Case Study - Complex Buildings
Case Study - Complex Buildings
Fire Risk Assessment for High Rise Apartment BlocK
Background
With the latest fire regulations the company involved were In need of an up to date Fire Risk Assessment for these premises. They were also concerned about the state of the communal and apartment fire doors after an inspection from the local.fire service.
They contacted us through our contact us link on the website for a comprehensive quote to carry out a full Fire Risk Assessment of the property..
One of our Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Consultants undertook the assessment.
Property: High Rise Apartment Block
Location: Birmingham
Building Type: 20-story residential apartment building with 150 units
Occupants: Approximately 450 residents, including families, singles, and elderly individuals
Fire Risk Assessment Conducted by: X-Fire Safety Solutions
Objectives of the Fire Risk Assessment
The primary objectives of the fire risk assessment were to:
- Identify potential fire hazards within Cedar Heights.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures.
- Ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations.
- Provide recommendations to enhance fire safety and mitigate risks.
Process
The assessment included the following steps:
- Site Inspection: A thorough walkthrough of the entire building, including common areas, individual apartments (where accessible), stairwells, and mechanical rooms.
- Review of Fire Safety Records: Examination of maintenance records for fire detection and suppression systems, maintenance records of utilities, all fire safety related maintenance records, fire drills, and staff training logs
- Discussions with Staff:
- Discussions with building management, maintenance staff to understand existing fire safety protocols and their practical implementation.
- Fire Safety Equipment Check:
- Inspection of fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and evacuation routes.
Findings
Positive Aspects
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: The building is equipped with a comprehensive fire detection and alarm system that is regularly maintained and tested.
- Fire Drills: Regular fire drills are conducted for building staff, and residents are informed of evacuation procedures.
- Sprinkler Systems: Sprinklers are installed in hallways and common areas, and are maintained in good working order.
- Resident Awareness: Information on fire safety and evacuation procedures is provided to new residents upon moving in.
Areas for Improvement
- Cluttered Common Areas: Some common areas, particularly hallways and stairwells, were found to be cluttered with personal items and debris, obstructing potential evacuation routes.
- Fire Extinguishers: Not all fire extinguishers were easily accessible, and some were past their inspection dates.
- Evacuation Signage: Signage for evacuation routes was found to be inadequate, particularly on upper floors.
- Resident Training: While information is provided, many residents were not familiar with the use of fire safety equipment and evacuation procedures.
- Electrical Safety: Instances of overloaded power outlets and improper use of extension cords were observed in communal areas.
- Compartmentation; Numerous communal fire doors had breaches and insufficient to do the role expected of them in a fire situation.
Recommendations are all addressed in the comprehensive report issued as part of the Fire Risk Assessment process.
Conclusion
The fire risk assessment provided them with critical insights into potential fire hazards and highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. By addressing the identified risks and implementing the recommended measures, they have significantly enhanced there fire safety protocols, ensuring a safer living environment for all residents. Regular annual assessments are planned to maintain and continually improve fire safety standards.
They asked for a quote on an independent compliance check on the fire doors which once agreed was carried out and all remedial work was carried out by ourselves on the fire doors to ensure compliance.
The fire risk assessment was delivered in a PDF format in the agreed time along with the fire door compliance report.
