FOI Request 2161

Concerns over access/egress from final exit onto main residential street

Fire safety audit carried out at premises - found to be broadly compliant and complaint was not upheld.

Facility appears to have no fire extinguishers, fire alarm test records not on show, no fire evacuation plan and fire exits closed as external shutters are closed and locked whilst facility is open

Fire safety audit carried out at premises - advice given on site and notification of deficiencies issued following visit.

Insufficient exits

Complaint not upheld - premises found to have sufficient exits as premises audited 6 months prior to complaint.

Padlocks on fire exit doors

Unannounced site visit conducted - fire door inspected with padlock visible but not in locked position at time of visit. Advice given around maintaining clear and accessible means of escape. Audit completed at time of visit.

Blocked fire exit at rear of the premises

Advice given around maintaining a clear and accessible means of escape at all times. Site visit conducted within 5 days of complaint. Exit was found to be accessible during this visit and further advice given around external rear access.

Inadequate staff training where it was reported that staff used an incorrect extinguisher to tackle a small fire that had taken place on the premises. The complainant also questioned the emergency evacuation procedure and whether the emergency barriers automatically opened on sounding of the alarm

Site visit carried out and an audit was scheduled for a later date. Inspecting Officer identified that a foam extinguisher had been used on an electrical fire but was informed by the Duty Manager that the electrics had been isolated prior to this. The Inspecting Officer also confirmed that the emergency exits released on operation of the fire alarm and were subject to regular checks. Staff had received training but this was not documented at the time of the visit. Advice was given around importance of a safe but quick evacuation and to revisit suitable positioning of firefighting equipment (extinguishers). The outcome of the audit was found to be broadly compliant where advice was given.

Blocked fire exit at rear of the premises and issue around use of electric heater

Phone call to Responsible Person for the premises to discuss nature of complaint and reiteration of advice around maintaining an accessible means of escape and providing a suitable alternative/instructions to individuals in the rare event that the exit is required to be blocked for a short period. Inspecting Officer confirmed with the Responsible Person that the electric heater was a portable appliance, subject to portable appliance testing and was therefore deemed acceptably managed.

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