Fire Safety Order 2005
Fire Risk Assessment
Since 2006, all owners of non-domestic premises in England and Wales have been bound under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to take steps to prevent fires, and to protect visitors and employees ('relevant persons') against death and injury in the event of a fire.
The regime is risk-assessment based, requiring measures to be put in place to prevent fire 'where necessary' and where reasonable and practicable.
Recording findings and competence
All premises must have a designated 'Responsible Person' in charge of ensuring compliance with the Order. Where there are staff, the employer acts as the Responsible Person. Otherwise the role falls to whoever is responsible for the premises.
The Responsible Person must carry out a fire risk assessment. If there are five or more employees; the premises is licensed or there is an alterations notice in force, then all significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded, although it is advisable to record these findings in all cases. A Competent Person must also be appointed to put in place and monitor any measures deemed necessary by the risk assessment.
There are numerous other fire safety responsibilities required by the Order, all of which must be fully complied with.
What a competent assessor considers
Anyone can be appointed as delegated competent person; however the person conducting a fire risk assessment must be sufficiently trained and able to make judgements on fire risks and solutions. They will need to be able to contend with issues such as:
The needs of vulnerable persons
Safe storage of hazardous substances
Emergency exits and routes
Evacuation plans
Firefighting equipment
How BPW Fire Safety can help
Our qualified and extensively experienced fire safety specialists can assist you with every aspect of the fire risk assessment, from undertaking the assessment itself through to advising on any necessary measures flagged up by the report. We also offer a fire risk assessment review service for those who have conducted their own report but would like a professional opinion on its viability.
BPW Fire Safety risk assessment reports offer practical, sound advice that's realistic and fully tailored to the needs of your business and premises.
BPW fire risk assessment reports provide all the advice you need, leaving you in no doubt as to your responsibilities and how to ensure a safe place for your staff and visitors.
Fully independent and unbiased
Easy to follow with a user-friendly layout
Factual and free from unnecessary waffle
Plain English and easy to understand
We have used Callum of BPW Fire Safety Ltd for over 6 years to date. They test our fire safety systems in Club Concrete and 3 other bars we own in Carlisle on a monthly basis and provide a report highlighting their findings. They also monitor other risk factors such as electrical safety and housekeeping.
We find this support invaluable when it is too easy to take your eye off the ball when managing a number of very busy venues.
They also review our Fire Risk Assessments on an annual basis and are always available for ad hoc advice and training whenever we need it. This service is delivered for a very reasonable price and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.
Need professional help complying with your fire safety risk assessment duties?
For a tailored quote at competitive rates, contact BPW Fire Safety today.
Useful resources
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
- How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
- It should be kept under regular review. You should review it whenever there is a material change to the premises, its use or occupancy, after a fire or near-miss, or if you have reason to believe it is no longer valid. Many organisations also review annually as a matter of good practice.
- Do I legally need a written fire risk assessment?
- The significant findings must be recorded if you employ five or more people, if your premises are licensed, or if an alterations notice is in force. Even where recording is not strictly required, it is strongly advisable to record your findings in all cases.
- Who is responsible for the fire risk assessment?
- The designated Responsible Person - usually the employer, or otherwise whoever has control of the premises. They must ensure the assessment is carried out and that any necessary measures are put in place and maintained.
- What happens if I do not have a valid assessment?
- You may face enforcement action from the fire and rescue authority. In serious cases, penalties for non-compliance with the Fire Safety Order include unlimited fines and a custodial sentence of up to two years.
- Can you review an assessment I already have?
- Yes. We offer a review service for organisations that have carried out their own assessment but would like a professional opinion on whether it is suitable and sufficient.
Areas We Cover
Local to your business
We provide this service across Cumbria and the North West. Explore our area guides for local detail.