As you’re more than likely aware, fire risk assessments are an essential part of any business’s fire safety strategy.
Fire risk assessments should be conducted and reviewed regularly, at least once annually, and should be carried out by professional fire risk assessors just like Absolute Health Fire Safety.
Whether you operate from a shop, office, warehouse or hospitality venue in Yorkshire, staying ahead of your fire safety obligations not only protects your staff and customers, but also shields your business from potential legal consequences.
In this blog, we will highlight how to prepare for a fire risk assessment inspection properly and will specifically cover:
- What Is a Fire Risk Assessment Inspection?
- Steps to Prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment Inspection
- What to Expect During a Fire Risk Assessment
- Working With Absolute Health Fire Safety
Require an immediate quotation for a fire risk assessment in Yorkshire?
Call us today at 0113 418 2911 or use our online contact form to request your free-no obligation quote.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment Inspection?
A fire risk assessment inspection is a formal review carried out to evaluate the fire hazards within your premises and assess how effectively you’re managing those risks.
The aim is to ensure that appropriate fire prevention, detection, and evacuation measures are in place.
Fire risk assessments are absolutely necessary and a legal obligation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be reviewed in line with any significant personnel or structural changes within your premises.
This law is for all non-domestic buildings in England and all business owners should act with absolute responsibility.
We would urge you to know exactly when your next assessment is needed and to ensure they are booked in advance so that you get them done without fail.
Below are some steps on how to prepare for a fire risk assessment inspection…
Steps to Prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment Inspection
Review Your Fire Safety Policy
Start by reviewing your fire safety policy. This document should outline your approach to fire prevention, detection, training, and emergency response. Ensure the policy reflects your current building layout, staffing structure, and operations.
If it hasn’t been updated in over a year, it’s likely due for a review. Also, double-check that your designated Responsible Person (or persons) is clearly named and understands their duties.
Conduct a Visual Pre-Assessment Walkthrough
A practical way to identify obvious issues is to walk through the premises. Have a look out for any blocked fire exits, damaged signage, unattended or unorganised electrical equipment, and check storage areas near heat sources and any signs of poor housekeeping. Take notes and photograph anything that looks out of place.
This simple visual inspection will give you a chance to resolve minor issues before your formal assessment.
Check Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Your fire detection system should be fully operational, regularly tested, and maintained by a competent person. Ensure proper maintenance and servicing of your smoke detectors, heat detectors, break glass systems, and fire alarm control panels.
We advise that these checks are performed weekly and that they have a professional overhaul twice per year.
Inspect Firefighting Equipment
Ensure your fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and any sprinkler systems are accessible and correctly positioned.
Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the type of fire risk in the area, accompanied with visible signage nearby and should have been serviced within the last 12 months.
Maintain Clear Fire Exits
One of the most common and serious fire safety issues is blocked or locked fire exits. When preparing, ensure you check all fire escape routes to confirm they are clear, well-lit, and properly marked, and make sure all fire doors are fully closed.
Prepare Relevant Fire Safety Documentation
Before your fire risk assessment inspection, gather the documents that demonstrate your compliance.
These may include your latest fire risk assessment, fire safety policy and procedures, staff fire safety training records, evacuation plans and drill logs, maintenance certificates, electrical reports and fire logbook.
If you don’t have all of these there may be a reason but we’d advise you to have them all up to date and organised.
Having all relevant paperwork readily available demonstrates that your business takes fire safety seriously and helps us complete the assessment efficiently with minimal fuss or delay.
What to Expect During a Fire Risk Assessment
To help you prepare, here’s an overview of what typically happens during a fire risk assessment inspection.
The process usually begins with a brief meeting where our fire risk assessors will ask questions about your building’s layout, the number of people currently on-site, and your existing fire safety strategy.
Next, the assessor will conduct a thorough inspection, identifying and recording any fire risks and hazards throughout the premises. While every building is unique, key areas reviewed generally include fire detection and warning systems, fire doors and exits, emergency lighting, signage, electrical installations, firefighting equipment, and staff training,
At the end of the assessment, you will receive a detailed written report outlining the findings.
There may also be a follow-up discussion to develop an action plan for addressing any identified issues.
Contact Absolute Health Fire Safety
We hope you’ve found this blog useful in knowing how to prepare for your next fire risk assessment!
Absolute Health Fire Safety have been providing fire risk assessments in Yorkshire for over 20 years and continued to provide an unrivalled service, ensuring complete peace of mind for all our clients.
Request your free no-obligation quotation by calling us at 0113 418 2911 or use the contact form.