Plas Heli maintains a comprehensive fire‑safety framework based on statutory requirements, venue policies, and lessons learned from previous events. Fire‑risk controls apply to all competitors, volunteers, officials, contractors, and members of the public accessing the site.

This section integrates the venue’s Fire Risk Assessment and Major Incident Emergency & Evacuation Plan, ensuring that all fire‑safety measures are understood and implemented throughout the event.

7.1 Fire Risk Assessment Overview

Plas Heli’s Fire Risk Assessment is structured around five core categories, as defined in the 2016 assessment:

“The Fire Risk Assessment will be divided into five categories:

1. Ignition
2. Source of fuel
3. Fire detection and warning
4. Fire fighting equipment and facilities
5. Escape routes.”

These categories remain valid and form the basis of fire‑safety planning for sailing events.

The assessment is reviewed during:

• Event planning
• Build‑up and load‑in
• The event itself
• Load‑out
• Post‑event review

“It will be necessary to continually monitor the Fire Risk Assessment and where necessary revise.”

7.2 Ignition Sources

Vehicles & Plant

• All vehicles must comply with current testing legislation.

“All vehicles are to comply with current testing legislation in respect of their type and use.”

• Adequate separation between vehicles must be maintained.
• No reversing of contractor vehicles without a banksman.

Electrical Installations

• All fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671.

“All fixed electrical installations to be inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671.”

• Portable appliances must comply with Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Generators

• No external generators are used at sailing events.

“No generators will be used at this event.”

Kitchen Equipment

• Kitchen equipment (including gas fryers) is serviced and certified.

“Plas Heli operate fat fryers… equipped with thermostatic cut out controls and flame failure devices.”

7.3 Sources of Fuel

Combustible Waste

• Waste bins are provided throughout the venue and emptied regularly.

“Receptacles provided throughout the venue which are emptied at regular intervals.”

LPG

• LPG only used in accordance with Plas Heli policy.

“LPG only to be used in accordance with Plas Heli Policy.”

• Only Plas Heli’s kitchen uses LPG.
• No concession units or external vendors permitted.

Fuel & Flammable Liquids

• No on‑site refuelling of safety boats or vehicles.

“Onsite refuelling will not be required and will not permitted.”

• Minor spills must be cleared immediately.
• Significant spills must be reported to Duty Manager and NEFRS.

“NEFRS and Environment Agency to be notified of any significant spills.”

7.4 Fire Detection & Warning

Detection

• Regular patrols by stewards ensure early identification of fire hazards.

“Regular patrols of the area by Stewards.”

Warning Systems

• The public address system covers the venue.

“The public address system covers the venue.”

• Radios used to relay warnings.
• Stewards evacuate affected areas if required.

7.5 Fire Fighting Equipment

Extinguishers

• All extinguishers serviced in accordance with BS5306.

“All fire extinguishers serviced in accordance with BS5306 part 3.”

• Extinguishers located in:
  • Main Hall
  • Race Office
  • Kitchen
  • Compound cabins
  • Pontoon access area

Training

• Staff receive instruction on extinguisher use.

“Instruction given on selection and use of fire extinguishers by competent contractors.”

• Members of the public are not expected to use extinguishers.

7.6 Escape Routes & Evacuation

Emergency Exits

• All emergency exits must remain clear at all times.

“All Emergency Exits to be kept clear and staffed at all times.”

• Exit widths and capacities follow the Major Incident Emergency & Evacuation Plan.

“Refer to Plas Heli Major Incident Emergency and Evacuation Plan.”

Fire Lanes

• Fire lanes must remain unobstructed.

“Routes clearly signed… road widths not less than 3.7m.”

Lighting

• Emergency lighting provided inside the venue.

“Venue Emergency lighting is provided…”

Evacuation Control

• PA system, radios, and steward patrols coordinate evacuation.

“Steward patrols evacuate all persons from the hazard area.”

• All staff, volunteers, and contractors receive induction on emergency procedures.

“Staff… are provided with information regarding site emergency procedures prior to their arrival.”

7.7 Venue‑Specific Fire Safety Controls

Pontoons & Harbour Area

• Pontoon access gate is a designated casualty evacuation point.
• Walkways must remain clear.
• Boats must be securely berthed.

Beach Launch & Shared Public Path

• Path shared with the public.
• Stewards positioned during launch/recovery.
• Boats must not obstruct public access.

Main Hall

• Maximum occupancy: 300 persons.
• All exits must remain clear.
• Fire extinguishers positioned at designated points.

No Single‑Use Plastics

• Refillable water bottles required.
• No disposable fuel containers or plastic waste contributing to fire load.

7.8 Post‑Event Review

A fire‑safety review will be conducted after each event to:

• evaluate control measures
• identify improvements
• update the Fire Risk Assessment
• report findings to the Board and relevant authorities

Related EMP Sections

• Section 6 – Lost Children & Vulnerable Adults
• Section 8 – Licensing & Regulated Entertainment
• Section 9 – Insurance