FIRE HYDRANT TESTING METHOD STATEMENT.

Transcription

1 SUBJECT: TASK: FIRE HYDRANT INSPECTION & TESTING. 1. Location The Scope of Works Description of Task Access & Egress to & from Work Area Safety Hazard Identification The Task (step by step) Quality Control Risk Assessment METHOD STA TEMENT SUBMITTED BY Kings Fire LTD LOCATION. Address Address Address 2 THE SCOPE OF WORKS. 2.1 THE SCOPE OF WORKS AND DESCRIPTION OF TASK The routine inspection and testing of the fire hydrants located on private property in accordance with BS 9990:2015 code of practice for non-automatic fire fighting systems in buildings. 3 DESCRIPTION OF TASK. 3.1 AREAS AFFECTED. Areas affected by these Works: Properties where Fire Hydrants are located Site to be informed of the program / progress of works any health and safety precautions to be implemented (whilst on site) Other Attendants Required Entry permits required. To be completed Training required Classification of area. All areas. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 1 of 9

2 4 ACCESS & EGRESS TO & FR OM WORK AREA. Detailed location information can be entered here Access and egress to and from the areas identified on the program of works Protection required for access and egress. None Personal Protective Equipment. Overalls. Safety Boots / Shoes. Helmets. Goggles. Ear Defenders. 5 SAFETY HAZ A R D IDENTIFICATION. Check permits to work in area (see section 3.10). Foreseen Hazards: I) Manual handling: - Strain & sprains, trapped fingers, lacerations, broken bones, hand, feet. II) Injuries sustained through using mechanical tools. III) Stepping on or striking against objects. IV) Injuries caused by transport vehicles. V) Injuries caused as a result of water spillage. 5.1 TOOL BOX TALK. Tool box talks on the following: I) P.P.E. (see section 5.11). II) Manual Handling. 5.2 REDUNDANT STRIPPED OUT EQUIPMENT. 5.3 NOISE. Redundant equipment will be cleared up when exercise has been complete and when working shift has finished. See 6.3. Noise will be kept to a minimum. 5.4 SPILLAGE. Where water spillage takes place this will be cleared up to prevent as far as possible any future slip hazard 5.5 PROTECTION REQUIRED TO CLIENT S EQUIPMENT. Where possible work will be carried out so that there will be no risk to clients property. 5.6 TEMPORARY LIGHTING. 5.7 POWER SUPPLY. 5.8 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. None. 5.9 LOCATION OF FIRE POINT EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS. Kings Fire Ltd Hydrant test vehicle Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 2 of 9

3 5.11 FIRST AID First aid supplied by FSS Qualified first aiders and by site. 6 THE TASK ( STEP BY STEP ). 6.1 PRE-REQUIREMENTS. 1) Confirm availability of all materials and equipment prior to commencement of work. 2) Ensure critical task to be performed can be completed before end of shift. 3) In the event of 2 above giving rise to concern, agree an alternative course of action with the main contractor supervision. 4) Confirm relevant QC and test sheets are available at the work place, and all hold, witness and review points are known. 5) Obtain entry permit for working in the areas as necessary. 6) Identify areas where work is to be carried out from schedule. 7) Ensure that all necessary notices required for attendance/access advance. have been issued in 8) Ensure that current detail specification and drawings (where available) are available for carrying out the works. 9) Check that all notices have been given and written confirmations received. required have been 10) Check work area is protected in accordance with the specification and as agreed with main contractor supervision. 11) Cordons will be erected around trip or overhead hazards. 12) Ensure that all safety requirements have been satisfied. 13) Ensure COSHH as essments are in place and required precautions have been taken. 14) If the ground or a r temperature is below 3 degrees Celsius testing will not go ahead. 6.2 INSPECTION FIRE HYDRANT EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO TESTING 1) Check the fire hydrant pit for access and cleanliness. 2) Check the pit frame for damage and signif cant corrosion. 3) Check the fir hydrant cover for damage and significant corrosion. 4) Check the surface paving around the edges of the frames. 5) Check that the depth of the outlet in no more than 300mm below ground level, use the top of the frame as the reference point. 6) Check that the method of indicating the fire hydrant by either plate or sticker is suitable. The layout below provides the information required on the plate or sticker. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 3 of

