In the UK, commercial premises and residential buildings with multiple occupants are legally required to conduct fire risk assessments. It is the responsibility of the assigned ‘responsible person’ to identify fire risks and hazards in the building or premises and take the necessary precautions to mitigate the risk.
It is important to follow all guidance for your building and environment to avoid any confusion or penalties if not conducted correctly.
This article will answer questions about fire risk assessments, outlining why they are important and how often they should be carried out.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is an in-depth review of a building or premises, to identify any fire hazards present, and establish solutions to make the building safer. It should also review the protection in place if a fire scenario was to occur.
All buildings, regardless of the number of occupants, must have a documented fire risk assessment, and it is mandatory to keep a record of this information.
All fire safety equipment must be maintained, serviced, and tested regularly. Learn how to complete a Fire Risk Assessment.
Why is a fire risk assessment important?
A fire risk assessment can greatly reduce the chances of a building fire and save lives.
Identifying and eliminating hazards before they potentially become life-threatening is the main objective of a fire risk assessment.
It is imperative whoever is in charge of conducting an assessment is aware of the law and the responsibilities that come with the role. You’ll need to consider (but not limited to):
- Vulnerable people at risk
- Escape routes and exits
- Fire detection and warning systems
- The correct storage and removal of hazardous materials
- Staff fire safety training
- Address any findings
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it is up to date and all hazards are eliminated to keep your building safe. For more fast paced environments, it should be reviewed more frequently.
Over time, things may change in your building, so you must review your fire risk assessment if:
- Significant alterations have been made to the layout or structure of the building
- The purpose of the building has changed
- There has been a considerable change in occupants
Every three to four years, you should have a new external assessment conducted by a professional in order to identify any previously unidentified risks.
How we can help
At FireSealsDirect we pride ourselves in being passive fire protection experts, and supply a wide range of products to help increase fire protection in buildings across the UK.
Need some help or advice? Contact our technical team at [email protected] or call us on 02920 857 959 for more information.
Alternatively you can visit our Advice Centre which contains helpful guides and information.
