A fire risk assessment can be described as a plan to use one or a combination of defence methods to attain prearranged fire safety objectives. These methods may need to be modified whenever fire safety objectives are changed. Typical objectives of the fire risk assessment include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Building occupants’ safety
  
• Assets and contents protection
  
• Business continuity
  
• Neighbouring property protection
  
• Protection of fire-fighters
  
• Prevention of a catastrophic loss
  
• Environmental protection

New legislation means employers must perform a fire risk assessment of their premises. The introduction of new regulations in October 2006 means that the previous system of fire-safety certificates for premises has been abolished. There are five suggested steps you need to complete, starting with identifying fire hazards. Identify sources of fuel and their locations, and identify sources of ignition relative to the flammable materials. Also, identify any structural feature that can promote the spread of fire, such as open staircases, and openings in floors and vertical shafts.

Then, identify people at risk. List the number of employees and any other persons who normally will be on the premises and their usual locations. Indicate any physical or mental impairment.

Evaluate the risks you have identified and act to eliminate or minimise them. What means are available to warn persons of a fire? Is word of mouth sufficient? Is there an electrical fire alarm? Is it audible above the ambient noise? Is there a smoke or a heat detector? Does the workplace have a reasonable means of escape? Is the fire fighting equipment provided in the premises appropriate for the hazard(s), sufficient and where necessary indicated by graphic signs? Have all employees been instructed on what to do in case of a fire?

Record your findings and plan how you will deal with a blaze. Finally, review your assessment regularly, and update it when circumstances change considerably, for example, if you increase the size of your premises.

The Fire Safety Order

Although fire certificates will no longer be issued fire and rescue authorities will continue to inspect premises. The duty of meeting the terms of the Fire Safety Order rests with the “responsible person.” In a place of work, this is the manager and any other person who may have control of any division of the premises, such as a head of department, any self-employed occupier, or the owner.

Each business in the UK, large or small, must complete a fire risk assessment of their workplace and carry out fire safety training for their staff in order to comply with the new regulations. Here is a summary of the Fire Safety Order:

• The Fire Precautions Act 1971, Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/99, Management of Health & Safety in the Workplace Regulations 1999 and over 100 pieces of related legislation have all been repealed
  
• Fire certificates will no longer be given out for most business undertakings by fire brigades
  
• Each company will be responsible for its own safety and fire risk assessment
  
• There must now be an extended scope of consideration to include property safety, fire fighter safety and the environment around the site in addition to protecting life
  
• The Fire Safety Order also places emphasis on business continuity and containing and preventing the spread of small fires, unlike the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations
  
• Protection is unambiguously extended to all occupants (including visitors, contractors and passers-by) and not just employees
  
• Fire fighters are to have greater authority to gain entry to premises and remove samples after a fire.