Fire Safety Measures Log Book
Fire Safety Measures Log Book
Fire Safety Measures Log Book
Name of School
Address
Principal
Person responsible
for fire safety
Useful Contacts
Emergency Lighting
Fire-Fighting Equipment
Sprinkler Systems
Miscellaneous Provisions
Contact Number
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Regulations it is necessary for the responsible
person to ensure that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risk of fire is carried out
and that significant findings are recorded in the following circumstances;
You can find further advice on Fire Safety Risk Assessment on the UK Government website;
www.communities.gov.uk and follow the links.
The following table can be used as a record of when a Fire Safety Risk assessment is
carried out and when the next risk assessment is due.
Comments
Date Inspecting Officer
The Regulations do not apply to people’s private homes, including individual flats in a block
or house, though they do apply to; common areas; shared means of escape and facilities
provided to assist the Fire Service, such as dry risers.
Means of Escape
• Fire doors are provided to prevent the spread of heat and smoke
• Keep them shut and never prop them open or remove self closing devices
• Keep corridors and stairways clear of storage and waste material
• Ensure that final exit doors can be readily opened from the inside without the use of a
key
• Keep areas outside final exit doors clear of obstructions at all times
• Always ensure that exits and access thereto, which are not in normal use, are clearly
indicated, with the exit signs visible from the furthermost part of a room.
Fire-Fighting Equipment
• These are intended for fires in the early stages. Ensure that all staff know where the
extinguishers are sited and how to operate them safely
• Always ensure that they are inspected and maintained regularly
Guests
• Ensure that all occupants/visitors to the premises are aware of the actions to take in the
event of an emergency
• Premises which take in foreign visitors should have their fire instruction notices printed
in the appropriate language.
Electrical Installations
• The misuse of electricity is a major cause of fire, old wiring should be regularly checked
and renewed if necessary
• You may need another ring circuit to cope with the increasing number of electrical
appliances you want to use
• Ensure that you always use the correct fuse
• Before you go to bed or leave the building, pull out the plugs of all appliances not in use.
Heating
• Keep boiler houses clear - do not use them as an extra storeroom
• Keep portable heating appliances away from furniture and any combustible materials.
Smoking Materials
• Empty all ashtrays
• Never permit smoking in storerooms
• Be vigilant in areas where people smoke and provide adequate ashtrays
• Before leaving rooms which will be unoccupied for long periods, or in which persons will
be sleeping, make a final check for any lighted cigarette ends, these may have fallen
into the recess of an armchair, on the carpet or on the bedclothes when someone fell
asleep
.
Arson
Help to protect your premises against arson by;
• Locking away any flammable liquids or gases
• Effectively secure your premises at the end of the day
• Keep refuse and debris secure and away from the perimeter of the building.
Fire Drills and practice evacuations should not be used to embarrass staff, or unduly
inconvenience people. However, they are crucial in testing local procedures for evacuating
the premises and highlighting problem areas which may need addressing.
Ideally, most people should be aware that a fire drill is due to take place, in order to minimise
any adverse effects and provide staff with time to ensure they are familiar with alternative
exit routes. It may not always be possible to alert everyone, especially if the premises have
relatively open access or are used by the public.
It is good practice to deliberately prevent evacuation through one of the preferred routes, as
might be the case in a real fire. The fire alarm should be operated on the instruction of the
manager responsible for the evacuation, who should also ensure the Fire Service are not
called out as result of the fire drill/evacuation.
• Fire Drills/Evacuations should take place six monthly for residential premises, places of
public entertainment, large shops and department stores.
• Fire Drills/Evacuations should take place annually for industrial and commercial
premises.
One method of demonstrating compliance with the Regulations is to fit an appropriate fire
alarm system to your premises and ensure it is maintained in accordance with the
appropriate industry standard, or other accepted British or European equivalent standards
The Fire Alarm system, which incorporates; detectors, call points, wiring, sounders and
annunciator panel(s) must be tested. Failure to provide and maintain an appropriate fire
alarm system could lead to formal enforcement and may invalidate, or reduce, any claim
made through an insurance company.
