Statement from Our Managing Director, Ryan Lloyd-Davis: Regarding Fire Safety Compliance – Fire risk assessments extend beyond firefighting strategies; they principally address ‘life safety’. An effective fire risk assessment must take a comprehensive view, embracing not only prevention and detection but also evacuation procedures and communication strategies.
Moreover, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of different sectors, forming a risk, occupancy, and fire propagation profile. In accordance with BS 9999, this will determine the “Specific” obligations, including escape route length, door dimensions, Alarm Category (such as L1, L2, and so forth), and Emergency lighting provisions.
It should be more than a rudimentary check; it must be gauged against a recognised benchmark. Surprisingly, numerous assessments we review lack this crucial data, yet we employ this deficit constructively with our clients to aid in making vital decisions.
EXAMPLE – Consider an old property with exit routes that are longer than the current Standards. By fully comprehending the requirements, we can help our clients understand all options in this scenario to reduce the risk to a tolerable level, such as increasing the alarm provisions, implementing additional exits, improved fire extinguishers or suppression etc.
Isn’t this the clarity that all duty holders, business owners, and property landlords are looking for? Crystal clear metrics that make it so you can sleep better at night, knowing if there was a fire late in the evening, that everyone will be able to evacuate to a safe place, the fire should not spread too far decimating the building, and when the investigation comes around, you know, with evidence that everything that you could have done is up to date, and measured against the required standards.
Regrettably, the more economical, less experienced – or should I say less adept – assessments might not furnish such information.
So What Does a Responsible Person Need to Do?
Much has been written and published recently on the Building Safety Act and the perceived ‘changes’ to the requirements of Fire Risk Assessment and fire safety within employers premises, but the main headline remains: If you don’t have the expertise in house, engage with a ‘competent person’ to offer experienced, qualified, and practical advice.
From October 1, 2023, the UK will have updated fire safety guidelines in place, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to fire safety. These measures are designed to not only meet regulatory requirements but, more importantly, to enhance the safety of all individuals in buildings governed by the Fire Safety Order.
The key features of these updated guidelines are as follows:
- Collaboration and Coordination: The updated rules place a strong emphasis on enhancing collaboration and coordination among Responsible Persons (RPs). These RPs are individuals or organisations responsible for fire safety within a building. This change ensures that multiple stakeholders work together seamlessly to bolster fire safety.
- Improved Record Keeping: The new regulations elevate the requirements related to recording and sharing fire safety information. This means that crucial safety data will always be readily available throughout the lifespan of a building. This emphasis on transparency and accessibility of information is a fundamental shift in ensuring safety.
- Easier Enforcement: The fresh regulations streamline the process for authorities to hold accountable those who do not adhere to fire safety rules. This is a crucial step in enforcing compliance and maintaining high fire safety standards.
- Information Sharing: These new rules guarantee that people using a building – this is focused on residents but it’s important to consider employees, visitors, contractors and the emergency services – all have access to the necessary details regarding fire safety.
In essence, it’s about improving both fire safety and, importantly, awareness. Consider the following:
- Do you have highly flammable substances in your building? Do you know where the gas and electricity shut-off points are? You and your employees are likely to know these things but how would you make the emergency services aware if you weren’t there?
- Are you likely to have a transient population in your building – people who might not necessarily know what the fire alarm sounds like or where the muster point is?
- Do you have a team of fire wardens who are now working on a hybrid pattern? Are you sure you’ve therefore got enough fire wardens within the building for each day of the week? If most people choose to work from home on any given day, how will you ensure that there’s at lease one person aware of the fire drill in your building?
So How Can We Help?
We understand that conducting annual Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) can be a daunting and time-consuming task. That’s why we try to simplify the process and make sure actions are realistic and practical.
- We keep your property compliant with complex and ever-changing UK fire safety regulations, ensuring that your fire safety measures meet or exceed the required standards.
- Our professional assessors have a keen eye for identifying fire hazards, even those not immediately obvious. We leave no stone unturned to ensure that your assessment is comprehensive and accurate.
- Following the assessment, we provide you with detailed, clear, and concise reports that outline identified hazards, existing safety measures, and recommendations for improvements.
- Orbis Environmental offers customised solutions tailored to your property type, occupancy, and specific needs, ensuring practical and effective recommendations.
- Our ongoing support services, including periodic reviews and updates, ensure that your fire safety measures remain effective over time.
Choosing Orbis Environmental gives you access to a team of industry professionals, as well as a wide range of trusted partners to deliver the practical elements of achieving compliance. Don’t forget to give us a call for more help, or to download our handy guide to the key workplace Fire Safety checks you should be carrying out in your business.