Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is designed to minimise the probability of the event of a fire by identifying the potential hazards and fire risks within a building.

Law requires all non-domestic properties to have a Fire Risk Assessment in place as stipulated in the Regulatory Reform Act (Fire Safety) 2005. If your business has 5 or more employees, or you operate your business from more than one premises, then the findings of the Fire Risk Assessment also need to be documented and a record kept.

A Fire Risk Assessment should include not only the physical aspects of the premises but also those who inhabit it. Staff training is critical in preventing loss of life in a fire situation, so this must also be included in any Fire Risk Assessment.

 Who’s responsible for the Fire Risk Assessment?

You are responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you are:

• An Employer
• The Owner
• The Landlord
• An Occupier

Or indeed anyone else with control of the premises, e.g. a facilities manager, building manager, or managing agent; You are known as the ‘responsible person’. If there’s more than one responsible person, you must work together to meet your responsibilities.

What if I have already completed my Fire Risk Assessment?

We often get asked by customers to review their current Fire Risk Assessment and our services range from a quick and free review to ensure your document is suitable and sufficient, creating a bespoke document for you, to taking your assigned ‘competent person’ and training them to be a capable and competent fire risk assessor.

For further information about how a professional Fire Risk Assessment can help you, or if you are unsure of whether your current FRA would be considered suitable and sufficient to satisfy the authorities, please contact us to speak to one of our trained team who can advise you further.