A fire safety risk assessment helps you understand how a fire could start in your building and what you can do to keep people safe. It is a legal duty for most businesses, but many owners still have questions about what is involved.
What is a fire safety risk assessment?
A fire safety risk assessment is a careful look at your building and the work carried out there. It checks what could cause a fire, who might be in danger and what steps you can take to lower the risks. The process includes spotting hazards, thinking about people at risk, recording the findings and reviewing the assessment regularly.
Do you still need one if you have a fire certificate?
Yes. Fire certificates no longer have legal status, so you still need a current assessment. The rules changed when new fire safety laws were introduced. A fire risk assessment Cheltenham, carried out by experts like //www.apmfireandsecurity.com/fire-risk-assessment/cheltenham, can help you follow the rules.
Does every premises need an assessment?
Most non-domestic buildings in England and Wales must have an assessment. This includes shared areas in blocks of flats and houses with several tenants.
Who should complete the assessment?
Simple buildings may be assessed by the person in charge, but larger or more complicated sites often need a trained professional.
Do you need to record and review it?
In many cases, you must write down the main findings. It’s also wise to record them for all premises. You should check and update the assessment often, especially if anything changes.
