Fire Risk Assessment from fully qualified fire risk assessors
Do you need help to complete your Fire Risk Assessment? Our NEBOSH qualified and professionally accredited consultants can carry out your assessment – for all premises types, across the UK.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, determine who may be at risk, and establish what fire precautions and fire safety management measures need to be in place.
Article 9 (1) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that:
‘The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under this Order.’
In summary, if you are an employer, building owner, or the person with control over a premises, you are legally required to carry out or arrange a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment
Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
This includes:
If you employ five or more people, your Fire Risk Assessment must be recorded in writing.
How often should a Fire Risk Assessment be reviewed?
Article 9(3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that any Fire Risk Assessment must be reviewed by the responsible person regularly so as to keep it up to date, and particularly if:
‘(a) there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid; or (b) there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates including when the premises, special, technical and organisational measures, or organisation of the work undergo significant changes, extensions, or conversions.’
As a general guide, most premises should review their Fire Risk Assessment at least annually. However, a review should be triggered sooner if there are changes to the layout or use of the building, changes to the number or nature of occupants, new processes or equipment introducing additional fire hazards, a fire or near miss, or concerns raised by employees or enforcement authorities.
For information about Fire Risk Assessment frequency – click here.
The 5 steps of a Fire Risk Assessment
Identify fire hazards
Identify sources of ignition, fuel (combustible materials, flammable liquids and gases), and oxygen throughout the premises.
Identify people at risk
Consider everyone who uses the premises, with particular attention to vulnerable people – lone workers, visitors, and those with mobility or sensory impairments.
Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risks
Assess likelihood and consequences of fire. Eliminate hazards where possible, or put adequate fire precautions in place including means of escape and detection systems.
Record, plan, instruct, and train
Document your findings, produce an emergency plan, and ensure all relevant people are informed and appropriately trained.
Review and update regularly
Your Fire Risk Assessment is not a one-off exercise. It must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid.
Some questions to consider
When conducting your Fire Risk Assessment, consider the following:
What will we do?
When selecting a fire safety risk assessment company, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what it can specifically offer you.
