Title Page
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Document No.
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Audit Title
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Site Manager
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Assessor
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Location
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Date of Assessment
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Assessment Review Date
Reference Guide
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Pass (PASS)
Meets the minimum legal standards.
Advisory (PASS)
Could become more serious in the future. Monitor & repair if necessary.
Minor (FAIL)
No significant effect on safety or impact on the environment. It must be corrected as soon as possible.
Major (FAIL)
May affect safety, put others at risk or have an impact on the environment. It must be corrected immediately.
Step 1 - 3
GENERAL DETAILS
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The findings of this risk assessment must be managed at all times with regular inspections of the premises to ensure control measures are still working effectively.
A full review of this assessment should be carried out at least annually or if any changes take place that impact on the findings within i.e. layout of the building (addition or removal of partitions, desk layout, etc.), type of materials, use of premises, number of occupants, near misses, etc.
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION:
For construction sites, refurbishments or where temporary accommodation is used in close proximity of other permanent buildings a fire break of 10 metres should be maintained. See Appendix 5 for further guidance.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Fill out all the necessary details needed for Step 1, Step 2 and Step 4
2. Answer the questions below with the most appropriate response by either "Yes", "No"or "N/A" for Step 3
3. Add photos and notes by clicking on the paperclip icon
4. To add Corrective Actions on important items, click on the paperclip icon then "Add Action", provide a description, assign to a member, set priority and due date
5. Share your report by exporting as PDF, Word, Excel or Web Link
Step 1 - Identify Fire Hazards
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As you complete Steps 1, 2, & 3 make brief notes to assist in completing your action plan at Step 4 this may include additional measures or changes that are required to reduce the risk of a fire, short prompts only i.e. smoking – no smoking in office – observation external smoking area too close to rubbish bins.
IGNITION
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Consider all possible sources of ignition i.e. arson (this is a risk to all properties), smoking, mechanical plant rooms, (air conditioning machinery, lift motors) electrical equipment and installations, extension leads, lighting, hot work (roofing, welding, etc.) hot surfaces, ventilation, cooking (toasters, microwaves, ovens) portable heaters, boilers, naked flames, fork lift truck recharging.
How is the risk controlled? (What stops these items contributing to fire)
Planned inspections of mechanical equipment, CCTV, security, electronic access, intruder alarm, waste stored in secure area, visitors book, receptionist on duty, security shutters, good external lighting, No Smoking policy, service contracts, automatic shut down when alarm is activated, portable appliance testing, fixed wire testing, removal or controlled use of extension leads, good housekeeping, removal of ignition source where possible, hot work permits (supported by procedures) replace portable heaters with safer alternative, signage.
Identify observations and additional actions required to reduce the risk. -
Are there identifiable sources of IGNITION?
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Sources of Ignition
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Current control measures in place to minimise the risk
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Further Actions / Considerations
FUEL
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Almost everything will burn given the right conditions – in this section identify what fuel sources you have on site i.e. wood, paper, card, packaging material, flammable liquids / gases, furniture and fittings, waste material, plastics, foam
How is the risk controlled? (All working environments include sources of fuel)
Basic principles are to segregate ignition sources from flammable materials this can be achieved by keeping fuel sources to a minimum i.e. Daily removal of waste, flammable liquids and gases stored correctly, safer alternatives, maintain safe separation distances between ignition sources, where possible remove ignition source, clear desk policy, furniture meets fire regulations, repair replace damaged coverings to chairs, reduce stock levels.
Identify observations and actions required to reduce the risk. -
Are there identifiable sources of FUEL?
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Sources of Fuel
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Existing control measures in place to minimise the risk
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Further Actions / Considerations
OXYGEN
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Clearly, oxygen is always present in our daily working environment, in the event of a fire we need to ensure we do not “fan the flames” look at any items that could increase / maintain oxygen to a fire such as; Air Conditioning, Doors and Windows (left open), oxygen bottles, oxidising agents, which when they burn give off oxygen (rule of thumb if a substance ends in “ate” it may be an oxidising agent i.e. Nitrate, Chromate, Chlorate) Use product data sheets to identify oxidising agents.
How is the risk controlled?