Daily Check
• Inspect the main panel for normal operation of the system
Weekly Test
• Operate trigger device, manual call point or detector, or end of line switch on a zone
circuit
• Audibility of the alarm should be confirmed, reported and improved if necessary
• Zones should be tested in strict rotation
• Each time a zone is tested a different trigger device should be used
• Each zone should be tested at least quarterly for a monitored system and weekly for
an unmonitored system
• Where provided, check the connection to the remote manned centre is functioning
correctly
• Check that automatic door releases function correctly
• It is important that testing does not result in a false alarm to the Fire Service
Monthly
• Test any standby generators by operation in accordance with manufacturers
instructions
• Examination of batteries and connections, including electrolyte level.
The false alarm/unwanted fire signals section should be checked by the installer/servicer
and any faults to the system rectified.
Fire Detectors
Regular visual inspection of detectors for damage, unusual accumulations of dirt, heavy
coats of paint and other conditions likely to interfere with the correct operation of the
detector.
All detectors should be checked for correct operation and sensitivity in accordance with
manufacturers instructions.
Changes to British Standard 5839 now require users of automatic fire alarm systems to
demonstrate satisfactory management of false alarms.
To demonstrate satisfactory management of false alarms, users must log and categorize the
type of false alarm. False alarms fall into one of the following five categories;
1. Unwanted alarms - Alarms caused by fumes from cooking, steam, tobacco smoke, dust
insects etc
2. Equipment false alarms - Alarms caused by faults with the equipment.
3. Malicious false alarms - Alarms arising from the unauthorised or malicious use of the
equipment.
4. False alarms of good intent - These occur when an individual suspects there is a fire and
raises the alarm
5. False alarms that do not fall into any of the above categories should be recorded as
Unknown.
Recording this information enables your system installer/service provider to investigate any
system faults/problems that you may have with your equipment.
One method of demonstrating compliance with the Regulations is to fit an appropriate system of
emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs throughout the premises and means of escape
and ensure it is maintained in accordance with the appropriate industry standard, or other
accepted British or European equivalent standards. The Emergency Lighting system, which
incorporates; luminaires, wiring, batteries and or generators, must be tested.
Monthly Test
Central battery systems, self contained luminaires and internally illuminated signs: these
systems should be energised by simulated failure of the supply to the normal lighting system for
a period sufficient only to ensure that each lamp is illuminated. The period of simulated failure
should not exceed one quarter of the rated duration of the system.
During this period all luminaires and/or signs should be checked for proper function.
At the end of the test period the system should be restored to normal operation and the
charging arrangements checked for proper function.
6 Monthly Test
The monthly test as detailed above should be carried out with the system being energised for
the following durations;
3 Yearly Test
The test as detailed above with the system being energised for its FULL rated duration.
For further details, refer to the relevant industry or British Standard.
One method of demonstrating compliance with the Regulations is to provide suitable and
appropriate portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and/or hose reels within your premises and
ensure they are manufactured, sited and maintained in accordance with the appropriate industry
standard, or other accepted British or European equivalent standards, such as BS 5306.
The user should replace extinguishers not available for use with serviceable extinguishers.
General
The user should ensure that extinguishers, gas cartridges and replacement charges are
inspected, serviced and maintained as recommended in BS 5306 part 3.
These procedures should be carried out by a competent person capable of conducting them
according to the recommendations of this code and any special procedures recommended by
the manufacturers using the recommended tools, equipment and materials, on an annual basis.
Intervals of discharge:
The recommended times, in each case since the date of manufacture or the last actual
discharge (test or otherwise) of the particular extinguisher body (see note 2) are as follows:
Carbon Dioxide (all types) Every 10 years (20 years where the
Powder (stored pressure primary-sealed) annual inspection given in clause 8
has been followed and subsequently
after a further 10 years. And
thereafter at intervals not exceeding
5 years.)
Hose reels are becoming increasingly unpopular due to; relatively high maintenance,
vulnerability to misuse and alleged reports of their association with water borne diseases such
as Legionnaires disease.
Should you wish to replace your hose-reel with other, equally effective fire-fighting measures,
this will usually be acceptable, though you should seek the advice of the Fire Service and check
the conditions of your insurance policy before doing so. In most circumstances the Fire Service
would consider one or two 9 litre water extinguishers as suitable substitution for a fire-fighting
hose reel.
Where hose reels are provided as the means for fighting fire they should be maintained
accordingly;
General
Automatic sprinklers may be conditional to the insurance policy of premises and as such should
be maintained in accordance with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to ensure full
and adequate protection.
