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A fire risk assessment typically involves a professional review of an organisation's: Vulnerability to fire; Compliance (or otherwise) with fire regulations as covered by health and safety at work legislation; Ability to cope with a fire in the event one arose. The outcome of such an assessment is typically a report highlighting areas of concern and identifying, with prioritisation, where attention is required. There are a number of reasons why fire audits should be performed periodically and professionally. A fire risk assessment is not something that can be conducted by an untrained person wandering around and having a 'quick look' - however much commonsense and good intention they may apply. To spot vulnerability and whether current practices may be in conflict with legal requirements is a skilled job. The reason that they should be conducted periodically is simply because situations evolve and things change. As a result, complacency can easily seep into any organisation. A location that is fully compliant with both regulations and best practice may, in time, slide into bad habits and run the risk of increasing fire hazards in the process. Some insurers also like to be sure that their policyholder is both complying with all required legislation and is adopting a responsible attitude towards protecting their property and human lives. One thing that shows insurers that a professional approach to these important subjects is actually being adopted, is a proactive attitude towards a periodic fire risk assessment. The legislation, regulations and rules covering fire prevention, also change over time. What your particular company may need at a given point is best ascertained by speaking to an expert risk assessment and management organisation. Having an external risk assessment of this nature is analogous to an annual financial audit. Responsible organisations must believe that they are in control of their own financial risks and are managing them to the maximum extent possible. Where people's safety and well being is concerned, it may be even more important to be sure that your risks are firstly identified, secondly quantified and thirdly managed. In a nutshell, that is what a fire assessment seeks to help you achieve. In the final analysis, it is not over-dramatising to restate that fire kills people. It also has an unfortunate habit of ruining businesses. The organisation that ignores the subject of fire risk assessment does so at its peril. If you do not like the thought that you may be putting people's lives at risk and taking chances with the future of your enterprise, then finding out more about this important subject may be advisable.
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