Corporate Risk Management Solutions Ltd.

Fire Safety

Fire Risk Assessments

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on the 1st October 2006 and is one of the most important changes in fire legislation in over 25 years. The legislation adds to existing legislation, with the emphasis on prevention through fire risk assessment.

Fire risk assessment is the method used to assist in identifying the potential fire hazards/risks within a working environment. Any areas identified as possessing high potential risks can then be provided with more consideration. Relevant precautions can then be taken. This new system requires those individuals responsible for premises used by the public (including employees and the self-employed) to actively take steps to prevent fires, and – in the event of a fire - protect against death/injury. Under this Fire Safety Order this duty includes most of the premises to which people have access, including:

• Pubs, clubs, restaurants and shops
• Offices, warehouses and depots
• Nurseries, schools, colleges and university campuses
• Residential care / nursing homes and hospitals
• Hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts and hostels
• Common areas in multi-occupied flats and in houses with multiple occupation

The individual who has the main responsibility for implementing the Fire Safety Order is designated the "responsible person". In relation to a working environment, this person is the employer, but only when the workplace is under their control to any extent. Concerning other premises which do not meet this criteria, the “responsible person” is the individual with control of the premises in connection with the continuance of a business or trade or any other undertaking (this can include undertakings for profit or otherwise). Finally, the “responsible person” is the owner of the business where the individual continuing the business has no control over the premises.

The requirements of the Fire Safety Order are imposed on any individual who has (to any extent) control of the premises as far as the requirements relate to issues within the data collected during the fire risk assessment, in particular:

• The principal findings of the assessment
• Any individuals recognized as being particularly at risk
• The measures that have been/must be undertaken to ensure general fire safety

Concerning the undertaking of a new activity within the workplace involving a dangerous substance, permission will not be granted for commencement of work until a full fire risk assessment has been conducted, and until all the necessary measures expected by the Fire Safety Order are executed.

A Fire Risk Assessment should take into account:

• The current fire safety arrangements and their effectiveness.
• Both the current fire fighting and fire detection systems and their effectiveness.
• Training to enable individuals to carry out the requirements of the role successfully.
• Emergency routes, exit signs, lighting and routes to remain unobstructed.
• Actions for "serious and imminent danger”.
• Safeguarding of the fire fighting equipment – including its inspection.
• Safety assistance.
• Employee information – the fire risk assessment must be freely available to all employees.
• Other individuals (contractors/visitors) must be made aware of the fire risk assessment and their role within it.
• All employee training must be both relevant and appropriate for work undertaken.
• Employers on the same/adjacent facilities must co-operate and understand the expectations placed upon them.
• Employee duties – Employees must co-operate with their employer/s and perform all duties required for Health and Safety.

As part of the Fire Safety Order, fire risk assessments must be re-examined regularly by the “responsible person” to ensure all information is up to date.

If you would like more information concerning the Fire Safety Order or fire risk assessment please feel free to contact one of our dedicated members of staff.