Fire Risk Assessment: What is it, and why is it important [+template]
Published: 07/05/2024
Fire safety is an important part of building management and occupancy that simply cannot be overlooked.
Appropriate measures are key in preventing fires and protecting your building and its inhabitants. This isn’t merely a practical requirement, it’s a moral duty and legal obligation. Completing a thorough fire risk assessment is preliminary in protecting your building and occupants from potential risks.
Don't leave fire safety to chance. Ensure your premises are protected and compliant with our free fire risk assessment template.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire risk assessments are completed to identify potential fire hazards posed to a building or property.
The process supports responsible persons, managers, owners, and occupants in understanding how and where a fire could begin and potentially spread.
These insights are key in implementing appropriate fire prevention and mitigation strategies for the building.
Who Should Complete a Fire Risk Assessment?
Legal requirements of who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment varies by location but information can be found in health and safety legislation.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines that any person with control over premises needs to evaluate risks posed by potential fires and ensure appropriate measures are in place to mitigate hazards.
These duties also ensure regular inspections and updates are carried out, particularly if there’ve been changes to building use, layout, or occupancy.
What are the Repercussions of Fire Risk Assessment Non-Compliance?
Compliance with fire risk assessments is non-negotiable. They’re essential in protecting yourself and the lives of others.
Punishments for non-compliance range from financial penalties to imprisonment. Therefore, understanding the finer details of the process is important for anyone who contributes to building management.
A fire risk assessment template can ensure all necessary procedures are completed and adhere to best practices.
Take the first step towards fire safety compliance with our fire risk assessment template. Get your free copy, streamline your approach to fire risk assessment, and mitigate threats effectively.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment Template?
A fire risk assessment template provides individuals and companies with structured guidance on completing fire risk assessments for their buildings or premises.
Benefits of Using a Fire Risk Assessment Template
Fire risk assessment templates apply a systematic approach to fire safety and help prevent potential oversights that may occur.
They simplify the assessment process and help identify fire risks, evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures, and determine appropriate modifications that can be made to improve overall fire safety.
What Should Be Included in a Fire Safety Risk Assessment Template?
There are key elements that need to be included in a fire assessment template. These include:
1. Identification Details:
Building Information: Name, address, and function of the building.
Assessor Details: Name and qualifications of the person conducting the assessment.
2. Description of the Premises:
Layout and Design: Overview of the building’s layout, including the number of floors, rooms, and special areas (like basements or attics).
Occupancy Information: Details about the people who use the building, including capacity and peak occupancy times.
3. Fire Hazards:
Sources of Ignition: Possible sources of fire within the premises, such as electrical equipment, heating, and open flames.
Fuel Sources: Items that could fuel a fire, including furniture, decorations, and stored materials.
Oxygen Sources: Ventilation systems and other sources that might supply or propagate fire.
4. People at Risk:
Identify Individuals at Risk: Particular attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, or those with mobility or sensory impairments.
Escape Time and Routes: Analysis of the time needed for evacuation and the ease of escape through the routes and exits identified as part of the assessment.
5. Fire Protection Measures:
Fire Detection Systems: Condition and adequacy of smoke alarms, heat detectors, and fire alarm systems.
Fire Fighting Equipment: Availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and other fire fighting resources.
Maintenance Records: Records of maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment.
6. Evaluation of Risk:
Risk Level Assessment: Determination of the likelihood and potential impact of a fire, typically classified as high, medium, or low.
Existing Controls: Evaluation of current fire safety measures and their effectiveness.
7. Action Plan:
Improvement Criteria: Recommendations for reducing or eliminating identified risks.
Responsibility and Timeline: Assignment of responsibilities for implementing the recommendations and timelines for completion.
8. Record Keeping and Review:
Documentation: Keeping detailed records of findings, actions taken, and improvements made.
Review Schedule: Regular updates and reviews of the fire risk assessment to reflect any changes in the building use or layout.
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How to Use a Fire Risk Assessment Template
A fire risk assessment template is vital in ensuring fire safety and regulatory compliance.
The following guidelines will help you use a template effectively:
Step 1: Preparation
Gather Necessary Information
Before the assessment, collect appropriate information relating to your building, such as:
- Floor plans
- Fire measures
- Previous assessments
- Fire incident reports
Understand the Layout
Familiarise yourself with the building’s layout and document the locations of any potential fire risks and fire safety equipment you currently have in place.
Step 2: Review the Template
Familiarise with Sections
Review the template to understand the sections you need to complete. Typically, these sections will include:
- Identification of hazards
- People at risk
- Existing control measures
- Recommended actions
Make Necessary Changes
Where appropriate, make amendments to the fire risk assessment template to align with the particulars of your building or premises.
Step 3: Conduct the Walk-Through Inspection
Physical Inspection
Inspect the building or premises and check each area for the following:
- Fire hazards
- Escape routes
- Signage
- Lighting
- Fire safety equipment
Record Findings
Make a record of any risks or defects you identify during the assessment. Make a clear record of what the risks are and where they’re located.
Step 4: Evaluate the Risks
Risk Levels
Attribute a level of risk to each of the hazards identified during the assessment. These can be rated low, medium, and high. When categorising the risks, consider:
- The chances of a fire starting
- Its possible consequences
Current Measures
Consider the standard of fire prevention and protection measures currently in place.
Decide whether they’re acceptable, need maintenance, or require improvements.
Step 5: Develop an Action Plan
Recommend Improvements
Based on your conclusions, suggest the next steps to remove or mitigate the identified risks. Go through the list and prioritise actions according to the levels of risk and potential impact.
Assign Responsibilities
Delegate roles and responsibilities for executing each action point and ensure deadlines are in place.
Step 6: Report and Review
Compile the Report
Using the information from the template, write a formal fire safety risk assessment report.
Review Regularly
Review the risk assessment at regular intervals. This will help you identify whether standards are being maintained.
If there are changes to the use of the building, its structure, or occupancy, then the assessment will need to be updated.
Conduct an Effective Assessment With Harris Associate’s Fire Safety Risk Assessment Template
Conducting a comprehensive fire risk assessment is a crucial part of property management.
Regularly reviewing your fire safety plan reduces the likelihood of a fire, protecting yourself and others.
Improve the safety of your building with our free fire safety risk assessment template.
Download your free copy and ensure you don’t oversee any part of the assessment process.