each floor.
Building B: Manufacturing Unit
- Function:Production of electronic components
- Floors: 2
- Occupancy: 50 workers per shift
- Key Features:Assembly lines, storage of flammable materials, machinery.
Building C: Warehouse
- Function: Storage of finished goods
- Floors: 1
- Occupancy:10 warehouse staff
- Key Features: High racks, bulk storage, loading docks
Building D: Processing and Distribution unit.
- Function: Reception, meeting rooms, cafeteria and loading depot.
- Floors: 3
- Occupancy: 50 employees, numerous visitors daily mainly delivery drivers.
- Key Features: Lobby, open spaces, industrial kitchen facilities and racking.
Fire Risk Assessment Process
Identify Fire Hazards
Sources of Ignition:
- Building A: Electrical equipment, kitchen appliances
- Building B: Machinery, soldering stations, electrical panels
- Building C: Forklift batteries, lighting fixtures
- Building D: Kitchen appliances, electrical outlets
Sources of Fuel
- Building A: Paper, furniture, carpets
- Building B: Flammable chemicals, packaging materials
- Building C: Cardboard boxes, plastic wrapping
- Building D: Furniture, kitchen
Identify People at Risk
- Employees in all buildings
- Visitors in Building D
- Contractors and maintenance staff in all buildings
Evaluate Existing Fire Safety Measures
- Fire Detection and Warning Systems:**
- Smoke detectors, fire alarms in all buildings
- Firefighting Equipment:
- Fire extinguishers, hose reels, sprinkler systems
Emergency Exits:
- Clearly marked exits, evacuation routes, assembly points
- Training and Drills:
- Regular fire drills, staff training on fire safety procedures
Evaluate Risks and Develop an Action Plan**
Building A:
- Risk: High due to dense occupancy and electronic equipment
- Action: Ensure regular maintenance of electrical systems, install additional smoke detectors, conduct more frequent fire drills
Building B:
- Risk: Very high due to flammable materials and machinery
- Action: Implement strict storage protocols for flammable materials, upgrade fire suppression systems, provide specialized fire safety training for workers
Building C:
- Risk: Moderate due to the nature of storage
- Action: Ensure clear access to fire exits, maintain proper storage practices to minimize fire load, install additional fire extinguishers
Building D:
- Risk: High due to public access and kitchen facilities
- Action: Regularly inspect kitchen equipment, enhance fire detection in public areas, train staff on managing evacuations for visitors
Record Findings and Implement Recommendations
- Document all identified hazards, risk levels, and recommended actions.
- Assign responsibilities for Schedule regular reviews and updates to the fire risk assessment.
Review and Update the Assessment Regularly
- Conduct annual reviews or whenever significant changes occur (e.g., renovations, changes in occupancy).
- Update training and safety protocols based on new findings and improvements.
Conclusion
The fire risk assessment for the businesses highlights the importance of tailored safety measures for each building. It concluded that two buildings needed immediate fire protection measures to continue processes safely and to prevent potential harm to the current employees.
By identifying specific risks and implementing targeted actions, the buildings can enhance fire safety, protect lives, and minimize property damage and to ensure business continuity.
Regular reviews and updates will ensure continued compliance and safety.