How do you prepare for a fire risk assessment? The assessor will write a faster and more meaningful FRA if they are given all of the right paperwork so that they can see what has already been achieved and what might be lacking. If you are missing items, do not despair (it is extremely common), but it really makes the assessor’s job easier if what you have available to hand for that day helps them begin to understand how your building is used and any controls already in place.
Here is a comprehensive list of documents that must be arranged before you reach your FRA:
1) Building and occupancy information
Initial building specifics: address, floor count, rough layout
Use: Is the building an office, shop, or HMO, for example?
Occupants: Staff, residents, or visitors, and at what time of the day?
Are there any higher-risk occupants? i.e., anyone with disabilities or mobility issues, etc.
2) Floor plans (if available)
Plans are helpful, but not always necessary. Useful plans include:
Room and corridor floor plans
Escape routes and emergency exits
Where fire alarm call points are located, extinguishers, and emergency lighting
If you do not have plans, the assessor can still work without them but it slows everything down. For a Fire Risk Assessment Bristol, visit //keloscape.co.uk/areas-we-cover/fire-safety-consultancy-bristol/
3) Fire alarm and detection log
Details, including type/category, if known, of the automatic fire alarm system.
Maintenance/servicing certificates
Weekly test logs and any fault records
4) Emergency lighting records
Information about installation/commissioning (if any)
Quick check logs (more like audits, actually) and test certificates yearly
Service certificates and dates
Training records for employees (if applicable)
6) Information relating to fire doors and compartmentation
If you have them, gather:
Fire door inspection reports
Records of repairs/replacements
Any contractors fire stopping/compartmentation reports
7) Staff training and drills in the workplace
It can be beneficial for companies to have:
Fire safety training records (induction/refresher)
Fire drill records
Fire marshals/wardens details
8) FRA and action plan from last year
Carry on from the last fire risk assessment with proof of what has been done:
Invoices/photos for remedial works
Outstanding items and expected timescales
9) Contractor and higher risk work details
Hot works policy/permits (if used)
PAT testing records (where relevant)
Known problems – storage, charging points, plant rooms.
Having all this information ready and available will greatly assist the assessor and ensure a thorough and timely report can be provided.