Fire Risk Assessment in the UK, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often referred to as the Fire Safety Order) is the primary legislation governing fire safety in England and Wales. Similar legislation exists in Scotland (Fire (Scotland) Act 2005) and Northern Ireland (Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006).

Fire Risk Assessment in the UK Key Points:

• Responsibility:

• • The “responsible person” (usually the employer, owner, or occupier of the premises) must conduct a fire risk assessment either themselves or by an appointed competent person.
  • In multi-occupied residential buildings, this responsibility often falls on the building owner or management company.

• Purpose:

• • Identify fire hazards and risks.
  • Determine who is at risk, employees, visitors, or residents.
  • Evaluate the adequacy of existing fire safety measures.
  • Implement additional measures to reduce risk.
  • Record findings and prepare an emergency plan.
  • Regularly review and update the assessment.

• Steps for Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment in the UK:

• • Identify Fire Hazards: Sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
  • Identify People at Risk: Including vulnerable individuals, elderly, disabled, or children.
  • Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks: Implement measures to minimize the likelihood of a fire and ensure safe evacuation.
  • Document the Findings: Where the premises have five or more employees or require a license.
  • Prepare an Emergency Plan: Everyone needs to know what to do in case of fire.
  • Provide Training: Ensure staff or residents are aware of fire safety procedures.
  • Review Regularly: Update the assessment if there are significant changes to the building, occupancy, or use.

• Enforcement:

• • Local fire and rescue authorities enforce fire safety laws.
  • Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, or even imprisonment in severe cases.

• Competence:

• • The responsible person may carry out the fire risk assessment but only if they are competent to do so.
  • If not, they must appoint a competent professional fire risk assessor.

• Specific Considerations:

• • High-Risk Buildings: Special attention is required for high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and other high-risk premises.
  • Fire Doors and Compartmentation: Ensure fire doors and compartmentation are properly maintained to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
  • Fire Alarms and Extinguishers: Ensure appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment are in place and maintained.

• Post-Grenfell Changes:

• • Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 there has been increased scrutiny on fire safety and particularly in high-rise residential buildings.
  • The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter regulations for high-rise residential buildings, including the appointment of a Building Safety Manager and the creation of a Safety Case Report.

• Fire Safety England Regulations 2022:

• • Introduced additional requirements for high-rise residential buildings, including providing fire safety instructions to residents and installing appropriate directional signage for firefighters.

Fire Risk Assessment in the UK Conlusion:

If you are responsible for fire safety in a building, it is crucial to stay informed about legal requirements and ensure compliance to protect lives and property.

If you need a Fire Risk Assessment, advice or training contact Universal Safety Consultants.