Michelle Pitkin, Chair of the Fire Risk Management Group at IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health), emphasises the critical need for ongoing assessment and adaptation of workplace layouts. With evolving operational demands, maintaining safety necessitates a flexible approach, integrating risk assessments and best practices for efficient and secure operations.
The Importance of Continuous Review
With the working environment ever-changing, the need for continuous review of the layout of a site is never more important to ensure the safety of those at work.
Once designed, the layout of a site for the majority tends to remain in place, and we add new storage requirements on where we have space.
As the usage requirements of a site can change, the layout should be considered to allow for best usage whilst maintaining safety. The layout of the site is important in keeping persons, plant and buildings safe; if not, this could impact site safety and operational effectiveness. It requires consideration of safety and environmental factors whilst being adaptable.
Regularly reviewing and updating the site layout based on findings from the risk assessment is key. Best practice ensures processes and practices remain efficient and up-to-date.
Planning the Layout
Plan the layout of the yard, taking into account the frequency of area use, the items to be stored within the area and the effect one item can have on another if being stored with other materials.
When looking at site layout, it is important to remember that the site needs to be functional and to enable operational activities to continue, and whilst the site needs to be safe, it also needs to be able to operate on a day-to-day basis with that consideration should be given to activities.
Areas to consider when looking at site layout
- Site location
- Where your site has a neighbouring business, sharing of information on any significant risks/activities/changes, including layout, can be of benefit as they may have information or carry out activities which could affect you too.
- Inclusion of any neighbouring businesses when developing emergency preparedness documentation can be best practice as your procedures may need to incorporate them, or your actions may affect them in an emergency situation.
- Plant/Person movements
- There should be safe access/egress at all times.
- Designated parking and manoeuvring areas.
- Clear and defined vehicle access and egress points for both internal and external personnel.
- Vehicle/Pedestrian segregation should be in place with suitable signage.
- Pedestrian pathways – should be signed and marked.
- Include any specific requirements for emergency services – do they need alternative/additional access; make sure this is highlighted.
- Construction of the yard
- Is the yard material suitable for the materials to be stored – block paving, concrete base, loose aggregate, for example?
- Does this bring additional hazards – collapse of racking, land contamination?
- Lighting of the yard
- Is there suitable lighting for the site/area following the alterations? There should be adequate lighting for access and egress, both during the day and at night.
- Storage of Toxic substances
- Stored away from flammable materials in separate areas depending on what is being held.
- Storage of Flammable materials
- Consider ‘zoning’; a zoning approach helps to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
- Emergency arrangements
- A review of the site emergency arrangement should be carried out to ensure they are suitable and sufficient following the alterations.
- Consider if there is now a risk of arson from items being stored adjacent to site boundaries.
- Waste
- Consider waste management, the storage of, access and egress to the area, frequency of use, type of waste.
- The storage of waste can bring in itself environmental considerations such as spillages. Consider how these will be controlled, contained and managed. Check for drainage; will a spillage cause water/land contamination?
- Store away from areas without water drainage in separate areas.
- Members of the public
- Consider if the site alterations have affected the site boundary and its security – can members of the public now gain access/have easier access?
- Are there flammable items stored near the boundary line, is there a potential risk of arson?
- Communication of key information and requirements
- Ensure that all workers are aware of the reasoning behind the layout.
- Consider if there is any information you need to share with the local Fire & Rescue Service.
Although a requirement for high-rise buildings, a secure information box (previously known as a Premises Information Box (PIB))could be considered, this will allow for the Fire & Rescue Service to obtain key information on the site before the site contact is on site.
Recording the findings
A Site alteration review checklist can be used to help with this. This checklist is not exhaustive and can be modified to suit.
Collaboration
If you have high-risk/specialist materials, consider inviting the local Fire and Rescue Service to the site. This will allow them to understand the site layout, the materials you hold, the need for specialist equipment should they need to attend the site, and the access and egress arrangements.
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