Fire Risk Assessments

Why have a fire risk assessment?

It has been the law since October 2006, without an assessment you may not be legally compliant and your business is unlikely to be insured for fire. 

Fire Risk Assessments – What is the law? 

The new law which came into force on the 1st October 2006 applies to all businesses in England and Wales.   

  • Under the new Fire Safety legislation the 'responsible person' for each premises will be required to carry out a fire risk assessment and take steps to reduce or remove the risk.
  • Businesses will no longer need a fire certificate and fire certificates will no longer be valid, inspections will continue and evidence of assessments will be required.  
  • The 'responsible person' is the person/s who owns or controls the business; This is also the owner of the property. If the two are different they must share responsibility and are obliged to co-operate.
Legal Requirements  

  • The assessment should consider those at special risk, such as disabled persons  
  • Businesses employing five or more people must record the significant findings of the assessment  
  • Each assessment needs to be reviewed regularly and when any significant changes to the building or work activity occur   
  • The Responsible Person must consult employees on Fire Safety matters and provide them with information.   
  • The Responsible Person must appoint one or more Competent Person(s)* to assist in the delivery of the assessment  
* A Competent Person(s) could be an employee or an outside contractor. Competence is demonstrated through sufficient training, experience and knowledge. 

Inspections 

Inspections may be unannounced and an inspector may enter premises to inspect the premises, ask about the identity of the Responsible Person, and inspect or copy Fire Safety Records 

Enforcement 

Failure to comply with the Fire safety Order may result in legal action resulting in a fine or up to two years imprisonment.