Did you know it is a legal requirement to conduct a fire risk assessment in your office?
Without a proper fire risk assessment, employers are at risk of facing some serious repercussions.
If you want to find out more about fire risk assessments in offices, we’re here to give you everything you need to know.
Do I need a fire risk assessment for my office?
If you are a employer of an office or members of the public access your space, then you are legally obligated to have a commercial fire risk assessment for the workplace. This is to protect people from fire hazards and prevent fire.
Who can legally carry out a fire risk assessment for offices?
Fire risk assessments must be completed by a competent individual. The risk of the premises determines the level of competency the assessor must have. Fire risk assessments for low risk premises can be completed by an employee with basic health and safety training.
If the premises is more high risk and complex, then a qualified and experienced assessor is required to ensure you have the proper measures in place, such as fire alarms and evacuation procedures to ensure your office aligns with legal standards.
If you wish to determine how competent an assessor is, the NFCC have a guide to help you.
How much does a fire risk assessment cost in the UK?
We offer inspections starting at:
- £375 for small residential communal areas and premises up to 2,000sqft.
- £425 for premises between 2,000-5,000sqft.
- £480 for premises up to 10,000sqft.
- Premises over 10,000 require an individual quote.
How often do fire risk assessments need to be carried out?
A full fire risk assessment must be completed and reviewed regularly.
A responsible person such as a landlord, employer or property manager must arrange for the fire risk assessment to be conducted.
The fire risk assessment must be reviewed regularly by a competent person to ensure it meets the legal standard. Reviews should be conducted if changes are made to the property that could impact fire safety measures, such as:
- Addition of vulnerable people in the office
- A fire has occurred since the last assessment
- Office has been extended
- Fire safety equipment has been damaged, stolen or replaced
- Furniture has been rearranged that may impact the means of escape
What happens if offices don’t have a fire risk assessment?
As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005), fire risk assessments are a legal obligation to ensure fire safety in offices. Failure to have a fire risk assessment can result in a fine or prison sentence.
How do I get a fire safety assessment for my office?
If you are wanting a fire risk assessment for your office, contact us and get a FREE quote today.