FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

DO YOU COMPLY WITH NEW LEGISLATION?

From the 1st October 2006 the new Fire Risk Assessment comes into force.  Have you completed your Fire Risk Assessment? If you are:

1. Responsible for business premises
2. An employer or self-employed with business premises
3. A charity or voluntary organisation
4. A contractor with a degree of control over any premises

We understand that non-compliance to the current law may lead to prosecution, up to a £10,000 fine and may lead to imprisonment according to a notice we received this week.   

Please check to ensure that you are not vulnerable – Deputy Prime Minister’s website www.communities.gov.uk/fire.  Some businesses may be able to write their own assessment but there are a number of consultants and advisers who will guide you through the process and it may be easier to access simple instructions from their sites  than the DPM’s site, (finding basic instructions on the DPM’s site takes time and commitment) .

One organisation lists the main points that must be dealt with in the assessment:

1. Identify fire hazards
2. Identify the people at risk – staff, contractors and visitors
3. Evaluate – measures to prevent fire and protect people (and property) from danger of fire
4. Record – findings, emergency plan and training (to prove that you have completed the task). Take a copy of information off site
5. Review – check that the situation has not changed and keep new staff informed