4 6.4 SPECIFIC TESTING REQUIREMENTS All testing is completed as defined by the British Standard code of practice BS9990:2006 covering non-automatic fire-fighting system in buildings, specifically sections and ) Safety All the fire hydrants that are to be tested will be located on private property such as hospitals, industrial estates, military establishments etc. Whilst the property may be classified as private the public may well still have access and as such adequate precautions need to be taken for their safety as well as your own. If the hydrant is located in an area designated as foot path the cones provided to you must be placed completely around the work area to prevent anybody walking into the pit. Where the footfall is heavy it may also be beneficial to place signs around the area advising the public of the activity. When the fire hydrant is located in an area that has vehicular access the following procedure should be followed. The company vehicle should be parked in the flow of traffic 3m away but directly in front of the fire hydrant The steering wheels should be set at an angle so that if the company van is struck from behind it moves at an angle not toward the fire hydrant. The vehicle hazard warning lights should be left on and cones placed around the rear of the vehicle to lead traffic around the work area. 2) Lift the fire hydrant cover This should be completed using the special tool specifically designed to remove the covers from the pit. The cove should be lifted only as high as required to clear the pit frame and any surrounding materials. The cover should then be placed on the ground where it will not present a trip haz rd to colleagues or passers by. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 4 of

5 3) Check pit for access and cleanliness Any loose debris in the fire hydrant pit should be removed using a trowel or similar tool. PPE must be used. If the pit has what is believed to be hazardous waste (excrement or needles) it may be removed if it is believed to be safe to do so. The waste removed should be placed in a container and the container should be left with the property owner for safe and legal disposal. If it is believed that the waste cannot be safely removed the fire hydrant cover should be replaced and the property owner should be made aware of the condition. 4) Check for leaks and damage check the fire hydrant valve for leaks, if any leaks are present they should be reported for remedial action. Ensure that the 65mm round thread outlet is free from damage and is not blocked. 5) Wet testing Fix the stand pipe to the hydrant outlet allow water to pass through the valve and stand pipe. The flow and static pressure at the outlet should be measured and recorded. The water passed through the valve under test should be guided by means of a short length of hose to an area that will allow the water to drain quickly without causing a slip hazard. 6) Test completion On completion of the test the operation of the frost free valve (if fitted) should be checked and the pit should be left empty and clean. The hydrant cover once replaced should be coloured yellow to aide future identification. 7) Test Records A permanent record of the testing shall be provided to the responsible person on conclusion of the testing. The report should also identify any remedial works required to bring the equipment back to a serviceable condition. 6.5 HOUSEKEEPING 1) Removals of any debris to site waste facility only, ensure excess water spilled from the testing does not present a safety hazard for the client organisation or the public. 7 QUALITY CONTR OL At a minimum frequency of six months compliance with this method statement is internally audited for each Engineer, records of this audit will be maintained to support our external ISO9001:2008 accreditations. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 5 of 9

6 8 RISK ASSESSMENT Site / Location. To be completed Activity / Situation. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE HYDRANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH BS9990:2006. Assessment Carried Out By: TBC Date TBC Hazard Identified. If Present / Requires Control If Absent / Not Significant Control Number A Persons at Risk Employee Contractor Other B Worst Case Outcome Minor Significant Serious C Likelihood Remote Possible Likely Risk = BxC Slips from excess spilt water Trips Falls Trip over hose line Assault Traps & cuts from equipment Hit by moving vehicles Hazardous material in hydrant pit Electric Shock Noise Manual Handling Coshh Asbestos 13 Asbestos site log and risk assessment to be made available by customer prior to commencement of works. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 6 of 9

