FEATURE


FIRED UP STEWART KIDD


STEWART KIDD is a security and fire protection specialist with 40 years experience. Vice President of the Security Institute and the Institute of Fire Safety Managers, he is a Chartered Security


Professional. He was Director of the FPA, and Secretary General of British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. Contact: STEWARTKIDD@ME.COM or call: 01353 741094.


RECORD BREAKERS COME LAST WHEN THEY DODGE RULES


UK FIRE safety legislation has reversed the burden of proof, and it’s now for the employer or occupier of premises to prove to fi re authorities they abide by the law. Personally, I believe the only way this can be done is to keep meticulous records.


It’s actually a criminal off ence to make false entries in fi re records: Fire Safety Order Article 32(2b).


Fire safety record-keeping


All sites should maintain a record, either in hard copy or electronically of all fi re-related activities. A suitable Fire Log book can be developed and can be obtained from some fi re rescue services.


A simple and eff ective way to record fi re- related events include:


1 - Fire training sessions undertaken or delivered including the duration of the event, the contents and the names of those who attended.


2 - Fire drills undertaken including the time, duration and the names of those who participated.


The record should include a comment’s column to insert particular problems or observations. If a problem or diffi culty has been encountered, details of the remedy should also be provided.


Inspections or visits by the insurance company, fi re service, Environment Agency, or other persons should be logged - including brief details of any observations made.


Full details of all fi re equipment and systems maintenance, including emergency lighting, should be recorded in the Fire Log - even when there are separate maintenance logs for equipment such as fi re detection or alarm systems.


Fire Logs should include details of any incidents, false alarms, or other matters of interest, together with the responses or remedial action taken.


In these litigious times the value of comprehensive records cannot be


26 TBH July-August, 2018


overemphasised, and the value of the information in the Fire Log may be critical.


For example, convincing a court everything reasonable has been done to comply with legislation, or in persuading an insurer policy conditions.


This means care should be taken to ensure adequate backup arrangements are in eff ect when locations choose to keep the information stored electronically. No judge will accept the ‘dog ate my homework’ excuse for non-availability of a Fire Log!


Routine inspections


Checklists are a useful way of ensuring a routine is followed when conducting the essential checks and activities when complying with the fi re safety plan.


Where sprinklers or water-mist systems are installed, the following should be included in the list of regular checks. Insurers may provide log sheets to record these actions, and must be completed by the person undertaking the checks and tests.


Note: according to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Article 17(1) there’s a legal requirement to undertake maintenance of any fi re equipment, which is intended to protect life. On a daily basis the following should be undertaken:


- Chains and secondary locking devices removed from fi re escape doors


- Fire control panel showing correct indications (‘green lights’)


- Any work scheduled is covered by the appropriate permits, and necessary fi re detection zones isolated and staff notifi ed


- Fire extinguisher seals and pressure gauges should be checked for correct readings, and all fi re extinguisher devices should be clearly visible and returned to the correct locations


- Fire exit signs should be clearly visible, internal doors closed, and


external fi re exit doors secured


- Security staff , fi re wardens, or others should be briefed on any special events and activities


Weekly basic checks


Fire exit devices should be in working order, while exit routes should never be unobstructed. Hose reel cupboards need to be checked for leaks or signs of corrosion.


Fire alarm systems should be linked to the central alarm receiving station, visual checks made of emergency lighting, extension leads, overloaded sockets and unauthorised equipment, while monitoring signs of illicit smoking for safe storage of fl ammables, gases, chemicals etc.


Monthly basic checks - All weekly equipment checks completed


- Up-to-date callout list, fi re Instructions and fi re wardens list - Emergency lighting tested - Quarterly basic checks


- Inspection of pipework/supports; water supply fl ow tests; exercise stop valves; and test fl ow switches


Six-month basic checks


- Alternate pipe system – change over from air to water/water to air; fi re service connection – central alarm receiving station check


Annually


- Pump service; check tank ball fl oat valves and service valve


Three-year checks - Inspect tanks


- All valves and non-return valves to be checked and overhaul if necessary Other Intervals


- 10-yearly tank drain down and clean


Sprinkler head performance testing as may be required by insurer


The LPC Sprinkler Rules and UK insurers require servicing to be undertaken by a company holding appropriate third-party certifi cation.


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