In addition, a sprinkler system may form part of an engineered solution or compensation for
departure from normally accepted fire safety standards, precautions or building regulations. As
such, the sprinkler system must be maintained to ensure those departures are consistent with
the Fire Safety Risk assessment. Where a sprinkler system forms part of an engineered solution
it may also be subject to an Alterations Notice, under the Regulations
The installer of the Automatic Fire Sprinkler System should provide to the occupier an
inspection and programme of checks for the system. The programme should include; instruction
on the action to be taken in respect of faults, operation of the system, in particular the procedure
for emergency manual starting of any pumps and details of daily and weekly routines.
Daily Routine
Fire Service Monitoring Station Alarm Connection – if the circuits are not continuously
monitored, the equipment for automatic transmission of alarm signals from sprinkler installation
to monitoring centre shall be checked for;
• Continuity of connection
• Continuity of connection between the alarm switch and the control unit.
Pressure Tank
If not automatically controlled, the water level and air pressure in a pressure tank providing a
duplicate supply shall be checked and immediately corrected if necessary.
Weekly
The following checks shall be made and recorded;
• All water and air pressure gauge readings on installations, trunk mains and pressure tanks
• All water levels in elevated private reservoirs, rivers, lakes and water storage tanks.
Continued….
Records
• All tests shall be recorded in the appropriate space on the Record of Test Sheets
• Defects and remedial work required / carried out should be recorded on the Faults Record
Sheet
• Copies of the service and maintenance schedule report should be attached to the Log Book
Smoke ventilations systems may be provided as part of an engineered solution and as such
may be subject to an Alterations Notice, under the Regulations. Furthermore, if the smoke
ventilation system is provided for the assistance of fire-fighting purposes, it will also be subject
to the Regulations.
The ventilation system test should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, in order to meet the requirements of the current British, or European equivalent,
standards.
Weekly
During the Fire Alarm test, check that all smoke ventilators and smoke curtains have operated
correctly and they are properly re-set at the conclusion of the test.
Annually
The system should be tested by a specialist engineer in accordance with the current British, or
European equivalent, standards.
General
There are many features that may be provided within premises that relate to Fire Safety, or
provided to assist the Fire Service in dealing with an incident safely and more effectively to
minimise the impact of a fire in a building. These facilities may be provided for one or more of
the following reasons;
• Condition of insurance
• Part of an engineered solution
• Requirement at time of building, or major refurbishment
• Compensation for departures from normal building regulations
• Deemed necessary as part of the Fire Safety Risk Assessment.
As such, the facilities provided may be subject to one, or more, of the articles of the Regulations
and, if provided, should be maintained to the relevant industry standard, which will usually be
the British Standard, or European equivalent.
• Foam inlets
• Wet / Dry Risers
• Drencher systems
• Inert gas Flooding systems
• Pressurised stairways and corridors
• Fire fighting shafts, with dedicated lifts
The following check list is intended to provide only a guide and you should seek advice from
your individual service provider on the necessary maintenance regime to ensure full compliance
with the law and insurance conditions.
The Fire Service or local authority building control may be able to assist if the premises have
only recently been constructed or undergone building works that were subject to local authority
approval.
Frequency
Name of
Date of Item / Feature of Test Pass / Fail
Tester
Test Tested e.g. weekly, General Remarks
(Print)
monthly
It is a sad fact that whilst the majority of premises that suffer a fire may re-open within a
relatively short space of time, the reality is that due to inadequate insurance cover and pre-
planning a significant number of businesses cease to trade within 12 months of suffering a fire.
By taking a short moment to consider the impact that a fire might have on your business, you
may be able to minimize the impact and ensure survival of your business in the longer term, as
well as the survival of people and property in the short term.
The following is intended as prompt rather than a full record of contacts and record of
documentations.
Satisfactory
Consideration Further Action Required
Yes / No
Salvage plan prepared and held in secure
location away from main premises
Contract agreements in place and up to
date for fire / flood restoration
Computer files backed up daily to separate
server / location away from main building
Temporary accommodation ear-marked and
available
Alternate service provider(s) listed to
maintain customer continuity
Insurance policy checked for cover against
loss of revenue and relocation
List of emergency contacts up to date and
available
Other Considerations
Other Considerations
Other Considerations
Other Considerations
Remember…. Most people will be understanding of short term disruption to the provision of a
product or service, if an alternative solution is provided and the disruption is kept to a minimum.
However, it is extremely rare for any business to be in the privileged position of providing a truly
unique service and if customers are forced to make their own alternative arrangements they
very often do not return, making the impact of a fire even more damaging.