A written record of the assessment is essential
The fire risk assessment for workplace premises falls under the domain of the responsible person – the designated individual who has the duty of carrying out or arranging a risk assessment of their premises.
The assessment must also be reviewed regularly. The intention of this is to identify what need to be done to prevent the onset of fire – and to keep workers and visitors safe.
The gov.uk online guidance Fire safety in the workplace states that a record of the fire risk assessment must be kept if the company or business employees five or more people.
Carrying out the assessment. The five steps of an assessment are listed as:
- Identify the fire hazards.
- Identify people at risk.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.
The Guidance also indicates that the responsible person will need to consider:
- Emergency routes and exits
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Fire fighting equipment
- The removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
- An emergency fire evacuation plan
- The needs of vulnerable people, eg the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
- Providing information to employees and other people on the premises
- Staff fire safety training
