Fire risk assessments are an essential part of fire safety management. In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all non-domestic buildings carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. This includes identifying fire hazards, assessing the risks associated with those hazards, and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of how to carry out a UK compliant fire risk assessment, including the key steps and the relevant legislation and guidance. We will also provide links to relevant material to help you carry out a comprehensive and compliant fire risk assessment.
Legislation and Guidance
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legislation governing fire safety in the UK. It requires that all non-domestic buildings carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. The Order applies to all workplaces, including offices, factories, shops, and public buildings.
The Order requires that the fire risk assessment be carried out by a "competent person" who has the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out a comprehensive assessment. This may be an in-house fire safety officer or a professional fire risk assessor.
The Order also requires that the fire risk assessment be carried out using a "suitable and sufficient" methodology, which takes into account the specific hazards and risks associated with the building and its use.
The government provides guidance on how to carry out a UK compliant fire risk assessment in the form of the "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Sleeping Accommodation" guide. While this guide is primarily aimed at sleeping accommodation, it provides a comprehensive overview of the key steps and considerations involved in carrying out a fire risk assessment.
Key Steps in Carrying out a UK Compliant Fire Risk Assessment
Identify Fire Hazards
The first step in carrying out a fire risk assessment is to identify the fire hazards present in the building. This may include sources of ignition, fuel sources, and potential fire spread routes. It is important to consider all areas of the building, including hidden areas such as attics and basements.
Identify People at Risk
The second step is to identify the people who may be at risk in the event of a fire. This may include building occupants, visitors, and nearby residents. It is important to consider the age, mobility, and vulnerability of occupants, as well as the potential for harm to those outside the building.
Evaluate the Risk
The third step is to evaluate the risk associated with the identified fire hazards and the people at risk. This includes considering the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences of a fire, including injury and loss of life, property damage, and business disruption.
Implement Control Measures
The fourth step is to implement appropriate control measures to mitigate the risks identified in the evaluation. This may include the installation of fire detection and alarm systems, the provision of fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment, and the implementation of fire safety policies and procedures.
Review and Update
The final step is to regularly review and update the fire risk assessment and fire safety measures. This may include updating the assessment based on changes in the building or its use, and reviewing and updating fire safety policies and procedures.
Relevant Material
To carry out a UK compliant fire risk assessment, it is important to refer to relevant material to ensure that the assessment is comprehensive and compliant with regulations and best practice.
The "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Sleeping Accommodation" guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key steps and considerations involved in carrying out a fire risk assessment. It also provides templates and checklists to help ensure that the assessment is comprehensive and compliant.
The government also provides guidance on fire safety measures, including the installation of fire detection and alarm systems and the provision of fire-fighting equipment. This guidance can be found on the government's website and is regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations and best practice.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) also provides guidance on fire risk assessments through its Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 79. PAS 79 provides a systematic approach to fire risk assessment, covering all aspects of fire safety from hazard identification to the evaluation of fire safety measures. PAS 79 is widely recognized and used by regulatory authorities and other stakeholders as a best practice standard.
In addition, professional bodies such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the Fire Protection Association (FPA) provide training and certification for fire risk assessors. These organizations can provide valuable support and guidance in carrying out a comprehensive and compliant fire risk assessment.
Conclusion
Carrying out a UK compliant fire risk assessment is an essential part of fire safety management. It helps to identify fire hazards, assess the risks associated with those hazards, and implement appropriate measures to mitigate those risks. By following a systematic and comprehensive approach, building owners and managers can ensure that they have a robust fire safety management system in place that is compliant with regulations and best practice.
To carry out a UK compliant fire risk assessment, it is important to refer to relevant legislation and guidance, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Sleeping Accommodation" guide. The use of guidance such as PAS 79 and the support of Roman Fire Safety can also help to ensure that the assessment is comprehensive and compliant.