Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessment - Can You Do Without It?   by Ian Wright

A fire outbreak can be a catastrophic event potentially causing damage to life and property. Prevention is better than cure and to avoid the consequences of a damaging fire, judgements have to be made about the potential fire risk so that life and property can be protected.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment assesses and takes steps to eliminate or minimise the possible causes of fire and to minimise personal injury or loss of life from any fire, especially to those employed on the premises, those resident on the premises, those visiting the premises and those with disabilities.
And as a secondary point a Fire Risk Assessment should take account of ways to minimise financial losses in the event of a fire.

Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

We should all assess fire risk in our daily lives, such as making sure our appliances are correctly wired, naked flames are properly extinguished etc. However if you exercise any control over any commercial (non-domestic) premises or part of premises or any non-agricultural outdoor event, then a more formal Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all organisations of 1 or more persons to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of their premises. For organisations of 5 or more persons the assessment must be in written form.

Who is responsible for Fire Risk Assessment?

Responsibility under the law for fire safety will vary according to circumstances and may not be invested wholly in one individual. For example a parent organisation may be responsible for determining a safety policy and providing the appropriate finances for its implementation and a local manager may be responsible for ensuring that a proper Fire Risk Assessment for the premises has been carried out. Similarly a landlord may be responsible for the structure of the building, as detailed in the lease agreement or a premises officer may be responsible for the inspection and testing of certain fire safety systems or apparatus.
Whatever the circumstances, the responsibilities need to be determined, recorded and managed, as part of the Fire Risk Assessment report and of its implementation. It is essential that all responsible parties communicate effectively with each other, especially when circumstances change.

How often should you have a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fresh Fire Risk Assessment needs to be carried out after any fire or "near miss" situation, and following any alteration, extension or demolition of any part of the structure of the premises. After any change in the use of any part of the premises or if there have been no changes, every 2 years.

How do you get a Fire Risk Assessment?

Use an experienced professional company to carry out the assessment. A company like Complete Detection Systems which in addition to its fire alarm, fire extinguishing, emergency lighting and nurse call supply, installation and maintenance services, offers its clients a professional Fire Risk Assessment service.

About the Author

Ian is an SEO consultant and copywriter
Implementing a Risk Assessment Framework


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