Republic of the Philippines

Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology

College of Engineering and Technology
A.Bonifacio, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200

Fire Risk and Hazard Assessment of Office Buildings in Mindanao

State University – Iligan Institute and Technology

In Partial fulfillment for the

Undergraduate Thesis Degree

Submitted to

ENGR. JONATHAN M. TIONGSON

Faculty Member

Department of Civil and Engineering Technology

College of Engineering and Technology
Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY-CIVIL ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY

JADE G. AMESOLA
JAYCEL MAE O. HERNANDO
VICTOR B.DIONISIO JR.

March 7, 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
CHAPTER 1 2
Background of the Study 2
1.2 Statement of the Problem 8
1.3 Significance of the Study 9
1.4 Objectives of the Study 10
1.4.1 General Objective 10
1.4.2 Specific Objectives 10
1.5 Scope and Limitation 10
1.6 Operation Definition of Terms 11
1.7 Conceptual Framework 12
CHAPTER 2 14
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE 14
2.1 Importance of School buildings in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. 14
2.2 Risk and Hazards of Office Building 15
2.3 Fire Risk and Hazard Methods (previous studies abroad and in the Philippines). 15
2.4 Fire Safety Provisions (Fire code and Building Code Provisions- Philippines). 15
2.5 Elements of Fire Safety Plan 32
CHAPTER 3 34
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 34
3.1 Research Design 34
3.2 Research Instrument 35
3.3 Research Flows 35
3.3.1 Identify hazards 35
3.3.2 Assess the risks 36
3.3.3 Control the risk 36
3.3.4 Record your findings 36
3.3.5 Review the controls 36
3.4 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE 37
3.5 DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES 37
References: 41

CHAPTER 1

1
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Fires are a significant threat to public safety and property worldwide. In the Philippines,

fire incidents remain a prevalent issue, particularly in densely populated urban areas. In 2019,

there were 11,030 fire incidents in the Philippines, resulting in 150 deaths and PHP 10.8 billion

worth of property damage (BFP, 2020). Office buildings are particularly vulnerable to fire

incidents due to the presence of combustible materials and limited egress routes. In the

Philippines, the risk of fire incidents in office buildings is exacerbated by factors such as

inadequate fire safety regulations and enforcement, lack of fire safety equipment and training,

and substandard building materials and construction practices (Lumbera et al., 2020).

Fire is a major threat to buildings, properties, and human lives. In recent years, several

fire incidents have occurred in various educational institutions, causing loss of life and property

damage. T[J1] herefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive fire risk and hazard assessment

of the office buildings and residential buildings in MSU-IIT to ensure the safety of its occupants.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were an estimated

1.3 million fires reported in the United States in 2020, resulting in 3,705 civilian fire deaths and

2
16,600 civilian fire injuries (NFPA, 2021). While the incidence of fires in the Philippines is not

as high as in the United States, fire incidents remain a significant threat to public safety and

property, particularly in densely populated urban areas. In 2019, there were 11,030 fire incidents

in the Philippines, resulting in 150 deaths and PHP 10.8 billion worth of property damage (BFP,

2020).

In addition, fire risk assessment involves "the systematic evaluation of factors that determine the

likelihood and potential impact of fires and related hazards" (NFPA, 2018, p. 3). The assessment

can help identify potential fire hazards, assess the likelihood of a fire occurring, and evaluate the

potential severity of the consequences of a fire. It is an important step towards developing

effective fire prevention and mitigation strategies.

On the other hand, several studies have been conducted on fire risk and hazard assessment in

various settings, including educational institutions, office buildings, and residential buildings.

For instance, a study by Al-Mutairi (2018) assessed the fire risk in Kuwaiti high-rise buildings,

while another study by Zhang and Li (2020) evaluated the fire risk in Chinese university

dormitories. However, there is a dearth of research on fire risk and hazard assessment of office

buildings and residential buildings in MSU-IIT.

MSU-IIT is a public research university located in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, in the

northern part of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It was established in 1968 as the

Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), a satellite campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU)

system. In 1975, IIT was granted autonomous status, which allowed it to operate independently

3
of the MSU system. In 2008, IIT was renamed as the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute

of Technology.

