What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a measured, systematic, evaluation of the fire safety provisions within your workplace, and the type of activities undertaken by your staff and other occupants. It identifies and assesses how a fire could start, the consequences and the harm it may cause to your staff and your business. The current legislation, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that a fire risk assessment be carried out. The fire risk assessment aims to:
Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Conducting a fire risk assessment in any workplace is a legal requirement and should be recorded, where there are more than four employees whether they are paid or unpaid. A recorded fire risk assessment is also a requirement if your premises are licensed, or an alterations notice is in force. In any case it is prudent to keep a record of a fire risk assessment to demonstrate due diligence.
Our Risk Assessment Methodology
At QFSM we use the GoPAD electronic Fire Risk Assessment template which is completed using an iPAD app. This ensures consistency of approach and accuracy of data as well as the ability to input an unlimited number of photos to provide evidence within the report.
The GoPAD software produces a PDF document which can be sent electronically to the client or as a hard copy.
For a client with a large portfolio of premises, access to the client-specific database within GoPAD can be made available which assists in an effective facilities management system. Tasks from multiple fire risk assessments can be filtered by priority or type and presented as excel spreadsheets which in turn can be used for work scheduling.
GoPAD has been accepted by the Institute of Fire Engineers as a recognised Fire Risk Assessment template.
QFSM can also produce bespoke hand written Fire Risk Assessments where appropriate or upon request.
Who will check if I have a Fire Risk Assessment?
Your local enforcing authority (usually the Fire Authority) has the power to inspect your premises to check you are meeting your duties under the Fire Safety Order. They will look for evidence that you have carried out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and acted upon the significant findings. If you are required to record the outcome of the assessment, they will expect to see a copy.
How do I prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment?
Our dedicated team will guide you through the process. We will need a variety of documents to support the assessment, including:
How do I keep my Fire Risk Assessment up to date?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed on a regular basis, especially if there has been a significant alteration to the premises, the work processes taking place or following a fire. Our team can undertake this for you.