What is a Fire Risk Assessment and why do I need one?

In England and Wales, if you're an employer, landlord, owner or occupier of business or other non-domestic premises, you are responsible for fire safety assessments and safety. There are certain things you must do by law under the Fire Safety Order, which is enforced by your local fire and rescue authority. The Fire Safety Order also applies if you have paying guests – eg if you run a bed and breakfast, guest house or let self-catering property. You could get fined and/or go to prison if you don't follow these fire safety regulations.

As the 'responsible person' for your business you must:

• tell staff and/or their representatives about the risks you have identified
• carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises
• put in place, and maintain, adequate and appropriate fire safety measures to remove or reduce the risk to life
• plan for all emergency's
• provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

The 'responsible person' must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe. You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

Carrying out the assessment

• Identify people at risk.
• Identify the fire hazards.
• Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
• Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
• Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

You'll need to consider:

• emergency routes and exits
• fire fighting equipment
• fire detection and warning systems
• the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
• an emergency fire evacuation plan
• the needs of vulnerable people, such as the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
• providing information to employees and other people on the premises
• staff fire safety training

As a business owner you may not have the expertise or time to do the fire risk assessment yourself, we can provide a professional risk assessor who can so through the risk assessment systems, prevention and assessment paperwork.

Simon Kelly has 25 years experience with Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, he can offer a full Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Risk Management Service, as well as consultative advice on all matters of contingency planning and Business continuity in the event of an emergency.

You can contact him on 01228 513345.