Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the designated Responsible Person (RP) of non-domestic premises is required to conduct a detailed fire risk assessment for commercial properties.
This mandate applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including common areas in flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
A free trial of Property Inspect comes with a fire risk assessment template which can significantly help you improve this legal obligation.
Why conduct a commercial fire risk assessment?
In the UK, a commercial fire risk assessment is critical for ensuring the safety of both life and property. These assessments, mandated by the Fire Safety Order 2005, are essential not just for private homes but for all buildings, places, and structures.
The process involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify fire hazards, estimate the likelihood of a fire occurring, and assess potential impacts on both occupants and premises.
Beyond regulatory compliance, these assessments are fundamental in developing robust fire safety strategies and enhancing existing safety measures such as alarms, extinguishers, escape routes, and building materials.
Improvements initiated by fire risk assessments can significantly enhance fire safety protocols, potentially reducing fire-related injuries or fatalities and safeguarding the property’s value.
Additionally, these assessments impact operational and financial aspects of businesses, as they are often required by insurers to set policy terms.
Improve safety with Property Inspect’s free fire risk assessment template
Following UK guidelines, using Property Inspect’s free fire risk assessment template enables you to:
- Identify fire hazards
- Recognise individuals at risk
- Evaluate, diminish, or remove risks
- Document findings, prepare emergency plans, and conduct training
- Continuously review and update the assessment
What’s Included in a fire risk assessment?
The digital template from Property Inspect covers the following areas:
- Client details
- Assessment and site details
- Rooms/areas and occupants
- Overview of compliance requirements
- Essentials of fire safety
- E.g. combustibles, compartmentation, fire detection and alarm systems, escape routes, ventilation, fire signage, firefighting facilities, lighting, and safety management
- Enforcement and legislation relevancies
- Building’s fire risk level and significant findings
- Advised actions and risk level guidance
Get your free fire risk assessment template
Templates provide a structured method to capture essential data systematically, ensuring nothing is overlooked during fire risk inspections.
Property Inspect’s template not only aids in meticulous documentation but is also designed for ease of use across digital devices, facilitating sharing and auditing processes.
For a comprehensive digital solution in fire risk assessment for commercial properties, consider using the Property Inspect app.
Its advanced features allow for direct entry from smartphones, computers, or tablets, and securely store all related documents and evidence.
Interested in a fully compliant digital Fire Risk Assessment template? Here’s how:
- Sign up for a free trial of Property Inspect
- Access the template library
- Select fire risk assessment
- Load the template
- Fill in the details
And just like that, you’ve got a digital, comprehensive fire risk assessment. To take full advantage of the Property Inspect platform, book a personal demo with a team member.
Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
What is a fire safety risk assessment?
A fire safety risk assessment is a detailed examination conducted to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk of a fire starting, and determine the potential impact on the occupants and property. It’s a systematic process that involves identifying fire hazards, people at risk, and measures to minimize or eliminate risks. This assessment is legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non-domestic premises in the UK, excluding individual private homes.
Who is responsible for conducting a fire risk assessment?
The designated “Responsible Person” (RP) is accountable for carrying out the fire risk assessment. This person could be the employer, the owner of the premises, or any other person who has control over the building, such as a facilities manager or building manager. It’s the RP’s duty to ensure that a thorough assessment is completed and that adequate fire safety measures are in place.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current and reflect any changes in the premises that could affect fire safety. The recommended frequency is at least annually or sooner if significant changes occur, such as alterations to the building structure, occupancy, or the introduction of new equipment. It’s also prudent to review the assessment after any fire incident, however minor, to learn from the event and improve future fire safety measures.
What happens if you don’t have a fire risk assessment?
Failing to conduct a fire risk assessment can have serious consequences including legal action, fines, or even imprisonment for breaches of fire safety regulations. Furthermore, without an assessment, the premises may not be adequately prepared for a fire emergency, potentially leading to greater damage or loss of life. Insurance companies also require a valid fire risk assessment to provide coverage, and failure to present one could result in denied claims or increased premiums.
What should be included in a fire risk assessment report?
A comprehensive fire risk assessment report should include identification of all potential fire hazards, a list of all people at risk, an evaluation of existing fire safety measures, and the likelihood of a fire starting. The report should detail necessary improvements or changes, provide an emergency plan, and suggest how to implement and manage those changes. It should also include documentation of the findings, responsible persons for tasks, and a schedule for review and updates.
