
Case Study
Property: Multi-block student accommodation residences
Industry: Residential
Contract Awarded to: RiskFire Ltd
Type of Contract: FRA
Location: Various Locations
Project Duration: 1 day per property
Project Overview and Scope
RiskFire was engaged to conduct detailed Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) across three student accommodation properties operated by the Bread and Butter Collective. The assessments focused on communal dining and living areas, with the objective of identifying fire safety risks, ensuring compliance with relevant fire safety standards and strengthening overall safety for both residents and staff. Key areas of review included electrical systems, compartmentation through fire doors, signage adequacy, staff competence, and the performance of life safety systems such as emergency lighting and fire detection.
Project Controls and Documentation Provided
- FRA reports for all three properties
- Fire door survey documentation
- Training and induction programme records
- Signage installation log
- Electrical testing schedule
- BS 5266 and BS 5839 servicing records
- Weekly and monthly fire safety inspection templates
Challenges and Solutions
The assessments revealed several significant challenges across the three properties. Electrical systems lacked structured testing, with no fixed electrical inspection programme in place and no formal process for portable electrical equipment checks. This represented a notable fire risk in a student environment where electrical equipment typically sees heavy use. RiskFire addressed this through the development of routine testing schedules for both fixed installations and portable appliances, ensuring compliance with fire safety guidance and reducing the likelihood of electrical faults.
Compartmentation issues were also identified, particularly with fire doors that required detailed inspection and repair. RiskFire completed a full fire door survey across all three sites, identifying defects and implementing corrective actions to restore the integrity of fire-resisting structures.
Signage across the accommodation blocks was found to be insufficient, particularly regarding ‘no smoking’ signs in communal spaces and directional exit signage along escape routes. RiskFire installed additional compliant signage to improve visibility, route clarity and occupant awareness during an evacuation.
Staff training and fire safety documentation required significant improvement. There were gaps in knowledge relating to emergency plans, equipment use and building-specific evacuation routes. RiskFire developed and delivered a comprehensive training programme that included instruction on fire risks, operation of manual call points and extinguishers, evacuation procedures and site-specific building tours. Annual fire drills were introduced for all staff and third-party workers, ensuring consistent compliance and demonstrable competency.
Life safety systems required structured servicing. Emergency lighting had not been discharge-tested in accordance with BS 5266, and smoke and fire detection systems were overdue for servicing under BS 5839. RiskFire implemented annual servicing programmes and introduced frequent inspections of escape routes and exits to ensure continued safety. To strengthen compliance further, RiskFire developed a centralised record-keeping system to maintain weekly fire alarm test logs, monthly emergency lighting checks, and full documentation of training and drills.
Outcome and Outputs Achieved
The interventions implemented across the three Bread and Butter Collective student accommodation properties resulted in significant improvements to fire safety compliance and operational preparedness. Electrical safety was enhanced through structured testing regimes, reducing the risk of faults and equipment-related incidents. Fire door integrity was restored following comprehensive surveys and rectification works, supporting effective compartmentation in the event of a fire.
Clear and compliant signage improved occupant awareness and evacuation readiness, while the introduction of a robust training programme equipped staff and third-party workers with the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively in an emergency. Servicing of emergency lighting and fire detection systems ensured compliance with BS 5266 and BS 5839, strengthening the reliability of essential life safety systems. The establishment of accessible, transparent record-keeping provided the client with a clear audit trail, supporting ongoing compliance and proactive management of fire safety responsibilities.







