What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Involve?

Designed to evaluate and identify possible fire hazards, a fire risk assessment also details how to reduce risks and implement emergency plans to protect people and premises.

However, is it not just a moral obligation or common sense to carry out a fire risk assessment: in the UK, to comply with the law, all non-domestic premises must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment.

##. What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A structured and formal review of your premises, the fire risk assessment should:

1. Identify fire hazards on the premises
2. Identify the people at risk on the premises, such as guests or visitors, employees or vulnerable persons.
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce fire risks.
4. Record the findings of the review and prepare an emergency plan.
5. Provide guidance and training for ongoing fire safety management

In 2023, UK law changed, and all premises with any employees at all are now required to have a current Fire Risk Assessment in place, regardless of the number of staff.

##. What Does the Assessment Process Involve?

It’s advisable to consult a qualified fire safety professional to carry out an assessment. When considering a fire risk assessment in Northamptonshire, for example, look for experienced qualified professionals. A qualified assessor doing a fire risk assessment Northamptonshire will carry out a thorough site visit and inspection of all areas of the premises.

This will include high-risk areas and escape routes, review documentation, provide a risk evaluation of fire hazards, likelihood, emergency preparedness, etc., and report on findings and recommend further actions required.