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102. 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 means separating flammable and combustible materials from ignition sources. Advice under the following headings is given in this chapter:
Housekeeping And Storage
103. 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:
Storage And Use Of Dangerous Substances
104. 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:
105. 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 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.
106. 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.
107. 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. LPG naked flame, portable gas or exposed element heaters should not be used indoors. Where in exceptional circumstances LPG cylinders are used indoors, such as due to failure of normal heating, only Butane should be used (Propane may be necessary for building work). Cylinders and cartridges should be kept upright in a safe place where they cannot be interfered with and 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 or be used in basements or cellars. Further guidance on the safe storage, and use, of LPG is available from the supplier or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association.
Safe Use Of Equipment
108. Lack of preventative maintenance increases the likelihood of fire starting in equipment. Common causes of fire in equipment are:
109. A capable person should adequately and regularly maintain equipment including cooking and heating equipment. Appropriate signs and instructions on safe use may be necessary.
110. Individual heaters where provided, should be fixed in position, installed and guarded and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
Electrical
111. Electrical equipment is a significant cause of accidental fires. The main causes include:
112. 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/residents/tenants, then the potential for defects can be reduced if it undergoes portable appliance testing at suitable intervals.
113. 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:
Smoking
114. 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.
115. In each case, premises should have a clearly defined smoking policy for residents, tenants, staff, guests and visitors. Policies should take account of the whole premises, including any areas where the statutory prohibition on smoking does not apply.
116. Where smoking by guests/residents/tenants is permitted, sufficient quantities of suitably placed ashtrays should be provided. Ashtrays should be emptied at least daily into a metal container and taken outside. Ashtrays should not be emptied into plastic waste bags which are then left inside for disposal later. Inspections of smoking areas should be made at regular intervals with staff, residents, tenants and guests being vigilant for any sign of scorch marks or burning and to ensure that smokers’ materials which have been discarded are removed and that they will not ignite other materials. Where smoking takes place in external areas, consideration should be given to minimising the risk of combustible materials being ignited.
Managing Building Work And Alterations
117. 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.
118. 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:
119. 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.
120. 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.
Particular Hazards In Escape Routes
121. 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:
Fire Raising
122. 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. Fires started deliberately can be particularly dangerous because they may develop rapidly and may be intentionally started in escape routes. Appropriate security measures, including the protection of stored materials, the efficient and prompt removal of rubbish and security against unauthorised entry or access (such as the use of door entry systems), can do much to alleviate this particular problem.
Furniture, Textiles And Bedding
123. The choice of furniture, textiles and bedding can influence the ease of ignition and growth of a fire. It is recognised that some premises may contain period items of significant monetary, sentimental or historic value which, due to their age, will not comply with modern British Standard requirements. Where such items are not replaced, this should be taken into account when carrying out the fire safety risk assessment and other steps taken to reduce the potential for a fire to start and develop. Generally, however, those items which are supplied in premises should, wherever possible, meet the following benchmarks: