Plas Heli Hub – Fire Risk Assessment
Plas Heli Hub – Operational Protocol & User Guide
This Fire Risk Assessment relates to the Plas Heli Hub and should be read alongside the Plas Heli Hub – Operational Protocol & User Guide . It records the main fire hazards, existing controls, and further measures required to manage fire risk in the Hub.
Version Control
➕ Version Control
- Document Title: Plas Heli Hub – Fire Risk Assessment
- Version: 2026.0-Draft
- Status: Draft for Review
- Prepared By: Plas Heli Operations
- Reviewers: Plas Heli Directors
- Premises: Plas Heli Hub – five-bay steel-frame building
- Current Approved Version: None (new digital document)
- Digital Version Status: Prepared for inclusion in the Plas Heli Governance Library
- Effective Date: To be set upon Board approval
- Approval Date: Pending Board decision
- Next Review: 12 months after approval or following significant change
1. Premises Description
➕ Premises Description
The Plas Heli Hub is a five-bay steel-frame building constructed in 2013 under a grant-funded scheme, with Plas Heli Cyf contributing financially to the build. It is used for the storage of equipment and kit for:
- CHIPAC – Youth Sailing Section of CHPSC
- Clwb Rwyfo Pwllheli – Rowing Club
- Plas Heli Cyf – Race management and event equipment
Building Features:
- Three roller shutter doors on the front elevation
- Two pedestrian fire-exit doors, one on each gable end
- Electric lighting and power points
- Concrete floor, steel columns and roof structure
- Internal storage bays allocated to each user group
- No fixed heating system
- No fire alarm system installed
2. People at Risk
➕ People at Risk
- Plas Heli volunteers and staff
- CHIPAC youth sailors and coaches
- Clwb Rwyfo members
- Visitors and contractors
- Children and young people (higher-risk group)
- Individuals unfamiliar with the building layout
3. Fire Hazards
➕ Fire Hazards
Sources of Ignition:
- Electrical lighting and power points
- Electrical chargers and small appliances
- Potential faulty electrical equipment brought in by user groups
Sources of Fuel:
- Stored sporting equipment (boats, oars, sails, paddles, soft materials)
- Timber racks, shelving and storage boxes
- Packaging materials and waste
- Small quantities of oils or lubricants associated with rowing or sailing equipment
Sources of Oxygen:
- Natural ventilation
- Open roller doors during use
4. Existing Fire Safety Measures
➕ Existing Fire Safety Measures
Management Controls (as per Hub User Guide):
- Strict no-smoking policy in the Hub.
- No welding, sanding or work producing fumes, sparks or hazardous emissions.
- Rubbish must be removed after each use and bins emptied regularly.
- Transit routes must be kept clear at all times.
- Doors must never be blocked.
- No flammable materials to be stored in the Hub.
- Distress flares to be stored only in a metal fire-proof container.
- User groups may only carry out small maintenance works on their own stored equipment; larger works require Plas Heli consent.
Building Controls:
- Two fire-exit doors providing alternative escape routes.
- Roller doors can be opened for evacuation when safe.
- Clear internal layout with designated areas for each group.
Housekeeping Controls:
- Items stored at height must be tied down and secure.
- No trip hazards permitted in transit routes.
- A floor plan will show the areas occupied by each group.
- All signage and notices to be bilingual and follow the Plas Heli Language Policy.
5. Fire Detection & Warning
➕ Fire Detection & Warning
- No automatic fire alarm system is installed in the Hub.
- Fire warning is by verbal alert and manual evacuation.
- Roller doors and fire-exit doors provide rapid evacuation routes when safe to use.
Given the building’s use (storage, low occupancy, no hot-work, no cooking, no heating), a full alarm system is not currently installed. Plas Heli may consider standalone smoke or heat detectors as an additional control in future.
6. Firefighting Equipment
➕ Firefighting Equipment
- Portable fire extinguishers (e.g. water and CO₂) are recommended at:
- Each gable-end fire door
- A central internal location
- Extinguishers should be serviced annually.
- Users should not attempt to fight fires unless trained and it is safe to do so.
7. Escape Routes
➕ Escape Routes
Primary Escape Routes:
- Two gable-end fire-exit doors.
Secondary Escape Routes:
- Three roller doors (when open and safe to use).
Escape routes must:
- Be kept clear of stored items.
- Remain free from trip hazards.
- Be clearly signed.
8. Emergency Procedures
➕ Emergency Procedures
- Raise the alarm verbally (“FIRE – EVACUATE”).
- Evacuate via the nearest safe exit.
- Proceed to the designated assembly point at the main Plas Heli building (or as specified in local instructions).
- Call 999 and request Fire & Rescue Service.
- Do not re-enter the building until authorised by the Fire & Rescue Service or Plas Heli management.
- Record the incident in the Plas Heli Accident Book.
9. Additional Controls Required
➕ Additional Controls Required
- Maintain bilingual emergency signage in line with the Plas Heli Language Policy.
- Ensure the Hub floor plan is displayed and kept up to date.
- Undertake regular internal checks for:
- Blocked exits
- Trip hazards
- Unsafe storage
- Consider installing standalone smoke or heat detectors as an enhancement.
- Ensure all user groups are familiar with the Hub User Guide and this Fire Risk Assessment.
- Ensure access codes remain secure and controlled in accordance with the Access Codes Policy.
10. Fire Risk Rating
➕ Fire Risk Rating
Overall Risk Level: Medium
The overall fire risk is assessed as Medium due to mixed-use storage, youth activity, electrical equipment and the absence of an automatic fire alarm system. Risk is controlled through strict user policies, good housekeeping, clear access and egress, and the prohibition of hot-work and flammable storage.