Today, MSU-IIT is one of the leading universities in the Philippines, with a strong focus

on science and technology, as well as social sciences, humanities, and arts. The university offers

undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including engineering,

natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, business, education, social sciences,

humanities, and arts.

MSU-IIT houses 34 buildings. Twenty of these are admin buildings while the rest are classroom

buildings. These building is made up of commonly used materials in building construction like

CHB Portland cement, washed coarse sand and gravel, steel bars reinforcement, etc. Despite the

emergence of new buildings on the ground of the said school campus, old buildings are still

existent.

4
Figure 1: Map of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

To address these challenges, it is essential to conduct regular fire risk and hazard

assessments of office buildings, with the goal of identifying potential fire risks and hazards,

evaluating the effectiveness of current safety measures, and proposing recommendations for

improvement. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute and Technology (MSU-IIT), as a

leading educational institution in the southern Philippines, has a responsibility to ensure the

safety and security of its buildings and occupants, including its office buildings

Therefore, this study aims to conduct a fire risk and hazard assessment of the office

buildings and residential buildings in MSU-IIT. The study will employ the NFPA's fire risk

assessment methodology and will consider several factors, such as building design, construction,

5
fire safety measures, and fire risk assessment techniques. The findings of the study can help

develop effective fire prevention and mitigation strategies to enhance the safety of MSU-IIT's

occupants.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study will conduct a comprehensive fire risk and hazard assessment of the office

buildings in MSU-IIT, utilizing a combination of building inspections, interviews with staff and

emergency responders, and analysis of building design and layout. The findings of this study can

provide valuable insights into the potential fire risks and hazards in office buildings, as well as

effective strategies for mitigating those risks and hazards.These assessment includes on

identifying on what are the potential fire risks and hazards in the office buildings in MSU-

IIT,evaluating the effectiveness of current safety measures in the office buildings in MSU-IIT

and proposing recommendation for the improvements.

1.3 Significance of the Study

The relevance of MSU-IIT to the thesis lies in the fact that it is a large institution with numerous

buildings and facilities, including office buildings that cater to business and residential

occupancy. As such, it is important to ensure that these buildings are safe from fire hazards and

that adequate measures are in place to prevent fires from occurring. By conducting a fire risk and

hazard assessment of the office buildings in MSU-IIT, This thesis aims to contribute to the safety

and security of the university's facilities and the well-being of its occupants.

In addition, the findings of this study can contribute to the development of more effective

fire safety protocols and regulations in the Philippines, and promote greater awareness of fire

6
safety issues among building owners, facility managers, and building occupants. Additionally,

the results of this study can serve as a model for other universities and organizations in the

Philippines and beyond to conduct similar assessments and implement more effective fire safety

measures.

The result of this study will benefit the following:

● To the MSU-IIT Administrators and Faculties – this study will provide

information to the MSU-IIT Administrators and Faculties about the current status

of their office buildings as to how they will perform during fire incidents. In

addition, the administrators and faculty will be aware of its danger and take

immediate actions as to how they can address the problem that this study will

detect in the process of assessment.

● To the MSU-IIT Students – This study will aid them in becoming more aware of

the fire risk and hazard present on school grounds. Additionally, it will make

them more informed and ready when it comes to fire danger and hazard.

● To the Guardian and Parents – This study will provide information to the parents

and guardians of the students as to the safety of their children or family members

while they are taking school classes. Additionally, if there are problems this study

will detect, the parents may raise concerns about it to the school and put pressure

on them to address the problem.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

7
 1.4.1 General Objective

This study aim to assess the fire risk and hazard in all Office Buildings of Mindanao

State University-Iligan Institute of Technology.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. Identify the level of fire risk and hazard in all office buildings.

2. Categorize the levels of fire risk and hazard in all office buildings.

3. Recommend a fire safety plan to school authorities.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

This study will be conducted to evaluate the level of risk and hazard of the

administrative buildings at Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute Technology. The

researchers will focus only on evaluating and providing recommendations based on the results

gathered, and will not engage in any other activities beyond that scope. The study is specifically

focused on assessing the fire risk and hazard levels of the administrative buildings, and the

results will be used to suggest ways to improve fire safety measures.

