Fire Risk Assessment & the FSO - By: Charles Nemco

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 different pieces of fire safety law. The FSO (as it is referred to) applies to all non domestic premises as well as communal areas of blocks of flats and houses with multiple tenants (HMOs – houses in multiple occupation). The FSO abolished the old fire certificates, issued by Fire & Rescue, and placed more emphasis on the ‘Responsible Person’ to actively seek to reduce the risk from fire in their premises.

The FSO applies to you if you are;

Responsible for business premises

An employer or self-employed with business premises

Responsible for part of a dwelling used solely for business use

A charity or voluntary organisation

A contractor with a degree of control over a premises

Providing accommodation to paying guests

The FSO is generally enforced by the Fire & Rescue Authorities who are tasked with auditing business premises in their locality to ensure compliance but also provide advice and guidance where appropriate. Indeed, if having completed your risk assessment in-house and you feel that more advice is required the local Fire and Rescue Authority may well be able to help. So if you get audited, what will they be looking for?

The most fundamental requirements for any premises that fall under the FSO are those of risk assessment, management and control. This is usually described as a 5 stage process;

1.Identify Hazards

2.Consider those at risk

3.Evaluate and act

4.Record, plan and train

5.Review

For simpler buildings this is a process that can be undertaken by site personnel (suggested forms are available for download at http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire) for larger more complex buildings the services of an external consultant may well be required.

It is for the responsible person to decide whether or not they, or a member of their staff, are qualified to complete the assessment, remembering that competence is defined as a person who ‘has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities’ and this is subject to change dependent on the premises in question.

Record keeping is a legal requirement under the HSAW if you employ 5 or more people but it is a good idea to keep records regardless. A number of recent cases have highlighted that ‘a lack of information’ has contributed to an Enforcement Notice being issued. It is therefore crucial that up to date records are available; from risk assessment to fire drills to training and servicing records. This not only demonstrates compliance but also a commitment to Health & Safety.

For more information about fire risk assessment or risk management in general, please visit our website at http://www.nemco-utilities.co.uk or call on 01284 724 503.

About the Author

Charles is working in the industry of risk assessment and management for over a decade and during this period he has amassed vast expertise in this area. He has penned many articles on-line to spread awareness amongst his readers on proper risk assessment.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Charles-----Nemco/148386

Additional Articles From - Home | Business | Risk management