06/04/2018

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment

In short, YES!

We’re joking (well, not entirely). Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the government took steps to amalgamate all fire safety legislation into one, simple(ish) piece of legislation that is designed to be more suited to the needs of modern businesses.

The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, including (but not limited to):

• Offices and shops
• Premises that provide care
• Community halls & places of worship
• Shared areas of properties of several households
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants
• Schools
• Sporting facilities
• Tents and marquess (yes, even Tents!)
• Hotels and hostels
• Factories and warehouses

In the order, it is split up into musts (this must be done), recommendations (this should be done) and commentary (this is the best). Among the MUSTS is the requirement for a fire risk assessment to identify any possible dangers and risks. So, now we know that pretty much everywhere must have a fire risk assessment, the most important question is:

Am I responsible for the fire risk assessment?

Well, this is a bit easier to answer – under the order, anyone who has control of the premise or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems may be the “responsible person” – these could include:

• The employer of the premises
• The managing agent or owner for shared parts of the premises
• The occupier (such as self-employed or voluntary organisations if they have any control over those in the premises)
• Any other person that has some control over part of the premises

With an increasing emphasis by local and national government on fire safety, the key question is – does any of the above apply to you?

At Sygma Fire Services, we can provide you with an obligation free quotation to come and carry out a fire risk assessment at your premises – please contact us today to discuss your requirements!