
Case Study
Property: Children's farm-based learning centre
Industry: VCSE
Contract Awarded to: RiskFire Ltd
Type of Contract: FRA
Location: Babelake St, Packington, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE651WD
Project Duration: 1 day
Project Overview and Scope
RiskFire was appointed to carry out a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. The assessment covered several buildings across the site and focused on electrical safety, smoking controls, fire extinguisher provision, the management of external combustible materials, and the overall framework for fire safety management. The objective was to identify fire safety risks, provide clear and actionable improvements, and ensure the buildings, staff, and visitors were protected in line with relevant fire safety legislation and best practice standards.
Project Controls and Documentation Provided
- Existing extinguisher servicing details
- Basic site layout information
- Limited training and competency records
- Existing policies and procedural information (partial)
Challenges and Solutions
The assessment identified significant gaps in electrical safety and equipment management. Routine testing of the building’s wiring could not be evidenced, and there was no structured approach to inspecting or testing portable electrical equipment. RiskFire introduced a scheduled programme for fixed-wiring inspection and established a formal PAT testing regime. In addition, a policy was created to control the charging of personal electrical equipment and to ensure this activity was carried out only in designated rooms with appropriate fire protection features.
Smoking controls required substantial improvement. No designated smoking areas existed on site, signage was minimal, and cigarette waste was not being disposed of safely, creating unnecessary fire hazards. RiskFire recommended formal smoking points with non-combustible ashtrays, installed appropriate signage across the premises, and implemented a safe disposal regime using external metal bins.
Combustible materials had been stored too close to the buildings, increasing the risk of external fire spread. These were relocated to safe distances, and additional external lighting and CCTV were advised to deter unsafe storage practices and improve site oversight.
Fire extinguisher provision was inconsistent, and several units were damaged or non-compliant. Extinguishers were replaced where necessary, and their positions were reorganised to ensure visibility and accessibility across all buildings. Fire action notices and directional signage were added in all appropriate locations, and an annual servicing schedule was established to meet BS 5306 requirements.
Fire safety management arrangements required significant strengthening. Responsibilities were not formally documented, training for fire wardens and marshals was insufficient, and there was no record of drills or training activities. RiskFire produced a detailed fire safety policy outlining responsibilities at board and site level, delivered structured warden/marshal training, and introduced regular reviews of the emergency plan. Annual fire drills were scheduled, and a new system was put in place to ensure all training and drill activities were documented consistently.
Outcome and Outputs Achieved
The implementation of these measures created a safer, more compliant environment for staff, visitors, and service users at the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Electrical safety standards improved through structured inspection routines and clearer policies. Fire risks associated with smoking, external storage, and extinguisher provision were significantly reduced. Staff competence and preparedness increased through targeted training and clearer procedures, while documentation and record-keeping were strengthened to support ongoing compliance. As a result, the foundation now has a robust, proactive fire safety management system and a clear framework for maintaining high standards across all buildings.







