Fire Risk Assessment — Reference Guide

Fire Risk Assessment

Identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It helps identify potential fire hazards, evaluate risks, and implement measures to keep people safe. It is a systematic review of your premises to:

Key Objectives:
  • Identify fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, oxygen).
  • Determine who is at risk (employees, visitors, contractors).
  • Evaluate existing fire safety measures.
  • Decide on improvements to reduce risk.

Key Steps in Fire Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards: Look for ignition sources, fuels, and oxygen supply.

Identify People at Risk: Consider vulnerable individuals (e.g., disabled staff).

Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks: Apply control measures.

Record Findings: Document hazards and actions taken.

Review Regularly: Update assessment when changes occur.

Tip:

Schedule reviews annually or after significant changes to your workplace layout or operations.

Legal Responsibilities

Employers and responsible persons must ensure:

  • A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.
  • Findings are acted upon promptly.
  • Assessment is reviewed at least annually or after significant changes.

Activity:

Write down two improvements you could make to your current fire risk assessment process.

Quick Check Quiz:

Test your understanding:

  1. What is the main purpose of a fire risk assessment?
  2. Name two key steps in the process.
  3. How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

Related Topics

Further Information

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