Fire Risk Assessments in Northampton

As a business owner in Northampton, you are responsible for completing Fire Risk Assessments for your business. It’s important to do all you can to reduce the risk of fire to keep people safe. It saves lives, it’s your legal duty, and it makes good business sense.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment in Northampton?

A comprehensive look at your premises in Northampton and the people who use them, from a fire prevention perspective. It’s about understanding the potential risks, then improving your fire safety precautions to keep people safe.

What happens on the Fire Risk Assessment visit in Northampton?

After introductions, our friendly assessor will ask to speak to the person responsible for the Northampton premises. A competent colleague may assume this role in case of absence, as long as they are familiar with the access, layout, and daily operation of the premises.

The assessor will then familiarise the responsible person with every aspect of the visit. These include documentation, emergency procedures, and safety records. Insurance and special requirements for the safe running of the particular premises will also be covered.

At the end of the visit, the assessor will talk about non-compliance and specific improvements the premises might need. This is also your time to ask questions and receive immediate and competent advice.

The visit results in a thorough consultative report which forms the basis for a fire risk assessment.

The Fire Risk Assessment Report is presented in a simple, clear and effective format. Experience has shown that relying on common sense and good observation as well as specialist technical knowledge has been of greater benefit to small and medium sized business owners, rather than complicated mathematical calculations. Often practical recommendations for ensuring the fire safety of company employees has proved to be the most cost effective company strategy.

Clear recommendations in line with current building regulations and health & safety requirements are then given. The document covers every angle of fire safety: fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguishers, records, and properly marked escape routes.

Fire Risk Assessments will clearly identify any potential risks at your site, as well as help you create a plan for what to do in the event of a fire, greatly improving the safety of your workplace. Our Risk Assessment records will also help you prove that you acted appropriately and in accordance with the law, should you be unfortunate enough to have a fire at your workplace.

Our assessor will compile a detailed, insurance-approved report of all the findings and post it to you within a week of the site visit. After receipt of the report, the assessor will also contact the responsible person and go over the report's findings to ensure understanding.

Your business can rest assured that our qualified team will do everything they can to help you improve your fire safety on site by helping to minimise fire risk.

Did you know?

Minor offences to the fire safety of premises can be charged penalties of up to £5,000. Consequently, the charges do not stop there. Major fire safety breach penalties can be anything from an unlimited fine, up to a maximum of 2 years imprisonment. Learn about your legal obligations here if you are a company based in Northampton.

What is involved in a Fire Risk Assessment in Northampton?

Assessments are generally conducted in five key steps:

1. Identify the fire hazards.
2. Identify people at risk.
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
5. Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

Does my Northampton business require a Fire Risk Assessment?

A thorough risk assessment is at the heart of effective fire protection and prevention. The local fire authority have the authority to carry out unannounced visits to premises to check fire safety, and can give you a formal notice to improve your fire safety. If you do not meet the minimum standards your insurance can also be invalidated.

That assessment is a legal requirement according to the HSE guidelines, and it must be kept up to date. The guidelines apply to you if you are:

• Responsible for a business premises, block of apartments or a house of multiple occupation (HMO)

• An employer

• In a licensed property

• A charity or voluntary organisation

•  A contractor with control over a premises

Who should do my Fire Risk Assessment in Northampton?

It depends on how large or complex your business or organisation is.

Large complex business

If your business is larger or more complex, contact an expert to come and help.

Smaller Organisation

If your business or organisation is relatively small, and you think your potential risks aren’t complex, it is possible to do it yourself. You can find a guides to help you understand what’s required here on the Gov.UK website.

Insurance Approved Fire Risk Assessments in Northampton

We provide Fire Risk Assessments, which will supply you with a professional insurance approved report, which identifies your fire safety compliance.

The Fire Risk Assessment Reports are normally between 20 to 30 pages long and give clear instructions on what changes you need to make in the future.

All our reports comply with “The Fire Regulatory Reform Act 2005”, and cover all types of buildings, from private homes to shops, offices and factories.

Your Fire Risk Assessment Report

Our qualified assessors will prepare a comprehensive, clear report which covers:

• Fire safety compliance on your premises

• Servicing of equipment

• Access and escape routes

• Signage Locks

• Emergency Lighting

• Fire Wardens

• Risk Assessments

• Storage and Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

Want to know more about Fire Risk Assessments in Northampton?

Head here for some more information about Fire Risk Assessments.

Bear in mind that you must keep a written record of your Fire Risk Assessment if your organisation employs five or more people, if your premises are licensed or an Alterations Notice is in force, (following a visit from the Fire Service).

How do I get a No-Obligation Free Business Survey?

Call us on 01933 677125 or fill in the quick online form to book your fire risk assessment today!