Policy statement

We ensure our premises present no risk of fire by ensuring the highest possible standard of fire precautions. It is responsibility of all staff members working at Balham Community Centre to be aware of fire hazards, to know the location of fire exists and the assembly point. Everyone must know the fire drill instructions and these will be part of the induction process for all new staff and volunteers

• All staff members should make themselves acquainted with:

• The various means of exit from their area of work and the Centre.

• The position of the fire extinguishers adjacent to their area of work and how to use them.

• The position of the nearest fire alarm call point in their area of work.

Procedures

The basis of fire safety is risk assessment. These are carried out by a ‘competent person’.

• Assessment; this will be written where there are more than five staff.

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from the inside.

• Smoke detectors/alarms and fire-fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.

Our emergency evacuation procedures are:

• clearly displayed in the premises;

• explained to new members of staff, volunteers and users; and

• practised regularly at least once every six weeks.

• Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment.

Emergency evacuation procedure

Every setting is different and the evacuation procedure will be suitable for each setting. It must cover procedures for practice drills including:

• How children are familiar with the sound of the fire alarm.

• How the children staff and parents know where the fire exits are.

• How children are led from the building to the assembly point.

• How they will be accounted for and who by.

• How long it takes to get the children out safely.

• Who calls the emergency services and when in the event of a real fire.

• How parents are contacted.

The fire drill record book must contain:

• Date and time of the drill.

• How long it took.

• How many children, staff and other adults took part in drill.

• Whether there were any problems that delayed evacuation.

• Any further action taken to improve the drill procedure.

Fire Drill Procedure

If The Fire Alarm Sounds

• Evacuate the building immediately by the nearest exit.

• Close all doors behind you.

• Ensure any visitors leave the building.

• Do not put yourself at risk.

• Report to the assembly point in front of the building.

• Do not re-enter the building for any reason until the Fire Officer or fire brigade confirm that it is safe to do so.

If You Discover A Fire

• Raise the alarm by operating the break-glass switch at the nearest fire alarm call point.

• Dial 999 to call the Fire Brigade.

• Attack the fire if possible using the appliances provided.