Fire risk assessment for commercial premises - what you need to know

By Eliot Clarke, CMIOSH, DipBCM, AIFSM > This article arms you with the knowledge on how you can; assess fire risks, identify potential hazards, and take preventive measures to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Fire safety is an essential aspect of any commercial premises. As a business owner or manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your workplace is safe. A fire can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct a fire risk assessment (FRA) regularly to identify and control the potential fire hazards and risks in the workplace. The steps involved in performing an FRA assessment for general commercial premises include:

1. Identify the hazards

The first measure in carrying out an FRA is to identify potential fire hazards. Hazards may include flammable materials, electrical equipment, smoking areas, and cooking facilities. It’s important to assess the building’s structure, including walls, ceilings, and floors, to determine their resistance to fire. This information will help identify areas of concern and prioritise actions to control fire risks.

2. Identify people at risk

The next step is to identify people who could be at risk if a fire breaks out. This may include employees, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who are present on the premises. It’s essential to consider how the layout and use of the building will affect people’s escape if a fire occurs. Consideration should be given to those who may require special assistance, such as wheelchair users, or people with hearing or vision impairments.

3. Evaluate the risk

Once the hazards and people at risk have been identified, the next step is to evaluate the risk. This involves recognising the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences if it does. The risk assessment should also consider any existing fire safety measures, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting, as well as their effectiveness in controlling the risk.

4. Record the findings and implement control measures

The FRA findings should be recorded in writing, and a plan of action should be developed to address any identified risks. Control measures should be implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk, and their effectiveness should be regularly reviewed.

5. Review the FRA regularly

Finally, it is important to review your FRA on a regular basis. This should be done annually or whenever there is a significant change to the premises or its use. The review should consider any changes to the hazards, people at risk, or fire safety measures in place.

In conclusion, carrying out a fire risk assessment is an essential step in ensuring the safety of your commercial premises. By identifying potential hazards, evaluating fire safety measures, and implementing additional measures where necessary, you can reduce the risk of a fire occurring and minimise the potential consequences if it does.

Don’t forget you must document your findings in an FRA report and review your assessment regularly to ensure it remains up to date.

If you have any questions, or would like support with your fire risk assessment, email our expert Eliot Clarke at [email protected].