Frequently Asked Questions

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Absolutely! If you are a responsible person for any building that is not a single private dwelling, you are legally required to conduct a fire risk assessment. This requirement applies to workplaces, shared housing, and communal areas within multi-occupied residential buildings. A fire risk assessment is essential for identifying potential fire hazards, understanding who may be at risk, and determining the necessary precautions to ensure safety. 

 1. Legal Requirement:
   Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises must have a comprehensive fire risk assessment.

2. Prioritising Safety:
   By conducting an assessment, you can comprehend the fire hazards present on your premises and implement measures to prevent fires, minimise their impact, and protect lives.

3. Identifying Hazards:
   A fire risk assessment helps identify potential sources of ignition and materials that could contribute to a fire hazard.

4. Assessing Who’s at Risk:
   The assessment evaluates individuals who might be in danger during a fire, including employees, visitors, contractors, and those who may be more vulnerable.

5. Evaluating Risks:
   It scrutinizes existing fire safety precautions to determine their adequacy in protecting against potential fire risks.

6. Taking Necessary Actions:
   The assessment outlines actions required to reduce or eliminate identified risks, such as installing fire alarms, improving exit routes, and ensuring the proper maintenance of fire safety equipment.

7. Regular Reviews:
   Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly—typically once a year or whenever significant changes occur on the premises or in fire safety measures.

8. Maintaining a Written Record:
   Businesses with five or more employees are required to keep a written record of the fire risk assessment and its findings. 

 The "Responsible Person" is commonly the owner, employer, or occupier of the premises. This individual is legally obligated to ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out and that appropriate fire safety measures are implemented.

For more details about fire risk assessments and to ensure your compliance, click the Drop Us a Line link on our Audit Fire UK Ltd’s website.