Fire risk assessments in Halesworth

SPM Fire Safety is based at Spexhall, just outside Halesworth, so the town and the villages around it are on Steve’s doorstep.

Fire risk assessments in Halesworth

If you run a business, let a property or look after a building in Halesworth, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 says the responsible person must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Since October 2023 it must be recorded in full, along with who carried it out.

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 Halesworth

• Shops, cafés and pubs on and around the Thoroughfare, often with flats or storage above
• Care homes and supported housing where some residents need help to get out
• Holiday lets, B&Bs and glamping sites in the villages between Halesworth and the coast
• Village and community halls run by volunteer committees and hired out to groups
• Workshops and small industrial units with machinery, dust or flammable materials

Older buildings in the town centre need particular care. Alterations over the years can open hidden routes for fire and smoke, and staircases and escape routes are often narrow.

Who enforces fire safety in Halesworth

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Fire Safety Order across the county and can issue enforcement, prohibition and alteration notices. Its fire protection pages point businesses to a fire risk assessment and suggest keeping a log book of safety checks.

For flats and houses in multiple occupation, East Suffolk Council also 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 Halesworth

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 Halesworth

How soon can you visit?

Most visits are booked 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Send the address and type of premises and Steve will reply with a fixed quote and dates.

Does a small shop need a written assessment?

Yes. Since 1 October 2023 every responsible person must record the full fire risk assessment, whatever the size of the business, and the name of the person who carried it out.

Can you assess a holiday let outside the town?

Yes. Self-catering holiday lets are covered by the Fire Safety Order. Read fire safety for holiday lets for what a typical small property needs.

Related reading: Fire safety for village halls and community buildings and How much does a fire risk assessment cost?