117. This chapter provides further information which will assist in evaluating the risk from fire and its prevention. A long-term workable and effective strategy should be developed to reduce hazards and the likelihood of a fire starting. At its simplest this involves separating flammable and combustible materials from ignition sources. Advice under the following headings is given in this chapter:
118. All reasonable provision should be made to reduce the possibility of fires occurring due to accidental ignition. Control of combustible materials should be achieved by attention to good housekeeping principles; this can reduce the likelihood of fire. Combustible materials are not just those generally regarded as highly combustible, but all materials that will readily catch fire. By carefully considering the type of material, the quantities kept and the storage arrangements, the risks can be significantly reduced. If a considerable quantity of combustible waste material is generated then a formal plan should be developed to manage this effectively. Some of the practices which should be followed are:
119. Certain substances and materials are by their nature, flammable, oxidising or potentially explosive. These substances are controlled by other legislation in addition to fire safety law, in particular the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. The principles of safe handling and storage are:
120. Aerosols are liable to explode if involved in a fire, causing spread and intensification of fire and possibly damaging doors so that they fail to function in restricting the spread of fire and smoke. These potential consequences should be taken into account and appropriate storage and disposal arrangements put into place for aerosols, taking into account the quantities involved and manufacturers' instructions. Storage should be away from escape routes and no storage should be allowed in boiler houses or other areas containing fixed sources of ignition such as electrical distribution boards in cupboards. They should never be stored or placed in damp areas (such as under sinks) where the container might corrode causing the canister to rupture when picked up, or on windowsills in direct sunlight or next to heat sources, however minor, where they may overheat and burst.
121. Flammable liquids present a particularly high fire risk. For example, a leak from a container of flammable liquid may produce large quantities of flammable vapours. These vapours can travel large distances, increasing the likelihood of their reaching a source of ignition well away from the original leak, such as a room containing heating plant and/or electrical equipment on automatic timers. The risk is reduced by ensuring the storage and use of flammable liquids is carefully managed and that materials contaminated with flammables are properly disposed of.
122. Under normal circumstances, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is explosive and is heavier than air. Cylinders or cartridges should be stored and used in the open air outside the building. Particular care should be taken to minimise the possibility of involvement in a fire.
123. The total stock of LPG for display or demonstration in retail areas should be kept to the minimum necessary to meet business needs. The maximum stock should not exceed 70kg and this should be reduced to 15kg if the retail premises is under residential accommodation, unless the two are separated by substantial construction that is imperforate and provides at least 60 minutes fire-resistance. LPG cylinders and cartridges should be located where they cannot be interfered with, away from stairways, exit doors and places where they might obstruct means of escape. They should not be beside any heat, source of ignition or readily ignitable material. Stock in excess of 70kg should be stored either in the open air or in a properly constructed and adequately ventilated storeroom or a building that is dedicated for LPG storage. Further guidance on the safe storage of LPG is available from the supplier or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association.
124. Lack of preventative maintenance increases the likelihood of fire starting in equipment. Common causes of fire in equipment are:
125. A capable person should adequately and regularly maintain machinery, equipment and plant, including cooking and heating equipment and office equipment such as photocopiers. Appropriate signs and instructions on safe use may be necessary.
126. Individual heaters where provided, should be fixed in position, installed and guarded and used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
127. Electrical equipment is a significant cause of accidental fires. The main causes include:
128. All electrical equipment should be installed and maintained in a safe manner. If there is any doubt about the safety of electrical installations, consult an electrician. Where portable electrical equipment is used, including items brought into the premises by staff, then the potential for defects can be reduced if it undergoes portable appliance testing at suitable intervals.
129. An effective programme of planned preventative maintenance for all fixed installations and portable appliances should be implemented for the premises, with an agreed procedure for reporting faults. Once reported, action should be taken to repair any faults as quickly as possible or otherwise ensure that the equipment is made safe:
130. Careless use of cigarettes and other smoking materials is a common cause of fire. Disposal of smoking materials also needs to be done with care. A cigarette can smoulder for some time, especially when surrounded by combustible material. Many fires are started several hours after smoking materials have been emptied into waste bags and left for future disposal. However, smoking is banned in all wholly or substantially enclosed public places and the smoking policies in premises should reflect this but where smoking takes place in external areas, consideration should be given to minimising the risk of combustible materials being ignited.
131. Fires often occur when buildings are undergoing refurbishment or alteration, therefore before any building work or decoration starts, the fire safety risk assessment should be reviewed and additional risks likely to be introduced, considered and evaluated. Lack of pre-planning can lead to haphazard co-ordination of fire safety measures.
132. The impact of the building work on the general fire safety measures should be continuously monitored. Only allow the minimum materials necessary for the work in hand within or adjacent to the building. Additional hazards associated with building work can include:
133. Any areas where hot work is undertaken should be frequently inspected during the first 30 minutes after the work is completed, and again 30 minutes later to ensure that materials are not smouldering.
134. The content of skips or refuse containers may be subject to deliberate ignition; these containers should therefore not be sited against or close to a building; they should normally be a minimum of 6m away.
135. If a fire were to occur in an escape route or spread to material in the escape route, this would be a particularly difficult and threatening situation preventing occupants from escaping. Corridors and stairways that form part of escape routes should be kept clear and hazard free at all times. Items that may be a source of fuel or ignition should not be located on any corridor or stairway that will be used as an escape route (reduction in escape route width may also be an issue). Such items include:
136. The possibility of deliberate fire raising should be considered as a component of fire safety risk assessment particularly in areas with a known history of vandalism or fire-setting. Appropriate security measures, including the protection of stored materials, the efficient and prompt removal of rubbish and security against unauthorised entry or access, can do much to alleviate this particular problem.
137. Fires started deliberately can be particularly dangerous because they may develop rapidly and may be intentionally started in escape routes. Where there is easy access for the opportunists premises may be targeted specifically or at random. Deliberately set fires in the locality may indicate an increased risk to premises.
138. Additional measures which may reduce the potential for fire raising include the following: