This section sets out our fire emergency plan to demonstrate how we have complied with the relevant requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The people with overall responsibility for fire safety at Hickling Barn are the trustees of the Hickling Playing Field or Recreation Ground Charity.Trustees are responsible for nominating individuals to take on specific tasks with regard to fire safety precautions. These tasks include monthly checks of the fire protection systems, escape routes and alarm system and emergency lighting testing. This will include the room which is leased to the Phoenix Trust.
FIRE SAFETY ASSISTANCE
Hickling Barn has been installed with fire safety equipment that complies with current legislation. In addition, the charity sought advice from North Walsham Fire Protection to install an appropriate number of fire extinguishers, a fire blanket and signage throughout the building, prior to opening. Routine, annual inspection of fire extinguishers will be carried out by a competent contractor.
FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT
A fire risk assessment has been completed by Karen Baker, who is qualified and competent for this work. This document requires reviewing on an annual basis. It is the responsibility of the trustees to ensure that this takes place and that actions identified within the risk assessment are completed.
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire hazards are identified within the fire safety risk assessment and recommendations implemented to control them.
ALARM SYSTEM
Our premises are covered by a comprehensive fire alarm system incorporating automatic fire and smoke detection and manual call points. The alarm system is serviced routinely on a regular basis by a competent contractor.The alarm system is tested by a nominated individual on a monthly basis by activating a different alarm call point each time in rotation. The alarm is generally tested when the building is not in use. If this is not possible, occupants are given prior warning of the test. The results of alarm testing and servicing are recorded and held in the fire section of the health and safety log book located in the storage cupboard within the entrance hall.
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
We have installed an emergency lighting system incorporating battery back up, which activates on failure of the lighting circuit.The system is subject to a monthly activation test by a nominated individual and an annual service by a competent contractor according to manufacturer’s requirements.The results of emergency lighting tests are recorded and held in the Fire section of the health and safety log book.
SIGNAGE
Directional fire escape signs are displayed throughout the building to indicate the location of emergency exits. These signs are illuminated on principal fire exit routes. Signs are also displayed:
• To identify the location of the assembly point
• To describe the type and function of fire extinguishers
• To show the correct operation of gas shut-off valves
• To show fire action required
• To identify fire doors which must be kept shut
All signs comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. As part of our monthly health and safety walk around, a nominated individual checks that safety signs are in place and clearly visible. The results of these checks are recorded and held in the logbook.
ESCAPE ROUTES AND EXITS
Structural fire separation is provided by protected routes surrounded by fire resistant walls, ceilings and fire doors providing 30 minutes fire protection. Fire doors are kept closed by self-closing devices and or kept locked where designed to be. On a monthly basis, checks are made by a person nominated by the trustees to ensure that all escape routes are clear, that exit doors are functioning correctly and that fire doors are either kept shut, kept clear or locked shut as required. The condition of each fire door, including the condition of door closers, are also checked on a monthly basis.The results of escape routes and fire door checks are recorded in the log book.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
We have selected suitable numbers and types of fire extinguishers and these have been installed under the direction of North Walsham Fire Protection. These are subject to routine annual servicing by a competent person. Monthly checks are made on the fire extinguishers and fire blanket to ensure that they have not been tampered with and remain in good working order.
FIRE PROCEDURE
Action on discovering a fire
1 SOUND THE ALARM BY PRESSING A FIRE CALL POINT
2 IMMEDIATELY GO TO FULL EVACUATION PROCEDURES
3 DIAL 999 FOR FIRE SERVICE - GIVE THIS ADDRESS:
Hickling Barn, Tate Loke, off Mallard Way, Hickling NR12 0YU
4 ALL PRESENT TO LEAVE BUILDING AND MEET ON ASSEMBLY AREA AND START RECORDING THOSE ASSEMBLED
5 IF POSSIBLE SWEEP/CHECK OF ALL AREAS AND TOILETS – DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF
6 ONLY ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE USING THE FIRE APPLIANCES PROVIDED IF IT IS CONSIDERED SAFE TO DO SO.
ACTION ON HEARING THE ALARM
1. Do not stop to collect personal belongings
2. Leave by the nearest available exit and report to the assembly point located on the playing field.
3. Close all doors behind you
4. Call the Fire Brigade by dialling 999
5. Do not use your vehicle as this may block the emergency services route
6. Do not return to the building until given the all clear by the fire brigade
DISABLED PERSONS REQUIRING ASSISTANCE
Private hirers of the hall requiring assistance to evacuate Hickling Barn are responsible for making their own arrangements to vacate the premises. Where events are organised by the charity or external bodies, an assessment of the requirements for the safe evacuation of disabled persons must be made. This is referred to in the hire agreement and Phoenix Trust lease.
TRAINING FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES
Information is provided to all trustees and members of the management committee regarding the fire safety policy and evacuation procedures.
COOPERATION AND COORDINATION
Information has been given to the trustees of the Phoenix Trust regarding this fire policy and fire risk assessments for the building. Where necessary, information is given to contractors working on the building with regard to fire safety matters. Contractors must be suitably qualified and where necessary, risk assessments and method statements on the work will be requested by trustees prior to the commencement of work.
PLAN
A plan of the building can be seen below
This policy will be reviewed and updated by the trustees every year at the charity's AGM.
Do our quick online survey about what's on at the Barn.
