What Type of Buildings Need To comply?

It is a legal requirement in accordance with The Fire Safety Order 2005 for Freeholders/Landlords to undertake fire risk assessments for Block of Flats, Maisonettes and Sheltered Accommodation.  Common parts can be defined as main entrance, lobbies, hallways, lifts, stairwells, emergency/fire exits, passageways and pathways. In certain cases common parts can also include car parks and gyms. In-depth fire risk assessment will be performed taking into consideration general fire precautions in the common parts, which will in-turn identify any potential shortcomings and document remedial action recommendations. Both intrusive and non-intrusive (Type 4) surveys are undertaken. In most cases a non-intrusive Type 1 common parts fire risk assessment shall suffice.

Under the Fire Safety Act 2021 a building’s structure and external walls (including windows, balconies, cladding, insulation, and fixings) fall within the scope of the Fire Safety Order.

A Type 1 fire risk assessment is the basic non-intrusive FRA required for the purpose of satisfying the FSO. It will consider the arrangements for means of escape and so forth as well as the examination of at least a sample of flat entrance doors. It also considers, so far as reasonably practicable, the construction between the flats and the common parts without intrusion. However, in this type of FRA, entry to flats beyond the area of the flat entrance is not involved. Where there are suspended ceilings in the common parts, it may be appropriate to lift a sample of readily accessible tiles. It will be normal to open a sample of service risers if present, provided access is practicable at the time of survey. Unless there is reason to expect serious deficiencies in structural fire protection, such as combustible cladding systems, breaches in compartmentation or inadequate fire stopping, a Type 1 inspection will normally be sufficient for most blocks of purpose-built flats. Where doubt exists in relation to these matters, the action plan of a Type 1 fire risk assessment may recommend that one of the other types of fire risk assessment be completed or that further investigation be necessary by a specialist in its field. This shall not be a generic recommendation of a Type 1 fire risk assessment, the recommendation will be based on identification of issues that justify reason for doubt.

For businesses employing more than 5 employees, it is a compulsory requirement to execute a fire risk assessment with findings to be documented. In the event of ignition and injury/damage to occupants and premises, underwriters may invalidate your policy if compliance documents are not in place.  Our assessors follow PAS 79 methodology determining fire hazards and level of risk outlining if any, preventative measures that will need to be implemented.  Complete fire protection measures together with best practice will be recommended in line with protocol.

All places of worship need to comply with The Fire Safety Order 2005. If you are operating a Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Temple or any other place of worship, a fire risk assessment will have to be carried out. It is imperative that control and preventative measures are in place to reduce the risk to occupants and property.   Fire risk assessment will enable a thorough methodical review of the site, robust fire safety management and prevention practice.

Individuals responsible for educational premises will need to perform fire risk assessments. It is a legal requirement in line with The Fire Safety Order 2005. This will cover general fire precautions and other fire safety duties which are required to protect ‘relevant persons’ in case of fire. Key aspect of fire safety management and prevention will be to identify ignition, fuel and oxygen sources, people at risk and numerous other fire safety elements during survey that will highlight key findings.

We work with a diverse range of health care and related service providers including GP Medical Practices, Dental Surgery’s, Opticians, Care Homes and Supported Living Services to name a few. Fire Risk Assessment protocol is a compulsory requirement for  Health Care operations. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005  will enable a thorough review of all fire safety elements that are necessary to reduce the risk to occupants and property.