Dear Denbighshire Council,

Could I ask Building Control for a .pdf copy of the Health and Safety Certificate for Prestatyn Council Chamber, Municipal Office, Nant Hall Road, or similar required Certification pertaining to a Denbighshire County Council public building. Allowing the public to attend.

Could this include the final certification and any list of improvements or recommendation required (previous or in future) to obtain certification.

Presumably the whole building is being certified and not the one Council Chamber room.

Yours faithfully,

MRS. BOURNE

Dear Denbighshire Council,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Denbighshire Council's handling of my FOI request 'Health and Safety Certificate for Prestatyn Council Chamber, Municipal Office, Nant Hall Road'.

On the grounds of being supplied the aforementioned certificate:-

Facility Name: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd

Address & Postcode: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn,

Assessment Date: 13/11/2009

Responsible person: - Nigel Highfield, Facilities Manager

Assessor(s): - Nigel Highfield TIFireE & John Dickson TIFireE

[Attach photos of typical views of front façade of building]

Summary:

Level of risk, location and format of building, building manager/s, construction type, what building is used for, any vacant units, areas of access etc

All areas of this report will consider the relevant British Standards and Regulations. Particular reference has been made to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO).

Main Use of Facility:
The facility has been largely empty since September 2007. The Day Care Centre moved into the Ground Floor (front elevation) in December 2008, along with a small team of house wardens and the town manager. The housing wardens, town manager and site supervisor are co-located on the 1st floor. The Council Chambers, Stuart Jones Meeting Room and Mayors Parlour are used on a ad-hoc basis. The rest of the 1st floor and 2nd floor offices are empty. This FRA will have to be reviewed on the imminent arrival of an NHS Team in January 2010.

Facility Security:
This property is sited in the centre of Prestatyn, adjacent to the Library and in front of the main council building in Prestatyn, Ty Nant. This building is protected by an intruder/security system, which is linked to an out of hours call centre. Out of hours, all external windows and doors are secured and security alarms set by the Site Supervisor.

Facility Footprint & Area:
The total facility footprint is approximately 1,302 m2.

Facility Construction
Built originally in the early part of the 19th century as the town fire station, this building has gradually grown in size over the years, with the addition of two neighbouring properties (normal domestic houses), so the original building now encompasses two other properties which have been attached over the years, to increase the total size of the building. The main structural walls are of block and brick (cavity, internal block and plaster), with wooden framed (mainly single framed) windows. This building has three main entrance doors and a pitched roof. There are three staircases, of which only one is fire protected.
A lift is provided but should not be used for fire evacuation.
The lift room is located on the ground floor with the ICT Server Room, which are kept locked at all times.
The boiler house is sited at the rear of the building. The boiler house is not fire protected. All appliances are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and are properly maintained. Portable fire fighting equipment and a fire detection warning system is linked to the main fire control panel, to give early warning and protection.

Service Isolation Points:
Electric – The main distribution boards are located in the main entrance/foyer by the Day Care Centre. Key no27 held by the site supervisor, and also a spare key in main key press. A 2nd electrical distribution board is located in 3rd office on right in ground floor corridor (ICT Server Room/Cleaning/Site Stores corridor).
Town Gas – Main Gas supply for all building is located by staff entrance, 1st office on right. Main stop valves are located on the outside pavement (on Nant Hall Rd).
Water – 1st stop valve located at right hand corner of ground floor Planning file room. 2nd stop valve located in far ground toilet on wall by window. 3rd stop valve located in site supervisors kitchen.
Hydrant locations are – Front of Ty Nant building/rear of 6-8 Nant Hall Rd.

Fire Service Access:
Access for the Fire Service is either from Nant Hall Rd for the front elevation of the building, or from the rear courtyard leading off from Nant Hall Rd, for the rear elevation of the building.

Persons at risk:
Day Care Centre Clients – Old Age Pensioners.
DCC employees – although limited numbers of staff are generally based in this building.
Visitors to units & members of the public. (Limited).
Pretatyn Town Council Meetings/Councillors – out of hours.

