Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is a review of a building conducted to assess its fire risk and, if necessary, make recommendations to make the facility safer

If five or more persons are employed by a business the fire risk assessment must be documented. However, we recommend that a fire risk assessment is always in writing because it is the simplest way to communicate the findings and ensure that any recommendations are followed.

Fire is a hazard in all parts of the premises. Its consequences include the threat to the lives or health and safety of people, damage to or loss of property and severe interruption to normal business activities or opportunities. Fire safety includes preventing outbreaks of fire and mitigating the direct and consequential damages by early detection, reducing spread by structural containment, providing escape routes, emergency evacuation procedures and means for firefighting. These prevention and protection measures must be appropriate to building use and occupancy, the inherent fire risk and the legal obligations that are laid on Owners, employers and occupiers of premises. This strategy expands on the premises general health, safety and environmental protection policy. Its primary objective is the creation of fire safety management systems and standards that together with the provision and maintenance of safe buildings protect human health and safety, the premises assets and business opportunities.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this strategy is the provision and maintenance of a ‘fire safe’ environment for all persons within the premises by reducing the risk to life, personal injury, damage to the premises and business losses. The primary objective is the provision and maintenance of the building and fire safety systems and procedures so that, in the event of fire, the occupants are able to reach a place of safety. Specific objectives are:

  • The definition of management systems, standards and procedures for fire safety throughout the premises;
  • The allocation of responsibilities and duties for fire risk assessment and management incorporating the principles of prevention, active and passive protection and emergency response;
  • The identification, by risk assessment, of standards for means of escape, raising an alarm in the event of a fire and extinguishing systems in the premises that are consistent with the occupation and use to achieve safe evacuation;
  • The allocation and definition of responsibilities and standards for the provision, installation, testing and planned maintenance of fire safety equipment, devices and extinguishing systems;
  • The identification of standards for the control of combustible, flammable or explosive materials;
  • The allocation of responsibilities for the implementation of fire emergency plans including evacuation procedures, first-aid firefighting, contacting the fire service, emergency co-ordination and staff training;
  • The allocation of responsibilities and duties of staff for monitoring and auditing all fire safety management systems and procedures.

Achieving these objectives will ensure compliance with fire safety and related legislation and current good practice. This Fire Risk Assessment is based on the above Aims and Objectives being achieved.

Refurbishment, Decoration or Alterations

If you decide to refurbish, redecorate or alter the workplace in a way that affects the means of escape, you will need to make sure that there are still adequate escape routes for the staff (and any others present) to use should a fire occur. It is important to ensure all contractors are aware not to store any flammables in the means of escape corridors or to block any fire exit doors. All employees that work or may visit the affected areas must be informed of the alternative arrangements in place. You must inform your local fire authority before carrying out any structural or material alterations. You may also need Building Regulation approval and should consult the relevant building control authority. Other regulations controlling the safety arrangements in the workplace during construction or alteration may also apply. This Risk Assessment will also need to be consulted to check if any amendments will be required during or after the alterations, if structural it should be revised.