Why do Fire Risk Assessments ?

October 2006 saw the biggest single reform of fire safety legislation in over 30 years, simplifying the law for thousands of businesses of all types and sizes.

The new law, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, has consolidated previous fire safety legislation, repealing the Fire Precautions Act and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.

The main effect has been a move towards a greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, removing the requirements for certain premises to have fire certificates, though fire and rescue authorities will still continue to inspect premises and ensure adequate fire precautions are in place.

The new legislation also places responsibility for fire safety on the employer, requiring the ‘responsible person’ to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of their premises, ensure that sufficient plans are in place for everyone on the premises or nearby, whether employees or not, can escape safely if there is a fire, and adequately maintain any fire safety equipment such as warning systems, extinguishers etc.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment ?

A fire risk assessment is an organised and methodical look at your premises, the activities carried on there and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises. The aims of the fire risk assessment are:

• To identify potential 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.

What can Smith Safety Solutions do for you ?

• A systematic examination of your premises and practices to identify fire hazards, fire warning and protection systems, appliances and escape routes.
• A thorough review of emergency procedures, systems, documentation, inspection and maintenance regimes.
• Develop a custom emergency plan covering fire precaution systems and evacuation procedures and evacuation procedures tailored to your business and premises.
• Develop and implement appropriate training packages for your management and staff both in emergency procedures and general fire safety.

What are the benefits ?

• Demonstrate compliance with new fire safety legislations.
• Independent identification and evaluation of fire risk.
• Detailed report of findings with prioritised corrective actions and recommendations for improvement.