Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises. Their importance is often overlooked, but they are a crucial component for ensuring every property is fire safe. That’s why the team at Astra Security has compiled this checklist, explaining the different stages of a fire risk assessment.

What is a fire risk assessment? 

Under the terms of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment must be performed by a responsible and competent inspector in order for your property to be legally compliant. This must be arranged by the designated ‘responsible person’ for the building; this can be an employer (if the building is a workplace), a landlord or a building manager. 

Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

• Identify fire hazards

Fire hazards are present in every building, even if they appear inconspicuous. The assessor will identify all the potential sources of fuel, ignition and oxygen that could exacerbate a fire. These can often include heaters, lighting and any dry goods or combustible materials. Once possible risk factors are detected,  they should be noted down so that they can be mitigated where possible. 

• Determine who is at risk 

The assessor will then consider the vulnerable demographics that may be at risk in an emergency. Is there anyone with mobility issues who may be unable to evaluate quickly? Is this an area with many children present? All of these factors will influence your evacuation plan and should be taken into account when preparing fire safety procedures.

• Take action

Once the inspection is complete, an evaluation will be made on whether the current fire safety arrangements are satisfactory. Any areas of concern should be swiftly rectified and action must be taken to reduce fire hazards where possible. A new emergency plan should be created that reflects the findings of the assessment; this action plan must be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and up to date.

• Update records, plan and train

Every fire risk assessment should be chronicled to ensure accurate records and to make certain they are being performed within the recommended time frame. The suggested emergency plan should be noted and appropriate instructions and training given to staff.

• Review regularly

A fire risk assessment is not a ‘one and done’ situation and it should be performed on a regular basis; your business is ever-changing so your fire safety protocols should, too. Fire safety experts recommend that a fire risk assessment is performed once a year. However, the designated ‘responsible person’ for the building should be carrying out regular checks of fire safety equipment – such as fire drills – to highlight  any obvious flaws. Furthermore, a new fire risk assessment must be carried out if there are any significant changes to the building, whether that be structurally or to personnel. This ensures that the fire safety procedures are still relevant and up to date.

Working with a fire safety expert is a fool-proof way to ensure that your building is as safe as possible. Astra Security Systems installs and maintains fire alarms for commercial properties across Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Our knowledgeable team is fully SSAIB certified with over 40 years of experience, so you can be sure of high-quality workmanship at all times.

For a free site survey or a no-obligation quote, get in touch with our friendly team today.