Most fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other premises can avoid fires by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures. A Fire Risk Assessment is the first action regarding this process.
Five Essential Stages of a Fire Risk Assessment
- Identifying fire hazards:
Anything within the property that could cause a fire. Ignition sources and fuels, items that could start a fire and things that could burn as a result of it. - Identifying people at risk:
Everybody in a property would be at risk if a fire was to break out. There would be categories of risk due to potential factors, age, mobility, job role. - Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks:
When the risks has been determined a strategy to eliminate them completely or reduce them to a minimum must be implemented. This can range from changing the layout of a space, changing routines procedures, equipment and materials. Arranging for EICR and PAT testing, the renewal or maintenance of fire safety equipment. - Record, plan and train:
For businesses with more than 5 employees the conclusions of the fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing, together with the steps taken to diminish any risks. There must also be a sound and comprehensive plan of a fire emergency protocol – what would happen and what would employees need to do. Staff must be thoroughly trained in said plan. - Review:
All fire risk assessment findings should be reviewed regularly, with additional assessments being carried out ‘whenever there are new machines, substances, procedures and personal that could lead to new hazards’ according to the Health and Safety Executive.