fire risk assesments

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which came into force on the 1st October 2006 is one of the most wide ranging and significant changes in fire legislation in over a quarter of a century.

The legislation builds upon existing legislation and shifts the emphasis toward prevention through fire risk assessment.

Fire risk assessment is the process that is used to help identify all the potential fire hazards and risks within a given premises and those using it. Areas identified causing a high potential risk of fire can be afforded greater attention and suitable precautions can be adopted.

This new, risk-assessment based regime requires those persons responsible for premises used by the public (including the self-employed and employees) to take action to prevent fires, and protect against death and injury should a fire occur.

Under this Fire Safety Order the duty will be extended beyond workplaces to include the majority of premises to which people have access including:

  • Offics, Shops, Storage Depots and Warehouses
  • Residential Care / Nursing homes and hospitals
  • Hotels, lodges, bed & breakfast and hostels
  • Common Areas in Multi-Occupied Flats
  • Common areas in houses in multiple occupation
  • Pubs, clubs and restaurants
  • Nurseries, schools, colleges and university campus

 

The person who has the main responsibility for implementing the Fire Safety Order is the person designated the “responsible person” in relation to the premises and is:-

  • In relation to a workplace – the employer where the workplace is to any extent under their control.
  • In relation to any premises not falling into the above, the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with them carrying on a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not).
  • The owner where the person carrying on the business does not have any control over the premises.

 

The requirements of the Fire Safety Order are in fact imposed on any person who has, to any extent, control of premises so far as the requirements relate to matters within the information gathered during the fire risk assessment, in particular:-

  • The significant findings
  • The measures taken, or to be taken, to ensure general fire safety
  • Any persons identified as being especially at risk

 

When undertaking a new work activity involving a dangerous substance it is essential that no work be permitted until such a time that a full and thorough fire risk assessment is conducted and that all required measures expected by the Fire Safety Order be implemented.

What should the Fire Risk Assessment take into account?

  • The fire safety arrangements which are in place, and their effect
  • Fire fighting and fire detection systems that are in place and their operation
  • Competent persons training to carry out the requirements of the position effectively
  • Emergency routes and exit signage, lighting and un-obstruction
  • Procedures for “serious and imminent danger”, such as drills and information
  • Maintenance of the fire fighting equipment, how often is it inspected and recorded
  • Safety assistance, appointed by the responsible person to help carry out their legal duties
  • Information for employees; the fire risk assessment must be made available to all staff
  • Information for other persons, contractors / visitors should be made aware of the fire risk assessment, how they will affect it
  • Training given to employees must be relevant and suitable for work being carried out
  • Co-operation and an understanding of expectations must be established between employers on the same or adjacent facilitie
  • Duties of employees are to co-operate with their employer and carry out or wear anything which is for their Health and Safety.

It is important to note that it is a vital part of the Fire Safety Order that fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly by the responsible person so as to keep it up to date.

If you would like more information concerning the Fire Safety Order or fire risk assessment then please contact us on 0191 428 3355 or use the enquiry form located on our website