Fire Risk Assessments
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 became law in October 2006 and introduced significant change to workplace fire safety responsibilities with a greater emphasis on fire prevention.
The change simplified the legislative regime by bringing all fire safety legislation together into one Order (repealing all previous fire safety legislation including the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and Fire Certificates).
It primarily introduced the need for employers, building owners and occupiers as ‘responsible persons' to carry out, implement and maintain a fire safety risk assessment.
Under the Order, the Fire and Rescue Authorities have a statutory duty to ensure compliance and enforce the requirements where necessary. It goes without saying that fire safety is hugely important in commercial premises and building owners are obligated to carry out a fire risk assessment and to regularly review and update the assessment.
Landlords too must ensure their properties are regularly assessed for risk of fire and the Delaney Marling Partnership offers a full risk assessment service to all building owners.
About Fire Risk Assessments
Every business must appoint a person to be responsible for fire safety. This ‘responsible person' must regularly review fire safety and procedures laid down in the local authorities ‘Fire Safety Order'. The law states that these assessments must be in written form if five or more people are employed within in the business. The' responsible person' is required to carry out the risk assessment themselves.
However, if they don't have the experience and knowledge required, or even the time to devote to the project, they must appoint a ‘competent person', such as Delaney Marling Partnership, to carry out the assessment on their behalf. A number of businesses have followed this model due to implications of fines and even imprisonment can be imposed if the fire safety regulations are not followed.
What does the Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
When undertaking a fire risk assessment Delaney Marling Partnership will review many different areas of the business assessing the existing fire hazards within the building and identifying which members of staff are most at risk.
The assessment will produce an action plan identifying those risks that can be minimised and managed.
Obviously the exact nature of the fire risk assessment would differ according to the premises being assessed; a factory and a bed and breakfast hotel are different entities, but all commercial premises must be assessed.
To ensure your building complies with the law and is safe for both staff and visitors don't hesitate to call DMP on 01482 623955 for more information or send us an email through the contact page on this website.
Areas to be assessed would include:
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Provision and suitability of emergency escape routes and exits
- Fire fighting equipment
- Staff training in fire safety and fire safety information displayed throughout the building
- The provision of an emergency evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Emergency exits for those persons with disabilities
- Any potentially dangerous or flammable materials stored within the property