What is a fire risk assessment?

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A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The regulations were updated in October 2023 by Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022.

UK fire safety law requires all employers to carry out a fire risk assessment on their workplaces. Other types of premises also require a fire risk assessment.

In simple terms, a fire risk assessment is simply the process of evaluating potential hazards that may specifically lead to a fire. Hazards - in this context - extend to anything posing a threat to personal safety with the potential to ignite a fire.

Workplaces such as environments with machinery and concentrated personnel are particularly susceptible to fire risks. A systematic framework for fire risk assessment is essential to identify and mitigate potential fire risks before they escalate into emergencies.

If you know your business needs support to become fully fire safe, SMS Europe can help by providing fire safety training and carrying out fire risk assessments.

Related Legislation

What Is Fire Risk Identification?

The crux of effective fire safety lies in the identification and mitigation of potential fire hazards within the workplace. It’s all part of making sure that your business is taking the responsibility for managing fire risk seriously, as part of workplace health and safety.

We have put together some examples of what this could look like for your business. Below is just a short guide. If you need a fire risk assessment that’s entirely relevant to your business, get in touch so we can prepare a detailed risk assessment including a fire risk assessment.

What to Check for When Performing a Fire Risk Assessment

The next logical question after ‘what is a fire risk assessment?’ is ‘what is a fire risk?’ You’ll no doubt want to know what a full fire safety assessment would identify.

Here are some key examples illustrating how to identify fire safety risks:

Electrical Equipment Hazards:

Regularly inspect electrical equipment for signs of wear, overheating, or exposed wires. Faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, or overloaded circuits pose a significant fire risk.

Flammable Materials Storage:

Evaluate the storage of flammable substances, ensuring they are kept away from potential ignition sources. Inappropriately stored chemicals, gas cylinders, or combustible materials increase the risk of fire.

Emergency Exit Obstructions:

Schedule frequent checks of emergency exits to ensure they are unobstructed. Blocked exits can impede a swift evacuation during a fire. (This may seem obvious - but this is perhaps the most common risk factor.)

Inadequate Housekeeping:

Maintain a clutter-free workspace by making sure clutter, tools and paperwork are stored and well-organised. Accumulated debris, paper, or other combustible materials can contribute to the rapid spread of fire.

Faulty Fire Safety Systems:

Conduct regular inspections of fire safety systems, including alarms and sprinklers - if you have them installed. Malfunctioning or outdated fire suppression equipment increases the risk of a breakout fire.

Fire Safety Training:

Ensure that all employees receive fire safety training - including what the fire alarm sounds like and how to exit the building in the event of a fire. UK workplaces have a responsibility to reasonably protect their staff. When it comes to fire - this will include an evacuation plan and roll call of your workers to check everyone is accounted for. Lack of awareness and preparedness can lead to delayed responses in the event of a fire.

Kitchen Safety Measures:

In settings with kitchens, ensure proper maintenance of cooking equipment and ventilation systems. Grease buildup and faulty appliances pose heightened fire risks. Your local council will be able to advise on the safe disposal of grease (and when it is appropriate to use systems such as grease traps.)

Open Flame Awareness:

Monitor the use of open flames where relevant in the workplace. Unattended open flames or improperly discarded materials can easily ignite surrounding materials. Make sure your organisation has a definitive smoking and vaping policy in force.

Combustible Building Materials:

If you own the building - you will be responsible for the compliance of the building materials. Assess all materials used, ensuring they comply with fire safety standards in the UK. Using non-compliant, flammable materials in construction increases the risk of fire spread and poses a risk to your staff.

How to Record a Fire Risk Assessment

We would recommend using a digital format like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to document fire safety risks in the workplace. This means that as future risks are identified, it is easy to chart progress and maintain a standard.

However, it is important that once an assessment is performed by a named individual - that any information recorded cannot be retrospectively changed. We would therefore also recommend that the person performing the assessment dates the document and gets a wet signature on a hard copy from a line manager or responsible party.

How to Identify Fire Risks in the Workplace:

Informed decision-making regarding fire safety starts with a solid understanding of what constitutes a fire safety risk. Beyond the basics, the next crucial step is a meticulous fire risk assessment tailored to your specific space.

Here are some examples of how a business can identify potential fire safety risks:

Effective Communication: Establish an open channel of communication with employees, tapping into their valuable insights on potential fire risks.
Fire Safety Training: Ensure staff are well-versed and up-to-date on your fire safety awareness training, policies and evacuation plan.
Regular Fire Safety Inspections and Drills: Conduct routine fire safety inspections, particularly after any changes, such as the introduction of new staff or equipment.
Robust Fire Risk Assessment Procedure: Implement a comprehensive fire risk assessment procedure to identify and mitigate fire hazards effectively. This could be a regular survey or monthly meeting for department heads.

What are the Legal Responsibilities in the UK for Fire Safety?

In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 mandates that employers take all necessary precautions for the safety of their employees. Further, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (The Fire Safety Order) requires employers to ensure the fire safety of their employees. A comprehensive fire risk assessment is a pivotal tool to fulfil this legal obligation.

Fire Safety Legislation updates:

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 introduces new fire safety legislation, effective from 1st October 2023. This legislation enhances:

Cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons (RPs)
Requirements relating to the recording and sharing of fire safety information, creating an accurate fire safety record throughout a building’s lifespan.
The ability of enforcement authorities to take action against non-complying entities
The ability of residents to receive complete information about fire safety protocols in their building

For expert fire risk assessment reviews, SMS Europe’s specialist team is poised to audit your space.

Now that we have answered the basic question of ‘what is a fire risk assessment’, you may wish to further understand your responsibilities under fire safety law. Simply contact us to talk to one of our qualified and registered Fire Safety Consultants. We’ll be happy to assist however we can.

CALL US ON 0845 224 0028

EMAIL office@smseurope.co.uk