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The Fire Alarm

There is no fire detection system at the Church.

On discovering a fire, shout "FIRE, FIRE!" in a loud and clear voice.

On hearing the phrase "FIRE, FIRE!", all occupants of the building shall exit via the nearest available exit and assemble on the corner of Farnol Road and St Edmund's Road. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.

The person discovering the fire shall call 999 and inform the operator:
                    "Fire at Temple Hill Baptist Church, St Edmund's Road, Dartford"

The leader of the group shall ensure that all occupants have left the building either by clear zone or register (this is dependant on the group - During open meetings, the church will practice a clear zone policy).

Do not re-enter the building until the fire services state that it is safe to do so.

About Fire Safety

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into effect on 1 October 2006. It reforms the law relating to fire safety in non-domestic premises. There is greater emphasis on fire prevention; the Order requires fire precautions to be put in place ‘where necessary’ and to the extent that these are reasonable and practicable in the circumstances. Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the ‘responsible person’, in the church this will be the diaconate as a group. The ‘responsible person’ will:

  • carry out a fire risk assessment identifying any possible dangers and risks
  • consider who may be especially at risk
  • get rid of or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonable possible
  • provide general fire precautions to deal with any possible risk left
  • take measures to make sure there is protection if flammable materials are used or stored
  • create a plan to deal with any emergency
  • review findings where necessary

The risk assessment will pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as disabled people and those with special needs. It will help to identify risks that can be removed or reduced and to decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions that need to be taken to protect people against the fire risks that remain. We will record the significant findings of the assessment, which should cover:

  • possible causes of fire
  • ways in which the risk of fire occurring and spreading can be minimized
  • means of fighting fire
  • fire detection and warning
  • emergency routes and exits
  • information on fire precautions
  • maintenance and testing of fire precautions

Fire Risk Assessment (January 2011)

                              Risk Assessment – Record of significant findings

Risk assessment for

Building:Temple Hill Baptist Church

Location: St Edmund’s Road

Assessment undertaken by

Date: 30th December 2010

Completed by: G Hillier

Step 1 – Identify fire hazards

Sources of ignition

·         Candles used in some services

·         Heater in office

·         Heater in children’s room

·         Boiler in toilets

·         Arson

Sources of fuel

·         Paper in office

·         Craft materials in children’s room

·         Banners around the church

·         Curtains at front of church

·         Church Chairs

·         Kitchen waste bin

·         Office waste bin

·         External bins

Sources of oxygen

·         No additional sources

Step 2 – People at risk

·         Children on premises (up to 30)

·         Elderly on premises (up to 10)

·         Visitors (up to 80)

·         Residents of Gardenia house (adjoining building at risk in case of fire in the church)

Step 3 – Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk

(3.1) Evaluate the risk of the fire occurring

·         When using candles, there is an increased risk.

·         The heaters are a potential hazard.

·         The boilers are gas fired.

(3.2) Evaluate the risk to people from a fire starting in the premises

The numbers of people on-site do not require special procedures. If there is a fire in the church, the onsite manager of Gardenia house must be notified.

(3.3) Remove and reduce the hazards that may cause a fire

·         Bins are regularly emptied.

·         The external bins are locked away.

·         Paperwork is kept in metal filing cabinets.

·         Heaters are only used when the room is occupied.

(3.4) Remove and reduce the risks to people from a fire

Fire evacuation routes have been planned and Exit routes have been reviewed with the following recommendations:

·         Smoke alarm to be fitted in side hall

·         Fire extinguishers to be serviced and moved nearer to the exits

·         Fire extinguisher signage to be replaced.

Assessment review

Assessment/review date 30/12/2011

Completed by

 N/A

Signature

 N/A

Review outcome (where substantial changes have occurred a new record sheet should be used)

N/A

Notes:

(1) The risk assessment record of significant findings should refer to other plans, records or other documents as necessary.

(2) The information in this record should assist you to develop an emergency plan; co-ordinate measures with other ‘responsible persons’ in the building; and to inform and train staff and inform other relevant persons.