It may come as a surprise to many business owners but a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises.
Ignition Sources and Fuel Loads
The first stage of assessing fire risks at a property is to identify potential sources of fire and the fuel that they may come into contact with. Electrical equipment, heat sources, paper, fabrics and other flammable materials all have the potential to cause fires. The assessor will look at all of the potential sources of fires at your property and consider the fuel that they may come into contact with and whether it has been stored safely to prevent a fire occurring.
Means of Escape and Exit Signage
Obstacles to means of escape such as stored stock against walls, fire doors that are stuck closed, corridors down which smoke may be pouring. Are final exit doors to be opened from the inside and to open outward? Are signs pointing to exits adequate? Are there sufficient emergency lights and are they in good working order?
Fire Detection and Alarm Provision
The fire detection and alarm systems within the building will be checked to ensure that they are suitable for the size and layout of the premises and that they are audible throughout.
Firefighting Equipment
A range of fire extinguishers are available, all suitable for particular types of fire. Typically, a clean agent, such as CO2, is recommended for use with electrical equipment, whereas a foam or water extinguisher would be more suitable for fires that are involving paper or wood. The fire risk assessment will check whether suitable fire extinguishers are fitted and whether they are correctly mounted and are easily accessible. The type of fire extinguisher and its appropriate use will be indicated on the label and the assessor will check the date when the last service was carried out on the fire extinguisher.
Fire Risk Assessment Milton Keynes is covered in more detail at https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/milton-keynes/.
Emergency Plan and Training Records
The final part of the fire risk assessment is to check for an adequate emergency plan. This should include the name of a responsible person and details of any fire safety training that has been given to staff. There is further government fire safety risk assessment guidance for offices and shops.
By completing a Fire Risk Assessment for your building to the five criteria outlined above, you will be fully prepared for any future inspections.