Fire Risk Assessment

Fire risk assessments must be completed by a competent person and information from them provided to employees.

Factors to be considered in a fire risk assessment:

• Identify fire hazards.
• Identify any staff and other people who are especially at risk.
• Remove/reduce fire hazards and provide additional fire safety measures if necessary.
• Record findings of the fire risk assessment and action points.
• Consider arrangements for people with disabilities.
• Prepare the emergency plan.
• Provide enough exits for everyone to get out in good time.
• Ensure that all escape routes and exits are available for use.
• Provide an appropriate means for giving warning in case of fire.
• Arrange the checking, testing and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
• Keep appropriate records.
• Ensure your staff are adequately informed and trained.
• Include fire safety in your health and safety policy for the workplace.

The stages of fire risk assessment

It may be useful for the assessment to be considered in the following stages:

Stage 1: Identify any fire hazards (such as readily combustible materials, highly flammable substances, oxygen, and sources of ignition).

Stage 2: Identify people at risk (staff, pupils, visitors and others) at risk.

Stage 3: Evaluate the risk and decide if existing fire safety measures are adequate. Remove or reduce fire hazards and evaluate fire alarm system, fire-fighting equipment, escape routes and lighting, signs and notices, maintenance of equipment and systems, emergency plans and training and management.

Stage 4: Decide whether the existing fire safety arrangements are adequate or need improvement.

Stage 5: Record significant findings and action taken/action to be taken.

Stage 6: Keep fire risk assessment under review and revise where necessary.