FAQ

What is the Law Regarding Fire Safety?

The Fire Safety Order places the responsibility for fire safety on the employer or ‘responsible person’ for the building or premises. In reference to Fire Risk Assessments the law states:

‘The Responsible person at any premise must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person.’

The definition of ‘competent’ is where a person has had sufficient training to carry out that role, this could be an employee or an outside contractor. Competence is demonstrated through sufficient training and experience.

The ‘responsible person’ is the person/s who owns or controls the business. This is also the owner of the property. If the two are different they must share responsibility and are obliged to co-operate.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment evaluates your premises in terms of fire safety hazards to people and property. An assessor visits your premises, makes a physical inspection and provides you with a clear and concise report. This report will detail a prioritised action plan on how to minimise identified risks. The assessment usually takes about a day all in.

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

If your business has 5+ employees, a written fire risk assessment is required by law to demonstrate compliance and ensure the safety of all occupants of the building. The risk assessment must be openly displayed or be available upon request by any persons, including enforcement authorities such as the fire service.

How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take?

Our visit to your business usually takes between 1 – 2 hours. The majority of our work is writing up your risk assessment. This will be available to you after 7 working days. However, if you need the assessment sooner, or require advise during this time, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

What will happen if I don’t have a Fire Risk Assessment?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 lays out who should have a fire risk assessment by law; If you find yourself subject to enforcement action by your local fire authority they might deal with that internally but in some cases it could result in criminal prosecution either at magistrates or crown court.