The horrific fire at Grenfell Tower back in 2017 is hard to forget. The subsequent public inquiry has further kept the tragedy front of mind and raised many questions surrounding fire safety in buildings with multiple occupants. As a result of the inquiry, the vast majority of recommendations made were adopted into fire safety regulations under Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 < https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/fact-sheet-overview> and became effective at the beginning of 2023.
This change in law serves as a sharp reminder that fire risk assessments are integral to any premises where a number of people live and/or work – and the responsibility the owners/managers of those properties have to ensure occupants are adequately protected in the event of fire breaking out.
What buildings need a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is required for both residential and commercial properties, including:
- blocks of flats
- homes of multiple occupancy
- business premises
- licences businesses such as pubs, restaurants and betting shops
- commercial property
- educational establishments
- places of worship
Generally, a written fire risk assessment is required for workplace with five or more employees and residential blocks with four or more people. Not having a fire risk assessment or fire safety precautions in place is a serious breach of law. It can lead to prosecution and heavy fines or even a prison sentence.
How often do you need to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment?
Following the initial assessment, it should be reviewed ever 12 months and renewed every five years. A review should also be conducted if the building undergoes a change of purpose, if the structure or layout of the building is altered or if occupancy changes substantially.
The Home-Approved Fire Risk Assessment
We will carry out an inspection of your building to assess the potential risk of fire and identify anything that needs to be improved or changed to make the building safer, in terms of fire prevention, for the occupants to use. Our inspection is designed to ensure compliance with current fire safety regulations and is comprehensive – from examining the construction of the building, checking electrical equipment and heating systems to assessing fire escape routes, fire safety signage and evacuation drills.
We will then supply a written report that details the condition of the building, any improvements or alterations required to ensure it complies with regulations and estimated costs for the recommended work. But our involvement doesn’t end there. We don’t just leave you with a list of things to do, we will work with you to arrange and oversee any remedial works to ensure your building is fully compliant with the regulations.
Conducted by one of our expert team with in-depth knowledge of current legislation and supported by a background in building surveys generally, you can be confident that Home-Approved will provide all the guidance needed to ensure your building is fire safe and fully compliant with the law.
Don’t leave the fire safety of your property to chance. Find out more about what our Fire Risk Assessment covers <link to page> or give us a call on 0800 980 3113 to book an apppointment.