Are doors and windows closed during out of hours, self closers fitted to fire doors, air conditioning linked into the Fire Alarm for automatic shutdown, Correct storage of gas bottles and oxidising agents, remove ignition source. -
Are there identifiable sources of OXYGEN?
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Sources of Oxygen
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Existing control measures in place to minimise the risk
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Further Actions / Considerations
Step 2 – Identify those people at significant risk in case of fire
AT RISK PERSONNEL
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Normal procedures are based on people being fit and well, knowing where to go in the event of a fire, familiarity with the fire alarm. For all others we need to consider, those unfamiliar with the layout of the building (members of the public / training venues), lone or remote working, early or late working, contractors, plant rooms, persons with special needs whether permanent or temporary i.e. wheelchair user / sports injury, visually impaired, hard of hearing, expectant mothers, epileptic).
How is the risk controlled? What procedures are in place?
Examples of controls are: An agreed Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan with the individual, Fire information for contractors, Sign in procedure for visitors, Fire Actions included in introduction, Provision of evacuation chair, Buddy system, Flashing beacons, Sounders & call points in plant rooms, Procedures for lone workers, Safe refuge, Fire lifts, Provision of fire fighting equipment suitable for the risk present. -
Are there PEOPLE at risk in case of fire?
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Persons (employees, visitors contractors, members of the public etc.)
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Existing control measures in place to minimise the risk
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Further Actions / Considerations
Step 3 – Fire Safety Arrangements
MEANS OF ESCAPE
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Are travel distances within required distances to Fire Exits? (Escape routes in more than one direction no greater than 45 metres, or in one direction no greater than 18 metres, see Appendix 1)
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Are the type and size of exits suitable, sufficient and located in the correct place for the number of people likely to use them? (e.g. wide enough for wheelchair users, can all personnel vacate the floor within 3 minutes.)
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Are all escape routes easily identifiable? (can Fire Exits or directional signage be seen from any point in the workplace), free from any obstructions and adequately illuminated? (Emergency Lighting available above fire exits, change in direction, staircases, toilet areas that exceed 8m², disabled toilets, external escape routes, boiler rooms, lift motor rooms, communications room etc.)
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Are floors and ceilings in the escape routes in a good state of repair and not compromised by services? (where pipe work, ducting, electric cables pass through has it been resealed with fire retardant material)
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Are fire resisting doors positively self closing fitting tightly in the frame and in a good state of repair? (maximum 3mm gap to top and sides, smoke brushes / in tumescent strips)
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Is fire resisting glass where required to the appropriate rating in suitable frames and in good condition? (e.g. wired reinforced glass, BS / CE etch mark)
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Do internal staircases provide a good means of escape? (No obstructions / No ignition sources, subject to monthly checks)
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Do external staircases provide a good means of escape? (No obstructions, clear of vegetation and algae)
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Do external escape routes provide a good means of escape to designated Assembly Point? (Is it free from hazards, i.e. road traffic, vegetation, slips trips and falls)
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Are securing devices on Final Exit doors suitable and provide easy opening? (Single release i.e. push bar)
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Where electronic / keypad access is fitted for security purposes are they suitable? Do they provide a secondary means of opening? (release on activation of the fire alarm, emergency break glass)
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Is the Fire Assembly Point in a safe and secure location? See Appendix 2
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Enter location here
FIRE DETECTION & WARNING
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Does the building have an electrical Fire Alarm System?
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Does the electrical fire detection and alarm system have a backup power supply?
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Is the fire alarm panel easily and safely accessible by the Fire Service?
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Are fire alarm call points suitably located within 45 metres of any point in the workplace?
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Are fire alarm call points provided within boiler rooms, lift motor rooms, communications rooms?
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Is suitable Fire Detection installed? (smoke, heat, linked into fire panel, battery)
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Are all areas where a fire could develop fitted with appropriate detection devices? (store rooms, basements, motor rooms, electrical cupboards, rooms not frequently used)
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Are fire alarm sounders or indicating lights clearly heard and understood throughout the premises? (Toilets, boiler room, communications room etc.)
MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE
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Are sufficient extinguishers located throughout the workplace? (Not more than 30 metres to nearest extinguisher)
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Is the right type of extinguisher located close to respective fire hazards and easy to access? (i.e. CO² - electrical fires, water - paper, card, textiles) see Appendix 3
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Are the locations of all extinguishers clearly displayed? (signed and unobstructed)
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Is a sprinkler system installed or suppressant system? (communications room, basement car park, warehouse)
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Have Fire Wardens received practical instruction and training in the use of Fire Extinguishers?
MAINTENANCE & TESTING (Refer to Appendices)
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Are regular checks of all fire doors, escape routes and associated lighting and signs conducted? (monthly / annually see Appendix 3)
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Are regular checks of all fire-fighting equipment conducted? see Appendix 3
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Are Fire Detection and Fire Alarm systems regularly checked? see Appendix 3 (if Landlord see below)
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Are checks completed on any other equipment to assist means of escape? (evacuation chair, fire lift, dry risers, hose reels)
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Are all testing and maintenance records entered into the Fire Log Book?
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If part of a multi tenancy building is the Landlord fulfilling their obligations for Fire Precautions for the building? (carrying out weekly fire alarm tests, instigating 6 monthly fire drills, servicing the fire panel and fire detection, supplying fire extinguishers in the common areas, emergency light maintenance)
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Is there a Fire Log Book (Customers / Landlords) and other associated records?
FIRE EMERGENCY PLAN
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Is there an Emergency Plan?
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If located within a multi-tenancy property, has the Landlord produced an Emergency Plan for the building, and does it provide sufficient information? (minimum requirement see Appendix 4)
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Has the Emergency Plan been reviewed and signed by the Site Manager?
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Are employees familiar with the plan, trained in its use and involved in testing it? (induction, Fire Drills)
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Are the procedures to be followed clearly indicated throughout the workplace? (Fire Action Notices)
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Is the plan available to all who need to be aware of it? (those identified in Step 2)
HOUSE KEEPING & SECURITY (Fire Safety Management)
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Have practical measures been taken to ensure good housekeeping? (use of Appendix 3)
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Do security measures reduce the risk of arson? (refer to Step 1)
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Where possible is all electrical equipment switched off when not in use? (overnight, weekends, holidays)
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Are dedicated external smoking areas inspected, with the regular removal of waste material?
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Is all waste removed to a safe location?
INFORMATION & INSTRUCTION
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Are all those working in the premises outside normal hours (cleaners, security, shift workers, contractors) provided with information on fire precautions and what to do in the event of a fire?
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Does all fire training and information take account those with special needs and those who do not use English as their first language?
TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES
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Do all employees receive basic fire information on their first working day to include location of escape routes, assembly point, weekly test day and time and sound description?
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Is training site specific, with details of emergency procedures?
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Do they know how to call the Fire Service?
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Do all staff receive annual refresher training? (team meetings)
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Are the duties and responsibilities of employees included in the training programme?
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Have all employees with additional responsibilities (Site Manager, Line Manager, Fire Wardens identified in the emergency plan) provided with details of the Fire Risk Assessment and received appropriate training?
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Are people working in high risk areas provided with appropriate training?
FIRE EVACUATION DRILLS
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Are 6 monthly fire drills carried out and entered in the Fire Log Book?
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Are debriefing meetings carried out with designated responsible persons?
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Are evacuation times recorded?
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Are false alarms recorded in the Fire Log Book?
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NOTE: If the Landlord has assumed responsibility for specific Fire Maintenance & Testing and you feel they are not complying with good practice then they should be notified of our concerns with the issues recorded in Step 4 below (retain copy of communication for reference)
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After completing this section, please proceed to the next section
Step 4 - Appendices
Step 4 - Document further actions required
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To add actions to remaining hazards / issues, click the "Add Action" button
Action
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Hazard / Issue Remaining
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Action Required
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Person Responsible
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Action by date
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Completion Date
Step 5 – Review and Revise
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This Fire Risk Assessment is to be reviewed on an annual basis, or if any alterations take place to the workplace, the work environment, the material used, type and number of people present or if any near miss occurs.
