How accessible are you?

More specifically, how accessible are your premises and how easy (or how difficult) would it be for the Fire and Rescue Service to gain access in the event of an incident?

As part of a recent project to produce Premises Fire Plans for a major housing provider, our client had given a great deal of thought to the question of access by the emergency services in the event of a fire or other emergency. Oh that all our clients were so diligent! It really is worth taking the time to consider access issues so that prompt assistance by the Fire and Rescue service can be rendered. Some of the issues we have come across include:

• Is there suitable vehicular access to the premises? Bear in mind that most fire-fighting vehicles are rather larger than most other vehicles coming to the site.
• Are there bollards or other obstructions? On a recent assignment, we came across roadway bollards some 100m from the premises, and the nearest dry riser inlet was another 30m further away. Admittedly, the bollards were designed to be removable, but it wasn’t clear who had the appropriate keys!
• Is the actual entrance to the premises obvious? It isn’t always quite so clear-cut. And is the entrance door fitted with access control such as an FB drop-key panel? Again, it’s worth checking, to be sure. 

One could argue that issues like these are beyond the purview of the premises management and that the Fire and Rescue Service will do whatever they need to do to gain access. But we would always argue that time spent considering these issues is worthwhile, so that help can be given without delay.

On a recent assignment, it was identified that the basement location of the fire panel and dry riser inlet was somewhat compromised by the site layout, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. Our solution to the issue was to produce a highly visible advisory notice, as shown in the photo above. Safetygraphics designed, provided and installed a durable sign clearly showing where these key resources were located.

For more information about Safetygraphics Premises Fire Plans and our other services, please contact Steve Franklin today. Or visit www.safetygraphics.co