Fire Risk Assessment

  Many business owners and managers have taken the D.I.Y. approach to Fire Risk Assessment. This is fine providing they have the knowledge, training, and experience to enable them to carry out the task efficiently. A thorough knowledge of fire safety, relevant standards and requirements for fire alarms, extinguishers, signage, locks, fire doors, fire barriers, compartmentation, emergency lighting etc. We would strongly recommend against this ‘self insurance’.

  Be aware of the many websites which offer cheap forms to download and fill in yourself. Whilst these can be used as ‘FRA’s, the quality of information that you put into the document is the critical factor and is the relevant information which may be used in court should an action be brought against you in the future.

  We advise you to fully check out the full Regularity Reform (fire safety) Order 2005, which which has passed into law before you proceed. Parts 1 and 2 relate to your responsibility. Part 3 and 4 refers to Enforcement and Offences .

  We have come across numerous premises where D.I.Y. FRA’s have passed existing but sub standard alarms, emergency lighting, signage, locks, fire doors, and even compartmentation. We have also come across office premises above a national ’household name’ retail shop, whereby there was considerable fire risk both within the offices, and from the retail shop below. Neglegence on behalf of the retail company had meant that they overlooked their responsibility to the tenants above. This is a regular problem where retail outlets are situated below rented dwellings. It is only a matter of time before a serious fire within a shop, maybe due to arson, will endanger a tenant living above, and the full force of the law will be brought to bear.