About Fire Risk Assessments
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is an important part of maintaining fire safety in your premises. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, most non-domestic premises are required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, which should be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. The assessment considers potential fire hazards, people who may be at risk, existing fire safety measures and any improvements that may be required.
How we can help?
We work in partnership with a local trusted fire safety specialist who provide professional Fire Risk Assessments for businesses and other premises. This service is available Nationwide.
For a free, no obligation quotation, please email sales@firesafewestmidlands.co.uk detailing your requirements and we’ll arrange for a Fire Risk Assessor to contact you directly with a quote.
What does a Fire Risk Assessment cover?
A Fire Risk Assessment looks at the fire risks within a premises and considers how those risks can be reduced. Depending on the type and use of the building, an assessment will typically consider:
- Potential sources of ignition – such as electrical equipment, heating systems, cooking facilities and other sources of heat.
- Sources of fuel – including combustible materials, waste, stock, furnishings and storage.
- People who may be at risk – including employees, customers, visitors and anyone who may require additional assistance to evacuate.
- Fire detection and warning systems – including smoke and heat detection, fire alarms and appropriate warning arrangements.
- Emergency escape routes – checking that suitable escape routes are available, adequately protected and appropriately signed.
- Emergency lighting – where required to allow people to safely escape in the event of a power failure.
- Fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment – considering whether the correct equipment is provided, suitably positioned and maintained.
- Fire doors and compartmentation – assessing whether fire and smoke could spread through the building and whether appropriate measures are in place.
- Fire safety procedures and staff arrangements – including emergency procedures, evacuation arrangements, staff responsibilities and relevant training.
The assessment should identify any significant findings and recommend reasonable measures to reduce the risk of fire and protect people in the event of a fire.
Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire Risk Assessments are generally required for non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, warehouses, commercial units, workplaces, hospitality premises, communal areas of residential buildings and many other types of business premises.
The exact requirements depend on the premises and how it is used. A Fire Risk Assessment should also be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to the building, its use, occupancy or fire risks.
Why have a Fire Risk Assessment?
A suitable Fire Risk Assessment isn’t simply about ticking a compliance box. It provides a structured assessment of the fire risks within your premises and helps identify practical steps that can improve the safety of employees, customers, visitors and other occupants.
It can also highlight issues that may otherwise be overlooked, such as inadequate escape routes, unsuitable fire extinguishers, blocked exits, deficiencies with fire doors or shortcomings in emergency procedures.
