Ensuring fire safety in any premises is not just a legal requirement but also a moral duty that protects lives, property, and business continuity. Whether you’re responsible for a workplace, commercial building, or multi-occupancy residential premises, a fire safety risk assessment is an essential step in reducing the likelihood of fire and ensuring a safe evacuation.
In this blog, we will explore elements of a fire safety risk assessment checklist so you can tick them off one by one.
We will specifically cover the following areas, which form the core of our comprehensive fire risk assessments:
- Identify Fire Hazards
- Identify People at Risk
- Evaluate and Reduce Risks
- Fire Detection and Firefighting Equipment
- Emergency Routes and Evacuation Plans
- Fire Safety Training & Drills
Looking to arrange a fire risk assessment for your premises?
Call Absolute Health Fire Safety today at 0113 418 2911 or use the contact form to request your without-charge quotation.
Identify Fire Hazards
The first and most critical step in any fire risk assessment is identifying potential fire hazards. A fire requires three key components to start: a source of ignition or heat, a source of fuel, and oxygen. These elements are present in almost every workplace or building, so spotting and controlling them early is vital.
Some common culprits that can encourage a fire include electrical equipment, which can be dangerous if faulty or overloaded, so regular checks are important. In kitchens or workshops, open flames are an obvious fire risk.
Flammable materials such as paper, textiles, chemicals, and gas cylinders must be handled and stored properly to prevent disasters. Hot surfaces and machinery also require careful use, following manufacturer guidelines.
During your assessment, Absolute Health Fire Safety walk through every area of the premises and note where any of these hazards are present. We also consider less obvious sources, such as unattended equipment or poorly maintained wiring.
Identify People at Risk
Next on the fire risk assessment checklist is to identify who is at risk should a fire occur. The level of risk can vary depending on where individuals are located within the building, their familiarity with the premises, and their ability to evacuate quickly.
There are many groups to consider. Employees, especially those working with flammable materials, should be identified so appropriate plans can be made. Visitors and customers need to be informed of fire protocols and shown escape routes in case of emergency. In residential or multi-occupancy buildings, residents must be kept informed about fire safety measures. Additionally, contractors and shift workers should be included in safety planning.
It’s important to consider not only where people work but also where they may rest, gather, or pass through. Identifying the most vulnerable individuals helps shape effective risk-reduction strategies and evacuation plans.
Evaluate and Reduce Risks
Once hazards and people at risk have been identified, the next step is to evaluate these risks and implement measures to reduce or eliminate them. This part of the assessment requires sound judgment, but it’s always better to over-plan and take extra precautions to protect everyone and everything. Risk-reduction strategies may include repairing or replacing faulty electrical equipment, implementing safe storage for flammable materials, keeping escape routes clear at all times, and regularly removing waste and combustible items from the premises.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider separating sources of ignition from fuel, installing fire-resistant materials where appropriate, and ensuring clear, visible signage throughout the building.
Fire Detection and Firefighting Equipment
Having the correct fire detection and firefighting equipment in place is paramount for the safety of your building. As part of your fire risk assessment checklist, we ensure these systems are not only installed but also properly maintained.
We’ll always check for smoke alarms, manual call points, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, sprinkler systems, servicing records, and clear signage. All alarm systems should be tested regularly and inspected by a competent professional, such as our team at Absolute Health Fire Safety, typically every six months.
ire extinguishers must be checked monthly and serviced annually to ensure they are fully operational.
Emergency Routes and Evacuation Plans
If a fire occurs, a fast and safe evacuation can be life-saving. A comprehensive fire risk assessment includes reviewing your emergency exit routes and evacuation procedures to ensure they are fit for purpose.
As part of your checklist, confirm that there are enough emergency exits for the size and layout of your premises. Ensure all exits are clearly marked and illuminated as needed. Maintain all fire doors, making sure they are kept closed and never propped open. Additionally, verify that there is a designated assembly point at a safe distance from the building.
Fire Safety Training & Drills
While it may not be the most exciting topic for your staff, training and practicing fire drills is vital. Your assessment should include evaluating how well your staff understand fire safety procedures and their specific roles during an emergency.
Conduct regular fire drills, typically at least once or twice a year, to test your evacuation plan and identify any weaknesses in practice. Keep a record of all training and drills to demonstrate compliance. If you need assistance, we would be happy to offer advice or conduct the training ourselves here at Absolute Health Fire Safety.
Contact Absolute Health Fire Safety
We hope you’ve found our fire safety risk assessment checklist helpful in supporting your business’s safety practices. The importance of routine checks cannot be overstated—ultimately, they could save lives in the event of a fire.
As fire safety and protection specialists, we have been carrying out fire risk assessments and training for over two decades. If you ever need a FREE quote or friendly advice, we would be honoured to assist you.
Simply contact our team today by calling us directly on 0113 418 2911 or enquire via our contact form.
We look forward to speaking with you soon here at Absolute Health Fire Safety.