A fire risk assessment is a structured review of the premises and the activities being carried out. It will identify potential fire hazards and what can be done to reduce them. It also considers the people that are in the premises and what arrangements are in place to ensure they are safe.
All non-domestic premises must carry out a fire risk assessment, these include:
- Workplaces
- Commercial premises
- Public premises
- Common areas of residential buildings
- Premises with paying guests
Completing a fire risk assessment is a requirement for every non domestic premises under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regardless of types of premises or number people employed.
Every business must appoint a Responsible Person who is responsible for of the fire safety of the business and/or building. The Responsible Person is legally responsible for ensuring that a fire risk assessment is carried out.
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 allows for a competent person, appointed by the Responsible Person to carry out a fire risk assessment. Depending on the complexity of the premises you may be able to carry out a fire risk assessment yourself with the help of the Fire risk assessment checklist More detailed guidance, specific to each premises type can be found on the Government website Fire risk assessment guidance
If you feel you are unable to complete the fire risk assessment, then you must appoint someone to complete one on your behalf. If appointing a fire risk assessor to carry out a fire risk assessment it is important to check they are suitably competent and qualified. The Fire Sector Federation have produced A guide to choosing a competent fire risk assessor
The fire and rescue service can’t complete fire risk assessments; they ensure that the requirements of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are being adhered to.
Fire risk assessment considerations
A fire risk assessment will consider all aspects of fire safety and can include:
- Emergency exits and routes
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Firefighting equipment
- Safe storage of dangerous substances
- Emergency evacuation plan
- Needs of vulnerable people
- Staff fire safety training
Reviewing the fire risk assessment
Once a fire risk assessment has been completed it needs to be constantly monitored and reviewed to ensure that it is still valid. If for any reason that it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change at the premises the assessment will need to be reviewed. Reasons for a review could include:
- A fire at the premises
- Alterations to the building
- Changes to activities or processes
- Increase in number of people