Today is the first anniversary of the Grenfell Fire Disaster. We've seen a sharp increase in the number of people recognising the need to undertake proper fire risk assessments since the tragedy, with business owners and property companies wanting to make sure that they are up to date with what they need to do to mitigate risk for their employees, customers and tenants.
Does this apply to you?
All business premises need a Fire Risk Assessment by law, as well as a designated Responsible Person who is held accountable for fire safety. You’re the Responsible Person in non-domestic premises if you’re an employer, the owner/landlord of the property, or otherwise have control of the premises (i.e. facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor).
You also need a Fire Risk Assessment if you have paying guests, or are the owner or landlord of a block of flats.
When should a Fire Risk Assessment be carried out?
Businesses need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment in order to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - and once completed, the fire risk assessment should be reviewed and updated periodically. There is no fixed period for reviewing your Fire Risk Assessment, but it has become standard best practice to review the Assessment every 12 months and have a third party to carry out a new Assessment every five years, taking into account any changes to legislation and guidance.
You should also conduct a review if there are changes to a building's layout, the way the building is used or the type of occupants.
To find out more about how we can help your organisation comply with the relevant fire safety regulations and standards, please click here. You can also contact us at info@penarth.co.uk or on 029 2070 3328.
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