Fire Risk Assessment

What is a Fire Risk Assessment? Organised and methodical examination of your premises, the activities performed there, and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the site.Aim: To i.d. the hazards Reduce the risk of those hazards causing harm to as low a level as reasonably practicable To determine what physical fire precautions and management arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your building should a fire occur

5 Steps To Fire Risk Assessment 1: Identify Fire Hazards 2: Identify The People at risk 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks 4: Record, plan, instruct & inform, train 5: Review

Step 1: Identifying Fire Hazards Sources of ignition Sources of fuel Sources of oxygen Flammables: paints, thinners, varnishes Cooking oils, solvents, white spirits Packaging materials Plastic & rubber such as video tapes, polyurethane foam-filled furniture & polystyrene-based displays Textiles, soft furnishings, clothing Waste products, shredded products, dust Flammable gases such as LPG Windows Air conditioning systems Ventilation systems Oxygen cylinders

Step 2: Identifying people at risk People in & around the premises Pay particular attention to persons especially at risk, for example: Lone workers – cleaners, security staff Isolated areas – maintenance staff People unfamiliar with premises – visitors, customers People with disabilities, or with some reason to be unable to leave premises quickly – elderly, parents with children

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Evaluate the risk of a fire occurring Evaluate the risk to people from fire Remove/reduce fire hazards Remove/reduce the risks to people Preventative measuresProtective measures Detection & warning Firefighting Escape routes Emergency lighting Signs & notices Maintenance & testing

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Evaluate the risk of a fire occurringEvaluate the risk of a fire occurring Preventative measures AccidentAccident Act or omissionAct or omission DeliberateDeliberate

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Evaluate the risk to people from fireEvaluate the risk to people from fire Preventative measures Fire starting on lower floorsFire starting on lower floors Fire developing in escape routesFire developing in escape routes Fire/smoke spread walls/ceilings/shaftsFire/smoke spread walls/ceilings/shafts Fire/smoke spread poor f.s. measuresFire/smoke spread poor f.s. measures Fire/smoke spread poor housekeepingFire/smoke spread poor housekeeping

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Remove/reduce fire hazardsRemove/reduce fire hazards Preventative measures Remove or reduce ignition sourcesRemove or reduce ignition sources -naked flame heaters with convectors -no smoking policy -electrical/mechanical equipment -arson prevention

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Remove or reduce sources of fuelRemove or reduce sources of fuel -reduce stocks of flammables -ensure safe storage -remove or treat high risk surface areas -control of combustible waste Remove or reduce oxygen sourcesRemove or reduce oxygen sources

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Remove/reduce the risks to peopleRemove/reduce the risks to people Preventative measures Remove or reduce the risk by limiting the spread of fire & smokeRemove or reduce the risk by limiting the spread of fire & smoke Ensure adequate precautions are in place to warn people of fire & allow them to escape safelyEnsure adequate precautions are in place to warn people of fire & allow them to escape safely

Step 3: Evaluate, remove, reduce & protect from risks Protective measures Detection & warningDetection & warning FirefightingFirefighting Escape routesEscape routes Emergency lightingEmergency lighting Signs & noticesSigns & notices MaintenanceMaintenance

Step 4: Record, plan, instruct & inform, train Record significant findings Prepare an emergency plan Instruct & Inform relevant people, co-operate & co-ordinate with others Provide training

Step 5 : Review No longer validNo longer valid Significant changesSignificant changes New risks or processesNew risks or processes Near miss incidentsNear miss incidents AnnuallyAnnually

Summary 5 or more persons5 or more persons Licence in forceLicence in force Responsible personResponsible person In or around the premisesIn or around the premises Suitable and sufficientSuitable and sufficient Regularly reviewed & updatedRegularly reviewed & updated RRFSO GuidesRRFSO Guides

Further detailed guidance Guide No 1 – Offices & Shops, plus a further 10 listed below

Fire Risk Assessment Martin McConnell