With the introduction of The Fire Reform Order 2006, much of the existing UK fire safety legislation was consolidated and new emphasis was placed on preventing fires and reducing risk. Fire certificates are no longer issued by the local Fire Authority and employers are required to ensure they have an up to date fire risk assessment (UK) for their site. The fire risk assessment (UK) process should cover the following key areas: 1. Identifying fire hazards - including ignition, fuel and oxygen sources 2. Identifying people at risk in and around the premises †including vulnerable people 3. Evaluating the risk of a fire starting 4. Removing or reducing fire hazards and risks to people from a fire 5. Protecting people by providing fire precautions 6. Recording any major findings and action taken 7. Planning †including the production of an emergency plan 8. Informing, instructing and training relevant personnel 9. Reviewing the fire risk-assessment (uk) regularly - making changes where necessary 1. Identify the hazards The first step of a fire risk-assessment (UK) is to identify the hazards. These include: †Ignition Sources e.g. naked flames, heaters, faulty electrics and cookers. †Fuels Sources e.g. waste paper and cardboard, textiles or other flammable products †Oxygen Sources e.g. air flows or oxygen supplies which might intensify a fire 2. Identify people at risk People at increased risk may include: †People who work close to known fire hazards †People who work in isolated areas †Children or parents with babies †Elderly people †Disabled people 3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risk Wherever possible, fire hazards should be removed, for example, by removing waste. Any hazards that cannot be removed should be reduced as far as possible, for example by replacing highly flammable materials with less flammable ones and removing these from any potential ignition sources. Any risk that cannot be removed or reduced may result in the provision of fire safety measures to provide protection. 4. Implement Fire Precautions Where risks exist (as identified by the fire risk-assessment UK), it must be ensured that a fire will be detected quickly and a warning given so that people can escape promptly and safely. The means of detection may vary depending on the nature of the business and may even vary in different areas of the site, for example heat detectors would not be appropriate in rooms that contain industrial furnaces †a smoke detector may be a better solution. It may be necessary to provide portable fire extinguishers to allow trained personnel to tackle a small fire in its early stages. Depending on the type of business and the outcome of The Fire Risk Assessment (UK), you may need other specialised fire-fighting equipment. 5. Provide a Means of escape The arrangements to evacuate the premises form an important part of your emergency plan. In general, these should include: †Keeping the escape route is as short as possible. †Considering how many people are going to need to use the escape route. †Considering the impact if one of the escape routes has been blocked. †Ensuring there is a clear passageway to all escape routes - free of any obstructions †Making arrangements for the evacuation of vulnerable persons. †Informing and training all employees in how to escape the building. †Installing an emergency lighting system. †Identifying all escape routes with appropriate signs. Reviewing the Fire Risk Assessment (UK) The fire risk assessment UK should be kept up to date and reviewed regularly and each time there are changes to the premises or business that affect fire safety. Personnel should receive regular training and instruction and visitors must be informed of the fire procedures on site. By completing a fire risk assessment and maintaining fire precautions, the risks from fire can be significantly reduced. For more information or to arrange a Fire Risk Assessment (UK) please visit our website: www.nemco-utilities.co.uk
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