Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment

• Name of Premises

• Add location
  Address

• Address of Premises

• Photo of premises

  Media

• Date of fire risk assessment

  Date

• Recommended review

  Date

• Assessor qualifications

• The original fire risk assessment should be reviewed again by a competent person by the date indicated above or at such earlier time as there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or there has been significant change in the matters to which it relates, or if a fire occurs.
  
  The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the risk to life from fire in these premises, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation.
  The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire.
  I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this fire risk assessment is correct, based on information provided at the time the assessment was undertaken.

• Photos of the premises

  Media

• Employer or person having control of the premises:

• Person(s) consulted:

• Date of previous fire risk assessment / review:

  Date

• Have all actions from previous FRA / review been completed? <br>(Outstanding actions will be carried over to new Fire Risk Assessment Action Plan)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Scope of the Fire Risk Assessment

• Areas not inspected

• Basis for the Fire Risk Assessment

Relevant Fire Safety Legislation

• The following fire safety legislation applies to these premises:

  Select Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Building Safety Act Fire Safety Regulations 2022 Fire & Rescue Regulations (NI)

  • Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order
  • Building Safety Act
  • Fire Safety Regulations 2022
  • Fire & Rescue Regulations (NI)

• Other legislation that makes requirements for fire precautions in these premises

  Yes

  No

• Enforcing authority

• The FRA review also takes account the following guidance documents

• Is there an alternations notice in force

  Yes

  No

• Significant changes identified since the time of the previous fire risk assessment (FRA)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

The Premises

• Number of floors at ground level and above

• Number of floors entirely below ground level

• Floors on which car parking is provided

• Approximate floor area (m2 per floor)

• Details of construction and layout

• Construction on external walls

• Occupancy summary

Occupants

• Approximate maximum number of persons*:

• *Total maximum escape capacity for the premises, including employees, not to exceed the figure above due to the available escape width.

• Approximate maximum number of employees at any one time:

• Approximate maximum number of other employees / contractors / lease holders at any one time:

• It should be noted that not all persons in 2.3 above are located on the premises at all times.

• Approximate maximum number of members of the public at any one time:

• Associated times/hours of occupation

• Based on current occupancy information provided. Detailed calculations (e.g. using floor space factors to predict maximum occupancy) are not carried out.

Occupants at special risk from fire

• Sleeping occupants?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Disabled occupants?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Occupants in remote areas and Lone Workers?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Young Persons?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Others?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• ** It should be noted that whilst there are no persons permanently located; contractors, visitors and specific groups and / or individuals could give rise to this figure at any given time.

Fire Loss

• 4.1 - Has there been any fire loss reported since the previous fire risk assessment?

  Yes

  No

Other relevant information

• undefined

Significant changes in measures to prevent fire since the time of the previous fire risk assessment:

• undefined

Electrical sources of ignition

• Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires of electrical origin?

  Yes

  No

• Fixed wiring installation periodically inspected and tested?

  Yes

  No

• Portable appliance testing (where appropriate) carried out?

  Yes

  No

• Suitable policy regarding the use of personal electrical appliances?

  Yes

  No

• Suitable limitation of trailing leads and adapters?

  Yes

  No

Smoking

• Reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of smoking?

  Yes

  No

• Smoking prohibited on the premises?

  Yes

  No

• Smoking prohibited in appropriate areas?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there suitable arrangements for those who wish to smoke?

  Yes

  No

• Does the no smoking policy appear to be observed at time of inspection?

  Yes

  No

Wilful Fire Raising & Arson

• Does basic security against wilful fire raising by outsiders appear reasonable?

  Yes

  No

• Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to the premises or available for ignition by outsiders?

  Yes

  No

• Reasonable only in the context of this fire risk assessment. If specific advice on security (including security against arson) is required, this should be obtained from a security specialist.

Portable heaters & Heating Installation

• Is the use of portable heaters avoided as far as practicable?

  Yes

  No

• If portable heaters are used, is the use of the more hazardous type (e.g. radiant bar fires or lpg appliances) avoided?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If portable heaters are used are suitable measures taken to minimise the hazard of ignition of combustible materials?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are fixed heating installations subject to regular maintenance?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A full investigation of the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment.

Cooking

• Are reasonable measures taken to prevent fires as a result of cooking?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are filters changed and ductwork cleaned regularly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are suitable extinguishing appliances available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Lightning protection

• Do the premises have a lightning protection system?

  Yes

  No

• Has the Lightning protection system been maintained and inspected at a minimum of 12 monthly intervals?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Housekeeping

• Is the standard of housekeeping adequate?

