What are the 5 steps to a Fire Risk Assessment?

Posted on 20 January 2022

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that the Responsible Person should complete or facilitate a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA) for their premises. Generally, there are 5 main steps to carrying out a fire risk assessment.

A suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment can be identified as having the following characteristics:

  • A thorough assessment, or series of assessments, covering the entire premises
  • Fire hazards have been identified and a consideration has been made for those who may be affected and the number of persons who may be affected
  • A holistic approach has been taken and the correct precautions have been recommended based on the risk and risk level
  • The ‘competence’ of the Fire Risk Assessor and their suitability to carry out the FRA based on their knowledge and experience for your individual premises

Step 1 – Identifying People at Risk

  • Who is at risk?
  • How many people are at risk?
  • Considerations for external visitors and those unfamiliar with the premises
  • Considerations for those who may need assistance to evacuate

Step 2 – Identifying Fire Hazards

  • Sources of Ignition
  • Sources of Fuel
  • Sources of Oxygen

Step 3 – Evaluating the Risks

  • Assessing the adequacy of the existing Fire Safety Measures
  • Assessing suitability of the escape routes and are escape routes maintained?
  • Reviewing the fire spread risk. Are fire doors present, sufficient and maintained? Is the compartmentation adequate and sufficient for the occupancy type and evacuation strategy?
  • Exit lighting. Is there a reasonable level of emergency lighting provided and does it conform to BS5266?
  • Is there a reasonable standard of fire safety signage and fire action notices?
  • Is there a suitable means for early warning and detection and is it relevant to the type of premises and occupancy type
  • Fire extinguishers and extinguishing devices
  • Automatic extinguishing systems
  • Fire service provisions. Could the fire service access the premises unhindered. Appropriate means for firefighting vehicles? Reasonable distance between the nearest Fire Hydrant in relation to the building entrance?
  • Testing and maintenance of fire safety systems

Step 4 – Recording the Findings

  • Are records suitable and sufficient, managed and kept up to date
  • Are records kept readily available for inspection
  • Are other records kept up to date such as staff fire awareness training, false alarm occurrences and servicing of all other fire safety systems

Step 5 – Review and Revise

  • Is there an agreed policy in place to regularly review the Fire Risk Assessment?
  • Does the Fire Risk Assessment need reviewing sooner than on an annual basis? For example, following a fire or following a major change to the building including a change to building management?
  • Are the risks identified in the Fire Risk Assessment forming the action plan being actively reviewed and actioned to either eliminate the risk or to manage the risk to lower its severity?

You can find detail on what a Fire Risk Assessment is and why it is needed in a previous blog post here.

To find out more about our Fire Risk Assessments enquire online or call us on 0330 133 2150

 

Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot

Excellent service - prompt professional and useful advice given to the client to enable future planning of detailed remedial works to ensure our 13 schools fire doors are compliant. All detailed surveys were carried out within a 4 week period.

Cath R - Multi-Academy Trust

Pyro undertook a detailed fire door and fire stopping survey of a large portfolio of school buildings across a 6-week programme. They were proactive and delivered on the dates they advised they would. Quality reports provided, proactive and engaging work ethic.

Andrew S - Large School Portfolio

Great support as always advice and fire risk assessments are top notch. Looking forward to working with Pyro again very soon.

Mark Y - County Council

Fire strategy reports, fire risk assessments and fire-stopping surveys always to a high standard. Pyro Fire are responsive and clearly experts in their field. We continue to use Pyro Fire and recommend them to clients.

Dan M - Henry Riley LLP

Thorough and comprehensive assessment of our premises. This is the third time we have used Pyro Fire Services and I recommend this very professional organisation!

David C - HMO

Very quick to attend site and to turnaround the report. The online system worked well as we could photo and evidence our upgrades without the assessor returning to site. Already instructed Pyro on our next scheme. Would highly recommend.

Oliver B - Property Developer

Pyro Fire Services have recently carried out some works for our company, and as always providing an exceptional service. We have worked with Pyro Fire for the past 5 years now and would recommend them to any business.

Dave H - Supported Living

Pyro supported us with our fire risk assessment. The process was quick, efficient, fairly priced and they went above and beyond to support us, aswell as being incredibly flexible and understanding of our needs. I'd highly recommend Pyro for all fire safety needs.

Sam M - Retail Premises

FRA on a block of flats was carried out, this was required due to out of date FRA, Service was amazing, Report delivered almost instantly. Would use again, would highly recommend!

Michelle M - Block of Flats

Not sure where to start?

Speak to our team