Fire Risk Assessment

From October 2006 there were a number of changes to Fire Safety Legislation and as a retired Fire Officer, with over 32 years experience, my company RANA Risk Management carry out independent Fire Safety Risk Assessments at competitive rates. We cover East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex, Surrey and the London area.

How do you know if you were affected by the Law?

• Are you responsible for business premises?
• Are you an employer?
• Self-employed with business premises?
• A charity or voluntary organisation?
• A contractor with a degree of control over any premises?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions then you will need to act.

As the 'Responsible Person' you must carry out or appoint a 'competent person' to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This 'competent person' must understand fire safety legislation, training, experience and knowledge of fire safety. Understand fire hazards, the development of fire and have the knowledge and experience in carrying out fire risk assessments.

Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £2000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 2 years.

Who is a 'Responsible Person'?

In the Order "Responsible Person" means in a workplace the employer, in any other premises the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not), or the owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have control in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking.

Fire Risk Assessment - your legal obligation

A Fire Risk Assessment is the starting point for all fire safety at work - and it is NOT optional. As from October 1st 2006, it is a legal requirement for every business to have a Fire Risk Assessment, while those employing more than five people have to produce a written Fire Risk Assessment on demand.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

It assesses the fire risks, fire safety precautions and procedures in force on your premises against established standards and produces an action plan for dealing with those needing improvement.

Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

You need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment if:

• You are an employer, even if you only have one employee
• You are a landlord or managing agent of a property in multiple occupation 
• You are responsible for managing the common-access areas of a block of flats, maisonettes or HMO (house in multiple occupation)

What does our Fire Risk Assessment process involve?

We will conduct a full and comprehensive survey at a convenient time to all areas of the premises collating all detailed information. We will endeavour to have our easy to understand written report to you within a two week period. However, if there are more urgent timescale, e.g. an imminent Fire Service visit then you will find us very flexible to meet these time scales.

RANA Risk Management only uses qualified staff who will conduct the risk assessment using PAS79 as our standard format for producing fire risk assessments. PAS79 has been produced by British Standards to provide a standard specification for the completion of fire risk assessments within the workplace.

We will 

• Identify the fire hazards
• Identify who is at risk
• Evaluate the risk
• Assess whether the existing fire precautions are adequate
• Record the findings and recommend actions to be taken

What happens next?

After all the above points have been assessed, we provide a full report detailing the fire arrangements in your building, and provide an action plan to guide you through what you must do to make your building compliant.

How much does a fire risk assessment cost?

Not as much as you might think. Our costs start from only £225 for a full narrative assessment and action plan provided to you in an electronic format or in a bound folder if required.

When does it need reviewing?

Generally the review date should be one year from the date of completion of the risk assessment; however it may be necessary to set an earlier date depending on the type of premises, processes carried out etc.

Further guidance:

The Government has, in partnership with other stakeholders produced a suite of guides (www.firesafetyguides.communities.gov.uk) which will help the responsible person comply with the new legislation.

Call 07766 462750 now for further details and prices.