A fire risk assessment Northamptonshire is a vital step in identifying fire risks at your business premises and putting in place appropriate mitigations to protect your premises, your staff and your visitors.

Fire risk assessments are mandated by law and the results must be formally recorded and held on file, with refreshers performed at least annually but potentially more frequently if there have been major changes to the premises since the last assessment. Major changes may include layout changes, a significant staff turnover or an alteration to the building’s structure.

Fire risk assessment steps

There are four steps to a fire risk assessment. Firstly, the premises are inspected and fire hazards are identified. Next, the assessor will identify who might be at risk from these hazards. The risks will be evaluated and decisions made as to how to remove or reduce them to a level as low as is reasonably practicable. Finally, the findings will be recorded and emergency plans created. Where necessary, training will be provided to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and knows what action to take in the event of a fire.

Who conducts a fire risk assessment?

A professional fire risk assessor, such as ISE Fire, is best placed to perform at least a business’s first fire risk assessment.

The health and safety lead should accompany the professional and can undertake future fire risk assessments and updates, as they will then have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities and be able to inform and educate the rest of the workforce.