Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find a list of the most commonly asked questions. If your query is not here please contact me by either by email at steve@spmfiresafety.co.uk or by using the contact page and I will reply as soon as I can.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a methodical approach to fire safety.
It determines the risk against the likelihood of a fire starting, identifies those at risk, considers preventative measures and the consequences should a fire occur.
​They are only completed on functioning and occupied buildings.
​If the building is under refurbishment and/or unoccupied a written report can be completed on what would be expected in a finished and occupied premise. A fire risk assessment will still need to be done when occupied to satisfy the RRO 2005.
Do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, is a legal requirement and places a duty of care on the responsible person for a building that is not a ‘single private dwelling’.
Other than single private dwellings, places that do not require a FRA are:
An offshore installation within the meaning of regulation 3 of the Offshore Installation and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995;
A ship, in respect of the normal ship-board activities
(d) fields, woods or other land forming part of an agricultural or forestry undertaking
(e) an aircraft, locomotive or rolling stock, trailer or semi-trailer used as a means of transport
(f) a mine
(g) a borehole site.
A fire risk assessment is legally required in almost all other types of premises.​
Who is the "responsible person"?
You’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:
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an employer
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the owner
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the landlord
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an occupier
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anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent.
You’re known as the ‘responsible person’. If there’s more than one responsible person, you have to work together to meet your responsibilities.
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Can I do it myself?
​Yes, if you feel that you have the​ correct skill set to do so.
​If you do not feel confident or do not have the time or resources to complete a fire risk assessment then I offer the professional service you require.
​How often do I need to do a Fire Risk Assessment?
​An assessment is a flexible document and should be completed when there is either a change in the building use, shape or size, if there is a change in the number of persons employed within it or a fire occurs.
​I will advise on a review date within your written report, normally a year, from the previous visit.
Are there any benefits for my business?
Yes, it makes you compliant with the fire safety regulations. The process will assist in reducing the risk of a fire occurring and the damage it could cause, as well as making your workplace a safer place for all employees and visitors. It may also assist with business continuity planning.
Yes, it makes you compliant with the fire safety regulations. The process will assist in reducing the risk of a fire occurring and the damage it could cause, as well as making your workplace a safer place for all employees and visitors. It may also assist with business continuity planning.
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So what would our fire risk assessment consist of?
​A day and time that is mutually convenient for you will be arranged.
​A review of your premise will be completed to determine the risk of fire, an inspection of your existing fire precautions completed, ensuring they are adequate for your requirements and for the saving of life should a fire occur.
​This will include the fire management of the premise taking into account any human factors that may affect it.
​There is a limit to the inspection, it is non-invasive and only easily accessible areas would be inspected.
​I will not test fire protection or emergency lighting systems, although I will inspect them visually.
​It will not be a structural survey or detailed engineering evaluation or report of the building.
​The assessment will cover the following areas:
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Fire hazards.
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​Fire prevention.
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Storage and handling of flammable liquids and gases.
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Housekeeping.
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Means of escape.
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​Needs of vulnerable persons, e.g. the old and frail, young children and those with disabilities
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Emergency escape lighting.
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Fire safety signs and notices.
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Fire detection and fire alarm systems.
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Fire extinguishing systems and appliances.
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Smoke control systems.
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Facilities for use by the fire and rescue service.
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Arrangements for management of fire safety.
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Fire procedures and evacuation plans
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Training and drills.
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Testing and maintenance.
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​Records.
What happens after the visit by the inspector?
An electronic written report will be sent to you. This will satisfy the regulatory requirements and will provide a level of risk and an action plan of any recommendations made. Free post-assessment advice by telephone or email is also available, if required.
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When I have completed any recommendations am I fully compliant with the regulations?
​No, a risk assessment is only one part of the regulations and your fire safety duties. However, it will give a sound start to compliance.
What if I don't comply with regulations?
Fire authorities or the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners are the enforcing agents for fire safety regulations and they have a statutory duty to enforce compliance with them and may serve an improvement notice on you.
​This can result on summary conviction in a Magistrates Court, penalties of a fine of up to £5000 (for each offence).
​In the more serious cases an unlimited fine, or up to two years imprisonment, or both on conviction or indictment in a Crown Court.
Fines up to £400,000 and prison sentences have been issued.
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How quick can you visit my site?
My appointments are normally planned 3-4 weeks in advance, but there may be opportunity for me to visit sooner depending upon location, size of premises or a cancellation occurring. Please enquiry for a more detailed schedule.
How long does the site visit take for a Fire Risk Assessment or guidance?
This very much depends upon the premises itself. For small premises such as flats, HMOs or small business it will be in the region of 1-2 hours. For larger premises it may be 3-4 hours or more. I will send out some pre visit guidance on what information is required to hopefully reduce the time on site.
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How long does it take to receive my report?
An electronic report will normally be sent to you within 7 working days, but is normally quicker than that, this providing payment has been made when requested.
Do I have to pay a fee upfront?
For a Fire Risk Assessment or guidance no payment is required until the report is ready, which is when I will send the invoice over.
For a training session, 50% of the fee is required 5 days prior to the scheduled session to cover my costs.
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Do I need to be in attendance during the site visit?
If possible, yes, but not essential, especially for flats or HMOs. For business premises, it is recommended that there is someone who can show me round. This helps to ensure all areas are accessed, including locked or restricted areas uninterrupted. It also enables any questions to be answered and gives me the opportunity to explain and share my initial thought processes while on site, and possible compensatory solutions.
What if I don't know the answer to a question?
Not a problem, but it will become a recommendation within the report. Meaning the answer will need to be sought and confirmed.
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Are the recommendations graded?
Yes, the recommendations are graded as, High, Medium, Low and for information or consideration. This depends upon the risk to both life and building. Each grading has a definitive time frame for them be completed. The more serious the higher the grade, but it doesn't necessary follow that it will cost more to satisfy.
What if I don't complete the recommendation in the time frame or not at all?
The satisfying of the recommendations is down to the Responsible Person. I appreciate that getting things done may be a slow process due to tenders being sought, committees, residents, allocation of funds etc. If they are not completed, either in the allotted time frame or not at all, then, if an incident occurs and a person gets injured due to the recommendation not being satisfied, then it will be down to the Responsible Person to provide what steps were taken to mitigate the risk and for them to potentially satisfy a court of law as to what processes were implemented or that they were working towards completing the recommendation and reducing the risk. .