APPENDICES
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Appendix 1 - Travel Distances:
The travel distances identified are flexible and can be increased or decreased depending on the level of risk after appropriate fire prevention measures have been implemented. New buildings will have been designed and constructed in accordance with modern building standards with travel distances already calculated.
When assessing travel distances you need to consider the distance to be travelled by people when escaping allowing for walking around furniture etc. The distance should be measured from the most remote part of an office to the nearest place of reasonable safety:
> Protected staircase
> A separate fire compartment (corridor) from which there is a final exit to a place of total safety
> Nearest available final exit -
Appendix 2 - Assembly Point:
When selecting the location of your Assembly Point consider the following points:
> The number of staff involved in the evacuation
> Located far enough from the building so as not to endanger staff from falling debris or radiant heat
> Ample room so that it does not interfere with the actions of the Fire Service
> Large enough to accommodate all staff, open areas are ideal, pedestrian areas, parks, car parks (although these could offer additional risks)
> Staff should be able to disperse without passing close to the building
> Where possible avoid the crossing of roads or other situations that introduce additional hazards
> Where possible identify with appropriate signage, in any event ensure everyone is aware of its location -
Appendix 3 - Fire Safety Routines:
The following provides information on maintenance requirements. Where we are the sole occupier of the building it is likely that we will be totally responsible for maintenance and testing of all Fire Controls.
In multi tenanted premises it is possible that the Landlord has assumed responsibility for servicing and testing of Fire Precautions in the common areas with the tenant responsible for their area of demise, consequently there may well be a need to provide and maintain the following Fire Extinguishers, Emergency Lighting, Detection, Electrical Testing and Security Systems.
Areas of responsibility need to be established - DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE LANDLORD IS ARRANGING MAINTENANCE AND TESTING. -
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Appendix 4 Emergency Plan:
Landlord controlled premises minimum requirements below:
> The means of raising the Fire Alarm (siren, bell, klaxon, etc.)
> Action on discovering a fire
> Action on hearing the Fire Alarm
> Responsibility for calling the Fire Service
> Identification of key escape routes
> Location of Assembly Point
> Identity of the Responsible Person (Building Manager)
> Location of call points
> Location of Fire Fighting Equipment
> Facilities for those with special needs
The above list is not exhaustive, we would be responsible for there area of demise and would need to ensure that all Fire Extinguishers, Emergency Lights, Electrical Installations within there area are maintained. It will be our responsibility to ensure the information is relayed to all staff and that Fire Wardens are appointed and trained to cover our area of responsibility and cooperate with the Landlord in all aspects of Fire Safety. -
Appendix 5 Temporary Accommodation:
Temporary buildings should be separated from the building under construction or refurbishment and other permanent buildings by a reasonable fire break of at least 10 metres.
Where the fire break is less than 6 metres or the building is within the building under construction/refurbishment, temporary buildings are constructed of:
> ½ half hour fire resisting materials
> Non-combustible materials that will not significantly contribute to the surface spread of fire or assist the propagation of smoke and/or corrosive fumes
> Doors and windows have ½ half hour fire resistance (integrity).
> Vertically stacked temporary building, have ½ half hour fire resistance (integrity, insulation and load-bearing capacity) to the roof/floor assembly and supporting members
> Are fitted with automatic fire detection systems linked to a Central Station unless there is 24 hour workplace security.
All temporary buildings are erected in locations, which do not compromise access for the fire brigade or impact on the safe and easy evacuation of personnel. No temporary buildings are located within basements or on floors at a height in excess of 7.5 metres from workplace access level.
The floors of temporary buildings that are raised above ground level have the space beneath enclosed to prevent accumulation of rubbish, whilst still allowing under-floor ventilation. No combustible materials are to be stored under any Temporary buildings.
Heaters for use in temporary buildings are fixed above floor level, fitted with securely fixed metal guards and maintained in a sound condition. All heaters and cooking appliances are properly installed and adequate ventilation is provided. Electrical or gas cookers are used for cooking, no gas rings are allowed on the workplace.
In temporary buildings and areas where flammable liquids and gases are stored, automatic fire detection systems and intruder alarms are installed. Automatic fire detection systems are installed in temporary buildings used for cooking.
Temporary buildings contain the minimum of furniture and fittings made from synthetic materials.
