16 Dec 2021
What are fire risk assessments?
Fire Risk Assessments are Systematic Evaluations to determine the hazard from fire.
The fire risk assessment offered by 1 Stop Fire Prevention is a process involving the systematic evaluation of the factors that determine the hazard from fire, the likelihood that there will be a fire and the consequences if one were to occur for your staff and business.
What is the process involved with producing fire risk assessments?
The fire risk assessment comes in two parts: The first part is the systematic evaluation that reviews your premises against a set of standardised criteria. The second part are the requirements that are produced as a result of the evaluation in order for your premises to be compliant with the necessary fire safety measures.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
By law every block of flats and all business premises in the UK is required to conduct a fire risk assessment. It is recommended that your fire risk assessment is in writing, no matter what the size of the block of flats or premises. You may be instructed by the fire brigade to produce a written fire risk assessment.
What should be included in my fire risk assessment?
Although every fire risk assessment is unique to the premises, the following fire prevention and fire risk factors should be checked by the assessor as part of the assessment:
The building’s construction, layout, and use
The nature and number of occupants, including any potentially vulnerable occupants
Electrical equipment on the site that could be a potential source of ignition
Whether the building has a history of any fire loss
Defence against arson
Smoking areas as well as prevention measures that have been taken to prevent fires caused by smoking
Protection against fires that are caused by lighting
Installed and portable heating devices that can trigger fires
Any fire hazards that have been introduced by outside contractors or building works
General housekeeping and key areas being kept clear of any combustible materials
The configuration and maintenance of escape routes
Storage arrangements for any flammable and dangerous liquids
Emergency lighting has been properly installed and is in good working order
Measures are in placed for limiting fire spread
Adequate means are in place to raise the alarm in the event of a fire
Fire safety signs are in the proper locations and used correctly
Other devices, like sprinklers, are properly installed and maintained
The appropriate fire extinguishers are in the correct locations
Whether or not there is evacuation drills and fire safety training on a regular basis
Who manages the building’s fire safety and how well it is done
Proper records and documentation are being kept on fire safety measures
Correct testing procedures and maintenance are in place for fire safety systems
Who is responsible for ensuring that the fire risk assessment is conducted?
By law, an assigned individual is required to be responsible for the fire safety of every premises. This is usually the premises owner unless someone else is nominated and has accepted the responsibility. For blocks of flats, this assigned individual could be the landlord, managing agent or a residents group. However, the assigned individual/resident group in a block of flats are only responsible for common areas such as porch ways, staircases and corridors. Residences are responsible for ensuring that their own flats are safe from fire. It is this assigned individual’s responsibility to ensure the two-part risk assessment is conducted and the necessary recommendations are put in place so that the premises is safe. It is the assigned individual’s responsibility to ensure that the fire risk assessment is valid.
How often do I need to update my fire risk assessment?
The fire risk assessment should be updated continuously so that it is always compliant with the latest regulations and requirements.
It is recommended that the following be included in the review:
Every 12 months after the original assessment is done
Every 5 years a new assessment should be conducted
If the building’s purpose has substantially changed
If the building structure, such as the layout, has changed
If there has been a considerable change in the occupants
Penalties
If you do not have a fire risk assessment there is a financial penalty! Risk assessments need to be tailored to your business and therefore are bespoke. If you do not have the necessarily bespoke fire safety percussions in place, there is a financial penalty and possibly a prison sentence in extreme negligence cases.
Who should complete the fire risk assessment?
It is recommended that a qualified Fire Risk Assessor such as 1 Stop Fire Prevention complete a fire risk assessment for your premises. This will ensure that your building’s fire risk assessment is compliant with the latest regulations and requirements.
How much does a fire risk assessment cost?
As all fire risk assessments are bespoke, prices vary dependant on size and the level of risk involved with the premises. Our qualified Fire Risk Assessor at 1 Stop Fire Prevention will be able to provide you with a quote. Our fire risk assessments start from £199.
1 Stop Fire Prevention also provide PAT testing services and supply fire extinguishers with nation wide delivery across the UK.
Get in touch here. We look forward to hearing from you!