Frequently Asked Question
What is a fire risk assessment?
As the responsible person you must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe.
You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.
The assessment will;
1. Identify the fire hazards.
2. Identify people at risk.
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
5. Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.
The assessment will consider:
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emergency routes and exits
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fire detection and warning systems
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fire fighting equipment
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the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
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an emergency fire evacuation plan
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the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
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providing information to employees and other people on the premises
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staff fire safety training
You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.
If you do not have the expertise or time to do the fire risk assessment yourself you need to appoint a ‘competent person’ to help, for example a professional and accredited fire risk assessor.
How do i find a fire risk assessor?
If you need help assessing fire risks or in putting appropriate safety measures in place, you may choose to employ a fire risk assessor / consultant to help you.
Fire and Rescue Authorities do not complete fire risk assessments but may give you advice about how to identify competent help. Although they do not assess risks for you, it is important that you feel able to approach your local Fire and Rescue Authority for advice when you need it; they will help you to work through issues relating to fire safety. The guidance provided here will assist you to identify a competent fire risk assessor.
The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) publish a register of qualified and accredited fire risk assessors, the register can be searched by name or area.
Do you provide services such as fire extinguishers?
No. Fire Safety South East do not provide services or supplies such as extinguishers or alarms. Our service offers you the best advice to comply with the law without encouraging you to purchase specific equipment. Fire Safety South East will help you to select the right equipment or the correct service, and we will advise at no additional cost.
What is a fire strategy?
For new and altered buildings the fire safety strategy is usually developed during the design phase of the project. We can work with you to truly understand the objectives of your project and the completed building to create the best solution for you.
A good fire strategy should set a clear framework for fire safety and is usually based around showing compliance with the fundamental objectives of the applicable fire safety legislation, business and property protection objectives and insurers' requirements.
A fire safety strategy should include: the means of warning and escape; likely pathways of internal and external fire spread; access and facilities for the fire service; along with the fire safety management requirements for the building.
A fire strategy can prove invaluable for due diligence purposes and where requirements for a strategic approach in managing fire risk need to be considered in a wider business context. It is also important that the fire strategy is widely accepted by the ongoing business and that the recommendations are adhered to on a day-to-day basis.
We can help you communicate the importance of this strategy to your stakeholders and ensure this ongoing commitment.
Can I do my own fire risk assessment?
If your business or organisation is relatively small and you think your potential risks aren’t complex, it is possible to do it yourself. You can find a guides to help you understand what’s required on the Gov.UK website (https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments).
If you do not feel confident or have the expertise then call us today to arrange a quote.
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
If you own, manage or operate a business, you need to comply with fire safety law. The main law is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or "the Fire Safety Order". It applies across England and Wales and came into force on 1 October 2006.
Who does it apply to?
The Order applies to almost all buildings, places and structures other than individual private homes – that's individual flats in a block or family homes.
Other places covered by the Order include shared areas in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats and maisonettes.
What are your responsibilities?
You need to make sure:
a) Your premises reach the required standards.
b) Employees are provided with adequate fire safety training.
What does 'adequate fire safety training' mean in practice?
It varies from business to business, but generally includes:
- Induction training to cover general fire awareness.
- Periodic refresher training, or extra training where the level of fire risk increases as a result of changes in your operations.
- Training to support people in meeting their fire safety duties – for example, keeping your 'responsible people' up to date.
- Training to build appropriate skills such as fire risk assessment, fire warden or using fire extinguishers.