Fire issues can be a difficult subject to stay abreast of, as with the change to a risk assessment model for fire regulation and the requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment that is both suitable and sufficient company owners are feeling an increasing burden under the order in complying with the regulations.
Fire is one of the most serious hazards present within the workplace. Its potential effects in terms of loss of life and damage to property, equipment etc is enormous. It is therefore essential that the risks presented by fire hazards are properly controlled.
Responsible persons, (which in workplaces is the employer and others with control over the premises) must carry out fire risk assessments and take steps to ensure that any fire risks are properly managed. This applies to both the risk of fires occurring and the risks in the event of a fire.
The risk assessment must consider the risks to all ‘relevant persons’. The term ‘relevant persons’ includes not only employees, but also other people (lawfully) on the premises, and those nearby.
Measures used to control fire risk can be grouped into the following categories:
All of these five measures will be required to some degree. For some premises, basic fire safety measures may suffice, in others (for example, where large numbers of people and/or serious fire hazards are present, and whenever the fire risk is high) the controls will need to be more extensive.
Included in our service to our customers Aspect provides advice on fire issues as a component of its Safety Health Environment & Fire (SHEF) service. Aspect has been a member of the Fire Protection Association (FPA) for a number of years and has access to its vast array of technical expertise to assist our experienced fire risk assessors in their work.
Why not call us now and see how we can help your business?