Sam Crudgington

As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring appropriate fire safety standards are met in the workplace. You need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and put necessary fire safety measures in place to reduce any hazards identified in/around the building. Do you know what needs to be included in your FRA? What needs to be looked at? What should you be considering?

Fire Detection

  • Is there an appropriate fire detection and alarm system installed?
  • Are there adequate numbers of alarms per floor of the building?
  • Do you carry out regular tests to ensure they are all working?
  • Are fire alarm systems frequently inspected/maintained?

Fire Safety Equipment

  • Are the appropriate fire extinguishers for your workplace installed in relevant areas?
  • Are staff trained on how to use fire safety equipment?
  • Do you have emergency lighting installed?
  • Are fire doors kept closed at all times? Are they free from obstruction?
  • Do you have evacuation plans that are clearly posted for all employees and visitors to see?

Fire Drills

  • Are regular fire drills scheduled to test the smoke alarms and your fire safety plan?
  • Are all staff aware of these drills?
  • Have you nominated fire safety wardens for these drills?
  • Do you have a register to ensure all staff and visitors are identified as safely out of the building?

Electricals

  • Is your electrical system regularly maintained?
  • Have items been PAT tested?
  • Are there restrictions in place on the number of appliances plugged into one socket?

Storage

  • Are combustible materials stored off-site? Can they be disposed of accordingly?
  • Have you provided appropriate storage for flammable liquids?

Kitchen

  • If your workplace uses kitchens, is there a ventilation system?
  • Are temperature controls installed for cooking equipment?
  • If in an office, are the appropriate steps taken to ensure proper and safe use of cooking facilities is followed?

People

  • Are evacuation routes provided to ensure everyone can exit the building safely. Does this include disabled access?
  • Who is at greater risk? 
  • Who needs extra assistance in exiting the building?
  • Have you informed all staff or the evacuation procedures? Do they know where the fire assembly point is located?
  • Have you provided fire safety training to nominated responsible employees? Designated a Fire Marshall?

Fire Risk Assessments with Total Safe UKRisk management Total Safe UK Essex fire safety services

With all these questions to think of, and more, the responsibility of performing a Fire Risk Assessment can be daunting! It is such a huge responsibility to ensure people’s safety. This is where Total Safe  can help as we can take this pressure off you and conduct your assessment meticulously and ensuring the safety of all those involved.