How to do a Fire Risk Assessment- The Basics-Toolbox Tuesday

Overview

This Rebranded Safety video provides a guide to conducting a fire risk assessment (FRA). Designed for business owners and managers, the video breaks down the process from preparation and team discussions to walkthrough inspections and recording findings.

How to do a Fire Risk Assessment- The Basics

Fire safety is an essential responsibility of any business owner or manager. Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) helps protect lives, safeguard your property, and ensure compliance with legal regulations. While hiring a professional fire safety consultant is sometimes necessary for high-risk environments, many businesses can handle their FRAs for low to medium-risk settings.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess risks to people, and recommend measures to mitigate those risks. The goal is to minimise the likelihood of a fire and ensure the safety of everyone on the property in case of an emergency.

When to Hire a Fire Safety Professional

Some environments require professional expertise due to their complexity or high risk. Consider consulting a fire safety expert if your business involves:

1. Sleeping Risks – Hotels, care homes, or accommodations.
2. Flammable Materials – Factories or facilities handling hazardous chemicals.
3. Complex Needs – Locations with vulnerable occupants (e.g., hospitals or schools).

For lower-risk environments, such as offices or small retail stores, business owners or managers can often conduct an FRA independently.

Step 1 – Pre-Assessment Preparation

Before diving into the FRA, preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Research Guidance Documents

 Identify the appropriate fire safety guidelines for your business type, whether it’s a shop, factory, or assembly venue.

2. Review Existing Documentation

• Previous fire assessments: Look for any evaluations conducted in the past.
• Fire strategy documents: Understand the building’s fire safety features, including alarm systems, evacuation plans, and fire-resistant structures.
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Having these documents on hand will streamline the assessment process.

Step 2 – Collaborate with Your Team

Fire safety isn’t a one-person job. Gather your team for a discussion about fire safety practices. Use this time to:

• Understand potential fire hazards related to specific roles and equipment.
• Identify any gaps in current safety measures.
• Foster a collaborative atmosphere to ensure everyone is on the same page.

These conversations can provide invaluable insights into everyday risks and areas for improvement.

Step 3 – Conduct a Walkthrough Inspection

During your walkthrough, focus on the two principles of fire safety: prevention and protection.

1. Prevention

• Eliminate or minimise ignition sources (e.g., faulty equipment, hot work areas).
• Reduce or safely store flammable materials.

2. Protection

• Ensure proper escape routes are available and unobstructed.
• Verify fire-resistant features like doors, walls, and ceilings.
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Fire Spread – Key Considerations

To prevent the spread of fire:

• Maintain good housekeeping practices. Avoid clutter and ensure waste is disposed of properly.
• Check compartmentation features, such as fire doors and barriers, to contain fire within specific areas.

Step 4 – Assess Key Fire Safety Components

During your walkthrough, pay close attention to these critical elements:

1. Alarms and Detection Systems

Ensure alarms and detectors are installed, functional, and appropriate for the building’s needs.

2. Signage

Confirm that escape route signs are visible and clear from any location in the building.

3. Firefighting Equipment

Inspect extinguishers and other equipment, ensuring they’re accessible, serviced, and correctly installed.

4. Emergency Lighting

Check that emergency lights activate during power outages and are located near exits or directional changes.

5. Suppression Systems 

Evaluate systems like sprinklers or kitchen suppression systems for functionality and compliance with standards.

Step 5 – Testing and Record Maintenance

Documenting and maintaining records is a critical part of fire safety compliance. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Maintenance Records

Match maintenance logs to all fire safety equipment, ensuring they meet required standards.

2. Training Records 

Verify that employees, especially fire wardens, have completed fire safety training and emergency planning drills.

3. Emergency Drills 

Conduct regular drills to test emergency procedures and gather feedback for improvements.

Step 6 – Recording Significant Findings

One of the most important aspects of an FRA is recording significant findings. You are legally required to document:

• Major hazards were identified during the assessment.
• Recommended actions to mitigate those risks.
• Any systemic issues, such as poorly maintained fire doors or inadequate staff training.

Avoid over-documentation by focusing on significant issues rather than minor details.

Choose the Right Template

The structure of your FRA report depends on your business’s needs:

• Simple Templates – Suitable for small, low-risk businesses.
• Comprehensive Reports – More detailed templates, like PAS 79, are ideal for complex or high-risk environments.

Ensure consistency by using the same template for all risk assessments in your business.

Final Thoughts

Conducting a fire risk assessment may seem daunting. Nevertheless, breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. By preparing thoroughly, collaborating with your team, and focusing on prevention and protection, you can create a safer environment for your staff, customers, and visitors.

For more guidance on fire safety, explore additional resources and consider consulting professionals when necessary. Remember, fire safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about saving lives.