#Fire Risk Assessment
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 was introduced to replace the Fire Precautions Act 1961 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/1999.
The regulations put a requirement on all non domestic premise owners to carry out a #Fire Risk Assessment.
Fires need three things to start – a source of ignition (heat), a source of fuel (something that burns) and oxygen:
sources of ignition include heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment, smokers’ materials (cigarettes, matches etc), and anything else that can get very hot or cause sparks
sources of fuel include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose packaging materials, waste rubbish and furniture
sources of oxygen include the air around us
To help prevent fire in the workplace, a #fire risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, ie sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk.
Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and manage them. Also consider how you will protect people if there is a fire.
Carry out a fire safety risk assessment
Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart
Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over
Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn
Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells
Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly
Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times
Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills
Review and update your risk assessment regularly
Who can do your #fire risk assessment?
Anyone who is competent in understanding how fires are started and methods of control. It is essential that the person who does the #Fire Risk Assessment knows your business and the associated fire hazards. If it is a shared building additional controls will be needed. Reference to PAS 79 can also be made for guidance.
A badly completed #Fire Risk Assessment could have serious consequences