London Fire Associates is one of London’s leading fire risk assessment companies, with collectively decades worth of experience across our team. Not only do we carry out fire risk assessments across London, but we also provide bespoke fire strategy reports, fire safety consulting and fire safety training. This article will look at our fire risk assessments and hopefully give an insight into them, why they are required and what they look at.
Fire risk assessments are an important safety requirement for domestic and non domestic properties. Established under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often referred to as the Fire Safety Order), these assessments are designed to protect people, property, and the environment from the dangers of fire. Any organization or business that occupies a building, including offices, factories, schools, and hospitals, is legally obligated to perform a fire risk assessment. Equally the responsible person for a domestic block of flats or HMO must also have a FRA carried out. The responsibility falls on the “responsible person,” usually the employer, business owner, or landlord, who must ensure that the property complies with fire safety regulations.
A fire risk assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s layout, usage, and occupancy, identifying potential fire hazards and assessing the level of risk to individuals in the building. The process typically involves identifying sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen, collectively known as the “fire triangle”, to assess how easily a fire could possibly start and then potentially spread. It also considers structural fire precautions like fire doors, escape routes, emergency lighting, and fire alarms. The assessor will then evaluate the risk to anyone in the building, especially those who might be vulnerable, such as people with disabilities, young children or the elderly, and take steps to minimize or eliminate those risks.
In addition to hazard identification, fire risk assessments require actions to control or mitigate identified risks. This might include installing or upgrading fire detection systems, providing appropriate firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers, and ensuring clear, well-lit escape routes. Proper staff training is also essential; employees should know how to respond in case of a fire, including understanding evacuation procedures and safe evacuation protocols and assembly points. The assessment should be recorded and reviewed regularly, particularly if there are significant changes to the building’s structure, layout, or occupancy levels.
Fire risk assessments are not one time tasks; they must be periodically reviewed and updated as part of a broader fire safety management system. The frequency of review is typically annual or sooner if major changes occur in the building or its use. Failure to conduct a valid assessment or implement required actions can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines or prosecution. Ensuring compliance with fire risk assessment requirements protects not only the physical assets and reputation of a business but, most importantly, the lives of those who work or visit there.
If you are based in or around London and require a fire risk assessment, fire strategy report or fire safety training, please get in touch.