Fire Risk Assessment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for England and Wales and the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in Scotland. These Regulations revoked or repealed over a hundred different sets of previous legislation that covered the issue of fire.

The Regulations require that a Fire Risk Assessment be undertaken on all non-domestic properties by the person responsible for the property i.e. The Responsible Person.

No – the Regulations have abolished the need for a Fire Certificate.

Once a Fire Risk Assessment has been undertaken there is no need to repeat the exercise unless circumstances dictate. The Fire Risk Assessment should be reviewed periodically, and the common practice is to do this on an annual basis. However should alterations be made to a property or if there is a change of use or a change of occupier then a new Fire Risk Assessment should be undertaken.

Any person who wishes to undertake a fire risk assessment must be able to demonstrate that they are competent to do so. Typical qualifications are the NEBOSH Fire Certificate course or the Institute of Fire Engineers Fire Risk Assessment course.

The aim of the Fire Risk Assessment includes the need to ensure that:

• The risk of fire is reduced by eliminating/controlling ignition sources
• There are suitable means of fire detection and methods of raising the alarm in the event of fire
• There are adequate emergency escape routes and final exits
• An appropriate number and type of fire extinguishers are in the property
• The correct type of fire signage and notices are displayed and that there is a sufficient quantity of such signs and notices
• Allowances have been made for the installation of any fire suppression or sprinkler systems
• All occupants are aware of what actions need to be taken in the event of a fire and a fire evacuation drill. Such awareness should include any necessary training