Fire Risk Assessments should take into consideration who works within the building which is being assessed and in which locations are being assessed, current fire safety signage in the building, existing protocols for fire prevention and fire safety management, and fire safety equipment on site including its condition and maintenance. Existing fire safety training and fire safety drills should also be evaluated.
Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
The following guide to fire risk assessment has been compiled by RV Fire Sytems fire safety advisors, who service and maintain fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment throughout the North West including Manchester, Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 imposes a legal requirement to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment. This applies to:
- Manchester, Blackburn, Preston & Blackpool businesses who have 5 or more permanent employees (including part-time)
- Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn & Manchester business premises visited by members of the public
- Blackburn, Manchester, Preston & Blackpool landlords with control over business premises
- Preston, Blackburn, Manchester & Blackpool landlords of HMO properties
- Self-employed employers with Blackpool, Blackburn, Preston & Manchester business premises
What does a Fire Risk Assessment entail?
A Fire Risk Assessment should cover your entire Manchester, Blackburn, Preston & Blackpool business premises to evaluate:
- the condition of the Manchester, Blackburn, Preston & Blackpool building and its age
- the layout of the Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn & Manchester building
- the contents of the Blackburn, Manchester, Preston & Blackpool building to identify potential fire hazards, sources of ignition and combustible materials
- the escape routes from the Blackpool, Blackburn, Preston & Manchester premises in the event of a fire
After an assessment has taken place, a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment Report can be produced. This Fire Risk Assessment report will detail and outline any areas that are found to be non-compliant with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation and in need of urgent attention, along with any recommendations for improvements in fire safety installation and fire safety provision.
Who can complete a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment can be completed by anyone within the company who is competent to do so. However, as it is an official legally required document to ensure you are compliant with legislation if you do not have an in-house health and safety representative we highly recommend contacting RV Fire Systems who can ensure your Fire Risk Assessment covers all elements of fire safety/fire prevention and also adheres to your legal requirements.
How long does a Fire Risk Assessment last for?
A Fire Risk Assessment does not have an actual expiry date. However, it is your responsibility to regularly review the report and ensure it is kept up to date. You will need to conduct a new Fire Risk Assessment in the following circumstances:
- if there have been material alterations to the Manchester, Blackburn, Preston & Blackpool building
- if there are any significant changes to the use, contents or layout of the Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn & Manchester building since the last Fire Risk Assessment was carried out
- if there is any significant change in fire risk precautions
For more help and advice regarding Fire Risk Assessments contact RV Fire Systems today on one of the following numbers:-
Clitheroe Fire Alarms:- 01200 439333
Preston Fire Alarms:- 01772 970411
Manchester Fire Alarms:- 0161 8260480
Blackburn Fire Alarms:- 01254 367611
Blackpool Fire Alarms:- 01253 804199
