Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is a process whereby fire risks and hazards are identified and evaluated. Any risk or hazards identified in this assessment is noted. Based on the findings of the Fire Risk Assessment, a plan to reduce, control and eliminate risk should be implemented wherever “reasonably practicable”.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect in October 2006 and applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. The legislation applies to you if you are:

• Responsible for business premises
• An employer or self-employed with business premises
• Responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• A charity or voluntary organisation
• A contractor with a degree of control over any premises
• Providing accommodation for paying guests

The legislation requires a ‘responsible person’ to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. It also requires the responsible person to implement and maintain a fire safety plan.

If you are the owner of a business you are responsible for fire safety. You can appoint someone else to be the ‘Responsible Person’ but ultimately you are still responsible.

One of your duties as the responsible person is to carry out a building fire risk assessment and to review it on a regular basis. This is essential in fire prevention and in keeping people safe. An overall risk assessment can include a fire risk assessment, or it can be a separate exercise. Based on the findings, measures must be taken to minimise any risks of injury or loss of life.

An assessment should:

Identify fire hazards to help prevent fire

We will identify any areas where this is a risk of accidental fire starting.

Identify any persons at risk

Although everyone is at risk in the case of a fire, some groups of people are at greater risk. We can identify people at risk and help plan how to protect them.

Evaluate and act

We will evaluate the risks in order to eliminate, reduce or control them.

Record, plan, train 

You will receive expert advice on record keeping and emergency planning including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

Review

We will advise you on how to keep your assessments current and appropriate through reviewing and updating.