Potential Sources of Ignition:-
(delete / add as appropriate)
Fixed electrical system.
Fixed gas fired heating systems.
Portable electrical appliances
Fixed electrical appliances (including electric heaters & kitchen appliances)
Discarded smokers’ materials (officially a non smoking site)
Arson

Fire loading:
The facility is regarded as having adequate fire loading for its present occupancy as a large section of the building is empty and not in use.
Internal housekeeping is to a satisfactory standard.

Hazardous, Dangerous & Explosive Substances: -
There are no hazardous or dangerous substances kept or used on site, generally cleaning materials are carefully selected for use with there relevant C.O.S.H.H sheets provided. All cleaning materials and supplies are stored in the cleaners stores and kept locked when not in use.

Compartmentation:
The building has a multi-compartmental fire strategy with alternative means of escape from most parts of the building although escape from the top floor (currently unoccupied) is by means of a single way escape route down the central staircase which is not fire protected. None of the floors in this building exceed the maximum dimensions for buildings or compartments required for non-residential buildings (office accommodation) although existing compartmentation does not meet British Standards

Means of Escape:
Ground floor = There are several escape routes from the ground floor, only the central areas (day care centre) are occupied with all other areas empty or used for storage, these areas are have restricted access. An additional final exit door has been provided to assist with the evacuation from the Day care centre.
1st floor = Escape from the first floor is by way of one of the three staircases down to the ground floor and out through the final exit doors
2nd floor = A single way escape route down the central staircase which is not fire protected. this leads down the central staircase to the 1st and ground floor and out of the main front and back doors

Assembly Point:
The assembly point is sited at the rear of the building next to the public convenience on Nant Hall Road car park

Signage:
Suitable signs of adequate size complying with health and safety (safety signs and signals) regulations 1996 have been provided although due to alterations and re-decoration additional signage as indicated in the Assessment checklist are required.

Fire Detection & Warning systems:-
An electrical fire alarm system throughout is installed in accordance with British standards BS5839. records show that the fire alarm system has been tested with checks being carried out at appropriate intervals
The building is fitted with a L2 system, covering all escape routes.

Fire Fighting Systems:
An adequate number of portable fire extinguishers are provided throughout the building, all labelled as tested and in test.
Monthly inspections are carried out by the site supervisor and are recorded in the building fire safety file. Annual inspections and all required maintenance are carried out by a competent person (DCC Fire Maintenance Unit) and records maintained.

Emergency Lighting:
Emergency lighting is provided in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the current British Standards 5266. Records show that the emergency lighting has been tested in accordance with British Standard requirements.

Records:
The building fire safety file contains all records of building fire safety equipment, training and fire safety measures. It is recommended that emergency lighting records are maintained in the building fire safety file.

Fire Safety Awareness/Fire Warden Training:
Fire evacuation drills and familiarisation training for all staff are carried out every 6 months, or/and when new members of staff re-locate into the building. The Day Care Centre Manager maintains a training record/risk assessment for the Day Care Centre Staff and clients.
It is recommended that regular reviews of fire safety training for this building be carried out.
Fire escape routes, exit doors and external escape routes are checked weekly by the site supervisor and the relevant information is recorded and kept in the building fire safety file.
All employees receive induction training including the location and use of the escape routes from where they are working, on their first working day.
The Day Care Centre Staff are all trained in basic fire safety/fire warden duties. It is recommended that the Housing wardens receive annual refresher training.

Risk rating assessment:
The current daytime level of risk in these premises is considered to be low level, due to the fact that the majority of the building is empty.
The potential for arson at this site is considered to be low.

Conclusions

Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of the fire risk assessment and the low occupancy/use of the building, it is considered that the hazards from fire (probability of ignition) is: LOW – The building is considered to be of a low risk with minimal hazards.
Taking into account the nature of the building and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements observed at the time of the risk assessment, it is considered that the consequences for life safety in the event of fire would cause: SLIGHT HARM – With the outbreak of fire unlikely to result in serious injury or death of any occupants.
Accordingly it is considered that the risk in relation to this building at this time is: LOW – However there may be some improvements that need to be implemented which are detailed in this assessment.

