Lewes and District Visual Arts Association

 

Fire Risk Assessment / Evacuation Plan

 

Introduction

 

Anyone using the Paddock Studio building is potentially at risk of fire. This includes tenants, tutors, members, models, contractors and members of the public. The Lewes and District Visual Arts Association (LADVAA) Trustees aim to ensure that the fire risk to any persons using the studio is minimised at all times.

 

There are a number of potential hazards associated with the use of the building in relation to fire risk. Mainly that the Paddock Studio building is a very old wooden construction but also in terms of the equipment and materials used for art activities including:

• heaters for the comfort of models

• kilns for firing ceramics

• other items of electrical equipment

• the existence of flammable materials

 

A further hazard is presented by members of the public entering the building for exhibitions, events etc.

 

Fire Safety

 

In order to manage and minimise the risks of fire the following rules must be adhered to:

1. No smoking is permitted anywhere in or immediately outside the building at any time.  

2. No candles or flame producing heaters can be used anywhere in the building. 

3. All staircases, doorways and fire escape routes through the studio must be kept unobstructed at all times.

4. Electrical heaters must not be placed near furniture or where they become an obstruction.  

5. Lighting and heater cabling should be carefully placed so as not to be a hazard.

6. No turpentine or spirit cleaner (flammable liquids) should be put down any of the sinks.

7. All flammable liquids must be taken away from the building after use.

 

Responsibilities

 

The overall responsibility for fire safety lies with the LADVAA Trustees.

 

The day-to-day responsibility for ensuring that rules are adhered to lies with tutors, tenants and members collectively. There is no permanent presence in the building to oversee activities or to monitor practice.

 

In line with the Health & Safety Policy the LADVAA Trustees will:

• ensure all escape routes are well marked and kept free of obstruction

• maintain fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire blankets

• provide a Fire Escape / Evacuation Plan

• hold regular fire drills (at six monthly intervals).

 

Fire Escape / Evacuation Plan

 

All tutors, tenants and members are expected to familiarise themselves with the Fire Escape / Evacuation plan. Tutors and tenants will inform members, students and visitors of the fire evacuation route and assembly points regularly.

 

Procedure:

  

1. In the case of fire, raise the alarm and immediately leave the building.

 

1. Assist any person with limited mobility to safety by the nearest practical exit.

 

1. Call the emergency services as soon as possible.

 

1. Go to the assembly points in Paddock Road or the top of the garden (escape from garden by gate on left and through the Constitutional Club).

 

1. Tutors to check that all class members are present at the assembly point.

 

 

 

Date: 10 October 2024

Date of review: (one year later)