Fire Risk Assessments
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was introduced in October 2006 and repealed all previous fire safety legislation including the Fire Precautions Act 1971. Fire Certificates, which were formally issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971, no longer have legal status and fire risk assessments must now be carried out for virtually all non-domestic premises and residential communal areas. The Order applies to England and Wales.
Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?
The Regulatory Reform Order (RRO) covers general fire precautions and other fire safety duties, which are needed to protect 'relevant persons' in case of fire in and around most premises. The Order requires fire precautions to be put in place where necessary and to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances of the case. Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the Responsible Person. The Responsible Person cannot devolve their personal responsibilities to a consultant or employee.
What exactly is a fire risk assessment and how is it conducted?
In short, we are there to help you become compliant with the 'Fire Safety Order' and our assessment will enable you to do this by following a simplified action plan that we will produce for you following the assessment, which you can then tick off as you go to achieve compliance! Prior to the assessment we will send you details of any documentation we would like to see on the day, we will then sit and discuss your business with you to get a better understanding of what you do and conduct a full inspection of the building.
If I live in a block of flats or an HMO, do the premises require a fire risk assessment?
Where the building contains two or more sets of domestic premises with communal areas, then a Fire Risk Assessment is required. These include multi-occupied residential buildings such as HMO's and blocks of flats; although individual flats themselves are excluded, the flat entrance doors, balconies and external wall coverings will be assessed as set out in the Fire Safety Act 2021.
Can I do it myself?
If you deem yourself 'competent' in fire safety then YES, however it is advisable to leave it to those that do this on a daily basis, are familiar with certain standards and an ever evolving fire safety environment that work with up to date legislation and guidance; however, if you do wish to go your own way, do feel free to utilise our 'Resources' page which is full of guidance documents for an array of business sectors.
