Fire Safety for Student Accommodation

Student fire safety advice

London Fire Consultants have recently been undertaking Fire Risk Assessments of various student accommodation across London and Portsmouth. Students and their parents are urged to be aware of the dangers of fire. Fire safety advice could be one of the most important lessons for students during their time at university or college. 

Living away from home, especially if it's for the first time, can be very exciting and it's easy to get caught up in student life and forget about fire safety.

As parents inspect student accommodation to make sure it’s suitable, they should also:

• make sure that premises are fire safe

• remind their children that fire safety checks should always be part of their routine

All students should take personal responsibility for looking after themselves and their housemates to protect them from the dangers of fire.

It's important to have a working smoke alarm fitted on each level of accommodation and to test them once a week. This will alert students and their housemates to the earliest stage of a fire, giving vital extra time to escape.

Students should follow a good fire safe bedtime routine – checking a few things before going to bed can reduce the risk of fire. It only takes a minute and could save lives.

Also, take some time to agree a fire escape plan to make sure everyone is clear what to do in the event of an emergency. This means knowing where the fire exits are and making sure furniture or stored items do not block them.

If there is no fire exit, plan an alternative escape route other than by the main entrance door.

A lot of students go home at weekends, so they should make sure that accommodation is safely secured and protected from the risk of fire. Make sure all electrical appliances not designed to be left on are disconnected, fully put out cigarettes, and close all doors.

Students should:

• test their smoke alarm every week

• prepare a fire escape plan

• carry out a night-time check  

• turn off all electrical appliances not designed to be left on

• put a guard on open fires

• put out all cigarettes and empty ashtrays into a non-combustible container

• put out all candles

• close all internal doors 

• don't leave cooking unattended

• not cook when under the influence of alcohol

Students should also check that the fire alarm system in their accommodation is working.  If it is showing a fault, contact the landlord or the Estates Officer at the university immediately.

Cardiac Arrest Statistics for London in 2018/19

10,152 people in London suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 and London Ambulance Service attempted to resuscitate 4,004 (39.4%) of these patients. Resuscitation efforts were not undertaken for 6,148 (60.6%), with 4,386 of these patients being recognised as deceased on arrival of the ambulance, and the remaining 1,762 had in place a Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNA-CPR) order, advanced directive or equivalent, or the patient’s death was expected.

Only 64.1% of people received CPR and . 57.1% of people who had an Automated defibrillator used on them survived and were discharged from hospital. The average response time of the ambulance was 7 mins, every 1 min delay in use of the defibrillator and CPR reduces chances of survival by at least 10%.

London Fire Consultants provides training in CPR and Defibrillator as part of our First Aid courses, our clients have included delivery of Resuscitation training to the NHS, Hospitals, GP surgeries and have delivered first aid training to household brands.

Contractor fined £670,000 for student block fire safety failings

The main contractor was among three firms ordered to pay fines totalling £670,000 after admitting fire safety failings at a building used for student accommodation in Leeds.

http://bit.ly/2UgqcdA - Article by Grant Prior at Construction Enquirer

Judge Mairs at Leeds Crown Court heard how Trinity Halls on Woodhouse Street had only one available fire escape which was compromised due to combustible materials, putting at serious risk the 27 students who had moved in, in September 2016.

The court heard the students had moved into the building on the upper ground floor while other floors were still under construction.

There were a string of other failures which contributed to the significant risk including lack of appropriate fire alarms and detection, exposed timber framing, the storage of flammable items on stairwells and no markings indicating fire escape routes.

Judge Mairs described the situation as having the “potential for catastrophe.”

The failings came to light in September 2016 after a concerned father called West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to report the building.

He had been dropping his daughter off to live there, but became concerned by the state of the premises and would not let his daughter stay.

Trinity Developments Ltd, the owners of the building, admitted four safety breaches. Niche Homes Ltd, contracted to manage and let the property, also admitted the same four breaches.

These are:

• Failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

• Failing to take precautions to make sure the premises were safe from risk of fire.

• Failing to provide appropriate fire detection and alarm system.

• Failing to provide an adequate number of fire escape routes and exits.

In addition to this APP Construction Ltd, who were contracted to design and build the property, admitted one charge of:

• Failing to provide an adequate number of fire escape routes and exits.

At previous hearings guilty pleas were entered to the charges, all relating to the period September 24th 2016 to September 27th 2016.

The companies were all offered credit in court for their early guilty pleas. Acceptable safety measures are now in place at the building.

Judge Mairs said that all the companies had “high culpability” and that “the risks were so obvious that a member of the public spotted them – so they should have been obvious to the companies involved.”

