65-70% of businesses are not aware of their obligation to have a risk assessment in place. Fire Risk Assessments apply to all businesses and should be documented if more than 5 people are employed. Due to the amount of domestic fires in recent years, the fire service is now concentrating less on fires within the workplace and focusing on preventing those within the home, putting the onus on the person responsible fore fire safety within the workplace.
As part of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, the designated responsible person must take general fire precautions, in regard to the safety of their employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone other persons who may be on site.
The 'Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2006' state that a risk assessment is required by all business premises where in excess of 5 people are employed. The Regulations identify the following areas of responsibility for businesses:
• Identify and assess the source of risk and those who may be at affected
• Prepare a scheme to eliminate and control the list
• Provide and maintain fire precautions
• Appoint a person to be managerially responsible
• Provide information, instruction and training to all employees
• Compile records
By observing the requirements of the Regulations, employers are minimising the risks to both their businesses and their staff whilst fulfilling their legal obligations.
It is also useful, following the risk assessment, to keep a logbook in which to record essential information, such as evacuation procedures, tests on fire fighting equipment, details of training sessions and results of fire drills. |
