How Fire Risk Assessors Can Help Douse the Flames of Panic

Fire risk assessors have been extremely busy since 1st October 2006 when the laws relating to fire safety in workplaces and public buildings changed. Previously there were nearly 100 separate laws and legal requirements, although most of these related to dealing with fires rather than preventing them.

The old fire certificates were abolished, and today fire risk assessors are now being used to ensure that the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) is carried out effectively, helping to cut a great many risk factors previously evident in many public buildings such as schools, workplaces, hospitals and hotels.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order stipulates that a responsible person should be appointed for each premises. This person will be solely responsible for ensuring all fire safety aspects are covered, from signs and notices to extinguishers, and emergency lighting to escape routes.

This is a huge task, and one which requires specialist training and knowledge. Clearly it would be unwise for a non-trained employee or for the employer themselves to undertake such a hugely important task, which is why fire risk assessors have been drafted in to carry out fire inspections.

Fire risk assessors are able to inspect a property and provide detailed advice on all aspects of fire safety, from fire cabinets and compartments to the frequency and positioning of notices, and from the correct number, type and size of fire extinguishers to assessing fire hazards specific to the materials or working practices within different areas of the premises.

Fire risk assessors are often able to help with advising on fire alarm systems, including assessing their effectiveness and appropriateness. Fire cannot be treated lightly, and although the risk of a fire may be minimal it is essential that no assumptions are made.

Because of the way the old fire certificates were issued there has often been evidence of a rather fragmented approach to fire safety, with some of the work being carried out by unqualified personnel within the establishment, and with fire service advisors providing advice based largely on visual assessments of a property.

Today not only is the law much simpler, but so is the way in which this can be carried out. There is no longer any need for fragmented and potentially insufficient fire risk assessment to place people at risk. By enlisting the help of qualified and experienced fire risk assessors businesses and public buildings such as hostels, sports centers and places of worship can now be assessed more comprehensively and more effectively, providing more than just accurate compliance with legal requirements, because peace of mind is just as important.

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