Any licensed premises that has five or more regular occupants requires a fire risk assessment (FRA) by law. This can include apartment buildings, factories, and office buildings. There are various fire risk assessments that can be carried out. If you’d like to know more about fire risk assessments, what they involve and the different types, continue reading our helpful guide.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment (FRA) investigates a building’s risk of a fire occurring, the risks to people inside the building should a fire occur, and the measures currently in place to prevent a fire. An FRA will also note any additional measures that need to be added to improve the fire safety of the building, and lower the risk to the occupants.
The management of fire safety is ongoing. It is the responsibility of the employers of a workplace premises, and landlords of property, to monitor and update their fire safety policies regularly. If the person in control of the premises is unable to carry out a fire risk assessment, they can hire someone with the relevant skills, experience and knowledge to do so.
According to Government Guidelines, a fire risk assessment involves the inspection of five main components, which are:
- Identify the fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
- Review and update the FRA accordingly
There are also the below considerations to take into account:
- Emergency routes and exits
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Fire fighting equipment (extinguishers)
- Removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
- An emergency fire evacuation plan
- The needs of vulnerable people (elderley, children, or people with disabilities)
- Staff fire safety training
- Providing information to people on the premises (occupants, employees).
Types of fire risk assessment
There are four main types of residential fire risk assessments depending on their level of risk and the inspection that has to be carried out. A type 4 fire risk assessment is the most detailed assessment that can be carried out because it involves the most comprehensive testing techniques.
However, there are different types of fire risk assessments for residential properties, for varying levels of risk.
Type 1 fire risk assessment (common parts – non-destructive)
The first type of risk assessment is type 1, which is the most basic FRA required by the Fire Safety Order (FSO), with the inspection of the building classed as non-destructive.
A type 1 FRA checks the arrangements that have been made for people to escape should a fire occur. It also involves conducting an examination of the entry and exit points of doors to flats. This type of assessment does not require access to individual flats.
The assessor will also inspect areas of the building where a false ceiling is in place. Following the completion of the assessment, a report will be prepared and may recommend that further types of fire risk assessment take place.
Type 2 fire risk assessment (common parts – destructive)
Unlike a type 1 assessment, which is non-destructive in its nature, a type 2 fire risk assessment involves checking the destructive parts of the premises. A contractor may be required to take part in order to open up areas of the building, and repair them once the FRA has been completed.
Any minor or major problems on the premises will be reported and then a full repair undertaken. Due to this FRA being destructive, it is better if the properties are vacant.
Type 3 fire risk assessment (common parts and flats – non-destructive)
A type 3 FRA is similar to a type 1, but assessment will take place within the flats as well as the common areas of the building. This involves checking the means of escape, the fire resistance of doors inside flats, fire alarms and a check of all fire warning systems.
Type 4 fire risk assessment (common parts and flats – destructive)
A type 4 fire risk assessment is one the most comprehensive inspections that can be carried out on residential buildings. Very similar to type 3 and type 2, a type 4 fire risk assessment checks common areas and flats, but can be destructive.
This involves asking a contractor to create openings for inspections to take place on certain fire stopping points inside the premises. The contractor will then repair any damage. Also, just like a type 2 FRA, it is ideal if the properties are vacant at the time of inspection.
Fire Risk Assessments by NW Fire Solutions
NW Fire Solutions is certified to deliver BAFE SP205 Silver Life Safety Risk Assessments. This means we can carry out all types of fire risk assessments and ensure the work carried out is to a high standard.
We have carried out fire risk assessments in a number of industries, such as:
- Banks
- Hospitals
- Pubs and restaurants
- Theatres
- Retail units
- Residential buildings
- Libraries
- Schools, colleges and universities.
If you’d like expert fire safety advice, or would like a fire risk assessment carried out on your premises, contact NW Fire Solutions today on 0151 665 0124, or email us at info@nwfiresolutions.co.uk.