The satisfactory completion of items in this report will ensure:

*An acceptable level of safety for all relevant persons from fire.
*The building complies with current fire safety legislation.
*Suitable fire safety management procedures are in place.

Recommended actions:
[Complete by using physical actions highlighted in yellow on the ‘comments’ section of the checklist below as well as your own points raised from the remainder of the checklist and any other observations]

Action
PRIORITIES:
1: Immediate action to reduce or eliminate real threats to fire safety
2: Planned action to reduce or eliminate lesser threats to fire safety
3: Desirable action consistent with good fire safety practice
Priority
By whom

Completion Date

Carry out Emergency Lighting checks
1
Site Supervisor
ASP
Ongoing fire safety/fire warden training
2
FM
Ongoing
Regular housekeeping checks of the empty part of the building.
2
Site Supervisor
Ongoing
Draft building fire evacuation plan.
1
FM
ASP
Additional external lighting required.
2
FM
ASP
Additional fire safety signage required.
1
FMU
ASP
Uneven floors on escape routes to be addressed.
1
Fm/Bldg Svces
ASP
Upgrading of fire protection on stairwells and escapes to be reviewed.
2
FM/Bldg Svces
ASP
SITE Supervisor to record that fail safe doors open on activation of fire alarm.
2
Site Supervisor
ASP

Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
Location: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd
Address & Postcode: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn

Responsible Person:
Nigel Highfield, Facilities Manager
Risk Class

High  (tick one as appropriate)
Assessor(s):
Nigel Highfield TIFireE, John Dickson TIFireE
Medium  (tick one as appropriate)

Low: X  (tick one as appropriate)

1
Records
Yes
No
Comments

Items requiring action are highlighted in yellow
1.1
Does the building have an existing fire risk assessment?
X

.
Is it available?
X

1.2
Fire Record Log Book - does it record;

.
Fire alarm, tested weekly?
X

.
Emergency lighting tested monthly?

X
Monthly emergency lighting system test to be undertaken & recorded.
.
Fire fighting equipment tested annually?
X

1.3
Are fire drills carried out at least every six months?
X

1.4
Is there a comprehensive written fire emergency plan for the facility
X

1.5
Are employees trained in emergency evacuation procedures?
X

.1.6
Are Fire Wardens clearly identified, with deputies to cover for absences?
X

All Day Care Centre staff and Site Supervisor are trained.
1.7
Is there a suitable facility schematic drawing available
X

2
Plant and Machinery
 

2.1
Is fire detection equipment installed in plant rooms? Are these checked and maintained?
X

2.2
Is there a sprinkler system installed?
Is it checked and maintained?

NA
2.3
Are there records for testing, maintenance and repair of fixed installation e.g. boilers, water, electrical systems etc. available and up to date?
X

Records for fixed electrical installation & building services kept by DCC
2.4
Are regular tests and maintenance carried out and records kept?

X

Gas boilers are serviced by DCC prior to letting. Records of instruction given to unit holders for operation of gas boilers are to be kept by DCC.
3
Fire Evacuation

3.1
Are there clearly defined written evacuation procedures for the building?
X

3.2
Is there a named person available at all times (including late shifts and night employees) to assume responsibility for fire evacuations
X

3.3
Have employees been instructed when and how to call the fire brigade?
X

3.4
Are there procedures in place for the safe evacuation of people (employees and visitors) with disabilities?

X

All Day Care Centre Staff are trained in basic fire warden/fire safety measures.
3.5
Are employees aware of their responsibilities to assist in evacuating visitors?
X

3.6
Can all employees/visitors to the premises be accounted for when checking for missing persons?
X

All visitors are accompanied or sign in to the respective unit.
3.7
Are spare master keys available for the Fire Brigade if necessary?

