By Liam PlumbFire can be devastating, causing not only the destruction of buildings, their contents and possessions but harm, injury and even loss of life.
If you own or manage a multi occupant rental property such an apartment building or a block of flats, then it is important that you fully understand your responsibilities when it comes to fire safety.
If you are a landlord or the person responsible for residential flats, here is a helpful guide where we answer some of the vital questions about fire risk assessments for flat.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
When it comes to effectively safeguarding against fire, it is impossible to do so without first knowing what risks and hazards within your property could make it potentially vulnerable to fire.
This is where fire risk assessments come in and why they are such a vital step in fire safety and prevention.
A fire risk assessment is a strategic and organised review of a building to identify risks and hazards and make recommendations on what needs to be done to reduce or remove them.
What is Covered in a Flat Fire Risk Assessments?
Here are some of the areas that will be covered by the assessor during a fire risk assessment for a block of flats;
- Identifying any potential hazards and risks in the premises such as ignition sources, flammable materials, accelerants and fuel and oxygen sources.
- Recommendations are made on how and where changes need to be made to reduce or remove the risk of identified hazards causing harm.
- The assessment should cover all the common or shared areas of the building such as – stairwells, lobbies, hallways, corridors, exits and entrances etc.
- Identify the number of occupants and whether there are vulnerable people in the building such as those who are elderly, disabled, young children or lone workers who are more at risk.
- The properties construction and layout will be evaluated and reviewed to ensure that all residents can leave the building safely in the event of a fire.
- Checks are made to confirm that staff or relevant persons are adequately trained in fire safety and risk management.
- All the findings from the assessment are recorded and documented.
- An emergency plan is created that can be shared with tenants so that they know what to do and how to escape safely.
Are Flats Legally Required to Have a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes! In England and Wales, under the 2005 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order), all blocks of flats are required by law to undergo a fire safety assessment.Making sure that your property is as safe as possible for your tenants is a priority that all landlords should take seriously. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences for those responsible if you are found legally liable and result in severe fines, penalties and even prosecution.
Who Can Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?
In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire risk assessments must be performed by a ‘Responsible Person’ who can sufficiently identify potential fire risks and provide accurate recommendations on how to reduce or remove them.
Fire is very serious and subsequently a fire risk assessment for a flat where dozens or even hundreds of people can be at risk is not something that should be undertaken by just anyone.
It is highly advisable to utilise the services of a professional, reliable and experienced fire safety specialist who will be better equipped to carry out the risk assessment and make sure that your rental property is safe and compliant.