The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that owners of non-domestic premises take steps to prevent fires, and protect visitors and employees should a fire occur on their premises.
The Order applies to almost all buildings throughout England and Wales including: offices, shops, warehouses and factories, and common areas within houses with multiple occupants (HMOs), blocks of flats and maisonettes
There are four types of Fire Risk Assessment.
Common parts, non-destructive
A type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is the most basic assessment required under the Fire Safety Order. It covers common areas of the building, not individual flats, or offices. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, amendments to the act in 2021 require that a type 1 Fire Risk Assessment include individual entrance doors and fire doors, as well as internal and external walls. Flat entrance doors and fire doors should be assessed for 30-minute fire and smoke resistance, while internal and external walls should be assessed for risk of fire smoke spreading.
Read more about Internal Fire Safety checks and Fire Risk Appraisals of external walls
Common parts, destructive
A type 2 Fire Risk Assessment may be recommended if the type 1 Assessment suggests structural flaws within a building that might increase the risk of fire spreading. It involves destructive sampling such as opening up parts of the building and is usually done when the property is vacant.
Common parts and flats, non-destructive
A type 3 Fire Risk Assessment is similar to a type 1 assessment but includes; interiors of individual flats, means of escape, fire resistance of internal doors, fire alarms, fire detection and warning systems, as well as compartmentation between flats.
Common parts and flats, destructive
A type 4 Fire Risk Assessment is one of the most comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment types. It may involve creating openings for inspections to be carried out at certain fire stopping points within the premises. Due to the destructive nature of these types of Fire Risk Assessment, they are usually only suggested where serious defects are detected in common parts of a building and individual dwellings.
It is a legal requirement for the appointed Responsible Person to ensure that a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is in place.
Failure to comply can lead to penalties and liabilities. For peace of mind, the Responsible Person (the building owner, lead leaseholders, landlord or possibly the managing agent) may choose to discharge their legal duties by appointing a competent fire risk assessor to carry out the Fire Risk Assessment.
Easton Bevins has extensive experience in carrying out Fire Risk Assessments and liaising with local Fire and Rescue Services.
Our qualified, experienced surveyors can conduct a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment to help ensure you fulfil your duty and remain compliant.
To find out more call 0117 942 7876, email your enquiry, or complete the enquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Martin is a Chartered Building Surveyor with considerable experience. He is responsible for technical and regulatory matters within the practice.
James is a Chartered Construction Manager with over 20 years professional experience in property and surveying.
For more information please complete the enquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
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