Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What format will the Risk Assessment come in?
A. The finished assessment is available either as a bound document, on CD or by email as a PDF file.
Q. What insurance do you have?
A. Fire Consultancy Services Ltd. carry full professional indemnity insurance.
Q. I have been a Health and Safety Officer for years. I know this industry inside out. Why do you think you can do a better job than I can?
A. We acknowledge and rely upon your experience of your industry. We have extensive knowledge of the current legislation and its application. Working together, we can author the best possible fire risk assessment for your business.
By outsourcing your fire risk assessment you are protecting yourself and your business for the outlay of only a few hundred pounds. Don't think of us as the enemy; we are another string to your bow.
Q. I run my own business. I am at the bottom of the list of businesses likely to be targeted by the enforcing authority. Why should I bother with a fire risk assessment?
A. You may be unlikely to be targeted, but that doesn't mean you are less likely suffer a fire, which will bring into contact with the enforcement authorities.
An inspection visit from the fire authority is only a matter of time.
Carrying out a fire risk assessment drastically reduces the likelihood of fire in your workplace.
Insurance companies are increasingly looking to see FRAs before they will provide fire cover. Where they are in place, many businesses are finding their premiums are being reduced. Failure to carry out risk assessments may invalidate your insurance through non-compliance with the law.
Q. Eighteen months ago I was given a Fire Certificate from the fire brigade. I don't need a fire risk assessment.
A. This is not the case. Fire risk assessments have been law since 1999. On 1st October 2006 they superceded Fire Certificates. However, do not throw your fire certificate away—it can be very useful in the completion of your FRA.
Q. What are the penalties if I don't have a fire risk assessment?
A. If you are an eligible business the enforcing authorities have a wide range of sanctions available including:
- Enforcement notices
- On the spot fines
- Further unlimited fines
- Closure of business
- Invalidation of insurance
- Private Litigation
- Possible imprisonment
Q. How long is my FRA valid?
A. It should be reviewed regularly or if there is:
- a significant change of personnel
- a significant change of process
- a change in building layout or
- following a near miss.
Q. How soon can you come?
A. We will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible; we aim to make an appointment to see you within ten days of your initial enquiry and the report will be back with you within another five to ten working days. If your need is urgent - for instance in the event of an enforcement notice - let us know at the earliest opportunity and we will respond accordingly.
Q. How long does the fire risk assessment take?
A. The risk assessment has two parts - information gathering and a full inspection of the whole of your premises. The information gathering part takes between one and two hours, and the length of the inspection depends on the size and complexity of your premises - anything from one hour to several days.
If your question doesn't appear here, call us now.
01296 320 180