Fire risk assessments are legal requirements for all commercial and non-domestic buildings within the UK as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, however, some people are unaware of how and who can carry out fire risk assessments.
In this guide, we outline who can carry out fire risk assessments, whether you need a qualification, and the risks of doing one yourself instead of a professional fire risk assessor.
Contents:
- Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
- Do you need a qualification to do a fire risk assessment?
- The risks of conducting a fire risk assessment yourself
- Benefits of using external and accredited fire safety assessors
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
In UK law, there is no specification on who is allowed to carry out a fire risk assessment – The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 simply states that any individual can complete a fire risk assessment however they must be ’suitably competent to undertake one’.
Whilst in law it can be interpreted as anyone listed as the ‘Responsible Person’ can carry out a fire risk assessment, you should always seek professional advice and a trusted fire risk assessor before commencing.
To see more information about the regulations and law surrounding fire safety in the UK, you can read The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Do you need a qualification to do a fire risk assessment?
You don’t need certain qualifications to directly conduct a fire risk assessment, however you should seek assessors that have accreditations and professional memberships so that they ensure you receive a reliable risk assessment report that has the safety of your team, visitors and customers at its core. Competent assessors should also understand the risks of assessing properties, have training and experience, and use an effective fire safety risk plan.
If you need a fire risk assessment or are worried about what the legalities are, we can help you. At Blue Star Asbestos, our team are qualified fire risk assessors who work to help ensure the safety of people within your building.
The risks of conducting a fire risk assessment yourself
Carrying out a fire risk assessment shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially with what’s involved in the process and knowing what the consequences are if not conducted thoroughly. Some of the risks of doing a fire risk assessment yourself can include:
- No previous experience can lead to problems further down the line
- A lack of confidence in your abilities can lead to errors
- Lack of knowledge in the latest industry regulations and trends
- Can potentially cause serious damage to property and individuals
Benefits of using external and accredited fire safety assessors
You should always seek to use an independent, external and accredited fire risk assessor when you need to complete a new fire risk assessment.
- Knowledge of the latest fire regulations and legislation
- Access to a competent person
- Saving time and money
- Offset liability – reduce the risk of prosecution if something is missed by doing it yourself
- Guaranteed provision of a suitable and sufficient assessment
- Responsibility for the provision of a compliant assessment lies with the external consultancy
Do Blue Star Asbestos provide fire risk assessments?
Yes, our experts provide fire risk assessments for commercial and residential buildings in and around the UK’s South Coast! If you need further information on fire risk assessments and who can carry out a fire risk assessment, call one of our fire risk assessors today.