X

Held centrally in FMU office and Relief Site Supervisors.
4
Escape Routes

4.1
Are there sufficient exits for the number of people present? Including functions and events?
X

Only part of the building is used.
4.2
Do exits lead to a place of safety?

X

4.3
Are all corridors and stairways free from obstruction and not used for storage?
X

Note: Wood/Grit salt to be removed from rear/boiler room exit/corridor.
4.4
Are all floors and stairway surfaces in a good condition and free from trip and slip hazards?
X

4.5
Are external fire escapes (if provided) maintained in a safe condition?

NA
4.6
Is there adequate lighting available? Including emergency lighting and lighting provided on external escape routes?

X
Additional borrowed lighting from street lights. Provision should be made for extra external lighting, particularly at the rear of the building.
4.7
Are all exit doors easily opened from the inside without the use of a key?
X

4.8
Is there adequate access for Fire Brigade vehicles?
X

4.9
Are Fire Evacuation Assembly Points in safe area, clear of the building and away from Fire Brigade access and parking?

X

5
Fire Prevention

5.1
Are all employees aware of fire prevention and told to report any potential fire hazards?
X

5.2
Are employees told of the importance of closing fire resistant doors to check the spread of smoke and fire?
X

5.3
Are all public rooms inspected last thing at night to ensure that cigarettes have been extinguished and electrical appliances have been switched off (if applicable)?
X

Site Supervisor secures building at the end of the working day.
5.4
Are smoking restrictions enforced?
X

DCC No Smoking Policy.
5.5
Are there suitable facilities for the disposal of smoking materials?
X

N/A
5.6
Is rubbish collected regularly and placed in a safe receptacle outside the building?
X

5.7
Are kitchen employees (where available) trained in the relevant fire risks?

N/A

5.8
Are workshops and storerooms (if provided) kept clean and tidy?
X

5.9
Are electrical cables run only where damage is not likely and not through doorways or under floor coverings?
X

5.10
Is the upholstery of furniture in good condition?
X

5.11
Have measures been taken to reduce the risk of arson?
X

6
Fire Resisting Doors

6.1
Are all fire doors in good condition and not wedged open?

X
Fire doors on stairwells and fire escapes require upgrading.
6.2
Are self-closures working if fitted?

X

6.3
Are smoke seals (intumescent strip) in good condition, not painted over?

X
Where provided painted over.
6.4
All glazing panels of wired glass intact, not replaced with other materials?
X

6.5
Are automatic closing fire doors (where fitted) checked to ensure that they do close when the alarm sounds?

NA
6.6
Are automatic doors released periodically to prevent warping?

NA
6.7
Are all storeroom doors locked when not in use?
X

6.8
Do power doors (where fitted) fail to safe when the alarm sounds?
X

Site Supervisor to test on each fire evacuation exercise.
6.9
Are these tested and records kept?

X
Site Supervisor to record in building fire safety file.
7
Fire Notices

.
Are notices provided as follows;

…
..

7.1
Fire exit doors and corridors Pictograms with arrows
X

7.2
Are signs fixed to the relevant doors on both sides, Fire Door keep shut?

X
Extra signage to be provided.
7.3
Over panic bars on fore exit doors - Push bar to open

X
As above.
7.4
Adjacent to all alarm break glass points - Fire Evacuation Procedures

X
Fire evacuation procedures to be placed adjacent to all fire break glass points/some missing.
7.5
Fire Exit Keep Clear on all routes not in common use

X
To be provided on both sides of all exits/fire escape doors.
8
Fire Fighting

8.1
Is portable fire fighting equipment available for use?
X

8.2
Are there sufficient extinguishers and of the correct type?
X

8.3
Are all extinguishers wall mounted with handles approximately 1 metre from floor level?
X

8.4
Are all extinguishers visible or their location indicated by suitable signs?
X

8.5
Do all employees know which extinguishers to use on different types of fire?
X

9
Emergency Lighting

9.1
Is the emergency lighting (if provided) in good condition?
X

9.2
Is regular testing and maintenance carried out and are records available?

X
Monthly testing of emergency lighting system to be implemented & the results recorded in the fire log book.
10
Fire Alarm System