This statement clarifies the scope of the study, stating that it will not address any issues

beyond those related to fire risk and hazard. Additionally, the researchers will not make any

physical changes to the administrative buildings during the study. Finally, it emphasizes that the

results of the study will be specific to the administrative buildings of Mindanao State University-

Iligan Institute Technology, and may not be applicable to other buildings or contexts.

8
1.6 Operation Definition of Terms

Fire Risk Assessment - The systematic evaluation of factors that determine the likelihood and

potential impact of fires and related hazards in office buildings and residential buildings.

Egress Routes - Designated pathways or routes for safe evacuation during fire incidents,

ensuring occupants can exit the building efficiently and without obstruction.

Fire Suppression Systems - Specialized equipment and systems designed to control or

extinguish fires, including sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets.

Building Construction Materials - The specific materials used in the construction of office

buildings and residential buildings, including CHB (concrete hollow blocks), Portland cement,

steel bars, G.I. roofing sheets, PVC pipes, glass, aluminum framing, and ceramic tiles.

Fire Safety Regulations and Enforcement - The set of guidelines, rules, and codes established

by regulatory bodies to ensure fire safety in buildings, including requirements for fire alarms,

emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and adherence to building codes.

Fire Hazard - Any condition, material, or circumstance that increases the risk of a fire incident,

such as the presence of combustible materials, faulty electrical wiring, or improper storage of

flammable substances.

Fire Safety Plan - A comprehensive strategy developed to prevent, mitigate, and respond to fire

incidents, including measures for fire prevention, emergency response, evacuation procedures,

and communication protocols.

9
Fire Risk Level - The degree of potential harm or damage posed by a fire incident, assessed

based on factors such as the likelihood of a fire occurring and the severity of its consequences.

Fire Safety Protocol - Standard operating procedures and guidelines that outline the specific

actions and measures to be taken to ensure fire safety, including regular inspections, maintenance

of fire safety equipment, and staff training.

Fire Safety Measures - The proactive actions and precautions implemented to minimize the risk

of fire incidents, including fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems, emergency

lighting, and fire-resistant building materials.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-depth

search done by the researchers.

2.1 Importance of School buildings in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

Fires may occur inadvertently and unpredictably, making it difficult to estimate fire

hazards in schools.To protect students, the school must take measures to reduce the risk of fire,

such as assessing the risks and implementing control measures. Fire safety is important in

schools, no matter how big or small. Many schools in Australia have to take fire safety measures

very seriously because fires can be deadly. Fire risk assessments help schools figure out what

kind of fire safety measures they need to take, (Ahrens, M. 2019).

10
 A disaster risk reduction approach helps us consider our emergency response activities in

light of existing and new disaster risks. This enables us to design or adjust our activities so that

people and communities become safer and more disaster-resilient, as well as safeguarding efforts

to create and expand enabling conditions for sustainable poverty alleviation and development.

DRR approaches and tools will prevent relief work from rebuilding the vulnerabilities

that made people prone to similar disasters. DRR provides valuable insights into the underlying

factors of vulnerability to hazards and the features of those hazards. It helps us identify and map

local capacities to cope with these hazards. Ultimately, the DRR approach helps us conduct

effective disaster response while reducing risks that similar disasters will reoccur. It also ensures

that our emergency response does no harm by replacing or reinstating critical vulnerabilities.

(Rethinking the future,2013)

As the number and kind of disasters increase, so does our advancement in planning for

them. Thus, disaster planning is crucial and involves active participation from architects. Pre-

disaster prevention, which requires disaster-resilient architecture, can mitigate damage in hazard-

prone areas. It also helps to keep the consequences of a catastrophe stable and short-

lived.Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storms, flooding, wildfires,

heatwaves, and droughts are all classified as natural hazards by the World Health Organization

(WHO), and each has a distinct effect on the area in which they occur. Planning for materials and

techniques that mitigate damages is crucial for combatting such disasters.

11
2.2 Risk and Hazards of Office Building

Office buildings are some of the most commonly used types of buildings in the world,

serving as workplaces for many individuals. The safety and well-being of these occupants is

paramount, making it necessary to assess and address the risks and hazards associated with

office buildings. Fire is a significant hazard that can occur in any building, including office

buildings. It is vital to assess the risk of fire in office buildings and take appropriate measures

to prevent fires from occurring. According to the National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA), office properties have a fire incidence rate of 1.24 fires per 1,000 office properties

per year in the United States alone (Karter, 2019). Studies have shown that the risk of fire in

office buildings can be attributed to several factors, including faulty electrical systems,

improper storage of flammable materials, and poor maintenance practices (Gonçalves &

Balsamo, 2016).

