What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is an evaluation process of identifying risks in a building so that such risks can be assessed and a proper recommendation is made in order to make that building safe. If you are a business owner you are legally required to have done a fire risk assessment for your facility. This especially important for business owners who have more than five employees. It is also important to note that fire risk assessment is not only necessary for business promises but also for residential properties as well. Any person who owns or controls a particular company or property should ensure they do a fire risk assessment so that they can comply with the set guidelines and law.
Fire Risk Assessments Near Me
You are probably asking yourself who does a fire risk assessment, well, a fire risk assessment does not require any formal qualification in order for someone to carry it out. But you cannot do it yourself. This is because such assessment requires a person who is knowledgeable and experienced in the work involved. If you are a business owner and there is a person in your company who is experienced in this field can do it for you. But since it is very rare to get one, it is highly advisable to contract out a risk assessments expert or to fire and security companies who specialize in this area. The advantage with these companies is that they can cover a wide range of fire assessments for example some can offer you security systems planning and help you out in installing and maintenance of your fire security systems.
Who is Responsible for Ensuring Fire Risk Assessment is Conducted?
It is important to note that it is a requirement by the law that every block of a building is assessed, but the question is who is responsible for the safety of the building? If you are a business person, it is your responsibility to ensure that you acquire valid assessment documents for your company. You can nominate someone in your company to follow up on the fire risk assessment tasks. For example, an administrative assistant or secretary can be nominated to ensure fire risks are done and renewed on time.
For commercial properties owners for example those who own flats are responsible people unless such a landlord has hired a managing agent they are responsible people as far as fire assessment is concerned. Therefore go to a fire risk assessment near you to get a quote as early as possible to avoid going on the wrong side of the law.
Is There A Penalty for Failing to Have a Fire Risk Assessment?
We have already seen that fire risk assessment is a law. If you are a landlord, a business owner, or a managing agent managing a particular property, it is important to know that there is a penalty if you do not possess a proper fire safety precaution. There are consequences for negligence that can get you fined hugely, imprisoned, or even both.