  Yes

  No

• Are combustible materials separated from ignition sources?

  Yes

  No

• Is there an avoidance of unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials or waste?

  Yes

  No

• Is there appropriate storage of hazardous materials?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there avoidance of inappropriate storage of combustible materials?

  Yes

  No
Housekeeping comment

• undefined

Outside Contractors & Building Works Hazards

• Are fire safety conditions imposed on outside contractors?

  Yes

  No

• Is there satisfactory control over works carried out on the premises by outside contractors (including "hot work" permits)?

  Yes

  No

• If there are in-house maintenance personnel, are suitable precautions taken during "hot work", including use of "hot work" permits

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Dangerous Substances

• Have the hazardous properties of dangerous substances been considered?

  Yes

  No

• Has a specific risk assessment been carried out, as required by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• For the purpose of this risk assessment and the Fire Safety Order, dangerous substances are primarily explosive, highly flammable or flammable substances and oxidizing agents.

• Small quantities of Hazardous substances with negligible impact on the appropriate fire precautions need not be taken into account.

Other Ignition Sources

• Are all plant areas, boiler houses, electrical switch rooms, or any other room or space containing a fixed source of ignition, clear of storage of combustible materials?

  Yes

  No

• Is all upholstered furniture free of damage to the coverings and do they meet the standards in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there suitable separation between light bulbs / heating appliances and flammable/combustible materials?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there other significant ignition sources present?

  Yes

  No

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES SINCE THE TIME OF THE PREVIOUS FRA:

Means of Escape

• It is considered that the premises are provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire?

  Yes

  No

• Is there adequate design of escape routes?

  Yes

  No

• Is there adequate provision of escape exits?

  Yes

  No

• Are exits easily and immediately openable where necessary?

  Yes

  No

• Do fire exits open in direction of escape where necessary?

  Yes

  No

• Are sliding or revolving doors avoided as fire exits where necessary?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there satisfactory means for securing exits?

  Yes

  No

• Are travel distances reasonable where there is a single direction of travel?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are alternative means of escape travel distances reasonable?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there suitable protection of escape routes?

  Yes

  No

• Are suitable fire precautions provided for all inner rooms and inner inner rooms?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all escape routes unobstructed?

  Yes

  No

• Are all external escape routes unobstructed and providing a clear route to the fire assembly points?

  Yes

  No

• Is the premises provided with reasonable arrangements for means of escape for disabled people?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Measures to Limit the spread of fire

• It is considered that there is compartmentation of a reasonable standard?

  Yes

  No

• Are fire doors being wedged open or held open?

  Yes

  No

• Are fire doors holed or damaged?

  Yes

  No

• Is fire door integrity/strips/seals and all door furniture adequately maintained?

  Yes

  No

• It is considered that there is reasonable limitation of linings that might promote fire spread

  Yes

  No

• As far as can reasonably be ascertained, fire/smoke dampers are provided as necessary to protect critical means of escape against passage of fire, smoke and combustion products in the early stages of a fire?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• This fire risk assessment will not necessarily identify all minor fire stopping issues that might exist within the building. If you become aware of other fire stopping issues, or are concerned about the adequacy of fire stopping, you might consider arranging for an invasive survey by a competent specialist.

Fire Door Inspection

• Location of door & reference number if known

• Condition of the door

  Good

  Fair

  Poor

• Comments with regards to the door

SECTION 19 - EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTING

• Reasonable standard of emergency escape lighting provided, based on visual inspection?

  Yes

  No

• Based on visual inspection, but no test of illuminance levels or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standards carried out.

SECTION 20 - FIRE SAFETY SIGNS AND NOTICES

• Reasonable standard of fire safety signs and notices?

  Yes

  No

• All fire exit routes, final exits clearly identified by appropriate signage?

  Yes

  No

• Fire action notices displayed next to all fire alarm call points, fire extinguisher locations and final exits?

  Yes

  No
Additional signage requirement

• For each location raise an action for the installation of signage

• Location

• Signage required

• Reason signage required

Warnings in case of Fire

• Is a reasonable manually operated electrical fire alarm system provided?

  Yes

  No

• Automatic fire detection provided?

  Yes

  No

• Where there is no manually operated fire alarm system provided are there suitable arrangements in place to alert building users?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Can the means of warning be clearly heard or be perceptible and understood by everyone throughout the whole building when initiated from a single point?

