FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a process involving 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.

There are many methods of risk assessment that can be used, however, a qualitative fire risk assessment based on PAS 79 is the method we use.

Is it required by law?

There are few exceptions, however, under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 a fire risk assessment is necessary in virtually all buildings other than domestic dwellings. Similar requirements apply in England under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and in Northern Ireland under the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 .

Yes, if you consider you have the competence to do so.

We are normally 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.

Can I carry this out myself?

What is involved?

A fire risk assessment involves an inspection of your premises to determine the adequacy of the existing fire precautions and the need for any additional measures. The inspection will also incoporate fire safety management in the organisation and consideration including the human risk and how people will respond to an emergency.

There are practical limits to the extent of the survey and evaluation of the fire precautions. For example, in undertaking a fire risk assessment, we will not carry out detailed engineering evaluation or testing of fire protection systems, emergency escape lighting, etc. though we would inspect the systems visually. Where appropriate, we would identify the need for any further engineering evaluation.

The survey of the construction of your premises would extend to easily accessible areas of the building only. While we may inspect above false ceilings, where possible, this would be on a non evasive way only. If we considered that a more thorough examination of such areas was necessary, we would highlight this to you.

Our fire risk assessments are primarily for the purpose of life safety in your premises, however, where necessary the fire risk assessment can also contain measures to avoid business interruption from fire and property protection from fire.

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.
Fire procedures.
Training and drills.
Testing and maintenance.
Records.

When does it need to be repeated?

The fire risk assessment process is intended to be flexible, and take into account change.