Youth hostel issued with enforcement notice over faulty emergency systems

A GOLANT youth hostel has been issued with an enforcement notice after firemen deemed its emergency procedures were not up to scratch.

Faults including inadequate fire detection and warning systems were recorded by the visiting fire safety officers at Penquite House youth hostel.

Escape routes and exits could not be used as quickly and safely as possible, escape doors could not be easily and immediately opened from the inside and escape routes did not have adequate signs.

Firefighters also reported that the escape routes did not have adequate emergency lighting in case the normal lighting circuits failed.

The notice served states that the hostel must comply with it as soon as possible.

The facility can accommodate up to 94 guests and is a converted Victorian mansion set in 14 acres of woodland, described as ideal for children.

Enforcement notices are given out when inspectors feel legal fire safety precautions have not been met. Notices will be held in the register for a minimum period of three years.

Responsibility

The Youth Hostel Association's (YHA) head of corporate affairs and policy, Duncan Simpson, said: "YHA takes its responsibility for all matters concerning the safety of its customers and staff very seriously.

"On May 1, following a visit from the local fire officer, we agreed a set of improvements to be made to the fire alarm system and the escape routes.

"We have until November 6 to put in place these improvements.

"We have carried out some immediate work as requested by the fire officer.

"We operate systems to minimise the risks to guests including daily checks of emergency routes, a nightly shut down procedure, weekly checks of routes and fire doors, and alarm checks.

"We record these, and we also carry out periodic full evacuations of the youth hostel with guests."

Mr Simson said the YHA would be meeting specialist contractors on June 23 to co-ordinate these works in advance of the six months' programme agreed with the fire officer.

At YHA's request, the fire officer returned on June 6 to review the improvements needed and to give further advice.

Cornwall Fire Brigade's protection team group manager Steve Halstead said: "This is a change in culture as previously some premises would rely on the fire brigade to identify any failings on annual inspection visits rather than manage the risk themselves.

"Owners and employers now find themselves tasked with undertaking the fire risk assessment either themselves or through a consultant and addressing the significant findings from that and making the premises safe.

"The legislation requires the person who is responsible for the premises to ensure a fire risk assessment is completed.

"Cornwall fire brigade undertakes audits to check compliance and also inspect premises following a fire, after repeated false alarms and following complaints."