All UK employers are required by law to protect their employees, and others, from harm. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum they must do is:
- identify what could cause injury or illness in their business (hazards)
- decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
- take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk
Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace. Putting in place effective risk reduction controls that demonstrably reduce the likelihood, or consequences, or both, can be quite a challenge for the inexperienced person.
What is the scope/included?
This legislation applies to all non-domestic properties, including commercial and public premises, such as shops, factories, warehouses and offices, schools, nursing homes, and businesses providing sleeping accommodations. It also applies to sheltered housing and the communal areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs), though not to the individual dwellings within the HMO.
For businesses employing five or more employees, there is a legal requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment and document the findings in writing.
Fire Risk Assessments are carried out by the organisation or business affected. Please be aware, though, that the person carrying out the assessment must have sufficient training to judge the fire risks and the solutions required. The potential punishment for failing to meet your duties concerning fire risk assessments is a prison sentence of up to two years and an unlimited fine. Therefore, if you have doubts about your ability to carry out an FRA, it is highly recommended to engage the services of a professional fire risk assessor’s services to ensure you comply with all relevant regulations.
Areas that need be considered in almost all fire risk assessments are fire detection systems, emergency exits and routes (including evacuation plans), firefighting equipment and the availability of information and advice to the building’s occupants.
When conducting a fire risk assessment, it is crucial to consider factors such as the specific needs of vulnerable individuals and the safe storage of hazardous materials. However, the relevance of these factors may vary depending on the intended use of the building..
It is important to keep the fire risk assessment document up to date by regularly reviewing and updating it whenever there are any changes in the premises’ occupancy or activities.
What are the benefits for our clients?
We recommend clients contact us to discuss their fire risk assessment if they are unsure about how to complete FRA’s or are looking for support and further guidance.