Duty holders may carry out the fire risk assessment, however they will also have to consider whether they have the skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience to do so.
The Scottish Government recommends that duty holders who wish to contract the services of an external fire risk assessor, should select an assessor from a list maintained by a professional body or a UKAS accredited third part certification body.
The Scottish Government statement is available to view at: www.firescotland.gov.uk
The IFE Fire Risk Assessors register is available to view at: www.ife.org.uk
Note- Duty holders and responsible persons are legally responsible, for ensuring that any consultant they employ to conduct a fire risk assessment, is competent to do so on their behalf.
A fire risk assessment is a practical exercise aimed at evaluating the risk from fire, and to consider the safety of people in the event of a fire.
It involves an organised and methodical look at the premises, the activities within the premises, the type of occupants, the fire hazards, the potential for a fire to occur, and the harm it could cause to people. The existing fire safety measures in the premises are evaluated to establish whether they are adequate enough, or if more needs to be done.
The fire safety measures evaluated in the assessment include fire alarm systems , emergency lighting systems, escape routes, portable and fixed firefighting equipment, fire safety signage, staff training and standards of fire safety management.
Because it’s the law - Part 3 of the 2005 Fire (Scotland) Act, along with the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, sets out the fire safety duties in respect of the majority of non-domestic premises in Scotland.
Employers and other persons who operate a business (or have control of a relevant premises to any extent) must comply with the legislation, which requires that a fire risk assessment should be conducted in the premises. Where there are 5 or more employees, the assessment should be recorded.
For further information about Fire Legislation, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or Scottish Government websites.
Insurance implications- In addition to your legal responsibilities, businesses and organisations should consider the effect that a fire could have on their buildings and/or contents insurance cover. Failure to conduct an adequate fire risk assessment and take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of fire may affect a subsequent insurance claim.
For further information, contact your insurer.
Every month, an average of 250 businesses in Scotland experience a fire*. The impact can be significant with potential injuries, loss of business, and often a complete collapse of the business.
To reduce the risk, we will conduct a fire risk assessment on your behalf, so you can focus on the day to day running of your business.
* Source- Scottish Building Regulations Technical Handbook for Non-Domestic Buildings.