Most fires are preventable
With those responsible for workplaces, and other buildings to which the public have access, can reduce the risk of fire by taking action to adopt the right behaviours and procedures.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement in the UK for a risk assessment to be carried out on almost all premises where people could be working. The team at B.E.S.T Ltd are fully accredited and trained by the West Midlands Fire Service to provide adaptive assessments for the most complex situations.
Review of fire safety management
A fire risk assessment involves a physical inspection of the building to determine the adequacy of the existing fire precautions and the need for any additional measures.
However, of equal importance to the physical inspection is a review of fire safety management in the organisation and consideration of the human factors – how people will respond to an emergency and whether they will take appropriate action.
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Detailed engineering evaluation
There are practical limits to the extent of the survey and evaluation of the fire precautions. For example, in undertaking a fire risk assessment, we would not carry out detailed engineering evaluation or testing of fire protection systems, emergency escape lighting, etc. However, we would inspect such systems visually. Where appropriate, we would identify the need for any further engineering evaluation, which we would be able to carry out if required.
Similarly, the survey of the construction of the building would extend to readily accessible areas of the building only. We would not undertake destructive exposure. While we would inspect above false ceilings, where possible, this would be on a sampling basis only. Again, if we considered that a more thorough examination of such areas was necessary, we would highlight this to you.
Beneficial to property protection
In the case of a fire risk assessment aimed at satisfying the requirements of legislation, the objective of the risk assessment will primarily be the safety of the occupants of the building.
While some of the recommendations we may make could also be beneficial to property protection, we would not be specifically addressing this purpose or the objective of avoiding business interruption from fire. However, we do have the expertise to address these objectives, if required.
What is Covered in the Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire loss experience
Fire prevention
Housekeeping
Compartmentation
Emergency escape lighting
Fire procedures
Records
Fire hazards
Storage and handling of flammable liquids and gases
Means of escape
Flammability of linings
Fire safety signs and notices
Training and drills
Smoke control systems
Fire detection and fire alarm systems
Fire extinguishing systems and appliances
Facilities for use by the fire and rescue service
Arrangements for management of fire safety
Testing and maintenance
When Should I Need a FRA?
From 1st October 2006 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 requires the responsible person of any non domestic premises to carry out a fire risk assessment, including measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of fire, and identify persons at risk where there are more than 5 employees, this includes part time and sub-contractual staff, such as cleaners.
Penalties for Non Compliance:
Inspectors can call into ANY building at ANY time and request evidence for fire safety and compliance to the regulations. If you do not have this to hand on the spot you could be fined or go to prison!
Minor penalties can carry fines up to £5,000
Major penalties can have UNLIMITED fines and up to 2 YEARS in PRISON
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