Fire Risk Assessment

Consultancy & Training

Each year over 40,000 fires occur in non-domestic buildings and over 69,000 fires in dwelling premises resulting in over 600 tragic deaths. Millions are lost from damage to property, loss of business, fines, compensation claims and increased insurance premiums.

Legislation

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 establishes a duty on employers to achieve a risk appropriate standard of fire safety for persons in the workplace, including common areas of buildings in multiple occupancy:

An employer/responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment of the workplace, and to take appropriate action to either reduce the risk to persons in case of fire, or implement procedures to counter risks.
Organisations that employ 5 or more persons must record the significant findings of their risk assessment.
There is a duty to maintain those fire precautions under the Building Regulations which are for the use and protection of the fire brigade.
The fire authorities have the powers to enforce the regulations by criminal prosecution, which may result in a fine, imprisonment or both if found guilty of failing to comply.

HBI’s Fire Risk Assessment

The HBI fire risk assessment has been developed in conjunction with PAS79 and other British Standards. It should minimize the risk to life and covers the following fire safety issues including a written document covering the:

Identification of combustible loading
Identification of ignition sources
Identification of oxygen sources
Means of escape
Fire detection and communication
Fire fighting equipment
Structural precautions
Fire prevention and management
Fire brigade access
Recommendations, if necessary, to make the fire safety provisions satisfactory

In summary, all organizations have a duty to conduct suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments on their property. This must be conducted by a competent individual and be reviewed on a regular basis or when change occurs.

Businesses must understand that in addition to an initial assessment, the person(s) responsible must provide an effective on-going management of the fire safety process to minimize the risk to life as well as avoiding huge financial costs through the loss of the premises and/or litigation.

Specialist Fire Consultancy Services

HBI can also provide consultancy and advice on the following:

(1) Pre-building control submissions

HBI can assess the plans of a building scheme prior to submission and, in liaison with Building Control if necessary, can give assurance that the fire precautions in the scheme will receive approval from Building Control thus allowing the scheme to proceed prior to receipt of approval.

(2) Representation and advice in the event of difficulties with the regulatory authorities

In the event of difficulties with the regulatory authorities eg Building Control or the Fire and Rescue Service regarding details of a proposed building scheme, it is often helpful to have an experienced third party assess the proposals and recommend an appropriate way forward.

(3) Assessment of the effect of building or renovation works on an existing building

Any building programme in an existing building will have implications on the fire safety of the occupants of the building while the works are on-going. It is a legal requirement that the fire risk to occupants of a building is assessed and kept under review. This is particularly important during building or renovation works which are likely to affect the fire safety provisions in a building eg. fire alarms, means of escape, fire risk etc. during the works. HBI can assess the fire risk to occupants of the building and make recommendations on appropriate ways to ensure that the fire safety provisions remain satisfactory during any building or renovation works.

(4) Implementation of recommendations from a fire risk assessment

As HBI is not a provider of remedial action services, we are in an ideal situation to oversee the work to be carried out by other contractors to ensure a satisfactory service. Plus HBI can also provide training in a range of fire safety issues either at the place of employment or at HBI’s dedicated training facility in Belfast.

(5) Fire safety training

Basic Fire Safety Training

HBI can provide training in basic fire safety issues at a level relevant to the requirements of the employer and employee. This training is available as an induction, initial or renewal and can be provided at the place of employment or at HBI’s dedicated training facility in Belfast.

Warden and Key person Training

In addition to basic safety training there is a requirement for the training of those people who are responsible for specific fire safety issues such as Fire Wardens. These are people in charge of departments with specific fire safety difficulties or risks and people who need advice on a specific issue. This training is available as an induction, initial or renewal and can be provided at the place of employment or at HBI’s dedicated training facility in Belfast.

Data at your Fingertips

We understand how important it is to have access to up-to-date information. With HBI, you will have on-line access to your fire risk assessment report. This report will highlight any actions that need to be taken.

Download more information about Fire Risk Assessment here