If you’re responsible for a building that isn’t a private home, then you’re legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment. This law applies to all workplaces and commercial premises, all premises the public have access to, and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings.
So, what is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a review of a building to assess its fire risk and, if necessary, identify measures to make the premises safer. A responsible person (the nominated individual responsible for the building’s fire safety) must carry out the review. If there are more than five building occupants, there must be a written record of the assessment.
What does the assessment include?
The assessment should follow the following four steps:
- Identify the fire hazards.
- Identify people at risk.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
The assessment should consider:
- Emergency routes and exits.
- Fire detection and warning systems.
- Fire fighting equipment.
- The removal or safe storage of dangerous substances.
- An emergency fire evacuation plan.
- The needs of vulnerable people, for example, the elderly, young children or those with disabilities.
- Providing information to employees and other people on the premises.
- Staff fire safety training.
Your assessment should be regularly reviewed and updated, including after significant changes that impact it.
Who should conduct the fire risk assessment?
‘Competent people’ can carry out their own fire risk assessment but using a professional is recommended. With severe penalties for not having the proper fire safety precautions in place, it’s worth consulting an expert.
If you’d like help with this process, please
get in touch. We can provide a full fire risk assessment with our accredited surveyor and help you develop and improve your fire risk assessment procedures.
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