Fire Risk Assessment

What is a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?

• An FRA is a systematic review of a building’s fire safety measures.
• It identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates the risks, and recommends actions to mitigate those risks.
• The goal is to ensure the safety of occupants and comply with fire safety regulations.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Include?

1. Identify People at Risk:
   • Consider all individuals who use the building, including:
     • Residents, employees, or tenants.
     • Visitors, contractors, and vulnerable individuals (e.g., elderly, disabled, or children).
2. Identify Fire Hazards:
   • Identify potential sources of ignition (e.g., electrical equipment, heaters, cooking appliances).
   • Identify sources of fuel (e.g., flammable materials, furniture, paper).
   • Identify sources of oxygen (e.g., air conditioning, open windows).
3. Evaluate the Risk:
   • Assess the likelihood of a fire starting.
   • Evaluate the potential impact of a fire, including the risk to life and property.
4. Recommend Actions:
   • Propose measures to reduce the risk of fire, such as:
     • Installing fire alarms and extinguishers.
     • Improving fire detection and warning systems.
     • Ensuring clear escape routes and emergency exits.
     • Reducing the accumulation of flammable materials.
5. Record Findings:
   • Keep a written record of the assessment, especially if the building has five or more occupants or is a workplace.
6. Prepare an Emergency Plan:
   • Develop a clear plan for evacuating the building in case of a fire.
   • Include details on:
     • Escape routes and assembly points.
     • Procedures for assisting vulnerable individuals.
     • Use of firefighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers).
7. Provide Training:
   • Ensure all occupants are aware of fire safety procedures.
   • Conduct regular fire drills and training sessions.
8. Review and Update:
   • Regularly review the FRA, especially after significant changes to the building (e.g., renovations, changes in occupancy).
   • Update the assessment as necessary to reflect new risks or improvements.

Who is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments?

• The Responsible Person is legally required to carry out and review the FRA. This person could be:
  • The building owner.
  • The landlord.
  • The employer (for workplaces).
  • The managing agent or facilities manager.
• In shared or multi-occupancy buildings, the responsibility may be shared among multiple parties.

When is a Fire Risk Assessment Legally Required?

• FRAs are legally required for:
  • Workplaces: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales), employers must conduct FRAs for their premises.
  • Residential Buildings: Including blocks of flats, HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation), and shared accommodations.
  • Public Buildings: Such as schools, hospitals, and leisure centres.
  • Commercial Properties: Including offices, shops, and restaurants.

Key Steps in Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment:

1. Appoint a Competent Person:
   • The FRA should be carried out by someone with sufficient knowledge and experience, such as a fire safety professional or a trained individual within the organisation.
2. Inspect the Building:
   • Walk through the building to identify potential fire hazards and risks.
3. Document Findings:
   • Record all identified hazards, risks, and recommended actions.
4. Implement Recommendations:
   • Take steps to reduce risks, such as installing fire safety equipment, improving escape routes, and providing training.
5. Review Regularly:
   • Conduct regular reviews of the FRA, especially after significant changes to the building or its use.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in:
  • Fines.
  • Imprisonment in severe cases.
  • Invalidation of insurance.
  • Civil liability if a fire causes harm to occupants or damage to property.

Why is a Fire Risk Assessment Important?

1. Safety:
   • Protects the lives of occupants by reducing the risk of fire and ensuring safe evacuation.
2. Legal Compliance:
   • Ensures compliance with fire safety regulations, avoiding penalties and legal action.
3. Property Protection:
   • Reduces the risk of fire damage to the building and its contents.
4. Peace of Mind:
   • Provides assurance that the building is safe for occupants and visitors.

How to Get a Fire Risk Assessment:

1. Hire a Fire Safety Professional:
   • Engage a qualified fire safety consultant or risk assessor to conduct the FRA.
2. Use Online Tools:
   • For smaller or low-risk buildings, use online fire risk assessment tools or templates (e.g., from the government or fire services).
3. Train Staff:
   • Ensure staff or responsible individuals are trained to conduct basic FRAs and maintain fire safety measures.

Key Points to Remember:

• An FRA is a legal requirement for most buildings, including workplaces, residential properties, and public buildings.
• The Responsible Person must ensure the FRA is carried out, documented, and regularly reviewed.
• Addressing fire risks and implementing safety measures can save lives and protect property.