Fire Safety & Evacuation

Introduction

Brick Lane Jamme Masjid Trust (London) Limited is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff, volunteers, members, and visitors through effective fire safety measures. This Fire Safety Policy sets out the procedures, roles, and responsibilities to ensure that all employees, trustees, volunteers, and masjid users are prepared for fire emergencies and that the masjid complies with fire safety laws and regulations.

This policy applies to all areas of the masjid and includes guidance for fire prevention, fire evacuation, and the management of fire safety in the masjid's premises.

Objectives of the Fire Safety Policy

The objectives of this policy are to:

• To ensure that the masjid complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other relevant fire safety legislation.
• To minimize the risk of fire and ensure that preventative measures are in place.
• To provide clear procedures for responding to a fire emergency and evacuating the building safely.
• To ensure that all staff, volunteers, and visitors are aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation routes.
• To regularly review and test fire safety procedures to ensure their effectiveness.

Roles and Responsibilities

Masjid Management and Trustees. The masjid management and trustees will:

• Ensure compliance with fire safety laws and regulations.
• Appoint a Fire Safety Officer responsible for overseeing fire safety measures and procedures.
• Ensure that regular fire risk assessments are conducted and that fire safety equipment is maintained.
• Ensure that fire drills and training are carried out periodically.
• Review and update this Fire Safety Policy regularly.

Fire Safety Officer. The Fire Safety Officer is responsible for:

• Leading fire safety initiatives within the masjid.
• Ensuring the masjid's fire risk assessment is completed and up to date.
• Coordinating the implementation of fire safety measures.
• Ensuring that fire safety equipment is regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained.
• Organizing and leading fire drills.
• Conducting fire safety training for employees, volunteers, and regular masjid visitors.
• Serving as the point of contact for fire-related emergencies.

Employees, Volunteers and Contractors. Employees, volunteers and contractors will:

• Adhere to fire safety guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in fire drills and training.
• Be aware of fire exits, evacuation routes, and assembly points.
• Report any potential fire hazards or safety issues to the Fire Safety Officer or appropriate staff member.

Visitors and Worshippers. Visitors and worshippers are asked to:

• All visitors to the masjid are expected to follow the fire safety procedures in place, especially in the event of an evacuation.
• Visitors should be informed of fire safety procedures through signs, notices, or verbal instructions.

Fire Prevention Measures

Fire Risk Assessment. A thorough fire risk assessment will be conducted at least once a year or whenever there are significant changes to the building or activities within the masjid. The assessment will identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk of a fire, and implement control measures to reduce or eliminate these risks.

Fire Safety Equipment. Fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, will be provided in strategic locations throughout the masjid. All fire safety equipment will be regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in accordance with current regulations. This includes:

• Checking fire extinguishers annually.
• Testing fire alarms and smoke detectors monthly.
• Ensuring emergency exit routes are clear and functional.

Electrical Safety. All electrical systems and appliances will be regularly checked for safety. Employees, volunteers, and masjid members will be instructed not to overload electrical circuits or misuse electrical equipment.

Combustible Materials. The masjid will store combustible materials (e.g., cleaning chemicals, paper) in accordance with safety guidelines, ensuring they are kept away from heat sources and fire hazards. Flammable items such as candles or incense will be used with caution and under supervision.

Fire Evacuation Plan

The masjid has developed a comprehensive fire evacuation plan that will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and visitors. This plan outlines the steps to take in the event of a fire emergency and ensures that everyone can evacuate the premises safely.

Fire Evacuation Routes.

• Clear, unobstructed evacuation routes will be maintained at all times. These routes will lead to designated assembly points outside the building.
• Fire exit doors will be clearly marked with illuminated exit signs and will remain easily accessible.
• No storage or obstacles will block fire exits, hallways, or staircases.

Fire Assembly Points.

• Upon evacuation, all employees, volunteers, and masjid members must proceed to the designated assembly point located Fournier Street, London E1 6QE outside the building.
• The assembly point must be far enough from the masjid to ensure safety but close enough to account for everyone present in the building.
• A headcount or roll call will be taken at the assembly point to ensure that no one is left inside the building.

Roles During Evacuation.

• Fire Safety Officer: Responsible for ensuring the fire alarm is activated, overseeing the evacuation process, and liaising with emergency services.
• Employees/Volunteers: Responsible for helping evacuate masjid members and visitors, ensuring that no one is left behind, and assisting individuals with mobility impairments if needed.
• Individuals with Mobility Impairments: Employees or designated volunteers should assist those with mobility impairments in evacuating the building.

Evacuation Procedures

• When the Fire Alarm Sounds: All individuals must stop what they are doing immediately and begin evacuating the building in an orderly fashion.
• Do Not Use Elevators: In the event of a fire, elevators should not be used as they may become inoperative during an emergency.
• Evacuate to the Nearest Fire Exit: Follow the nearest available fire exit and proceed to the assembly point. Fire exits will be clearly marked with illuminated signage.
• Do Not Return for Personal Items: Once evacuating the building, do not stop to retrieve personal belongings. This can delay the evacuation process.
• Headcount at the Assembly Point: Once outside, all individuals should proceed to the assembly point, where a headcount will be taken to ensure everyone has evacuated safely.
• Do Not Re-enter the Building: Do not re-enter the building until it is declared safe by the fire safety officer or emergency services.

Fire Drills

• Fire drills will be conducted at least once every six months to ensure all employees, volunteers, and regular masjid visitors are familiar with the evacuation procedures.
• The Fire Safety Officer will evaluate the effectiveness of each drill and make adjustments as necessary to improve the evacuation process.

Evacuation for People with Disabilities

The masjid will ensure that people with disabilities or mobility impairments are assisted during an evacuation. Designated employees or volunteers will be responsible for providing support to these individuals, ensuring that they are safely evacuated to the assembly point.

Training & Awareness

Fire Safety Training. All employees and volunteers will receive mandatory fire safety training upon their induction and at regular intervals thereafter (at least annually). Training will cover topics including:

• Recognizing fire hazards.
• Correct use of fire extinguishers.
• Evacuation procedures and roles.
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Awareness for Visitors.

• Visitors to the masjid will be informed of the masjid's fire evacuation procedures via clear signage at key locations, including entrances and hallways.
• Masjid members will be encouraged to inform visitors about fire safety and evacuation routes.