On-Site Building Survey and Fire Risk Assessment Review: What You Need to Know

Fire safety is not just a legal obligation for businesses—it’s crucial for protecting lives, property, and your business reputation. Conducting an on-site building survey and fire risk assessment review is a proactive way to ensure that your premises are both compliant and safe from fire hazards. Here’s an in-depth look at the process, what to expect, and how to prepare.

What Happens During an On-Site Survey?

A fire safety consultant or assessor will visit your premises to conduct a comprehensive survey. This involves:

1. Identifying Fire Hazards: The first task is to identify potential fire hazards that could ignite or fuel a fire. This could range from electrical issues, combustible materials stored unsafely, poor ventilation in hazardous areas, or faulty equipment that could cause sparks or overheating.
2. Assessing Fire Safety Equipment: Fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and sprinkler systems will be inspected. The assessor will verify whether these systems are functioning correctly, well-maintained, and properly positioned. This part of the survey is critical for both fire prevention (stopping a fire before it starts) and fire protection (minimising the damage once a fire begins).
3. Evaluating Escape Routes: The survey will also assess whether your building has adequate and clear escape routes in case of a fire. Fire doors must be accessible, exits should be well-marked, and evacuation routes should be free from obstructions.
4. Reviewing Fire Safety Management: This involves examining how well fire safety is managed on your premises. It includes checking that fire safety training is up to date, ensuring fire drills are conducted regularly, and reviewing the availability of fire safety documentation.

The Importance of Fire Risk Assessment

The fire risk assessment is one of the most critical elements of the entire process. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business in the UK is legally required to have a fire risk assessment in place, regularly reviewed and updated. It identifies all fire hazards, evaluates the risks, and outlines measures to reduce or eliminate them.

An accurate and thorough fire risk assessment can make the difference between a small, controlled fire and a disastrous situation that results in loss of property or life. The assessor will use the fire risk assessment as a foundation to suggest improvements in both fire prevention (e.g., reducing fuel sources like cluttered papers or improperly stored chemicals) and fire protection (e.g., installing fire-resistant materials or enhancing fire detection systems).

How to Prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment Review

Preparation is key to ensuring your fire safety practices meet the required standards. Here’s how you can make sure your building is ready for a survey:

1. Update Your Fire Risk Assessment: Ensure your fire risk assessment is current and reflects any changes in your building’s layout or use. If your business has undergone any renovations, expanded its operations, or changed staffing levels, these should be reflected in an updated fire risk assessment.
2. Check Fire Safety Equipment: Before the survey, conduct a check of all fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting systems. Ensure that your equipment has been regularly tested and serviced. Well-maintained equipment is crucial for both fire prevention and fire protection.
3. Clear Escape Routes: Inspect all escape routes to ensure they are clear, well-lit, and easily accessible. Fire doors should not be obstructed, and exit signs should be visible and functional.
4. Train Your Staff: Make sure that all employees are familiar with the evacuation procedures and have received the necessary fire safety training. Record the dates of training and drills to present during the review.
5. Organise Documentation: Keep detailed records of all fire safety measures, including equipment maintenance, staff training, and fire drills. This documentation may be requested by the assessor to confirm your compliance.

Post-Survey: Implementing Recommendations

Once the on-site survey and fire risk assessment review are complete, you will receive feedback from the assessor. This feedback may include suggestions for improvements, such as upgrading fire safety equipment, improving evacuation plans, or increasing fire safety training for staff. In some cases, businesses may receive an enforcement notice if the assessor finds significant risks that need urgent action.

It’s essential to act promptly on any recommendations to ensure your business remains compliant and that your fire safety measures are robust. Failure to act could lead to legal consequences or, more seriously, an increased risk of fire.

On-site building surveys and fire risk assessment reviews are essential components of fire safety management for any business. Understanding the process, staying proactive, and ensuring that both fire prevention and fire protection measures are in place will help safeguard your premises, staff, and assets.

Preparing for these assessments by keeping fire safety practices up to date and addressing any risks promptly will not only ensure compliance but can significantly reduce the potential dangers posed by fire.