Frequently Asked Questions
- about Fire Risk Assessment

Besides the legal requirements will it help my business?

A good quality risk assessment will benefit your business, because in addition to satisfying your legal requirements it will increase the level of safety offered to your employees and visitors, and reduce the risk of fire damaging or destroying your business. Customers or indeed future purchasers may see it as a benefit that you are contributing to a safer environment.

A suitable assessment may also help you to comply with your insurers requirements. 

Can't I do it myself?

Yes you can but will you be able to cover all aspects?
Furthermore what will be the cost in terms of your time and/or that of your staff. To say nothing of additional costs such as training, handbooks, guidance notes etc.

How long does it take?

Generally speaking except for very complex premises or working practices the site visit can usually be completed within one day.  

I am too busy what if I ignore it?

The regulatory authorities can issue

• An alterations notice
• An enforcement notice
• A prohibition notice

If none of the above are complied with this can result in either financial penalties (of up to £5,000) or even imprisonment (up to 2 years).

Furthermore, you also:

• increase the risk that you might have a fire
• lack of a suitable fire risk assessment might result in insurance payment problems
• you could be subject to civil action from an employee  

OK if I get it done, it's a one-off isn't it?

Sorry no, Fire Risk Assessment is an on going dynamic activity (but as long as there are no major changes in building structure or working processes the subsequent costs should not be high). Once its up and running it should be self policing.