Building Occupancy Calculator

High

In premises where there is a likelihood of a fire starting and spreading quickly (or a fire could start and grow without being quickly detected and a warning given) and affect the escape routes before people are able to use them, then the risk should normally be regarded at 'higher'.

Such premises could include those where significant quantities of flammable materials are used or stored; ready sources of ignition are present, e.g. heat producing machinery and processes; premises where significant numbers of the people present are likely to move slowly or be unable to move without assistance; and premises where the construction provides hidden voids or flues through which a fire could quickly spread.

Normal

Premises that do not fall within High or Low Risk categories will be regarded as Normal.

In premises where the risk might otherwise be considered 'normal' but where there are a significant number of people who move slowly or may need assistance to evacuate, it would usually be appropriate to consider this a 'higher' risk.

However, where other measures are in place to mitigate this, such as the availability of extra assistance and this has been planned for in your emergency plan, it may be that the risk level can be regarded as 'normal to higher'. Equally, in premises where the risk category would otherwise be 'lower' but for the fact that a small number of occupants may move slowly or need assistance, it may be appropriate to categorise the risk as 'normal' in these circumstances.

Low

In premises where there is a low occupancy level and all the occupants are able bodied and capable of using the means of escape without assistance; very little chance of a fire; few if any highly combustible or flammable materials or other fuels for a fire; fire cannot spread quickly; and will be quickly detected so people will quickly know that a fire has occurred and can make their escape, then the risk can usually be regarded as 'lower'.

In premises where the risk category would otherwise be 'lower' but for the fact that a small number of occupants may move slowly or need assistance, it may be appropriate to categorise the risk as 'normal' in these circumstances.

Instructions

Select Assessment of Overall Risk

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