Case Study: Mr Ramz Takeaway Shop

Fast Food premises in Chelmsford

Project Overview

Property: Fast food takeaway premises with flats above

Industry: Hospitality and Residential

Contract Awarded to: RiskFire

Type of Contract: FRA

Project Scope: Fire Risk Assessment

Location: Chelmsford

Project Duration: 1 day

Scope of Works

RiskFire was appointed to assess fire safety compliance for Mr Ramz, a fast food shop with residential flats above. The assessment aimed to address fire safety risks, improve the property’s emergency preparedness, and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

Challenges

The following critical fire safety issues were highlighted:

• Gas and Kitchen Safety:
• No Gas Safe inspection had been conducted.
• Kitchen extractors were not cleaned regularly, posing a significant fire risk.
• Electrical Safety:
• No testing regime for the wiring structure or portable electrical equipment was in place.
• Firefighting Equipment:
• Inadequate fire extinguishers for both cooking oil fires and electrical fires.
• Escape Routes and Signage:
• Escape routes obstructed and improperly marked.
• Missing or inadequate directional signs and fire action notices.
• Compartmentation Issues:
• Compartmentation was damaged at the base of stairs and the main entrance to the kitchen, with voids passing through compartment walls.
• Fire Doors:
• Fire doors lacked intumescent seals and door closers.
• Excessive edge gaps greater than 4mm.
• Policies, Plans, and Training:
• Absence of a written fire safety policy and emergency plan.
• No records of staff training or fire drills.
• Inspection and Record-Keeping:
• No regular servicing of smoke detection or emergency lighting systems.
• Lack of records for fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks, fire training, or fire drills.
  

Solution Provided

RiskFire implemented a comprehensive action plan to address these challenges:

• Gas and Kitchen Safety Improvements:
• Arranged a Gas Safe inspection to ensure all gas appliances, pipework, and flues were maintained in safe condition.
• Recommended regular cleaning of kitchen extractors based on usage: light (annual), moderate (6-monthly), and heavy (3-monthly).
• Advised staff to clean extractor filters as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Electrical Safety Measures:
• Initiated PAT testing and wiring inspections by a competent electrical contractor.
• Firefighting Equipment Installation:
• Installed six fire extinguishers: one Class K and one CO₂ extinguisher in the main shop area and two sets in the kitchen.
• Escape Routes and Signage Enhancements:
• Cleared all escape routes and installed additional directional signage to highlight main exits.
• Added fire action notices at the property entrance.
• Compartmentation Repairs:
• Engaged a competent contractor to seal voids in compartmentation using fire-rated materials.
• Fire Door Upgrades:
• Installed intumescent seals and self-closing devices on all fire doors.
• Adjusted doors to reduce edge gaps to 4mm or less.
• Fire Safety Policies and Emergency Plan:
• Drafted a fire safety policy covering board-level responsibilities, nomination of the responsible person, and maintenance/testing arrangements.
• Developed a detailed emergency plan outlining evacuation procedures, staff roles, and communication protocols with emergency services.
• Staff Training and Drills:
• Provided fire safety training for all staff, including induction for external contractors working on-site.
• Conducted annual fire drills and documented attendance, training content, and outcomes.
• Inspection and Maintenance Regime:
• Scheduled periodic servicing of the smoke detection system and emergency lighting per BS5839 and BS5266.
• Established records for weekly fire alarm testing, monthly emergency lighting checks, and all training/drills.

Results

The fire safety upgrades and compliance measures delivered the following outcomes:

• Enhanced Safety:
• Gas, electrical, and kitchen safety risks were mitigated through regular inspections and cleaning schedules.
• Staff were better equipped to respond to fire incidents with appropriate training and firefighting equipment.
• Compliance with Regulations:
• Fire safety measures now align with The Fire Safety Order (2005), BS5839, and BS5266.
• Improved Preparedness:
• Comprehensive policies, emergency plans, and training improved readiness for fire incidents.
• Detailed record-keeping demonstrated compliance and supported audit readiness.
• Restored Building Integrity:
• Compartmentation and fire door upgrades significantly reduced fire spread risk, ensuring a safer environment for occupants.

Conclusion

RiskFire’s proactive approach to addressing fire safety challenges at Mr Ramz ensured compliance with legal requirements and provided a safer environment for both customers and residential occupants above the premises. This case underscores the importance of integrating fire safety measures into day-to-day operations in the hospitality industry.

This FRA was completed using the Firehub app. 

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