What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment helps you to identify the potential fire related risks on your premises. Also, it will help you identify the measures you need to put in place to keep people safe.
Why do I need one?
- Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement
- You’ll need one for each premises you’re responsible for
- If you don’t have a fire risk assessment you could be breaking the law
- Your fire risk assessment should be updated annually or whenever there’s a significant change
- We recommend you ask a competent or qualified person to complete your risk assessment
The Responsible Person must record all findings from their fire risk assessment, regardless of the size or purpose of the premises. This is a new requirement, effective from 1 October 2023. Responsible Persons must also record their fire safety arrangements.
Completing a risk assessment yourself
As the responsible person it is your responsibility to make sure that a fire risk assessment is both suitable and sufficient.
The fire risk assessment should be is carried out by someone with an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of fire safety.
Broadly speaking, assessments are conducted in five key steps:
- Identify the fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly
Alternatively, you can appoint someone to do the risk assessment for you.
You can use a risk assessment template to assist you (download word document)Appointing someone to carry out your risk assessment
You do not need to carry out the risk assessment yourself, you can appoint a competent person to do so.
When looking for an assessor, you should:
- Get at least two quotes from different providers
- Look for someone with third-party accreditation or someone registered with a recognised scheme
These organisations hold registers of risk assessors and will help you find a competent risk assessor in your local area:
- Institution of Fire Engineers
- Fire Risk Assessors Certification Scheme
- Fire Industry Association
- The Institute of Fire Safety Managers
- The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register
- Institute of Fire Prevention Officers
- British Approvals for Fire Equipment
Can Avon Fire & Rescue Service do your Fire Risk Assessment for you?
Unfortunately, not. If you don’t have the expertise – or time – you can appoint a specialist to do it for you.
Contact the Business Safety Team