Steve covers Colchester and North Essex, from town-centre shops and pubs to shared houses near the University of Essex.
Fire risk assessments in Colchester
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business owner needs a fire risk assessment, whatever the size of the business. It must be suitable and sufficient, recorded in full since October 2023, and cover everyone who uses the premises, not just staff.
Steve Milligan spent 26 years with the fire service, retiring as a Watch Manager in 2021, and is now an NFRAR Advanced Level fire risk assessor. He visits your premises himself, writes the report himself and answers your questions afterwards.
Premises Steve assesses in Colchester
- Shops, pubs and restaurants in the town centre
- Offices including buildings shared by several businesses
- HMOs and shared houses near the University of Essex and the town centre
- Blocks of flats where shared escape routes and fire doors need checking
- Care homes where evacuation plans need to match the residents
- Industrial and trade units with machinery, storage and charging points
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reports that 122 of 385 commercial fires in Essex in 2022, about a third, started with an electrical appliance or supply. Steve’s assessment looks at electrical safety records, overloaded sockets and charging areas.
Who enforces fire safety in Colchester
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Fire Safety Order in Colchester. Its business safety pages say every business needs an assessment and that electrical fire safety should be part of it.
Colchester City Council enforces housing standards and HMO licensing.
What you get
- A visit by Steve and an electronic written report with an overall risk level
- An action plan graded High, Medium and Low, plus a For Information section of advisory points
- The full findings and the assessor’s details recorded, as the law requires
- Free follow-up advice by phone or email while you work through the actions
Fire risk assessments start at £250, with a fixed quote before you book and nothing to pay until your report is ready. See all services and prices, or read what affects the price.
Training for teams in Colchester
Fire warden training runs at your premises for up to 12 people for £400, with a certificate valid for 3 years. Fire safety awareness training raises your staff’s awareness of how fires start, how to prevent them and what to do if one breaks out, from £120.
Questions from Colchester
What causes most business fires in Essex?
Electrical faults are a big one: about a third of commercial fires in Essex in 2022, according to the fire service. Keep electrical installation and appliance test records ready for the assessment.
Do landlords of shared houses need an assessment?
Yes. The Fire Safety Order covers the shared parts of an HMO. See fire safety in flats and HMOs.
How soon can you visit?
Most visits are booked 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Send the address and type of premises for a fixed quote and dates.
Related reading: How much does a fire risk assessment cost? and Fire safety in flats and HMOs: what landlords must do.
Book a fire risk assessment in Colchester
Fixed quote, a written report with a graded action plan, and free follow-up advice.