SERVICES
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Fire Risk Assessment
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
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A fire risk assessment is a process involving the systematic evaluation of the factors that determine the hazard from fire, the likelihood that there will be a fire and the consequences if one were to occur.
A fire risk assessment is required to satisfy the relevant legislation with the objective being the safety of the occupants of the building. Some of the recommendations may be beneficial to property protection too.
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Is it required by Law?
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Yes. There are few exceptions.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is necessary in virtually all buildings in England and Wales, other than domestic dwellings.
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What skills are required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?
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The person carrying out the fire risk assessment should be competent to do so.
A competent person may be regarded as a person with sufficient training and experience, knowledge or other qualities, to enable him or her to carry out a defined task properly.
Our consultants and technicians hold various fire safety accreditations and qualifications and memberships with industry bodies such as the IFE, FDIS, IFSM and BAFE.
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What is involved?
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A fire risk assessment involves a physical inspection of the building to determine the adequacy of the existing fire precautions and the need for any additional measures.
However, of equal importance to the physical inspection is a review of fire safety management in the organisation and consideration of the human factors – how people will respond to an emergency and whether they will take appropriate action.
There are practical limits to the extent of the survey and evaluation of the fire precautions. In undertaking a fire risk assessment, we would not carry out detailed engineering evaluation or testing of fire protection systems, emergency escape lighting, etc. but we would inspect such systems visually.
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The scope of the fire risk assessment would include:
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Fire loss experience
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Fire hazards
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Fire prevention
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Storage and handling of flammable liquids and gases
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Means of escape
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Flammability of linings
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Emergency escape lighting
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Fire safety signs and notices
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Fire detection and fire alarm systems
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Fire extinguishing systems and appliances
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Smoke control systems
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Facilities for use by the fire and rescue service
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Arrangements for management of fire safety
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Fire procedures
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Training and drills
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Testing and maintenance
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Records
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Dry + Wet Risers
Testing & Maintenance
All buildings which have fire risers must comply with the new British Standard BS9990:2015, should be visually inspected every six months and static pressure tested annually.
This pressure test should only be carried out using water, The responsibility of ensuring that this test is completed belongs to either the owner of the premises, the Manager or Management Company.
If you do not comply with these regulations severe penalties may be incurred. It is the responsibility of the property owners or the Managing Agents to comply with these standards.
Failure to adhere to the rules and regulations could result in prosecution and may also invalidate your insurance if a fire situation were to occur and the system fails due to a lack of regular maintenance.
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Why Should I Use Dry Riser Specialists To Carry Out Dry/Wet Riser Testing And Maintenance?
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Fire equipment maintenance must be carried out by Competent Persons as required by relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice (Fire Safety Order (RRFSO)) and guidelines as prescribed by the manufacturers.
The RRFSO states in Part 2, Fire Safety Duties – Section 17 (Maintenance):
(1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons the responsible person must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises under this Order or, subject to paragraph (6), under any other enactment, including any enactment repealed or revoked by this Order, are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
In the event of an incident, fire investigators will ask to see a Certificate of Conformity, which should only be issued if the required standards have been adhered to.
Shield Fire Consultancy Ltd ensures all works are completed in accordance with BS9990:2015 – the industry recognised British Standard.
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