Fire risk assessments are an essential part of any business or property owner’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff, customers, and visitors. However, it’s not enough to simply carry out a fire risk assessment and forget about it. Regular reviews are necessary to ensure that the assessment remains accurate and up-to-date, reflecting any changes to the building or its usage.
A fire risk assessment review can help to identify any potential hazards or risks that may have developed over time, allowing for appropriate action to be taken to mitigate the risk of fire and protect the safety of those using the premises. So, how often should you reassess your fire risk assessment? In this article, we’ll explore the recommended frequency for fire risk assessment reviews and why they are so important for maintaining a safe and secure environment. Don’t risk it, review it!
A fire risk assessment is a thorough evaluation of a building’s potential fire hazards and the measures in place to prevent or mitigate the risk of fire. The assessment should identify potential sources of ignition, fuel sources, and any other factors that may increase the risk of fire. It should also evaluate existing fire safety measures, including fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting. The assessment should be carried out by a competent person with appropriate training and experience in fire safety and risk assessment.
Here’s a video explaining a fire risk assessment.
Video Courtesy of Churches Fire
A fire risk assessment is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone who uses a building. In the event of a fire, a well-executed fire risk assessment can help to minimize the risk of injury or death, protect property, and reduce the impact of the fire on the surrounding area. In addition to the moral obligation to protect people and property, there are also legal requirements for fire risk assessments.
Here’s an example of a professional installing a fire alarm
Image Courtesy of Taylor Made Solutions
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in England and Wales are required to carry out a fire risk assessment. This applies to all types of premises, including offices, shops, factories, warehouses, schools, and hospitals. The assessment must be carried out by a competent person, and the findings must be recorded in writing. The assessment should identify any significant findings and any action that needs to be taken to reduce the risk of fire. The assessment should be reviewed regularly, and necessary updates should be made to reflect any changes to the building or its usage.
However, if you want advanced features and monitoring options, and are willing to pay for professional installation and monitoring, a professional system may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual needs and preferences.
The frequency of fire risk assessment reviews can vary depending on several factors. In general, it is recommended that fire risk assessments are reviewed at least once a year. However, this may not be sufficient in all cases. The frequency of reviews should be determined based on several factors, including:
### Factors that may affect the frequency of reassessment
* Changes to the building or its usage – If significant changes are made to the building or its usage, the fire risk assessment must be reviewed to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date. Examples of changes that may require a review include alterations to the building layout, changes in occupancy, or changes to the fire safety measures in place.
* Nature of the business – Certain types of businesses may have a higher risk of fire than others. For example, a business that handles flammable materials or operates machinery that generates heat may require more frequent fire risk assessment reviews.
* Historical incidents – If there have been any fire incidents or near-misses in the past, it may be necessary to review the fire risk assessment more frequently to ensure that appropriate action has been taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.
However, if you want advanced features and monitoring options, and are willing to pay for professional installation and monitoring, a professional system may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual needs and preferences.
During a fire risk assessment, the assessor will evaluate the building’s potential fire hazards and the measures in place to prevent or mitigate the risk of fire. The assessment should be carried out in a systematic and thorough manner, taking into account all areas of the building and all potential hazards. The assessor should also evaluate existing fire safety measures, such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting, to ensure that they are in good working order.
Some common findings from fire risk assessments include:
After a fire risk assessment, the findings should be recorded in writing, and any necessary action should be taken to reduce the risk of fire. This may include installing or upgrading fire safety equipment, improving housekeeping practices, or providing additional fire safety training for staff. The assessment should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date.
Regular fire risk assessment reviews are essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone who uses a building. The frequency of reviews should be determined based on several factors, including changes to the building or its usage, the nature of the business, and historical incidents. A well-executed fire risk assessment can help to minimize the risk of injury or death, protect property, and reduce the impact of a fire on the surrounding area. Don’t risk it, review it!
Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: Open 24 Hours