  Yes

  No

• Extent of automatic fire detection generally appropriate for the occupancy and fire risk?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a remote transmission of alarm signal?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the fire panel located at an exit and readily accessible to the emergency services ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is a schematic zone plan of the fire alarm system provided adjacent to the main control panel?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Based on visual inspection, but no audibility tests or verification of full compliance with relevant British Standard carried out.

Portable Fire Extinguishing Equipment

• Reasonable provision of portable fire equipment?

  Yes

  No

• Are all portable fire fighting equipment readily accessible and highlighted by signage?

  Yes

  No

• Are all portable fire fighting appliances inspected annually by Contractor?

  Yes

  No

• Date of latest service / inspection

  Date
Additional extinguisher requirement

• For each location raise an action for the installation of signage

• Location

• Extinguisher required

• Reason

Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems

• Type(s) of system:

Other Relevant Fixed systems or equipment

• Type of fixed system:

• Is the premises a Domestic premise with multiple occupancy / more than two dwellings sharing a common area?

  Yes

  No

• When was the building built?

• Is the property over 11m in height?

  Yes

  No

• Does the building have a Secure Information Box to provide critical information to the Fire Service?

  Yes

  No

• Does it contain Copies of the building’s floor plans – which identify specified key fire-fighting equipment

  Yes

  No

• A single page block plan - which identifies specified key fire-fighting equipment

  Yes

  No

• The name and UK contact details of the Responsible Person & contact details of any other person who has the facilities to and is permitted to access the building as the responsible person considers appropriate

  Yes

  No

• Is there adequate wayfinding signage (signage visible in low light or smoky conditions that identifies flat and floor numbers in the stairwells of relevant buildings)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Has information on the External Wall systems been shared with the Fire Brigade?

  Yes

  No

• Have annual checks of all Fire Doors that lead into flats / accomodation been completed / reasonably attempted to be checked?

  Yes

  No

• Have quarterly checks of communal area Fire Doors been completed?

  Yes

  No

• Monthly checks will also be required on all evacuation lifts & essential fire fighting equipment carried out?

  Yes

  No

• These are:
  
  lifts for use by fire fighters
  evacuation lifts
  inlets for dry-rising mains
  inlets for wet-rising mains
  outlets for dry-rising mains
  outlets for wet-rising mains
  smoke control systems
  suppression systems
  fire detection and fire alarm systems including any detectors linked to ancillary equipment such as smoke control systems (in the common parts),
  evacuation alert systems
  automatic door release mechanisms linked to fire alarm systems https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/fact-sheet-lifts-and-essential-fire-fighting-equipment-regulation-7

• Is there a process for informing the Fire Brigade in the event a fault has been identified?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the property over 18m in height?

  Yes

  No

• Does the building have a Evacuation Alert system?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have the fire safety instructions and information on the importance of fire doors been shared with all residents in the last 12months?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Date information was shared

  Date

• Responsible persons will need to provide residents with instructions on:
  
  how to report a fire
  a reminder of what the evacuation strategy is for that building, and;
  any other instruction that tells residents what they must do once a fire has occurred, based on the building’s evacuation strategy.
  Responsible persons should display these instructions clearly in their building’s communal areas (such as the building’s lobby or any conspicuous part of the building) and share directly with residents when they move into the building. This information will need to be re-provided in both the communal area and to residents when a document is updated. This information must also be re-provided to residents on an annual basis. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/fact-sheet-information-to-residents-regulation-9

Significant changes in management of fire safety since the time of the previous fire risk assessment.

• undefined

Procedures and Arrangements

• Are arrangements for management of fire safety adequate?

  Yes

  No

• Appropriate fire procedures in place and properly documented?

  Yes

  No

• Are there suitable arrangements for summoning the fire and rescue service?

  Yes

  No

• Are there suitable arrangements to meet the fire and rescue service on arrival and to provide them with relevant information?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there suitable arrangements for ensuring that the premises have been evacuated?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a suitable fire assembly point(s)?

  Yes

  No

• Are there adequate procedures for evacuation of any disabled people who are likely to be present?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have sufficient fire wardens been appointed to cover all shift patterns, periods of absence?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are persons nominated and trained to use fire extinguishing appliances?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are persons nominated and trained to assist with evacuation, including evacuation of disabled people?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire Safety at the premises is managed by: (This is not intended to represent a legal interpretation of responsibility, but merely reflects the managerial arrangement in place at the time of this risk assessment)

• If the premises are in multiple occupation, are there adequate arrangements for cooperation between duty holders to ensure coordination of their fire safety arrangements?