In sentencing, he fined APP Construction Ltd £450,000, Trinity Developments Ltd £160,000 and Niche Homes Ltd £60,000.

The three companies also agreed to pay costs. APP Construction Ltd will pay £9,000. Trinity Developments Ltd will pay £6,000 and Niche Homes Ltd will also pay £6,000.

Following the sentencing Chris Kemp, Senior Fire Protection Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This case demonstrates the importance those responsible for building construction, development and occupation have in understanding their duties and acting responsibly to take account of the safety of the people they are responsible for.

“As Judge Mairs highlighted, the dangers and risks found at Trinity Halls were so obvious anyone without a technical fire safety background could identify them.

“The conditions that were found on site were such that some of our senior officers have not seen such blatant disregard for the law and the safety of residents in 28 years.”

London Fire Brigades Fire prevention techniques to consider for heritage buildings

Making a heritage building safe can be tricky, but there are approaches that can offer benefits.

Fire doors and heritage doors

Fire doors can greatly reduce the spread of fire, but it’s not always possible to fit them in historic buildings. In these cases we recommend you ensure that existing heritage doors are solid and fit well in their frames. There are many products available that allow an old historic door to be upgraded to make it more resistant to heat, flame and smoke.

Hidden voids

Historic buildings, and buildings that have been altered over the years, can often have large void spaces, where a fire can go unnoticed for an extended period of time. Compartmentation surveys can be carried out to identify these voids, as well as remedial works like installing compartment walls.

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS)

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) include wet sprinklers, water mist, and gas suppression systems. They can be used to compensate for limitations in historic buildings – where some items are not moveable or may be particularly rare or valuable. Consider installing an AFSS as part of your fire safety measures.

Hot works – welding, soldering, cutting

Hot works include any work using open flames, or creating sparks or heat eg welding, grinding and soldering. A permit must be prepared before carrying out hot works. As this type of work increases fire risk, it should be avoided if possible, but if not, the conditions of the permit must be followed. Key points to consider are appointing good contractors, identifying risks and taking precautions. For more information see Heritage England's advice note on hot works.

Lighting and electrics

It’s sensible to assess your current lighting system, and consider using low voltage or LED lighting throughout the building.

Carrying out thermographic testing of electrical installations can also help to identify any areas of too much heat.

Establish procedures

To minimise the risk of a fire starting, establish procedures to ensure that:

• Measures are in place to reduce the risk of restoration and preservation processes (eg using linseed oil and cotton cloths) causing spontaneous combustion

• Smoking and naked flames are strictly controlled or banned entirely

• Portable appliances are regularly tested and well maintained

• Electrical and gas services are isolated before the building is closed

• Bins are stored away from external walls (to reduce arson risk)

Big 9 Fire Safety Legal Duties

The London Fire Brigade identify 9 legal duties an employer must follow after completing a Fire Risk Assessment:

1) You must make appropriate fire safety arrangements identified by your FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

2) You must nominate people to undertake any special roles identified in your EMERGENCY PLAN

3) You must consult your employees (or their representatives) about nominations to perform special roles and about your proposals for improving the fire precautions,

4) You must inform other responsible persons in the building about any significant risks you found which might affect the safety of their employees and co-operate with them about measures to reduce the risk,

5) If you are not an employer but have any control over a premises you also have responsibility to ensure compliance with the Order in those parts of the building over which you have control,

6) You must establish a suitable and readily available method of calling the emergency service,

7) Your employees are required to co-operate with you to ensure the premises is safe from fire.

8) You must, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate or reduce the risk from dangerous stances.

9) You must provide information to your employees on the risks identified by the risk assessment.

London Fire Consultants can provide you with assistance in undertaking all aspects of fire safety.

Source:https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/media/1921/london-fire-bri

HSE Guidance on Fire Safety

General fire safety hazards

Fires need three things to start – a source of ignition (heat), a source of fuel (something that burns) and oxygen:

• sources of ignition include heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment, smokers’ materials (cigarettes, matches etc), and anything else that can get very hot or cause sparks

• sources of fuel include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose packaging materials, waste rubbish and furniture

• sources of oxygen include the air around us

What do I have to do? 

Employers (and/or building owners or occupiers) must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and keep it up to date. This shares the same approach as health and safety risk assessments and can be carried out either as part of an overall risk assessment or as a separate exercise. 

Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adequate and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire. 

To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, ie sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk. 

Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and manage them. Also consider how you will protect people if there is a fire. 

