• What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement of Article 9 of The Fire Safety Order 2005 and requires the ‘Responsible Person’ to carry out a ‘Suitable and Sufficient’ fire risk assessment of the premises or arrange for it to be carried out by a ‘Competent Person’.

• What does a Fire Risk Assessment consist of?

Those carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment must be satisfied that they are able to:

Identify the fire hazards
Identify people at risk
Evaluate fire safety measures provided and/or required to protect people
Review the arrangements for management of fire safety
Formulate an action plan
Record the significant findings and implement an action plan
Keep the assessment up to date.

• Do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?

All premises other than a single domestic dwelling require a Fire Risk Assessment. Premises include offices, shops, hotels, guest houses, factories, warehouses, public houses, restaurants, gymnasiums, sports centres, schools, care homes, houses of multiple occupancy, purpose built residential buildings, converted residential buildings and residential buildings used as holiday lets.

• Who is the Responsible Person?

The ‘Responsible Person’ is the employer, the owner, the landlord, an occupier, or any other person in control of the premises.

• Who is a ‘Competent Person’ to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

A ‘Competent Person’ is a person who is deemed to have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable them properly to implement their role. See the link below to the Fire Sector Federation – A Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor.