There are four main types of fire risk assessment:
- General fire risk assessment
- Specific fire risk assessment
- Fire safety audit
- Fire safety inspection
A general fire risk assessment is a review of the fire risks in a building or workplace. It is used to identify the hazards that could cause a fire, and to assess the risks associated with those hazards. The purpose of a general fire risk assessment is to help businesses comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and to protect people and property from fire.
A general fire risk assessment is usually carried out by a competent person, such as a fire safety officer or a fire safety consultant. The assessment will typically involve:
- Identifying the fire hazards in the building
- Assessing the risks associated with those hazards
- Evaluating the existing fire safety measures in place
- Making recommendations for improving fire safety
A specific fire risk assessment is a more detailed assessment of fire risks in a particular area or activity. It is usually carried out when a general fire risk assessment has identified a particular risk that requires further investigation. The purpose of a specific fire risk assessment is to identify the specific hazards that could cause a fire, and to assess the risks associated with those hazards.
A specific fire risk assessment will typically involve:
- Identifying the fire hazards in the area or activity
- Assessing the risks associated with those hazards
- Evaluating the existing fire safety measures in place
- Making recommendations for improving fire safety
A fire safety audit is a comprehensive review of the fire safety provisions in a building or workplace. It is used to assess the overall effectiveness of the fire safety management system, and to identify any areas for improvement. The purpose of a fire safety audit is to help businesses comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and to protect people and property from fire.
A fire safety audit will typically involve:
- Reviewing the fire safety management system
- Inspecting the building or workplace
- Interviewing staff
- Testing fire safety equipment
- Making recommendations for improving fire safety
A fire safety inspection is a visual inspection of a building or workplace to identify any potential fire hazards. It is used to ensure that the building or workplace is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and to protect people and property from fire.
A fire safety inspection will typically involve:
- Inspecting the building or workplace
- Identifying any potential fire hazards
- Making recommendations for improving fire safety
The type of fire risk assessment that you need will depend on the size and complexity of your business, and the level of fire risk involved. If you are unsure which type of fire risk assessment is right for you, you should seek advice from a competent person, such as a fire safety officer or a fire safety consultant.
| Type of fire risk assessment | Purpose | How is it carried out? |
|---|---|---|
| General fire risk assessment | To review the fire risks in a building or workplace | By identifying the fire hazards, assessing the risks, evaluating the fire safety measures, and making recommendations |
| Specific fire risk assessment | To assess the fire risks in a particular area or activity | By identifying the fire hazards, assessing the risks, evaluating the fire safety measures, and making recommendations |
| Fire safety audit | To review the fire safety provisions in a building or workplace | By reviewing the fire safety management system, inspecting the building or workplace, interviewing staff, testing fire safety equipment, and making recommendations |
| Fire safety inspection | To identify any potential fire hazards in a building or workplace | By inspecting the building or workplace and identifying any potential fire hazards |