2.3 Fire Risk and Hazard Methods (previous studies abroad and in the Philippines).

Fire is a major hazard that can occur in any building, including office buildings.

Therefore, it is important to assess the risk of fire in these buildings and take measures to

prevent fires from occurring. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),

office properties have a fire incidence rate of 1.24 fires per 1,000 office properties per year in

the United States alone (Karter, 2019). Studies have shown that the risk of fire in office

buildings can be attributed to several factors, including faulty electrical systems, improper

storage of flammable materials, and poor maintenance practices (Gonçalves & Balsamo,

2016).

12
 In previous studies conducted abroad, various methods have been used to assess the

fire risk and hazard of office buildings. For example, a study conducted in the United States

used the Fire Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) to assess the fire risk of office buildings

(Madrzykowski et al., 2014). The FRAT is a tool that assesses fire risk based on factors such

as building characteristics, occupancy type, and fire protection systems. Another study

conducted in Australia used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess

the fire risk of office buildings (Russo & O'Shea, 2010). The study used a questionnaire to

gather information about building characteristics and fire protection systems, and also

conducted a site inspection to assess the physical condition of the building and identify

potential fire hazards.

In the Philippines, there have also been studies conducted on the fire risk and hazard

of office buildings. One study conducted in Metro Manila used a risk assessment model to

identify fire hazards in high-rise office buildings (Santos & Yumul, 2013). The model

considered factors such as building design, fire protection systems, and occupant behavior to

assess the risk of fire. Another study conducted in Cebu City assessed the fire safety

awareness and preparedness of occupants in office buildings (Napoles et al., 2017). The

study found that many occupants were not aware of fire safety measures and were not

adequately prepared in the event of a fire.

13
2.4 Fire Safety Provisions (Fire code and Building Code Provisions- Philippines).

Republic act 9514 – AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF

THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 AND FOR OTHER

PURPOSES

2.5 Elements of Fire Safety Plan

Workplaces must have develop a written fire safety plan that essentially covers all of the

procedures, systems, and actions that managers and employees must take in the event of a fire.

Also known as fire prevention plans, it's important workers not only are aware of the plan, but are

also trained on safety procedures to know how to properly respond to an emergency. A

comprehensive fire safety plan will include:

● Employee responsibilities: A list of staff who have designated duties and roles

during an emergency such as who is responsible for calling the fire department, who

is authorized to order an evacuation, etc.

● Fire hazards: After assessing the workplace, a list of all major fire hazards should be

compiled along with related maintenance and housekeeping procedures.

● Emergency egress: Evacuation and escape routes are identified and proper

evacuation procedures are detailed. This includes listing who must remain in the

building to operate critical equipment before evacuating and the protocol for

accounting for occupants and employees following an evacuation.

● Fire protection systems: A detailed list of fire prevention equipment and who is

responsible maintenance. A schedule should be created to ensure crucial fire

14
 protection systems (like a fire alarm system) is in working order in case of an

emergency.

● Notifying & reporting: Preferred and alternative means must be put in place for

notifying occupants of a fire, and reporting fires to the fire department or other

designated emergency response organization.

● Plans: A site plan diagram should be created to highlight the assembly point, fire

hydrant locations, and the routes for fire department access. Additionally, a floor

plan should clearly identify a building's exits, primary and secondary evacuation

routes, accessible egress routes, areas of refuge, manual fire alarm boxes, portable

fire extinguishers, and fire alarm controls.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter explains the methodology that was used for the research. Concerning the

Assessment of Fire Risks and Hazards on the Office Buildings of Mindanao State University -

Iligan Institute of Technology, it includes research design, research instrument, research

methodology, data collection procedure, and data analysis technique.

