the fire risk assessment process

Experts in Fire Risk Assessment, Fire Strategy and Fire Awareness Training.

      

 

About the Fire Risk Assessment process

What is a fire risk assessment?

In basic terms the fire risk assessment  process involves the systematic evaluation of the factors that determine the hazard from fire, the likelihood that there will be a fire and the consequences if one were to occur. It is essential that the Fire Risk Assessment is carried out by a 'competent person'.

In essence there are both qualitative and quantitative methods of risk assessment that can be used. Semi quantitative points schemes can also employed.

Is a Fire Risk Assessment it required by law?

Yes it is.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is necessary in just about all buildings in England and Wales, other than domestic premises. Similar requirements apply in Scotland under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and in Northern Ireland.

Is it ok for me to carry out the Fire Risk Assessment myself?

Yes, but only if you are competent to do so.

Fire Risk Strategies are usually employed either when a client does not have the necessary competence or when they do not have the time or resources to conduct the risk assessments themselves.

What skills are required in order to carry out a fire risk assessment?

The person carrying out the fire risk assessment should be competent to do so.

A competent person may be regarded as a person with sufficient training and experience, knowledge or other qualities, to enable him or her to carry out a defined task properly. 

What is involved during the Fire Risk Assessment process?

A fire risk assessment involves a physical inspection of the building to determine the adequacy of the existing fire precautions and the need for any additional measures. However, of equal importance to the physical inspection is a review of fire safety management in the organisation and consideration of the human factors – how people will respond to an emergency and whether they will take appropriate action.

There are practical limits to the extent of the survey and evaluation of the fire precautions which we will discuss with you prior to the process taking place.

In the case a fire risk assessment aimed at satisfying the requirements of legislation, the objective of the risk assessment will primarily be the safety of the occupants of the building. While some of the recommendations we may make could also be beneficial to property protection, we would not be specifically addressing this objective or the objective of avoiding business interruption from fire. However, we do have the expertise to address these objectives, if required.

What does the Fire Risk Assessment cover?

The scope of the survey involved in a fire risk assessment would include the following particular aspects of fire safety:

- Fire loss experience.
- Fire hazards.
- Fire prevention.
- Storage and handling of flammable liquids and gases.
- Housekeeping.
- Means of escape.
- Compartmentation.
- Flammability of linings.
- Emergency escape lighting.
- Fire safety signs and notices.
- Fire detection and fire alarm systems.
- Fire extinguishing systems and appliances.
- Smoke control systems.
- Facilities for use by the fire and rescue service.
- Arrangements for management of fire safety.
- Training and drills.
- Testing and maintenance.
- Records.

How often does the Fire Risk Assessment need to be repeated?

The fire risk assessment process is intended to by dynamic, and take into account change. Fire risk assessments should therefore be reviewed from time to time or if there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, and, in particular, if significant changes take place, such as an increase in the numbers of people in the building or changes to floor layouts. Fire risk assessments should also be reviewed after a fire. We will give a suggested date for review in our reports. A review does not necessarily involve repeating the fire risk assessment process. A judgment on this is required based on the significance of the changes.