Fire Risk Assessment – Everything That You Need To Know!
Did you know that on average, every year at least 25,000 businesses are affected by fire related damages on their premises? Often, if the flames in the building are spreading like wildfire then this can potentially mark the end for them as a business due to the damage caused, and the consequences associated with this.
The majority of fire related damages could be prevented by carrying out thorough fire risk assessments and being more prepared for any scenario.
Why Is Fire Risk Assessment Important?
A fire risk assessment is a procedure that involves conducting an in-depth inspection of a business to reduce its level of fire risk. A fire risk assessment will help point out potential fire hazards that could increase the risk of a fire breaking out.
It is highly recommended that relevant fire safety measures are set as a priority to ensure that the building stays safe, and adheres to the legal fire safety regulations & guidelines. The primary objective of a fire risk assessment is to reduce the risk of a potential fire breaking out and causing further damage.
How Often Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Reviewed?
It is recommended that you should carry out a fire risk assessment at least every 3-4 years. This is recommended to ensure that your business is safe, along with your customers and stakeholders, along with addressing any fire hazards earlier.
It’s good to get into the routine as a business to have your own fire risk assessments on a more frequent basis (every 6-12 months).
During this fire risk assessment, there are several hazards to consider such as fire escape blockages, ensuring fire extinguishers are working correctly and testing all fire alarms within the business.
If there are any fire hazards in the business like substances that are dangerous, excessive paper in the office or any non-PAT tested electrical items to be prioritised to be removed from the office.
What Does Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
There are a number of recommended steps that you should follow when carrying out a fire risk assessment for your business. This includes the following steps:
- Determine and identify the fire hazards
- Identify if there are individuals that are at risk
- Evaluate the risks, and take the relevant steps to reduce or remove them
- Keep a relevant record of your findings, collate an emergency plan and staff training
- Review your fire risk assessment strategy, and update on a regular basis.
How Long Does Fire Risk Assessment Last?
The size of the assessment will generally vary depending on the size of the building but will generally take approximately 2 – 3 hours.
Once a complete risk assessment has been conducted, we will produce a report for your findings.
Get in Touch Today
We hope this guide has given you a better idea of fire risk assessment, and what the benefits are for businesses.
If you are still unsure about fire risk assessments or would like advice on anything related, please contact a member of our team at 01296 713010. Alternatively, you can use our contact form on our website.