Your fire risk assessment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states the requirements of a ‘Responsible Person’ to carry out a Fire risk assessment. It will consider the likelihood of fire, for example fire hazards, and the consequence of a fire, for instance the measures currently in place or required in the event of a fire.

Where the law applies:

• offices and shops
• care homes and hospitals
• community premises
• pubs, clubs and restaurants
• schools, colleges, universities and recreation centres
• tents and marquees
• hotels and hostels
• factories, warehouses and industrial units.
• bed and breakfast, guesthouse or self-catering property.
• Flats and houses of multiple occupancy (HMO’S)

The Law is not applicable in people’s private homes.

Who is the responsible person?

The person responsible for fire safety is

• Employer
• Owner
• Occupier
• Landlord
• Controller of a premises for example a facilities manager or site managers

As a responsible person what must you do?

You, as the responsible person, must make sure that everyone is safe from fire. As a consequence, your responsibility extends to people, legitimately, on the premises or who are not on the premises but because of other circumstances, might be directly affected by a fire. If you are the responsible person, you or someone appointed by you, must ensure a fire risk assessment is completed. You must determine what the risks are and identify the necessary measures to minimise the risk to an acceptable level.

Carrying out the assessment:

• Identify the fire hazards within the premises
• Identify the risk of fire and the people who would be at risk in the event of a fire
• Evaluate the risks and consider the best ways to remove or reduce the risks. You will need to identify, for example, the fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment and the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances. You must consider escape routes and exits and the means of summoning the emergency services. The needs of vulnerable people, such as the elderly, young children or those with disabilities must also be considered and provided for.

• A record of your findings and preparation of an emergency plan. Providing information to employees and other people on the premises and the provision of fire safety training for your staff.
• A regular review and update of your fire risk assessment is essential to make sure it always meets the requirements of the initial assessment. It must take into consideration any changes to the premises or staff, occupants or personnel.

What happens if I don’t have a Fire Risk Assessment?

You have a legal responsibility to make sure your business and employees are protected from the dangers of fire, if you don’t you are non-compliant and, in the event of any incident you are held responsible.