3.1 Research Design

In this research, both quantitative and qualitative techniques will be used. In addition to

field measurements and building inspections, organized questionnaires and surveys will be given

to the office building inhabitants in order to gather quantitative data. Key stakeholders, including

building administrators, fire safety officials, and emergency responders, will be the subjects of

15
interviews and focus groups throughout the collection of qualitative data. In order to augment the

information gathered via primary research techniques, other pertinent papers and records, such as

building plans and fire event reports, will be examined.

3.2 Research Instrument

The fire risk and condition of all Office buildings at Mindanao State University-Iligan

Institute Of Technology will be evaluated with the aid of checklists and survey forms. On a

checklist and survey forms, the potential fire hazards, the necessary fire safety precautions, and

the subjective evaluation of their fire risks are all included. Through a predefined scoring system,

it is possible to categorize a perceived risk.

3.3 Research Flows

3.3.1 Identify hazards

Examine the workplace for anything that may reasonably be anticipated to cause injury.

Recognize frequent occupational dangers. Check the instructions or data sheets provided by the

manufacturer or supplier for any evident dangers. Examine prior accident and near-miss records.

Using a hazard identification checklist, you may efficiently detect dangers. This guarantees that

all risks are identified during risk assessment and hazard identification, preventing risks from

growing.

Considering few possible outcomes. Some of these hazards include the presence of sharp

objects, the use of chemicals, and the operation of machinery. People perform their duties by

16
utilizing tools and equipment. Some substances and chemicals are used to make things function.

Existing safe work practices help ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. There may be

risks associated with your job that you must be aware of, such as accidents or health issues.

Consider how a person could be injured by each hazard if they were in the affected area. Young

workers, migrant workers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities have unique

requirements.

Hazards and risks are frequently used interchangeably, however they relate to two

distinct aspects of a prospective catastrophe. A hazard is anything that has the potential to harm

people, property, or the environment, while risk is the possibility that a hazard will actually cause

harm or damage under certain conditions.

3.3.2 Assess the risks

To assess the risk of a hazard, analyze how, where, how much, and how long people are

normally exposed to a possible danger. Using a risk matrix, assign a risk rating to your risks. A

risk matrix may assist quantify the amount of risk per hazard by taking into account elements

like the chance of occurrence and the severity of possible injuries. Meanwhile, doing an

environmental study allows you to assess possible hazards and their implications for your

organization.

17
 3.3.3 Control the risk

After assigning a risk assessment to a danger, it's time to devise appropriate measures to

safeguard employees, property, citizens, and/or the environment. Prioritize control

implementation by following the control hierarchy.

Researchers can control the riskiness of the evaluation by redesigning the task, replacing

the materials, machinery, or process, organizing the evaluation, and wearing personal protective

equipment.

3.3.4 Record your findings

A written record of risk evaluations should be kept. This may assist the company in

monitoring risks, hazards, and management strategies. Documentation may contain a thorough

explanation of the method used to evaluate the risk, a summary of the assessments, and a

thorough justification of the findings reached.

If the school has five or more employees, tracking of vital information, such as what is

happening within the organization. Some individuals may be harmed if they come in contact

with harmful substances. You can attempt to control the risks by taking preventative measures.

3.3.5 Review the controls

Researchers must verify the functionality of the controls and ensure they are up-to-date

and are modified. Given the importance of workplace safety, the company is evaluating whether

or not some of the current safety measures are still effective. If they are no longer effective, the

company may need to alter the way it conducts business. For instance, they may need to update

18
their personnel, procedures, or equipment. If you make a change to your risk assessment record,

you must update the record.

Record Review
Identif Assess Control
your the
y the the
finding control
hazards risks risks
s s

3.4 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE

The researchers will take several measures to ensure the reliability and validity of the

data collected in this study. They will present the data gathering instrument to their subject

instructor for corrections and suggestions, and obtain permission from the Chancellor or heads of

the schools where the study will be conducted.

In this study, the data collection procedure will involve several steps, including site visits,

surveys, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The site visits will be conducted to observe

and document the physical features of the buildings, including the layout, materials used in

construction, and fire protection systems. Surveys will be administered to the occupants of the

buildings to gather their perception of fire risk and their awareness of fire safety measures.

Interviews will also be conducted with the building management staff, fire safety personnel, and

other stakeholders to gather their expert knowledge and insights.

