There are so many myths surrounding Fire Risk Assessments. Here are just a few…

Myth: Fire Risk Assessments are only a recommendation; therefore, I don’t really need one.

The Fire Safety Order 2005 places a duty on the ‘responsible’ person. Assessing potential fire risks that people could be exposed to and identifying precautions that need to be in place to help prevent them is the duty of this person. Failure to carry out an FRA is a criminal offence. Where the assessment identifies the need for improvements, failure to implement those improvements is also a criminal offence. It is always advisable to write down the risk assessment and the various control measures.  The risk assessment MUST be recorded (written down) if there are 5 or more people employed by a business.

Myth: I have an FRA therefore I cannot be prosecuted. Fire Risk Assessments Toal Safe UK Essex and south East

An FRA does not make you fully compliant alone.

Myth: I have paper records, surely this will suffice.

Business owners need to provide evidence that all  fire checks are being carried out and that they have a robust process in place. Paper records can provide evidence that procedures are in place, but they can be bulky to keep and can easily get lost. If your organisation were to have a fire, you will need to have these documents stored safely away from the premises.

Myth: You need to have established qualifications to be competent.

Competence is legally defined as having adequate experience and knowledge of your workplace and not necessarily fire safety. There are various sources which can help you obtain knowledge of this.

Fire Risk Assessment Total Safe UK fire safety servicesFire Risk Assessments with Total Safe

Total Safe UK can provide your company with a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment throughout Essex. Our passion is fire safety but, most importantly, we want to keep you safe. Our team are able to advise you on any changes you may need to make. Such changes are really important because they will ensure people’s safety and the necessarily equipment is available should a fire occur for any reason.

Contact our team on 01375 265950 today to arrange your Fire Risk Assessment or if you have any questions.