The following critical fire safety issues were highlighted:
- Electrical Safety:
- No Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) regime for portable electrical equipment.
- Emergency Lighting:
- Emergency lighting lacked annual discharge testing, as recommended in BS5266.
- No records of monthly testing for emergency escape lighting systems.
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
- No records of weekly testing for fire detection/alarm systems, including any disabled refuge and smoke ventilation systems.
- Compartmentation Issues:
- Missing or damaged compartmentation in the boiler room.
- Inadequate fire-rated cupboard requiring installation.
- Fire Doors:
- Several fire doors required easing and adjusting to ensure they closed correctly into their latches.
- Kitchen fire door replacement was necessary due to insufficiency.
- Excessive edge gaps on fire doors needed reducing to 4mm or less.
- Signage and Notices:
- Missing 'No Smoking' signs at entrances and communal areas.
- Missing fire action notices in the main communal area and the corridor on the upper floor.
Solution Provided
RiskFire implemented a comprehensive action plan to address these challenges:
- Electrical Safety Measures:
- Established a PAT testing regime for all portable electrical equipment.
- Emergency Lighting Maintenance:
- Conducted a 60-minute discharge test of the emergency lighting system by a qualified provider.
- Created a schedule for monthly emergency escape lighting system testing, with clear record-keeping procedures.
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
- Instituted weekly testing of the fire detection/alarm systems, including disabled refuge and smoke ventilation systems.
- Ensured comprehensive records were maintained and made available for review.
- Compartmentation Repairs:
- Repaired damaged compartmentation in the boiler room and installed a fire-rated cupboard to enhance fire containment.
- Fire Door Improvements:
- Adjusted fire doors to ensure proper closure and compliance with fire safety standards.
- Replaced the insufficient kitchen fire door with a compliant alternative.
- Reduced excessive edge gaps on all fire doors to 4mm or less.
- Signage and Notices Installation:
- Installed 'No Smoking' signs at all entrances and communal areas.
- Added fire action notices in the main communal area and the upper-floor corridor.
Results
The fire safety upgrades and compliance measures delivered the following outcomes:
1. Compliance Achieved:
- The synagogue now meets fire safety requirements under The Fire Safety Order (2005), BS5266, and BS5306.
2. Enhanced Fire Containment:
- Repaired compartmentation and compliant fire doors improved the building’s ability to contain fire and smoke, protecting occupants and property.
3. Improved Fire Safety Measures:
- Regular testing regimes for emergency lighting, fire detection systems, and portable electrical equipment minimized fire risks.
4. Clear Communication and Awareness:
- Updated signage and fire action notices provided clear guidance for staff and congregation members.
5. Detailed Record-Keeping Framework:
- Comprehensive records ensured audit readiness and ongoing monitoring of fire safety measures.
Conclusion
RiskFire’s comprehensive fire safety interventions significantly reduced fire risks in the synagogue while ensuring compliance with legal standards. By improving compartmentation, fire doors, and emergency systems, the project created a safer environment for worshippers and staff, supporting the synagogue’s long-term commitment to fire safety.
This FRA was completed using the Firehub app.
