Fire Risk Assessment
for Commercial Premises
A structured fire risk assessment undertaken to evaluate the risk to life from fire, review existing fire safety arrangements and provide the Responsible Person with a clear framework for managing identified improvements.
Commercial Premises
Fire Services Central was appointed to undertake a fire risk assessment of commercial premises to assess the risk to life from fire and assist the Responsible Person in managing the fire safety arrangements for the site.
The assessment considered the safety of people who could be affected by a fire, including employees, visitors, contractors and other persons using the premises.
Assessing Fire Risk and Existing Safety Arrangements
The Responsible Person required a structured assessment of the premises to establish the current level of risk to life from fire and identify areas where improvements to existing fire safety arrangements may be required.
This required consideration not only of potential sources of fire, but also the fire prevention measures, physical fire protection and management arrangements in place at the premises.
A Structured PAS 79 Fire Risk Assessment
The assessment was undertaken using the structured methodology set out within PAS 79:2021.
This approach examines the premises, activities undertaken, potential fire hazards, existing precautions and the possible consequences to occupants should a fire occur.
Obtain relevant information about the premises
Identify the fire hazards
Assess the likelihood of fire
Determine the physical fire protection measures present
Assess the fire safety management processes present
Assess the likely consequences to occupants
Assess the overall fire risk for the premises
Formulate an action plan
Recommend an appropriate interval for review
Evaluating the Risk to Life from Fire
The overall fire risk was determined by considering the relationship between the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences to life should a fire occur.
Normal fire hazards were present for this type of occupancy. Potential sources of ignition were generally subject to appropriate controls, although minor shortcomings may be present.
An outbreak of fire could result in injury to one or more occupants, although it was considered unlikely to result in multiple fatalities.
Overall Risk to Life from Fire: Moderate
Action should be taken to address identified deficiencies and maintain appropriate standards of fire safety.
The assessment provided the Responsible Person with a documented evaluation of the risk to life from fire within the premises together with an action plan for managing the findings identified during the assessment.
Recommended actions can therefore be prioritised according to the level of risk and the potential consequences associated with each finding.
Maintaining and Reviewing Fire Safety
A fire risk assessment forms part of an ongoing process of managing fire safety rather than a one-off exercise.
The assessment provides a structured basis for reviewing fire safety arrangements and progressing the actions identified within the report.
Fire Services Central can also provide associated fire safety services where required, including fire extinguisher servicing, fire alarm maintenance, emergency lighting and fire door inspection.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment for Your Premises?
Speak to Fire Services Central about assessing your premises and identifying practical fire safety actions.