Fire

The length of time that it may take to carry out a fire risk assessment can vary greatly as there are many factors to take into consideration. Size of the property, complexity of the building, building usage, access restrictions, construction, type of assessment (see Fire Risk Assessment Types), etc. However, most assessment visits are completed in a day. Writing the report may also take time based on the above factors; however, we do like to have them sent within 10 working days.

The current legislation regarding fire safety in workplaces applies to any person who has control over a workplace or building. You need ensure that your tenants are made aware of the legislation and work with them to ensure full compliance.

First published in 2005 and revised in 2007, PAS 79 sets out a methodology for undertaking a fire risk assessment. It is a Publicly Available Specification. Although not a British Standard, it has been developed and published by the British Standards Institution, BSI.

Fast R Solutions complete their fire risk assessments based on the templates and process based on PAS79. This allows clients to gain an understanding of what is required by the standard, what we as Assessors are looking for and how information is presented.

The original Fire Risk Assessment should be reviewed at regular intervals, at least annually, to ensure it remains “suitable and sufficient” in relation to the property. If there are any material changes to the property then the assessment must be reviewed.

It is also a good idea to have the fire risk assessment reviewed by a competent person should it be deemed not to be “suitable and sufficient” or should a fire or other fire safety incident occur.

The FRA should identify and assess:

• The relevant people at risk (Residents, Staff, Contractors and others)
• Fire hazards (Waste materials and other sources of fuel, ignition sources such as electrical systems and other sources of heat, flammable gases and liquids)
• Life safety systems (detection systems, fire suppression systems, extraction systems, etc.)
• Fire safety management (maintenance regimes, training, etc.)

The assessment must include any significant findings and any recommendations for improvement.

To provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in the premises, and where appropriate, to make recommendations to reduce those risks to life.

A fire risk assessment does not provide protection from a fire, but acting on the recommendations can help reduce the chances of a fire occurring and should a fire occur reduce the impact on relevant persons

According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) the competent person is someone who has ‘sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities in order to complete the FRA’. These other qualities should include integrity and an ethical approach to their role.

As a minimum, the person should have undergone a fire risk assessment course, appropriate to the assessments they are completing, and belong to a professional body focused on fire safety.

Fast R Solutions are members of the Fire Protection Association and assessors belong to the Institute of Fire Engineers

The responsible person is identified under article 3 of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) as:

• In relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control;
• The person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not); or
• The owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have control in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking.

If you have as suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment already in place there may be no need to have another one done.However, there is a growing trend by professional bodies that want a fire risk assessment dated within the last 12-24 months particularly when selling a property.

But did you know that your fire risk assessment needs to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it is still “suitable & sufficient”? This should be done at least annually, when there are changes to the property or if it is thought to be no longer valid.

There are many reasons why your risk assessment should be reviewed from legal and environmental changes to changes of use or users of the building. If you need help to review your risk assessment then contact us, and one of our highly qualified fire risk assessors will be able to help.

FastR Solutions are a Fire Risk Assessment provider who concentrate on providing a Fire Risk Assessment service. We do not actively sell fire safety equipment nor do service fire alarms etc.
So when you engage us to to do your Fire Risk Assessment you can be sure any recommendations are based on what you need, not what we can sell you.

A Fire Risk Assessment should offer you peace of mind, knowing that you have fulfilled your responsibilities and received the right level of service from your fire risk assessor. That is why you need to choose your fire risk assessment company with care.

With our expertise and realistic approach we will furnish you with a “suitable and sufficient” comprehensive fire risk assessment based on the PAS79 standards for life safety; which is easy to understand and free of unnecessary clutter or jargon. So you comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 whilst being clear and concise.

Although we love working for our clients in the West Midlands, we travel up and down the country daily completing fire risk assessments. Our dedicated Fire Risk Assessors carryout in excess of 300 Fire Risk Assessments per annum in London alone.

It is essential to choose the right fire risk assessor as getting it wrong can be costly. FastR Solutions highly qualified and experienced assessors have been providing fire risk assessments since 2005 when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force.

Our expertise and realistic approach will furnish you with a “suitable and sufficient” comprehensive fire risk assessment; which is easy to understand and free of unnecessary clutter or jargon.

Our Fire risk assessments utilise the PAS 79 standard for Life Safety; they are written to help you comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Specialising in the Block Management industry providing Fire Risk Assessments and advice to some of the countries most well know management companies and developers we are the singular best choice for any property manager who wants an expert service from specialists in Fire Risk Assessment.

Our expertise covers but is not restricted to:

• Residential Blocks
• Retirement Schemes
• Converted Houses
• Mixed Use Schemes
• Offices