Fire risk assessment method for the workplace.

Detailed fire risk assessment guide

Step 1 - Identify the fire hazards

A fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen. This step finds the sources of each so you can control them before they ever come together.

Questions to consider when identifying hazards:

• What sources of ignition are present - electrics, heaters, cooking, hot work, smoking?
• What could fuel a fire - waste, packaging, stock, furniture, flammable liquids?
• Is electrical equipment in good condition and not overloaded?
• Are flammable materials stored safely and away from ignition sources?
• Could oxygen feed a fire from cylinders or open vents?
• Is housekeeping good, with waste removed regularly?
• Are ignition sources kept apart from fuel?

Step 2 - Identify the people at risk

This step considers everyone who could be harmed by a fire and how quickly they could leave the building.

Questions to consider about people:

• Who is in the building - staff, visitors, contractors, members of the public?
• Does anyone work alone or in isolated areas?
• Could anyone need help to evacuate, such as people with reduced mobility, hearing or sight?
• Are there people who sleep on the premises?
• Do visitors know the escape routes and the assembly point?
• Are there enough trained fire wardens for the number of people?
• Is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) needed for anyone?

Step 3 - Evaluate, remove and reduce the risks

With hazards and people identified, decide how likely a fire is and how serious it could be, then put controls in place to cut the risk.

Questions to consider about controls:

• Are escape routes and fire doors clear, unlocked and well signed?
• Is there a working fire alarm with regularly tested call points?
• Is there suitable detection, such as smoke and heat detectors?
• Are the right extinguishers provided for the fire risks present?
• Is emergency lighting fitted and maintained?
• Can ignition sources or fuel be removed or reduced?
• Is fire safety equipment serviced and ready to use?

Step 4 - Record, plan, train and review

Write down what you found and what you have done, prepare an emergency plan, train your people, and keep the assessment up to date.

Questions to consider when recording and reviewing:

• Are the significant findings and controls written down?
• Is there a clear emergency plan with escape routes and an assembly point?
• Have staff had fire safety instruction and induction?
• Are enough fire wardens appointed and trained?
• Are fire drills carried out and recorded?
• Is the assessment reviewed at least once a year?
• Is it reviewed again after any significant change?

Remember: A fire risk assessment is only useful if it leads to action. Once you identify hazards, you must put controls in place to reduce the risk to the lowest practicable level.

Using your fire risk assessment to reduce risk

After completing a fire risk assessment, use the findings to put practical controls in place:

1. Remove the hazard - Can you take away ignition sources or flammable materials altogether?
2. Reduce the risk - Can you cut the amount of fuel stored, improve housekeeping, or separate ignition from fuel?
3. Protect with equipment - Provide fire alarms, detection, emergency lighting, signage and the right extinguishers and fire blankets.
4. Plan the response - Set clear escape routes, an assembly point, and an emergency plan everyone understands.
5. Train your people - Make sure staff receive fire safety instruction and appoint enough trained fire wardens.