When Are Fire Risk Assessors Needed?

If you employ more than five members of staff you are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment. For less than five people you should still carry out a risk assessment although you do not need to document it although it is still recommended.

The fire risk assessment is carried out in accordance with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, which came into force in October 2006 and replaces the Fire Brigade's old Fire Certificates. If you have a fire safety certificate this is a good starting point to carry out the assessment.

The local Fire Brigade now concentrate their powers on being an enforcing organisation and rely upon individual companies to carry out fire safety assessments of their premises. The fire risk assessment applies to all types of premises (with the exception of Crown Property) including offices, shops, factories, schools, places of entertainment, churches, warehouses etc.

If you have an inspection from a fire safety officer he will ask to see your fire risk assessment - this will confirm that you are taking your responsibilities seriously and have complied with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (RRFSO).

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN ASSESSOR VISITS?

When a fire risk assessor visits your premises they will need to spend some time with either the Responsible Person (property owner or tenant) or in their absence the competent person (a designated person who is responsible for daily fire safety).

They will go through the existing fire safety procedures and emergency plans and advise on any areas that require improving. The assessor will also ask to see the fire log book which should document all the servicing records for your various fire safety equipment (fire alarm servicing / weekly bell test / fire extinguisher servicing / emergency lighting, etc).

After checking the various items of documentation they will then conduct a walk around the premises and point out any areas of concern that are non-compliant. Wherever possible photographs will be taken of any non-compliances to incorporate these in the risk assessment. The visit will usually be concluded with a summary meeting to discuss any findings that have become apparent along with advice on how to rectify these in the best possible way.

Fire risk assessors will follow up the visit with a detailed written report including all of the findings made. It is then usual for the assessor to make contact again to ensure the report is clearly understood and provide any necessary advice.

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