Fire risk assessment is an essential component for every commercial property. Workers and employees in a commercial facility should prioritise their safety – this is the top priority of every commercial unit. Thus, according to safety regulations, every office and commercial property is required to conduct a fire risk assessment. This assessment can identify potential hazards, vulnerable areas, and obstacles that could contribute to the spread of fire throughout the property.
To get a fire risk assessment in Birmingham, contact professional fire safety consultants. They will conduct a thorough inspection of the whole property and produce clear, actionable risk assessment reports.
What is fire risk assessment?
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that the building remains free from all types of fire risks. During the assessments, the consultants will conduct a thorough survey of the premises and assess the potential hazards that can lead to a fire breakout and spread. They will check:
- Floor plan and exit plan
- Presence of flammable materials in the property
- Obstacles that block the escape route
- Potential problems that can cause a fire breakout
Who is responsible for fire risk assessment?
The entrepreneur or the management of a commercial unit is generally responsible for conducting a risk assessment. Before 2005, according to UK safety regulations, a fire safety certificate for a property served as proof of compliance with safety standards. However, the situation has changed recently. The risk assessment process has become mandatory.
To declare a premise as a safe zone, you need to hire a qualified and certified consultant who will conduct an assessment and reach the conclusion accordingly.
What does a fire risk assessment plan involve?
This is a professional assessment undertaken by the consultants. The assessment includes:
- Identification of parties who are at risk if a fire occurs
- Identification of the potential issues that can cause fire
- Evaluation of the current escape plan and other circumstances
- Reduction of the risks to limit the spread of the fire
- Providing training and generating awareness about the risks of fire
- Ensuring that fire assessment is done regularly to update the required changes
- Checking the working process of the fire extinguisher and fire alarm
Once the assessment is complete, a thorough report is prepared, detailing the findings and providing the consultant with suggestions for improvement and a plan of action to ensure utmost safety.
What things are reviewed during the fire assessment process?
The consultant will inspect every nook and cranny of the building, paying particular attention to the following items within the building.
- Test the procedures and maintenance of the fire systems
- Test the nature of the housekeeping objects
- Check all the electrical lines, appliances and sockets
- Check the fire loss history of the building
- Analyse the smoking areas
- Check the workings of the alarms and sprinklers
- Assure that the fire evacuation drills and safety training are in place.
RELM Consultants Ltd is an independent consultancy specialising in Fire Safety issues. Unlike others, we do not sell fire safety equipment, ensuring impartiality and no conflict of interest. We aim to help clients meet fire safety regulations while keeping costs as manageable as possible. Contact us for a fire safety risk assessment in Birmingham.
