Fire Risk Assessment: Are You Responsible?

Few of us can have missed the recent attention being given to fire safety risk assessments. We may have received leaflets or calls from heavy handed experts threatening us with grim consequences if we fail to purchase their particular fire safety product.

Sadly, the above is all too common and misses the spirit of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which nominates a Responsible Person for every business property and for that person to apply a prescribed assessment procedure to ensure that the occupants, surroundings and fire fighters are in a managed and risk controlled environment to limit the likelihood of fire, injury and loss of life. A visiting fire officer can demand to see this lawful document.

If you are a business owner, Director or site manager you are likely to be Responsible in this context.

When is a fire risk assessment necessary?

All non domestic premises including small businesses, charities, shops, offices and factories. Wherever five or more persons are employed, the fire risk assessment must be a formal record in a systematic document highlighting five key areas:

• Identify hazards
• Consider who is affected by the hazards
• Evaluate the risks and control
• Record the findings and actions
• Revisit the assessment and ensure up to date information

Can I conduct my own fire risk assessment?

With sufficient skills, training or experience you can be deemed as competent and be lawfully responsible for undertaking the assessment. This would also be dependent on the size of the business and the nature of the processes and hazards contained within the premises. Increasingly, responsible persons are recognising that an expert assessment offers the benefits of greater knowledge and peace of mind that all aspects are given appropriate professional attention.

Detects' fire risk assessors are independently qualified and registered as well as being experienced industry professionals. A full photographic report and prioritised action plan will be presented to you following a detailed site inspection and fact-finding discussion. Fire officers have commented favourably on the quantity and quality of the information that Detect present to their clients.

Detect can be your peace of mind, your competent experts and your trusted advisors. This is our business, and engaging Detect permits you to get on safely with your business.

We also offer fire safety training courses for your staff, as well as a full fire alarm installation and maintenance service. Please contact us today to discuss your requirements.