Fire Risk Assessments

LEGISLATION

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all businesses and organisations must carry out a fire risk assessment. This legislation applies to all businesses and organisations regardless of type or size.

The fire risk assessment must comprise a recorded document:

a) if you employ five or more people

b) if there is a licence in force

c) if an Alterations Notice requires you to do so

WHO CAN CARRY OUT A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT?

Currently, under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment can be carried out by any ‘competent’ person. This can be defined as any person who is qualified, or has sufficient experience in carrying out assessments of the type of premises. This is likely to be replaced by a requirement that the fire risk assessor is also registered by a recognised third-party organisation.

David Black is not only a qualified fire risk assessor, but is also accredited on The Institute of Fire Safety Managers ‘Register of Competent Fire Risk Assessors‘.

WHAT IS A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT?

A fire risk assessment is a comprehensive document that details the following:

the maximum number of persons who might be on the premises at any time
the hazards present on the premises that could cause a fire to occur
the risks available on the premises that could enable a fire to develop and spread
the compartmentation of the building that could help contain a developing fire within a defined area/space
- the provision of fire alarms to alert occupants
- the provision of fire detection to provide early warning of a developing fire
- any other fire protection measures in place
the potential for people to evacuate promptly and safely
fire safety signage
staff training
existing fire procedures

HOW I CAN HELP YOU

As an experienced and qualified fire risk assessor, with over 30 years experience, I can carry out your fire risk assessment and provide you with a comprehensive document that identifies all potential sources of ignition, risks that could increase the spread of fire and any/all fire safety measures that may be in place.

The fire risk assessment will highlight any deficiencies and/or any issues that require attention. Using a simple traffice-light system, the document is user-friendly with all issues rated in accordance with priority based solely on their impact on life safety. All issues requiring attention are summarised in a prioritised format at the end of the fire risk assessment document – together with any photographs required to assist in identifying areas of concern.

PLEASE NOTE: Once I have carried out your fire risk assessment, you automatically qualify for my FREE on-line consultancy services for 12 months.

Fire Risk Assessment Reviews

It is important to remember that a fire risk assessment must be reviewed regularly. Legislation does not define the term ‘regularly’; however, the guidelines are that a review should take place at least annually. OR:

If there are any changes to the activities taking place in the building
Any changes to the internal structure of the building
Any changes to the occupancy – or nature of the occupancy
- This may include employement of a pregnant member of staff or a member of staff with a severe physical, hearing, or visual impairment

Fire Strategy

You may be intending to, or be in the process to, extend your premises or completely re-structure your existing premises. In these cases you may be required to submit a Fire Strategy Document for planning purposes. This is another area in which I would be able to help.

The development and creation of fire strategy documents is an area in which I have a good deal of experience. In particular, I have helped a number of building contractors, architects, and building designers, in helping develop fire strategies for blocks of flats.

FEES

Costs for a fire risk assessment, or review, or for the development of fire strategies, are based on the size of property and the complexities involved.