Case Study: Specialist Housing in Deal, Kent

Supported Living Accommodation Deal

Project Overview

Property: Specialist supported living accommodation.

Industry: Accommodation

Contract Awarded to: RiskFire

Type of Contract: FRA

Project Scope: Fire Risk Assessment

Location: Deal, Kent

Project Duration: 1 day

Scope of Works

RiskFire was commissioned to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for a specialist housing facility in Deal, Kent. The property provides accommodation for vulnerable residents, necessitating rigorous fire safety measures. The objectives included assessing the current fire safety status, addressing compartmentation issues, and implementing measures to enhance compliance with The Fire Safety Order (2005).

Challenges

The following fire safety issues were identified during the FRA:

• Electrical Equipment Safety:
• Portable electrical equipment was not subject to a regular testing and inspection regime, increasing fire risk.
• Compartmentation in Boiler/Water Tank Room:
• Compartmentation was missing or damaged in the boiler and water tank room, leaving breaches that could allow fire and smoke to spread.
• Lack of ‘No Smoking’ Signage:
• No ‘No Smoking’ signs were displayed at entrances or in communal areas, failing to meet fire safety regulations.
  

Solution Provided

RiskFire developed and implemented a comprehensive action plan to address the identified issues:

• Electrical Equipment Testing:
• Recommended the implementation of a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) regime or an alternative inspection process to ensure all portable electrical equipment was safe for use.
• Scheduled periodic inspections to identify and rectify electrical faults.
• Compartmentation Repairs:
• Engaged a competent contractor to repair and seal breaches in the compartmentation within the boiler and water tank room.
• Ensured all breaches were sealed using fire-rated materials, restoring the integrity of the fire-resistant barriers.
• Installation of ‘No Smoking’ Signage:
• Installed clear and visible ‘No Smoking’ signs at all property entrances and in communal areas, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Record-Keeping:
• Recommended maintaining detailed records of all testing, inspections, and repairs to demonstrate compliance during future audits and inspections.

Results

RiskFire’s solutions resulted in the following outcomes:

• Electrical Safety Enhanced:
• All portable electrical equipment was subjected to a rigorous testing and inspection regime, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
• Compartmentation Restored:
• Repairs to the boiler and water tank room compartmentation improved fire containment and reduced the risk of fire spread, significantly enhancing overall safety.
• Compliance with Signage Regulations:
• The installation of ‘No Smoking’ signs ensured the property adhered to legal requirements and encouraged safer behavior from residents and visitors.
• Improved Fire Safety Standards:
• Comprehensive measures, including proactive maintenance and record-keeping, improved the property’s fire safety compliance and reduced risks for residents.

Conclusion

By addressing critical fire safety concerns, RiskFire ensured the specialist housing facility in Deal, Kent, met statutory requirements and provided a safer environment for its residents. This project highlights the importance of electrical safety, compartmentation, and regulatory compliance in supported living environments.

This FRA was completed using the Firehub app.

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