Why You Should Have an FRA

In March 2023, a government report for fire prevention and statistics stated that there were 18,448 unsatisfactory fire safety audits. This resulted in 16,879 informal and 2541 formal notices being issued out to businesses and premises – which is why you should have an FRA.

This could have been avoided.

A thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) could help a business to prevent prosecution by ensuring that the fire safety standards within a building are up to date, effective and correct. A fire risk assessment is not only a legal requirement but a key part in preventing and responding to fires. Although it can be easy to forget to have a Fire Risk Assessment carried out, doing so can leave your business at risk. It is better to book an annual FRA with a reputable company like Total Safe, for your peace of mind and to identify any risks or problems before they occur. Our engineers use their expert knowledge when they carry out a Fire Risk Assessment to ensure that your business and employees are safe.

So, you’ve got a Fire Risk Assessment? What next?

An FRA must be carried out every year but there are a few things to bear in mind throughout the year. An FRA may need to be carried out before the year is over is there are major changes within your business or if something has occurred to invalid the FRA, such as a fire.

Changes within a company such as hiring new staff, redecorating or rearranging offices, amongst other things, could also invalidate your FRA. A new risk asses

sment should be carried out to allow for new hazards to be identified and equipment or safety measures to be placed as needed. New staff also means more training could be necessary and every staff member should be aware of the fire emergency procedures and what to do, always.

Even with the best fire prevention and protection procedures in place, accidents do happen, and a fire can occur. If a good FRA has been carried out and all the safety measures recommended have been implemented, the damage should be minimal, but a new FRA is still required to be carried out to revaluate the premises. This will also include checking any equipment that may have been used or damaged such as fire extinguishers to allow for replacements to be issued. Having another FRA after a fire can also help to ident

ify potential unseen risks that were not originally included in the plan, allowing for the plan to be even more effective in future, although if a reputable engineer has carried out the assessment, there should be little to no issues with the original FRA.

In addition to an FRA, it is important to have PAT testing, Alarm testing etc carried out though the year to ensure that all fire safety measures are effective, up to date and ready to help in the event of a fire emergency.

Remember, a thorough and effective FRA can not only save a business – it can also save lives.

For more information on Why You Should Have an FRA contact Total Safe UK.