Church and Historical Buildings FRA

[Safe&Sound]

Hi all,

I've recently carried out a Fire Risk Assessment on a small Saxon aged open plan church and my report has been met with an almighty hit back by the church organisers as the building is listed and my controls apparently cannot be implemented.

Am I missing something or does the RRFSO still apply, everything I've read to date and guidance I used states that churches and other places fo worship apply to the RRFSO as of 2006.

I kept my controls to a reasonable practicable level such as due to it being open planned they wouldn't necessary need a full fire alarm detection system but instead could get away with a whistle or bell during operational hours. I highlighted that exit signs were needed and emergency lighting as at present there is nothing in place should a power fail at night.

I was happy my assessment met the correct controls that are reasonably practicable but now I'm doubting myself.

[witsd]

I would expect some emergency lighting would be necessary. Similarly directional signage and an alarm system.

All of the above can be acquired in relatively discreet, portable format, so there should be no need to make actual material changes to the building unless something is really, really off. As in, you shouldn't even need a screwdriver.

[bernicarey]

That's BS, and I don't mean British Standard.

There are considerations to be taken into account when dealing with a listed building. Perhaps you have been a little over zealous and applied an unreasonable level, I've not seen the church nor your Assessment, but saying stuff can't be done because it's listed is complete rubbish.

Our Village Church is Grade I Listed https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/ ... ry/1075095
but has plenty of expected things like Lighting and extinguishers.
Does this church you've assessed have electric lighting, or still using mediaeval candles? If it's got wiring for lights and possibly a sound system, it can have other wires too.

Go to the website here and click on the link "Take a walk around St Mary the Virgin with google." in the middle of the page for a look around the interior of our Listed Church.

[Safe&Sound]

Thank you Berni,

If anything I think I may have been too lenient with them but given the information I collected on the day I stand by my actions set.

Exactly what I thought, the church has recently had new electrical installations in place with electric heaters over head and new lights on each pillar...so they can have EL.

I looked around the church via google and its exactly how I expected it should be. Funnily enough the layout is very similar to the one I assessed.

[Messy]

These blinking Saxons, they were well known for flouting fire safety laws.

I have seen guidance somewhere about historic buildings and using a pragmatic approach rather than a code hugging approach.

Determining occupancies where there are 40 rows of pews but a 720mm wide and low stone arch is a nightmare.

I cannot possibly speculate, but an open plan area with a low fire loading and controlled ignition sources doesnt sound like a huge risk. For bigger events like xmas, trained church wardens can assist by being in place to open inward opening doors.

Substituting led candles and discreet fire exit signage might help

I am out so cant Google freely but I am sure Historic England or the National Trust might have something. I also believe many churches have the same insurance company who have experts in applying fire safety in listed premises too

A light and common sense approach is s must

[bernicarey]

The FPA do a 100 page book "Fire Risk Management in Heritage Properties" for £20
The introduction to it is done by the Heritage Fire Safety Specialist for the National Trust.

https://www.thefpa.co.uk/shop/shop_prod ... 51E9FBABC2

I've got a copy which I read thoroughly a few years ago, and I keep for reference if I should ever need it.

[Merlot]

Reported

Many thanks Merlot for reporting that spammer. Really appreciate it!

I am just banning and deleting as we speak.