10.1
Is the fire alarm system in good working order?
X

10.2
Are the fire alarm call points unobstructed and clearly indicated?
X

10.3
Is the fire alarm tested weekly using different call points on each occasion? and results recorded?
X

10.4
Is the fire alarm system clearly audible throughout the building? (during normal usage)
X

10.5
Are annex building (where available) linked to the main alarm system?

N/A

10.6
Are smoke detectors installed and in good working order?
X

11
Servicing and Maintenance

.
Is the equipment serviced regularly and records maintained for the following systems?
..
..

11.1
Fire alarm system?
X

Serviced & maintained by Chubb
11.2
Emergency Lighting? (if installed)
X

Confirmation required by DCC
11.3
Fire extinguishers and hose reels?
X

Unit Holders are responsible for ensuring that their fire extinguishers are serviced & maintained.
11.4
Are all air vents and ducts cleaned regularly to avoid a build up of dust, grease and debris? (especially kitchens and workshops)

N/A

12
Heating Appliances

12.1
Are heating appliances positioned a safe distance from any combustible materials and suitably guarded?
X

12.2
Are portable heaters well maintained and only used in an emergency.
X

Portable heaters used by Day care Centre ground floor.
12.3
Are portable gas heaters only used when rooms are unoccupied (prior to use) and only for emergencies?
..
..
NA
12.4
Are all spare gas bottles outside in a metal cage?
..
..
NA
.
NB. Portable paraffin heaters are not allowed on any premises, under any circumstances

13
Electrical Appliances

13.1
Are RCD's (residual current device) used where appropriate?
X

13.2
Are visual checks carried out prior to using any portable electrical appliances?
X

14
Electricity At Work Regulations 1989

14.1
Has a competent person tested the hard wiring within the building within the last five years?
X

Completed in July 2006.
14.2
Has a competent person tested all portable electrical appliances within the last 12 months?
X

Completed in July 2009.
14.3
Are all works required carried out in accordance with the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations (BS7671: 2008)
X

DCC Approved Contractors only.
14.4
Are records available of the electrical tests?
X

15
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

15.1
Are all works carried out by CORGI registered contractors?
X

DCC Approved Contractors only.
15.2
Is all gas equipment serviced and maintained in accordance with the regulations?
X

DCC Approved Contractors only.
16
Flammable Substances

16.1
Are all flammable substances and combustible materials stored safely?
X

16.2
Are the quantities of flammable substances on the premises adequately controlled?
X

Minimal quantities of low risk substances only
17
Building Works

.
When undergoing alternations, decorations or repair are procedures in place to ensure that:

NA
17.1
Suitable precautions are in place to prevent fires?
X

NA
17.2
Means of escape are not obstructed?
X

NA
17.3
No reduction in fire safety will result from the alterations?
X

NA
17.4
Fire risk is fully considered when ordering furnishings and equipment?
X

NA
17.5
Permits to work are used where necessary?
X

NA
17.6
Are contractors made aware of the emergency procedures for the site?
X

NA
17.7
Building regulations and other statutory requirements are complied with?
X

NA

Appendix 1

?e.g. Buildings - Unit Tenant Details

Appendix 2

?e.g. Scale drawings / floor plans

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/he...

Yours faithfully,

MRS. BOURNE

Dear Denbighshire Council,

My apologies for missing your request for clarification.

I wish:-

A1. I can advise that according to our records, Building Control have not issued any certification in relation to Prestatyn Council Chambers.

To be reviewed in the light Denbighshire County Council has supplied me with a certificate.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

MRS. BOURNE

Dear Denbighshire Council,

I believe; Facility Name: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd

Address & Postcode: 6-8 Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn,

Assessment Date: 13/11/2009

Responsible person: - Nigel Highfield, Facilities Manager

Assessor(s): - Nigel Highfield TIFireE & John Dickson TIFireE

Was the title of document. As in the full reply.

Yours faithfully,

MRS. BOURNE