Fire risk assessment for Broughton Bank Cottage, Cartmel, LA11 7SH

Broughton Bank Cottage is used as a self-catering holiday cottage owned by John & Biddy Hibbert trading as Cartmel Holiday Cottages, Broughton Bank, Cartmel LA11 7SH. 015395 36411.

This assessment was written by John Hibbert

It is the policy of Cartmel Holiday Cottages to protect all persons from harm while they are at Broughton Bank Cottage.

John Hibbert will continue to carefully consider the management of health and safety issues.

Any incident will be dealt with appropriately their causes investigated and any necessary improvements taken in hand.

All equipment will be regularly checked.

The building is two storey with a mezzanine floor.It is detached and constructed of slate with some inner blockwork. It comprises one double and one twin bedroom with capacity for one cot,two bathrooms and one open plan dining,living and kitchen area and one utility room with cupboard.

The building may be occupied all year round,with a maximum occupancy of 4 people and one child,and there may be up to two people working in the building at any one time including the owners.

For fire safety a ceiling mounted mains powered fire alarm with battery backup is provided in the main living room. A recharging torch is mounted beside the main entrance door in case of power failure, in which case it is set to automatically switch on.

Fire hazards identified:

Ignition sources

• matches which are normally placed in the kitchen cupboards;
• wood burning stove with tile surround and stone hearth;
• candles;
• hob and oven;
• other electrical appliances;

Fuel sources

• wood stored in basket in living room;
• occasionally firelighters purchase by guests.

No work processes have been identified as fire risks.

No structural aspects of the building have been identified which might encourage the spread of fire.

People potentially at risk are guests,their visitors,workers and contractors,with the highest risk being inside the building.

Means of escape are via the external doors,or in extremis through windows which are at ground level in Living Room, Bedroom 1 and the hallway outside.

For fighting fire a fire blanket is mounted near the hob.An outside tap and bucket is also available.

The owner regularly checks fire alarm and torch function.

The fire brigade would have to be called by mobile telephone,as there is no fixed telephone in the building.

The plan in emergencies would be to evacuate the building and wait outside for the arrival of the fire brigade.

Any necessary training will be carried out by the owner.

John Hibbert

Page created 28 November, 2015