To ensure the reliability and validity of the data collected, the research will employ

various techniques, including the use of standardized questionnaires, structured interviews, and

19
observations. The researchers will carefully design the survey and interview questions to ensure

that they accurately capture the participants' perceptions and knowledge of fire risk and safety

measures.

The data collected will be analyzed using statistical tools and software such as SPSS. The

results will be presented in tables, charts, and graphs to provide a clear and concise overview of

the findings. The analysis will also include a qualitative component to provide a deeper

understanding of the participants' perceptions and experiences.

Karter, M. J. (2017) emphasizes the importance of using appropriate techniques to ensure the

reliability and validity of data in fire risk and hazard assessments. By following these measures,

the researchers can ensure that their findings are robust and accurate, and can provide valuable

insights into the fire safety of MSU-IIT office buildings.

3.5 DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

A 5x5 risk matrix is a valuable tool utilized extensively in risk management. It

consists of a table with probability (or likelihood or frequency) categories on one axis and

impact (or severity or consequences) categories on the other axis, which can help determine

the likelihood and severity of injury and risk exposure to a worker in relation to workplace

hazards, as well as the potential harm or disruption caused by risks (Cox 2008, p 497).

Risk matrices are frequently included in risk management standards and guidelines,

as well as the organization's formal risk acceptance standards (Duijm 2015, p 21). By using a

risk matrix during risk assessment, you can assess the varying degrees of danger associated

20
 with occurrences such as accidents and diseases. Some risks may be extremely low, while

others may be extremely high. The use of a risk matrix can help you determine how high or

low a risk is in relation to others (Guevarra, 2019).

Impacts
RISK MATRIX Negligibl Sever
e Minor Moderate Significant e
Very Likely (5) Low Med Medium Med Hi High High

Prob Likely (4) Low Low Med Medium Med Hi High

abilit Med
y of Possible (3) Low Low Med Medium Med Hi Hi
Occu
rrenc Med
e Unlikely (2) Low Low Med Low Med Medium Hi
Very Unlikely Medi
(1) Low Low Low Med Medium um

Figure 3.5.1: Assessment Mark Based on the Severity and Likelihood of Fire

Probability of Occurrence
Very It is very important that this happens, as it will have a big impact.
Likely (5)
There is a good chance that something will happen and/or it will have
major consequences.
Likely (4)
A possible outcome is that something bad will happen. This can be very
Possible
dangerous, so it's important to be careful.
(3)
There is a possibility that something might happen, and/or that it might
Unlikely
have some moderate consequences.
(2)
Very It's not likely that something bad will happen, and even if it does, it's

21
 Unlikely unlikely to have a big impact.
(1)

Impacts

It's not likely that something bad will happen, and even if it does, it's unlikely to have

a big impact.

Negligible It won't cause you any serious injuries or illnesses.

Minor Only a mild amount of damage can be done when something causes harm
or illness.

Moderate Physical injuries or illnesses that may require medical attention but may
only receive limited treatment can occur as a result of accidents or
infections.

Significan A serious impact can be very dangerous and can even lead to death.
t
Severe A severe impact can be very dangerous and can even lead to death.

Calculated Risk Levels - Actions and Timescale:

The definition of the actions used for the overall fire risk rating is as follows:

Risk Level Action and Timescale

Low No action is required and no detailed records need be kept.

No major additional fire precautions required. However, there

Low Med might be a need or reasonably practicable improvements that
involve minor or limited cost.

Medium It is essential that efforts are made to reduce the risk. Risk
reduction measures, which should take cost into account,
should be implemented within a defined time period. Where
moderate risk is associated with consequences that constitute
extreme harm, further assessment might be required to
establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for

22
 determining the priority for improved control measures.

Considerable resources might have to be allocated to reduce

the risk. If the premises are unoccupied, it should not be
Med High
occupied until the risk has been reduced. If the premises is
occupied, urgent action should be taken.

Premises (or relevant area) should not be occupied until the

High
risk is reduced.
Table 3.1: Description of control plans and actions in accordance to the fire risk and hazard
assessment.

DESCRIPTION Average Score

Low 1 – 0.8

Low Med 0.79 – 0.6

Medium 0.59 – 0.5

Med High 0.49 – 0.3

High 0.29 - 0
Table 3.5.2: Description equivalent based on survey score

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Reference

APPENDIX

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