Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment must be completed for all buildings that are designed for the following functions:

Public use buildings e.g. offices, cinemas, offices, schools, nurseries, hospitals, etc.
Accommodation e.g. hotels, guesthouses, holiday houses, nursing homes, etc.
Production e.g. factories
Storage e.g. warehouses
Services e.g. shops, petrol stations, garages etc.
Livestock accommodation e.g. animal shelters etc.

Why is it necessary to conduct a Fire risk Assessment?

Any risks that are associated with a potential fire should be removed, or minimised. Examples include smoking in non-designated areas, operating faulty electrical equipment, and storing combustible materials near heaters, etc.

The Reform (fire safety) order of 2005, calls for businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment to identify any possible dangers and risks. This order gives accountability to business owners, ensuring that they take reasonable steps to reduce the risks of fire, and making sure all personnel are aware of escape routes and safety procedures in the event of a fire. The order also makes it mandatory that fire risk assessments are regularly conducted.

One significant element of fire prevention is the provision of adequate, accessible, hand-held fire extinguishing equipment. However, equipment alone is not enough to ensure adequate safety measures and adherence to the Fire Safety Order. All personnel must also be given adequate training so that they can safely and effectively use such equipment.

A designated ‘responsible person’ must be familiar with current fire regulations and must conduct periodic fire training. Fire safety measures are adhered to in order to prevent the loss of life, moving responsibility away from the London Fire Brigade, and into the hands of those directly able to take preventative measures.

Good, safe practice is possible via the introduction of education and the regular assessment and reduction of risks.

Why Choose Acufire for your Fire Risk Assessment?

Professionally accredited staff
Personalised friendly service
Fast response
Free quote
Free site survey

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a survey that analyses and identifies risks associated with fire, the likelihood of them occurring, and the potential consequences.

There are five steps a fire risk assessor must take to analyse fire risks: identify potential fire hazards, decide who may be in danger, evaluate the risk, and then determine if existing fire precautions are adequate.

When conducting a fire risk assessment the first aim is to identify fire hazards. Sources of ignition are identified and listed – A source of ignition is anything that has the potential to start a fire, e.g. a naked flame, or faulty electrical appliance. The fire triangle places fire hazards into three categories: ignition, fuel and oxygen. Whilst it may not be possible to remove all fire hazards in your workplace, the findings of the assessment will help you to manage these elements in order to minimise the risk factor.

The assessor records all findings and details, keeping the assessment under review, and revising it when necessary. Once the initial assessment is complete, a ‘significant findings’ document is delivered. This document is reviewed regularly to evaluate, remove, and reduce risks, and to better prepare the business for any fire incidents that may occur.

By far the most common causes of fire are those caused by deliberate and unintentional human actions. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of fire here in the U.K:

Deliberate arson, or a fire started by accident due to falling asleep with a cigarette, for example.
Fires started by children
Faulty, or incorrectly used electrical devices
Misuse of heating equipment such as fireplaces and electric radiators.
Leaving electrical devices such as space heaters, stoves, and kettles continually switched on.
Neglectful renovation work, particularly where welding or grinding is involved.
Storage of flammable substances such as; gas cylinders, oils, paints or solvents, near heat and fire sources.