Making sure your building has an up-to-date fire risk assessment isn’t just crucial to keeping everyone on the premises safe; it’s actually a legal requirement from the UK Government.
But how often should a fire risk assessment be carried out? And do they need renewing further down the line? Knowing the answer ensures the fire risk in your building is as low as possible, while a safe and speedy evacuation plan is also in place.
To help, we’ll explore how often a fire risk assessment should be carried out, as well as what happens during the assessment.
How Often Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Carried Out?
The UK Government states a fire risk assessment should be carried out ‘regularly’. While there’s no set timeframe, there are guidelines for when it might be advisable to review it.
Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out that fire risk assessments should be reviewed if any of the following are true:
- You believe the previous fire risk assessment is no longer valid; or
- There’s been a significant change to the building structure
In simpler terms, a fire risk assessment needs to be reviewed if the building has undergone major construction work or more people are regularly using the premises. If the use of the building has changed or the occupancy type has changed, a fire risk assessment is needed too.
However, it’s good practice to have your fire risk assessment renewed at least every 12 months, whether any changes occur in the building or not. This way, you can be sure your building is as safe as possible.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a process required by the UK Government to assess the risk a building or premises poses to fire safety.
Amendments made by the Fire Safety Act 2021 state that fire risk assessments are essential for almost all non-domestic properties, as well as certain types of domestic homes. As such, buildings such as flats, HMOs, or those with common areas now require a fire risk assessment, alongside those used for business, commercial, or public purposes.
What Happens at a Fire Risk Assessment?
During a fire risk assessment, the assessor will look out for any potential hazards that might pose a risk to the safety of those in the building, as well as ways to reduce that risk.
They’ll go through the entire premises, taking into account how it’s used and the likelihood which a fire could break out. Typically, this is covered across five steps, each exploring a different aspect of fire safety.
You can expect your fire safety assessor to look into the following:
- Any potential fire hazards, such as fuels or ignition sources for fire
- Who is at risk in the building if a fire is to break out
- Ways any present fire hazards can be removed or reduced
- Record findings, plan emergency procedures, and provide training
- Review and update as necessary
A fire risk assessment is designed to make your building as safe as possible, to ensure a fire is unlikely to start. If one does break out, a fire risk assessment identifies the best steps to take to ensure everyone inside can evacuate as quickly and safely as they can.
Who Is Responsible for Arranging a Fire Risk Assessment?
The Responsible Person for arranging a fire risk assessment is legally set out as the employer, landlord, occupier, or anyone else with control of the premises.
UK law states that a person who is competent in matters of fire safety is required to conduct the assessment. Whether you do this yourself or hire a professional depends on your level of knowledge about fire safety, as well as the size and use of the building.
You Can Conduct a Fire Safety Assessment: If the building is small, with a simple layout and purpose, and you also have a high level of knowledge in fire safety. For example, you understand fire alarms and doors, emergency lighting, and how to map out the safest escape route.
You Should Hire a Professional for Your Fire Safety Assessment: If the building is large, with many floors, or is a heritage site. If you don’t understand fire alarms, fire doors, emergency lighting, or what a safe escape route is.
If you have any doubts about conducting a fire risk assessment yourself, it’s best to arrange for a professional to do it for you.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Have a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes – it is a legal requirement in UK law to have a fire risk assessment conducted on the required buildings.
Requirements set out by the UK Government in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 make it a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises to have a fire risk assessment. This includes businesses, public buildings, workplaces, and common areas in flats.
FP Fire Offers Professional Fire Risk Assessment To Keep You Safe
Here at FP Fire, we offer expert fire risk assessments, so you don’t have to worry about understanding the complicated aspects of carrying one out yourself.
We have over 40 years of experience in fire safety, meaning you can trust us to provide the best advice for you, your building, and anyone who uses it. Get in touch with us today to arrange your fire risk assessment.
You can contact us via phone on 020 3633 7572 or send us an email to info@fpfire.co.uk. Our office is open Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. We look forward to hearing from you.