Do I need a fire risk assessment?
The short answer is Yes – but there are a few things you need to know or might want to consider.
All Commercial Premises require a Fire Risk Assessment, (FRA).
Blocks of Flats, (common parts only), and Houses in Multiple Occupation are also required to have a FRA.
In fact, with a few exceptions, the only premises that do not require a fire risk assessment are single private domestic dwellings. So if you employ persons to work, (paid or unpaid), are open to the public, provide functions or entertainment, provide care or accomodation, are an educational premises, a shop, office, factory, warehouse, hotel, pub, club, village hall, bed and breakfast – in fact almost anything – you are legally required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment. The requirement also applies to any premises licensed under enactment.
Although you are still required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment, if less than 5 persons are employed (in total) then you do not need to record your FRA in writing. In practice – what this means is that for very small premises it may be reasonable to carry out a simple fire risk assessment without requiring specialist knowledge. If this sounds like your premises feel free to get in touch.
Assuming that you do need a professional Fire Risk Assessment, I use the recommended methodology outlined in PAS 79:2012, which is recognised by Fire Brigades and The National Fire Chiefs Council as a benchmark standard.
What does a Fire Risk Assessment involve?
The Fire Risk Assessment looks at your premises and the structural fire precautions provided, identifies possible ignition sources and fire hazards, evaluates the control measures and assesses the risk to persons in the event of fire. It is not only an inspection of the building but will also look at your management procedures, testing regimes, training provided and your emergency plan.
The judgements and recommendations made as part of the risk assessment will be based on the standards outlined in the relevant CLG Fire Safety Guides or other guidance where appropriate. Where your premises deviate significantly from accepted guidance this will be noted, explained and the risk assessed – this may then result in a recommendation in the Action Plan.
My risk assessments are written in plain language that will explain clearly any issues you need to address and all contain a short summary that immediately highlights any key issues and outcomes.
Reports are usually provided in PDF format by email. A printed copy can be provided on request with a small surcharge to cover printing and postage costs.
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
Prices start at around £175 for a simple premises such as a Small Shop, Office or similar sized low risk property.
Medium sized premises such as Small Hotels and B & B’s, House in Multiple Occupation, Smaller Industrial Premises, Medium Sized Offices, Smaller Care Homes, Small Primary Schools, etc. would typically range between £200 to £400.
More complex or higher risk premises such as Medium to Larger Hotels, Medium to Larger Care Homes, Factories, Hall of Residence, Medium to Larger Schools, Larger Licensed Premises and Clubs, etc. will vary according to size and complexity but typically £350 upwards.
Travel expenses are considered as part of the price for local work but will be added for work further afield.
Discounts can be discussed where it is possible to combine inspections – e.g. where 2 or more small properties can be inspected on the same day, as may happen where persons own smaller properties in the same town.
Almack Fire Safety 