Pepe’s Chicken

Project Overview

Property: Fast Food unit / shop

Industry: Restaurant and hospitality

Contract Awarded to: RiskFire

Type of Contract: FRA

Project Scope: Fire Risk Assessment

Location: Coventry

Project Duration: 1 day

Scope of Works

RiskFire conducted a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for Pepe's Chicken, aiming to address fire safety challenges, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard the premises, staff, and customers. The assessment encompassed electrical safety, escape routes, fire door functionality, combustible materials management, staff training, and emergency procedures.

Challenges

During the FRA, the following significant fire safety issues were identified:

• Electrical Safety:
• No formal testing and inspection regime for portable electrical equipment.
• Lack of regular testing of the building's wiring structure.
• Combustible Material Management:
• Readily combustible materials stored close to the building's exterior.
• Poor waste management with bins untidily kept and waste not properly segregated.
• Combustible materials stored near ignition sources in the downstairs area.
• Fire Doors and Exits:
• Only one fire exit, which is insufficient for the maximum occupant capacity.
• The existing fire escape door did not meet safety standards and required replacement.
• Fire doors wedged open, compromising compartmentation.
• Emergency Plan and Staff Training:
• Lack of a documented emergency plan specific to the premises.
• Inadequate training and fire drills for staff, including specialized training for fire wardens/marshals.
• Policy and Record-Keeping:
• Absence of a written fire safety policy outlining responsibilities and procedures.
• No records of testing for fire alarms, emergency lighting, or training sessions.
• Specialist Assessments:
• No COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) risk assessment for hazardous materials.
• Potential need for a DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) risk assessment.

Solution Provided

To address the challenges, RiskFire recommended and facilitated the following measures:

• Electrical Safety:
• Established a schedule for routine testing of the wiring structure.
• Introduced a regime for testing and inspecting all portable electrical equipment.
• Ensured appropriate extension lead usage, avoiding daisy-chaining and block adaptors.
• Combustible Material Management:
• Relocated all combustible materials to safe storage areas.
• Implemented a waste segregation and management system to ensure bins are tidily kept.
• Stored hazardous materials (COSHH items) in a locked storage cupboard.
• Fire Doors and Exits:
• Recommended replacing the fire escape door with one that swings in the direction of travel and includes a push bar opening device.
• Implemented interim fire evacuation procedures until the fire exit door was replaced.
• Advised on the installation of external lighting and CCTV to deter arson risks.
• Policy and Procedures:
• Drafted a written fire safety policy detailing roles and responsibilities for proactive maintenance and emergency response.
• Developed an emergency plan specific to the premises, including:
• Fire warnings and evacuation procedures.
• Safe evacuation routes, assembly points, and meeting protocols with fire and rescue services.
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled staff.
• Arrangements for managing specific risks identified in the premises.
• Staff Training and Documentation:
• Conducted comprehensive training covering fire risks, evacuation procedures, and the operation of fire safety equipment.
• Provided specialized training for fire wardens/marshals.
• Documented all training sessions, including the content and names of participants.
• Implemented a regime of regular fire drills for all staff and external contractors.
• System Maintenance and Record-Keeping:
• Scheduled periodic servicing of the smoke detection and alarm system in line with BS 5839.
• Scheduled annual discharge testing of emergency lighting systems as per BS 5266.
• Instituted frequent inspections of escape routes and exits to ensure they remain clear.
• Introduced a record-keeping system for weekly fire alarm and smoke ventilation tests, monthly emergency lighting tests, training sessions, and fire drills.

Results

RiskFire’s recommendations and interventions provided the following outcomes:

• Enhanced electrical safety, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
• Improved waste management and reduced fire risks associated with combustible materials.
• Safe and accessible fire exits, ensuring compliance with capacity requirements.
• A clear and actionable emergency plan tailored to the premises.
• Well-trained staff equipped to handle fire emergencies effectively.
• Compliance with BS 5839 and BS 5266 standards for alarm systems and emergency lighting.
• Comprehensive records to demonstrate compliance and facilitate ongoing safety management.

Conclusion

The Fire Risk Assessment by RiskFire transformed Pepe's Chicken into a safer environment for staff and customers. By addressing structural, procedural, and training gaps, the restaurant now meets fire safety standards and is better prepared to respond to emergencies. This case highlights RiskFire's commitment to delivering practical, high-impact fire safety solutions for businesses.

This FRA was completed using the Firehub app.

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