Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment ?
Following the implementation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, effective 1st October 2006, all previous Fire Safety Legislation was replaced and no longer is it the responsibility of the Fire & Rescue Service to issue “Fire Certificates”, although they do still have the ultimate power to insist on seeing your Fire Hazard Assessment and if not satisfied can issue an enforcement notice which can lead to closure of the premises.
How does this affect my business ?
All commercial businesses and places open to the public must have had a Fire Risk Assessment.
Who is the Responsible Person ?
Under the order “responsible person” means -
a) in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control:
b) in relation to any premises not falling within paragraph a) -
i) the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not) ; or
ii) the owner, where the person is in control of the premises does not have control in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking.
Can I do it myself and if so why should I use Calibre Fire Risk Assessors Ltd?
Yes “the responsible person” can carry out their own Fire Risk Assessment or delegate a “competent person” to carry out the Fire Risk Assessment. BUT as a “Responsible Person” you cannot delegate your responsibilities for complying with the Order and must ensure that the person carrying out the Fire Risk assessment is a “competent person” having “sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to implement the measures”
The training of a “competent person” will probably entail at least a 2 day training course on Fire Safety and Risk Assessing plus at least one further day for them to carry out the assessment and produce a report of their findings, at a cost to the “Responsible Person” of many hundreds of pounds in lost productivity and course fees - and who is to say that when a review is to be carried out that the “competent person” is still employed? Then the process will have to start over again!
What happens if I do not comply with the Law and have a Fire Risk Assessment ?
If you do not comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 then it may invalidate your Public Liability Insurance and a formal notice of enforcement and/or prohibition notice may be issued by the Fire & Rescue Service causing interruption to your business and many hours of disruption. A formal notice issued by the Fire & Rescue Service will also impact on future audits carried out by them and will result in more frequent Fire & Rescue Service inspections/audits of your premises.
Why should I choose Calibre Fire Risk Assessors ?
We are a truly independent and qualified team of Fire Risk Assessors and we will not try to sell you unnecessary equipment but will advise as to what is required for your premises leaving you to get the best price for the job and/or equipment.
We feel that our fees are competitive and our aim is to help you comply with the current Fire regulations in the simplest and most cost effective way possible, leaving you to concentrate on your business.