A fire risk assessment report is of little use unless action is taken in relation to the findings of the report. In this article we explain what to do with your report after it has been completed.
Prioritise by Severity
Reports on fire risk assessments are rated as to the level of risk that there is. The most serious issues must be dealt with first. Start with those marked ‘critical’ and then move on to ‘high’, then ‘medium’ and finally ‘low’. Don’t list in alphabetical order and don’t complete in order of preference.
Set Deadlines and Assign Responsibility
Set a specific completion date for each action and specify who is responsible for completing the action. This will help prevent items being ‘left to others’ or forgotten as ‘not important’ and ensures that all items are completed on time.
Make the Physical Changes
Fixing the self-closing of fire doors, removing any blockages to escape routes and labelling hazardous materials stored in the correct manner are the typical physical actions that need to be completed as a result of a fire risk assessment. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 you are required to act on the findings of any fire risk assessment.
Fire Risk Assessment Northamptonshire is covered in more detail at https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/northamptonshire.
Update Your Fire Safety Log
Record each completed action, including date completed and brief description of work undertaken, along with any photographs. This will provide written evidence of the work carried out should an inspection be undertaken in the future.
Brief Your Staff
Finally tell your staff about the changes to your fire evacuation plan, the new route for exit, the new assembly point and the fire marshals. A revised fire evacuation plan that is only written down is of little use in the event of a fire.
In conclusion, turning a fire risk assessment into effective protection is all about acting quickly.
