Batley Fire Risk Assessments
Controlling fire risks is an important part of managing a property. In order to be able 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. This duty is for ‘the responsible person’ to 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
9.—(1) The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed. This is for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under this Order.
This legislation applies to all non-domestic properties including commercial and public premises, such as shops, factories, warehouses, and offices. It also applies to schools, nursing homes, and businesses that provide sleeping accommodation. Additionally, it applies to sheltered housing and the communal areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). However, it does not apply to the individual dwellings within the HMO.
Business Fire Risk Assessments
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 must be carried out by the organisation or business affected. There are official fire risk assessment help guides available.
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 ensures you comply with all relevant regulations.
Dangerous Substances
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. This depends on the use of the building.
Any changes to the occupancy or activities within premises must be reflected in the fire risk assessment. Thus, the document must be reviewed regularly and updated if needed.