MSJ Safety Health and Safety Consultants in Guildford

Fire Risk Assessments

Our highly experienced fire risk assessors are members of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and will ensure you have a legally-compliant fire risk assessment for your premises. Our expert assessors are helpful and supportive and will guide you through what needs to be done and the impact upon your organisation. You will receive a report based on the PAS79 standard for recording a fire risk assessment, which includes a clear action plan to set out the recommended actions.  Additional support can be provided to track and implement outstanding actions.

So what is a Fire Risk Assessment and what do I need to do?

Fire risk assessments are a crucial aspect of workplace safety that employers must carry out to ensure the safety of their employees and visitors. A fire risk assessment involves identifying potential fire hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood of a fire occurring, and implementing measures to prevent and control fires.

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the legal requirements for fire safety in non-domestic premises. Employers must ensure that they carry out a fire risk assessment, take appropriate action to remove or reduce the risk of fire, and provide employees with adequate fire safety training. Failure to comply with fire safety legislation can result in fines, legal action, and even imprisonment in severe cases.

Employers must also ensure that they communicate fire safety information to their employees. This may include providing fire safety training, displaying fire safety signs and notices, and holding regular fire drills. All employees should be aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and know how to use fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers.

In addition to carrying out a fire risk assessment, employers must also ensure that their workplace is equipped with appropriate fire safety equipment. This may include fire extinguishers, fire blankets, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting. Employers must ensure that the equipment is regularly maintained and tested to ensure that it is in good working order.

Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?

Under UK law, all non-domestic premises must have a fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person. A competent person is someone who has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to carry out a fire risk assessment. Employers can appoint someone from within their organization or hire an external consultant to carry out the assessment.

There are several qualifications and memberships that fire risk assessors can hold to demonstrate their competency and expertise in fire safety. These include:

NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate: This is a nationally recognized qualification that provides comprehensive knowledge of fire safety and risk management.

Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Membership: The IFE is an international professional body for fire professionals, and membership demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and competency in the field of fire safety.

Fire Industry Association (FIA) Membership: The FIA is a trade association for the UK’s fire protection industry, and membership demonstrates a commitment to industry standards and best practice.

Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) Membership: The IFSM is a professional body for fire safety managers, and membership demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of fire safety management.

As well as qualifications, experience and ongoing professional development are also important factors. Building owners and managers should always check the credentials and experience of any fire risk assessor they engage to ensure they are competent and qualified to carry out the work.

How often should I review my fire risk assessment?

Once the assessment is complete, it is important to implement any recommendations, then regularly review and update the fire risk assessment to ensure that it remains current and effective. The frequency of the review will depend on various factors, including the nature of the workplace, the activities carried out within it, and the fire safety measures that are in place.

In general, it is recommended that a fire risk assessment be reviewed at least once a year to check if there have been any significant changes. For example, if there have been changes to the building, such as the installation of new equipment or the removal of walls, refurbishment or letting of one part of the building to another company.  Similarly, if there have been changes to the activities carried out within the building, for example, if a new process has been introduced that involves the use of flammable materials.  It is also recommended that a fire risk assessment be reviewed following any fire safety incidents or near misses, to assess the effectiveness of the emergency procedures and to identify any areas for improvement.

In addition to regular reviews, it is important to ensure that the fire risk assessment is kept up to date with any changes to the fire safety regulations. This may require additional reviews or updates to the assessment, to ensure that it remains compliant with the regulations.

There have been a number of changes to fire safety legislation and guidance in the last few years, so if your fire risk assessment has not been reviewed in the last two or three years, it is likely that a new assessment may be required.

Why choose MSJ Safety to carry out your fire risk assessment?

MSJ Safety’s Fire Risk Assessors are qualified and competent members of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) with many years’ experience carrying out fire risk assessments in a range of buildings*. They will provide a thorough and systematic evaluation of the fire risk in the workplace and provide practical advice. You will receive a comprehensive report with clear and concise recommendations for implementing fire safety measures. The recommendations are based on the specific needs and characteristics of the workplace and are both practical and achievable. 

In addition to carrying out your fire risk assessment, MSJ Safety can also provide the following services:-

  • Practical advice on implementing any aspects of the recommendations and developing emergency procedures
  • Fire safety training to staff including Fire Marshal Training, use of extinguishers, carrying out a practice evacuation drill
  • On-going support where required

We are trusted by many local businesses and charge very reasonable fees.  Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.

*NB:  We do not provide fire risk assessments or fire safety advice for high-rise residential premises.