What buildings need fire risk assessments?
The threats posed by smoke and fire are incredibly serious, and a failure to adhere to safety regulations can cause preventable injuries and deaths. Business owners, property agents, facilities managers and landlords must be aware of their responsibilities, including fire risk assessment requirements.
Here’s some insight into what buildings need fire safety assessments.
What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 was issued to help those in control of building safety (including the appointed responsible persons) comply with their duties. It should be followed in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The guidance covers a range of areas, including developing strategies to prioritise building fire risk assessments and what needs to be checked, such as external walls and flat entrance doors.
What types of buildings require fire risk assessments?
Most buildings require regular fire risk assessments, whether it’s commercial offices, shops, care homes, hospitals, community buildings, churches, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs, schools, sports facilities, warehouses, factories, tents, marquees, hostels, hotels or shared residences.
The only types of properties excluded are private family homes and individual flats, although communal areas still need inspecting, including shared spaces within HMOs, blocks of flats and maisonettes. Even in residential buildings where there are two or more sets of domestic premises with shared common areas (either internally or externally), the fire safety order applies.
What does the fire safety order apply to?
The fire safety order applies to a building’s structure, external walls, common parts, windows, flat entrance doors, balconies, fire escape routes and exits, hazards (e.g., ignition sources), fire safety controls (including detection systems and firefighting equipment) and more.
The main aim of fire risk assessments is to identify fire hazards and those at risk, evaluate the dangers and any controls in place, reporting the findings in writing so that changes can be implemented where necessary.
How often are fire risk assessments needed?
While there are no specific time periods defined by law for how often fire risk surveys are required, the responsible person must review the checks regularly to ensure the report remains up to date. In our fire safety FAQs, we discuss how many clients like to book an annual assessment.
However, there can be other reasons to request a new fire safety assessment at your building or property. This includes after major building works, significant increases in building occupancy or a fire incident within shared spaces. It’s important to stay on top of any changes within your building so that fire risk plans can be updated accordingly.
Want to book an up-to-date fire safety assessment at your building? Contact us
If you need a new fire risk assessment at your building or property, contact MD Fire today. We perform robust fire hazard checks throughout London, Berkshire and the Home Counties.
To arrange a fire safety consultation with our team, please call 0208 355 8820.