• Carry out a fire safety risk assessment 

• Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart

• Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over

• Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn

• Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells

• Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly

• Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times

• Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills

• Review and update your risk assessment regularly

Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence

Overloading Electrical Sockets

Top tips from electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk on avoiding overloading sockets.

You can avoid overloading sockets and risk of fire by following this simple advice:

• Check the current rating of the extension lead before plugging appliances into it. Most are rated at 13 A, but some are rated at only 10 A or less - the rating should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions

• Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

• Use the overload calculator (below) to check if you’re exceeding the maximum load

For a brilliant socket overload calculator visit here

Landlords’ Fire Safety Duties

Communities and Local Government, give the following advice for those living in shared or rented accommodation:

• If you live in privately rented accommodation, your landlord has to meet certain safety obligations under the law. This includes making sure all gas and electric appliances are safe and in good working order.

• Your landlord must ensure that the property has at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home used as living accommodation.

• Gas appliances must be checked by a Gas Safe registered gas fitter every year.

• Electrical appliances must carry the British Safety Standard sign.

• Your landlord must also ensure furnishings are fire resistant and meet safety regulations.

• Your landlord must show you safety certificates so you can see when gas and electrical appliances were last checked.

• Your landlord must ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is present in all rooms that contain a solid fuel burning appliance and are used as living accommodation. Landlords must test these and the required smoke alarms on the first day of the tenancy.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

How often do Fire Doors need to be checked?

London Fire Brigade’s top tips for fire door installation and use

​There are some simple must-knows when it comes to fire doors and their safe use and installation:

Do…

1. Get accredited professionals to install your fire doors.

2. Check your door’s certification – look for British Standard (BS) Parts 22 and 31 or BS EN 1154.

3. Make sure there are combines smoke and fire seals around the door.

4. Check the handles close properly.

5. Make sure that seals and other components like letter boxes are fire-safe too.

6. Make sure you have appropriate door closure mechanisms – the wrong 'closers' can physically damage frames and hinges through slamming, as well as causing injury to the people who use the doors.

Don’t…

1. Prop them open or let your people prop them open – doors can save lives if they are shut.

2. Install fire doors yourself – the components and seals are as important as the door itself.

3. Let tenants replace fire doors if your building is a block of flats.

4. Remove the self closing device fitted to the door.

5. Leave damaged doors in use – always have them repaired or replaced ASAP.

 
Who is responsible for fire doors?

If you are responsible for a property, it's likely that you need to make some fire safety precautions to keep the people who use it safe. This includes almost all buildings, places and structures other than individual private homes – that's individual flats in a block or family homes. Property manager's responsibilities include shared areas in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats and maisonettes. 

What about old doors – are they OK?

There is a difference between modern fire doors and their requirements and older type doors, often called ‘Notional fire doors’.  These doors may have been in place for many years and met earlier standards of manufacture and legislation. However, this doesn't mean that they are now not fit for purpose, providing they are still in good condition they will still provide the service for which they were intended.

Modern doors are equipped with what's called intumescent strips and cold smoke seals. Older ‘notional’ doors may not have these fitted, and are often fitted into frames with a 1 inch or 25 mm door stop. The ‘notional’ door may be suitable in place if it is not warped or gapped to the extent that it requires replacement, its replacement will be a modern style fire door. Where doors are replaced that are required to be fire resisting they should not be replaced by ordinary doors and the person replacing the door should ensure that the door is a fire door.

Can I have a window in a fire door?

Absolutely, yes. Some fire doors are fitted with glazing – what's  termed a 'vision panel', these are subject to the test procedure when constructed and you are not allowed to retrofit glazing by cutting the door unless this is done by a door specialist, the BWF-CERTIFIRE scheme will be able to provide further information if this is a requirement. 

Hinges and letter boxes

Fire doors will have at least 3 hinges with a melting point above 800 degrees centigrade and apertures for glazing and for letter boxes should be in place at testing. Arson Reduction letterboxes are available as a retrofit to the existing aperture and can be made available form the London Fire Brigade in certain instances.

How often do I need to get fire doors checked?

It depends on your circumstances. Though BWF-CERTFIRE Best Practice Guide suggests every 6 months, we believe that a risk-assessed approach is also appropriate for many. However, if your building is a hotel, or is home to anyone who might not be able to quickly respond to or escape from a fire, 6-monthly checks are essential.

London Fire Consultants has qualified Fire Door Surveyors who can inspect your fire doors and issue a report on their condition.

https://youtu.be/AlBZiNmEudE 

(https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/property-management/fire-doors/)