Objective of the Fire Risk Assessment
The objective of the Fire Safety Order and Fire Risk Assessment is to produce a flexible, dynamic system that establishes and maintains fire safety in a premises and its vicinity. Every premises generates hazards and risks, and to ensure the safety of all persons who visit the premises, the 'responsible person' must:
- Identify hazards and people at risk
ensuring that all occupants are alerted and can leave the premises safely in the event of a fire - Remove or reduce hazards
reducing the probability of a fire starting - Manage the remaining risks to acceptable levels
by Limiting the effects should a fire occur
Providing the premises have been built and maintained in accordance with Building Regulations and the use of the workplace is normal risks or lower, undertaking a risk assessment will be a simple matter to achieve without significant expenditure. If however, the premises are not in accordance with the above categories and are classified as a high risk, further action will be necessary and an action plan should be produced and implemented based on the complexity, size, occupancy and consequential risks. The guidance provided within 'Fire Safety Risk Assessment' documents will indicate how to comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.
The 'responsible person' can enlist the help of other persons who have the necessary experience or skills (i.e. competence) to carry out part or all of the risk assessment. This 'competent' person (possibly a current employee with knowledge of safety and company working practices) does not have to be an expert to assist the 'responsible person', but they need to have sufficient experience / training with regard to the problems they are advising on. However, the 'responsible person' following the guidance in this document, for example, may undertake the risk assessment of the office premises illustrated. But remember the 'responsible person' always remains responsible for the outcome. This is worth remembering, should you require help with your risk assessment.
Should your completed fire risk assessment result in the production of an action plan indicating significant works or expenditure being required, contact your local fire stations and an officer will advise you, to ensure you are undertaking the most effective method of complying with the Order for your particular premises.