7 consequence Safety Extremely unlikely to ever occur Probability/Likelihood Unlikely but may occur exceptionally Likely to occur sometimes Likely to occur often Very Likely Fatality (Serious) Major more than 3 days absence Moderate up to 3 day absence (Significant) Minor injury needing first aid Insignificant no injury (Minor) = Unacceptable (take immediate action) = Tolerable (look to improve within specified timescale) 5-9 = Tolerable (look to improve) 1-4= Acceptable (no further action maintain control) Control Items; 1 Slips from excess water: Operatives advised of risk from slipping on excess water from the hydraulic testing process. If water is spilt where the public have access, safe system of work requires the area to be brushed to remove the excess and then mopped if required. Fire Hydrant testing should not be conducted if the temperature is 3 degrees centigrade or lower to prevent the risk of freezing. Operatives instructed in safe system of work required to protect against risk for themselves and others. Review of locations on a case by case basis to look for any additional risks. Signs to be used to make public and customers staff aware of the risk. 2 Trips; no significant hazards other than the Fire hydrant and surrounding areas in which the testing is being completed. Staff training and awareness in place. 3 Fall; no significant hazards other than the Fire hydrant pit prior to the stand pipe being connected. Surrounding areas in which the testing is being completed may have other fall hazards but they will be of minor significance. Staff training and awareness in place. 4 Trip over hose line; The hose used to direct water can create a significant trip hazard if in public right of way. Wherever possible the area where the hose is laid should be coned off to prevent any members of the public gaining access to the area. If this is not possible signs advising of the trip hazard should be displayed. The hose should be directed into an area that allows excess water to drain away without increasing the trip/slip hazard. Safe system of work in place. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 7 of 9

8 5 Assault; Although operatives work away from the office they are working on or near client premises and as such are not alone. If they work in an unoccupied area or they work out of normal hours they phone and leave a message with the office answer machine when they start the work and again when they finish the work. There is potential for staff to be assaulted, if we work in areas where the risk is higher than normal i.e. Secure hospital, staff will either work together or be accompanied by a member of the client organisation. If these arrangements are not adhered to the maintenance activity will not be undertaken. 6 Traps & cuts from equipment ; Whilst lifting the Fire hydrant cover it must only be lifted using the special Fire hydrant cover lifter, under no circumstances should it be levered out with any other equipment. If the pit needs to be cleaned out it should be done using a small trowel or similar tool in conjunction with the correct PPE. Safe system of work in place. 7 Hit by moving vehicles; If the Fire hydrant is in the road the FSS vehicle must be parked in front of the hydrant in the direction of the traffic to act as a safety barrier, the rear right of the vehicle should be coned to prevent anyone accessing the area and lead vehicles around the hazard. High Viz jackets must be worn when working in or near by the road. Safe system of work is in place. 8 Hazardous material in Fire hydrant pit; If the Fire hydrant pit requires cleaning extra care needs to be taken as potentially hazardous materials such as needles and animal excrement may be present. The cleaning of loose material must only take place once the debris has been assessed. If excessive hazardous material is packed into the pit it should not be removed and the customer advised. When cleaning out any form of debris appropriate PPE must be worn. Any debris that is removed must not be left in a way that would endanger any other staff or passer by. Safe system of work is in place. 9 Electric Shock; No significant risk of electric shock, vehicle electrical system should only be touched by competent persons. No electrical tools or systems are used in Fire hydrant testing. 10 Noise; No significant noise is generate during Fire hydrant testing. 11 Manual Handling; No significant manual handling issues associated with maintenance of fire hydrants, greatest risk is the Fire hydrant cover which weighs less than 15kg and is only lifted a few millimetres. All staff have regular toolbox talks on the subject. 12 Coshh; Coshh assessment available for hazardous materials used by our staff during the testing of the fire hydrant and re-colouring of the hydrant covers. 13 Asbestos; Asbestos is not generally present in either hydrants or surrounding areas but all staff should still be vigilant. All staff have regular toolbox talks on awareness of asbestos. PPE Safety Clothing Safety Footwear Safety Hat Goggles/Glasses Gloves High Viz Clothing Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 8 of 9

9 Document Briefing Form Method statement briefing acknowledgement: I hereby agree that I have received a full method statement briefing and that I fully understand its contents and requirements. I understand that a failure to adhere to the safety arrangements in place and by putting persons, equipment and, or, assets at risk of harm or damage is against Health & Safety Law. DATE NAME SIGNATURE EMPLOYEE No. Kings Fire Ltd Issue 2.2 August 2015 Page 9 of 9