  Yes

  No

• Is there appropriate liaison with fire and rescue service (i.e. by fire and rescue service crews visiting for familiarization visits?)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are routine in-house inspections of fire precautions undertaken (e.g. in the course of health and safety inspections)?

  Yes

  No

• Based on brief review of procedures at the time of this fire risk assessment. In-depth review of documentation is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment, unless otherwise stated.

Training and Drills

• Are the arrangements for staff training and fire drills adequate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all staff given adequate fire safety instruction and training on induction?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all staff given ongoing fire safety training within the past 12 months?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are staff with special responsibilities e.g. fire wardens, evac-chair operators given additional training?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are regular planned fire drills carried out at appropriate intervals?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Enter date of latest planned fire evacuation drill

  Date

• Are there suitable arrangements for informing site based contractors, lease holders and staff providing temporary cover of the premises fire procedures?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are employees provided with adequate instruction and information regarding fire risks and general fire precautions for other organisations in the premises?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Based on brief consideration of the scope of such training. In-depth evaluation is outside the scope of this fire risk assessment.

Testing and Maintenance

• Are the arrangements for testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment adequate?

  Yes

  No

• Weekly testing and periodic servicing of fire detection and alarm system?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Monthly and annual testing routines for emergency escape lighting?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Annual maintenance of fire extinguishing appliances?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Weekly testing and periodic inspection of sprinkler installations?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Six-monthly inspection and annual testing of rising mains and fire hydrants?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Weekly and monthly testing, six-monthly inspection and annual testing of fire-fighting lifts?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Periodic inspection of external escape staircase and gangways?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Routine checks of final exit doors and/or security fastenings?

  Yes

  No

• Annual inspection and test of lightning protection system?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are suitable systems in place for reporting and subsequent restoration of safety measures that have fallen below standard?

  Yes

  No

• Are other relevant inspections or tests carried out:

  Yes

  No

Records

• Are there appropriate records for the following:

• Fire evacuation drills?

  Yes

  No

• Fire safety training?

  Yes

  No

• Fire alarm tests?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency lighting tests?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Maintenance and testing of other fire protection systems?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Overall are there suitable records for Fire Safety?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Other Comments / Notes

• undefined

Recommendation

• undefined

LIKELIHOOD

• 

• Taking into account the fire prevention measures observed at the time of this risk assessment, it is considered that the hazard from fire (probability/likelihood of ignition) at these premises is:

  LOW

  MEDIUM

  HIGH

SEVERITY

• 

• Taking into account the nature of the premises and the occupants, as well as the fire protection and procedural arrangements observed at the time of this fire risk assessment, it is considered that the Severity (consequences for life safety), in the event of fire would be:

  MINOR HARM

  MAJOR HARM

  CRITICAL HARM

RISK LEVEL

• 

• Accordingly, it is considered that the risk to life from fire at these premises is:

  Select TRIVIAL TOLERABLE MODERATE SUBSTANTIAL INTOLERABLE

  • TRIVIAL
  • TOLERABLE
  • MODERATE
  • SUBSTANTIAL
  • INTOLERABLE

ACTION & TIMESCALE

• A suitable risk-based control plan should involve effort and urgency that is proportionate to risk.
  The following risk-based plan is based on one advocated by PAS79, the industry recognised guidance for fire risk assessment.

  

Summary

• undefined

Signature

• Assessors Signature

  Sign

• Client Signature

  Sign

• On 1 June 2022, the government introduced a package of improvements to further strengthen and clarify building regulations and fire safety guidance as part of wider reforms to building safety.
  
  Strengthened building regulations
  Following a review and consultation, the government has introduced regulations to strengthen the ban on combustible materials used in and on the external walls of buildings.
  
  The ban on combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings, introduced in 2018, will now apply to hotels, hostels and boarding houses – in addition to blocks of flats, hospitals, student accommodation and dormitories in boarding schools.
  
  These changes will also ban Metal Composite Material panels with unmodified polyethylene core, known as MCM PE, on all new buildings at any height. This follows research carried out by the government and evidence heard at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on the serious fire safety risks associated with this material.
  
  Other changes to the regulations being put forward will:
  
  Include elements of solar shading devices within the scope of the ban.
  Amend the list of materials exempted from the ban to include fibre optic cables, and water proofing and insulation materials in the external wall, below and up to 300mm from ground level.
  Update the requirement of the ban to refer to the latest version of the British Standard classification for materials used on high-rise residential buildings.
  Temporarily exempt cavity trays.
  Amend the requirements for material change of use in buildings.
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/approved-document-b-2022-update