Fire Risk Assessment
The Legislation
Since December 1999, it has been a legal requirement of businesses to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment. On October 1st 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) was implemented. In essence, this legislation took the responsibility for commercial premises' fire safety away from the local Fire Authority and into the hands of employers and business owners. Alongside this, the Fire Authority have been given the task of enforcement. This means the vast majority of businesses need to have a Fire Risk Assessment and will, sooner or later, be inspected.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment is a written document detailing a process for identifying fire hazards and determining the likelihood (risk) that such hazards will result in a fire. The RRO also states that the Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ (See 'Competency').
Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
- Any business that employs five or more people needs to have a written Fire Risk Assessment
- Any business that has a sleeping risk e.g. boarding schools, B & Bs, hotels and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
- Any business where members of the public come onto the premises - shops, galleries, restaurants etc.
- Any business that previously required a Fire Certificate
Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?
If you fall into any of the categories above, you need to be able to demonstrate that you have taken all appropriate measures under your duty of care for anyone who comes into your trade premises for any reason. It is only a matter of time before you are inspected and it is the law.
What if I don't have a risk assessment?
The first thing that will happen, upon inspection, is that you will be fined up to £2000 for not obeying the law. You will then be liable to further fines, prohibition notices (temporary closure pending compliance), closure or potentially, the imprisonment of the directors of the company.