Fire Risk Assessment guide: What is it and how do you get one?
Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order imposes a legal requirement to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment. This applies to:
all businesses who have 5 or more employees (including part-time)
business premises visited by the public
landlords with control over business premises
landlords of HMO properties
self-employed with business premises
What does a Fire Risk Assessment entail?
A Fire Risk Assessment should cover your entire business premises to evaluate:
the condition of the building and its age
the layout of the building
the contents of the building to identify potential fire hazards, sources of ignition and combustible materials
the escape routes in the event of a fire
The assessment should also take into consideration who works in the building and in which locations, current fire safety signage in the building, existing protocols for fire prevention and management, and fire safety equipment onsite including its condition and maintenance. Existing fire safety training and drills should also be evaluated.
After an assessment has taken place, a Fire Risk Assessment Report can be produced. This report will detail any areas that are not compliant with legislation and need urgent attention, along with recommendations for improvements in fire safety provision. It will also ensure you meet regulatory requirements and satisfy insurance needs.
Who can do a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment can be conducted by anyone who is competent to do so. However, as it is a document to ensure your compliance with legislation, if you don’t have an in-house health and safety person we highly recommend contacting Lantern Fire and Security to undertake the assessment for you. We will ensure your Fire Risk Assessment covers all aspects of fire safety and also adheres to legal requirements.
How long does a Fire Risk Assessment last for?
A Fire Risk Assessment doesn’t have an expiry date. However, it is your responsibility to review the report regularly and keep it up to date. You will need a new Fire Risk Assessment in the following circumstances:
if there hav
e been material alterations to the building
if there are any significant changes to the use, contents or layout of the building since the last Fire Risk Assessment was carried out
if there’s a significant change in fire risk precautions
Please get in touch with Adam to discuss further
Moblie: 07534 656008
Office: 0330 124 4517
Email: estimates@lanternfire.co.uk