Fire precautions Portacabins

[carol]

Hi,
could anyone tell me if there are any special arrangements that need to be in place when portacabins are to be used as examination rooms.
The company i work for are to use these portacabins for medical examination rooms, I now there has to be the usual fire precautions smoke detectors extinguishers etc
Thanks

[kurnal]

Hi Carol
Because of their small size portacabins are generally fairly low risk.

However we need to know whether we are looking at stand alone units in the open air or a portacabin village such as you would see on a building site- especially if multi storey.  This could be a problem if persons were unable to evacuate immediately in the event of a fire due to medical procedures or even through being in a state of undress.

If the portacabins are being used inside another building this could also pose additional hazards- please let us know the planned arrangements.

[carol]

Thanks for this because I havnt yet inspected the site, (due to do this on 21/12/06)
I am not fully aware of the arrangement of the portacabin, my initial understanding is that it is a stand alone type, unfortunately the information we get before carrying out the inspection is not always accurate, but your information has helped
thanks

[CivvyFSO]

Due to the size, I cant see smoke detectors being necessary unless someone creates an inner room in a portakabin. Even then, if the 'examiner' is stood in the access room while the 'examinee' is in the inner room I would see a good case for not bothering with detection and including that decision on the risk assessment.

Most guides will ask for a minimum of 2 extinguishers, but something the size of a portakabin could easily be risk assessed down to one for something like an examination room. (New guides mention 'small' premises as <90m2.)

My simple advice would be: Include the building in the main risk assessment, get a suitable extinguisher in, put a simple fire action notice up, make sure that whoever is accompanying the visitor is aware of the action to take in the event of fire and finally have some sort of dressing gown so that in the event of an emergency the person does not have to get dressed first. (Or indeed run out naked)

[kurnal]

Just to add:
Cconsider the need for emergency and escape lighting if occupied during hours of darkness or with the window shutters closed.  

No need for a mechanical or electrical fire alarm for a stand alone portacabin. Voice will do fine.

Heating systems- use wall mounted rather than portables. Avoid LPG unless piped in from a bulk supply.

Permanent ramp or steps to the door- these things always sit off the ground.

[jayjay]

IF the portable building is sitting on blocks don't forget to have the gap beteen the floor and the ground sealed to prevent malicious access. This is a favourite place for the young arsonist to start a fire.

[carol]

Thanks to all for replying
the advice given was appreciated

[Richard Earl]

hi contact tecserv uk they do nearly all the fit out fire work for portacabin in the uk they will help you