The new Fire Safety Order, effective from 1st of October 2006, applies to all workplace premises in England and Wales and requires that:

• The Responsible person at any premise must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person*
• Appropriate risk based fire training must also be carried out on a regular basis, again by a competent person*

* The definition of competent is where a person has had sufficient training and or knowledge and other qualities to carry out that role

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 will visit your premises, make a physical inspection and provide you with a clear and concise report. This report will detail a prioritized action plan on how to minimize fire risks specific to your organisation.

How long does an assessment take?

The site visit is usually completed within a day. Once completed, you will be provided with an easy to understand report and a full briefing as part of the service.

Who does the assessment?

Our fire risk assessors are fully qualified fire officers with a minimum of 10 years in the Fire Brigade.

Why can’t I do the assessment myself?

You can, if you have the time and expertise to do it. Beware that for an untrained person a fire risk assessment can be time consuming and might not meet the legal requirements. You may want to consider leaving it to the professionals.

The law clearly states that "a 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 and or knowledge and other qualities to carry out that role".

In terms of fire insurance we know that loss adjusters are using the details of this clause to withhold payment (in the event of a fire) if they are not satisfied in regard to compliance.

Three reasons not to wait

1. The new Fire Safety Order came into force in October 2006 and it has been a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment since that time
2. Fire Inspections are now taking place unannounced throughout the UK and inspectors are enforcing these new regulations
3. If you don't have a fire risk assessment your business may not be insured if a fire does take place!