Fire Risk Assessment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into force in October 2006. From that time, fire certificates no longer have any legal status. Instead, the new approach relies on Risk Assessments.

We know of incidents where fire has broken out in business premises and, on investigation by the authorities, they have found the Fire Risk Assessment is inadequate or, even worse, does not exist at all.

So what does it need to cover?

A Fire Risk Assessment follows much the same procedure as a general risk assessment – the difference being that it focuses on a single area of risk in your organisation.

In simple terms, the aim is to assess the total risk of fire occurring and then identifying appropriate control measures that reduce the risk to acceptable levels. The two main priorities should be to minimise the likelihood of fire breaking out and, in the event that it does, to ensure the safety of persons above everything else.

It is not practicable to consider every possible set of circumstances because each location has its own unique features. However, in general terms, aspects that need to be considered include:

Identify specific hazards that could result in a fire. Bear in mind that fire needs the threefold combination of combustible materials, source of ignition and source of oxygen (usually air).
Evaluate what precautions are in place to minimise the likelihood of fire and, should it occur, to prevent its spread.
Identify the facilities in place to detect fire and to give adequate warning so that people are able to escape.
Clearly designated escape routes that are free from obstructions and which cover all parts of the premises. This includes designated assembly points.
Procedures for instructing employees about fire safety principles, avoiding fires, raising the alarm and evacuating the premises.
Procedures to ensure all precautions are subject to routine testing and review to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Provision of fire fighting equipment, along with appropriate signage, instruction and training of designated persons on how to use it safely.
Defined responsible persons for all aspects of fire safety.

What else to consider

Fire Risk Assessments for some organisations will be more complicated than for others, depending on such considerations as:

Particularly vulnerable persons who use the premises, such as the very young or those who are old or infirm.
Who owns the premises and if there is multiple occupancy
The types of activity carried out, which would include, for example, any dangerous substances that are stored on the premises.
The presence of contractors and other visitors (welcome or otherwise) who may not be aware of all the safety precautions in place.

Who should undertake the Fire Risk Assessment?

The law requires that the work be done by a 'competent person', though there is no formal definition of what is meant by 'competent'. It is generally accepted, however, that it means

someone who has the ability (through training and experience) to identify hazards, assess levels of risk and then identify reasonably practicable measures to manage the risks.

You may already employ someone who is competent to do this work, particularly if there are no complicating factors to take into account. This has the advantage that they are likely to be familiar with the layout of the premises and known hazards.

Alternatively, you can call in someone from outside with the necessary expertise who can work with an employee who has the local knowledge.

You don't necessarily have to start from scratch. You may have a Fire Risk Assessment from before the regulations were reformed or you may have a Fire Certificate, both of which contain useful information. However, it is important to ensure such information is still current and relevant.

What next?

The Fire Risk Assessment is just the start of the process. It is vital that you address any issues identified by the assessment; otherwise it is no more than a paper exercise that would not satisfy an inspector/enforcing authority.

Finally, it is also important that you review the assessment on a routine basis to ensure it remains up to date with changes to your premises, activities and people.

You can view additional information by visiting our website at http://www.edp-uk.com/fullsystem/overviews/fire_risk_assessment.htm

EDP is able to carry out Fire Risk Assessments and advise on appropriate precautions, along with any other requirements you have for managing your health, safety and environment.

To discuss your requirements, without any obligation on your part, please gives us a call on 01744 766000 or complete the Enquiry Form on our website.

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