What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

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Published: October 9, 2019

ISE Fire training..

A Fire Risk Assessment is an organised and methodical look at your premises, the activities carried out there and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises.

The aims of a Fire Risk Assessment are:

  • To identify the Fire Hazards.
  • To reduce the risk of those hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practicable.
  • To decide what physical Fire Precautions and Management Arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your premises, if a fire does start.

A Fire Risk Assessment will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe.

Does my business need a Fire Risk Assessment?

The law applies if you are:

  • Responsible for a business premises.
  • An employer or self-employed with business premises responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes.
  • A charity or voluntary organisation.
  • A contractor with a degree of control over any premises.
  • Providing accommodation for paying guests.
  • The Landlord of a building.

There are five key steps in a Fire Risk Assessment:

  • Identify fire hazards – e.g. How could a fire start? What could burn?
  • Consider the people who may be a risk – e.g. employees, visitors to the premises, and anyone who may be particularly vulnerable such as children, the elderly and disabled people.
  • Evaluate and act – think about what you have found in steps 1 and 2 and remove and reduce any risks to protect people and premises.
  • Record, plan and train – keep a record of what risks you identified and what actions you have taken to reduce or remove them. Make a clear plan of how to prevent fires and, should a fire start, you will keep people safe. Make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a fire and if necessary that they are trained for their roles.
  • Review – regularly review your risk assessment to ensure it remains up to date and reflects and changes that may have occurred.
Writing on assessment list.

Want to know more about what a Fire Risk Assessment is?

Head here for some more information about fire risk assessments.

Bear in mind that you must keep a written record of your Fire Risk Assessment if your organisation employs five or more people, if your premises are licensed or an Alterations Notice is in force, (following a visit from the Fire Service).

How do I get a No-Obligation Free Business Survey?

Call us on 01933 677125 or fill in the quick online form to book your fire risk assessment today!

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