Halifax Fire Risk Assessment Service
Controlling fire risks is an important part of managing a property. In order to protect against the risks of fire, the first step is to identify these risks. This is where the fire risk assessment comes in. A legal demand for all ‘non-domestic’ premises, fire risk assessments (or FRAs) are a snapshot of how protected any given property is. This ensures the safety of its occupants in the event of a fire. The FRA also identifies corrective actions and further steps to achieve an appropriate level of fire safety.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (commonly known simply as the Fire Safety Order) introduced a legal duty for ‘the responsible person’. They must take all reasonable steps to ensure that fire safety levels are appropriate at all times. The segment within the legislation focussing on fire risk assessments opens with the following:
Risk Assessment
This RRFSO 2005 legislation applies to all non-domestic properties including commercial and public premises. Such premises include shops, factories, warehouses and offices. It also applies to schools, nursing homes, and businesses providing sleeping accommodation. It applies to sheltered housing and the communal areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs); though not to the individual dwellings within the HMO.
For businesses employing five or more employees, there is a legal requirement to not only carry out a fire risk assessment, but to document the findings in writing. Fire Risk Assessments can be carried out by the organisation or business affected. There are official fire risk assessment help guides available. Additionally, FRA forms can be downloaded for free from a number of sources.
However, if you have doubts as to your ability to carry out an FRA, it is highly recommended to engage the services of a professional fire risk assessor. This will ensure you comply with all relevant regulations.
Specific Needs
Issues such as the specific needs of vulnerable people and the safe storage of any dangerous substances must also be considered. However, these may not always be a relevant factor for the fire risk assessment depending on the use of the building.
Contact Us
Our fire risk assessors are based in Leeds and Bradford.