By Fire safety legislation is designed to protect lives and it is a legal requirement for businesses of any size to have an up-to-date fire risk assessment (FRA) for the premises that they occupy. Those who fail to comply could face substantial fines, or in the worst case scenario, even manslaughter charges.
In some cases, it is possible for a Responsible Person to conduct their own fire risk assessment; however, for larger premises or those with complex operations, it is usually best to seek the expertise of an expert fire risk assessment company. These companies can carry out a full inspection of a workplace and provide the information and priority recommendations needed to document a plan in line with regulations.
Identifying all existing fire hazards is the first step in a comprehensive fire safety inspection. These include potential sources of fuel, ignition, and fire route obstructions. Once these have been identified, the next step is to evaluate and mitigate those hazards in order to reduce the risks associated with fire.
The final stage is to record the findings and initiate employee training, if required. A full fire safety audit is a vital component of any organisation’s health and safety system, which should be undertaken on a regular basis to ensure that the fire risk reduction measures are still effective.
When choosing an expert fire risk assessment company, it is important to choose one that complies with all relevant regulations and has extensive experience of working on industrial facilities, such as warehouses, factories, and hospitals. These companies should also be accredited and have a high level of knowledge of fire safety, including quantitative risk assessments, hazard evaluations, and modelling.
It is also important that the fire safety assessment company you hire provides a cost-effective service and will be available at short notice to carry out the inspections as and when required. The company you choose should also be able to work around your business operations to avoid any disruptions and allow for efficient fire safety management.
Lastly, it is advisable to choose a fire safety assessment company that can provide additional services, such as fire alarm maintenance and installation. This will help to minimise any downtime in the event of an emergency, and will also reduce any potential risks that may be unidentified during the inspection process.
Tenos are a leading specialist provider of fire safety consultancy services, including fire risk assessments and fire alarm installation. We can assist Responsible Persons to fulfil their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, the Fire (Scotland) Regulations 2006 in Scotland, and the Fire Safety Regulations 2010 in Northern Ireland. We have a team of experienced fire engineers who are able to assess all types of premises, providing timely and comprehensive reports. To find out more about how we can support you in meeting your responsibilities, please get in touch. A member of our fire safety team will be happy to talk through your requirements in detail.
