Fire Prevention | Through Fire Risk Assessment

The terms 'Fire Prevention' and 'Fire Risk Assessment' (FRA) are not always used synonymously, however, by their very nature, they should be.  Fire prevention is the generic term given to any measure which serves to avert a fire from occurring, or those means by which fire is detected.  

Whilst strictly speaking, systems such as fire alarm and sprinkler systems do not prevent fires, they do help to prevent the spread and consequences of fire and as such are embraced into fire prevention as a whole.

In the same way, a FRA ascertains risk levels and likely impact. Those issues which are deemed to be of a high risk are then pursued to reduce the danger and bring the issue back within acceptable and tolerable limits.

Those risk reduction measures will generally take the form of 'Fire Prevention', particularly when the term is used in a more 'global' sense.

On this basis, we should be adopting the FRA basis as a fire prevention tool.  FRA's should undertake the following five step process, with the vast majority of outcomes of the FRA resulting in fire prevention measures.

Fire Risk Assessment Process

1. Identify the hazards

2. Identify those at risk

3. Evaluate and act

4. Record, plan and train

5. Review

It will be clear to most responsible persons that there are fire hazards, as ignition sources and combustible material are part of the fabric of any building or process.  Similarly, there will almost always be people at risk.  The risk posed to persons must be evaluated and measures put in place to ensure an adequate level of life safety.  

As an example, when a potential risk of fire is established, factors such as the means of escape must be assessed.  Will any occupants be able to escape if a fire were to start? The answer to this will be solely dependant on the fire prevention measures currently installed.  If the answer is yes, the maintenance of these systems/building features must be achieved.  If the answer is no; it is likely that the only realistic way to ensure the residual risk is tolerable is to increase the fire prevention measures.

This relationship must be understood and respected to ensure a continued level of life safety is achieved for all occupants. FRAs should clearly indicate the features that are relied upon to achieve life safety and the ongoing maintenance to sustain them.  This transparent approach assists those managing a building and those enforcing Fire Safety Legislation.  Advantages will also be seen when the FRA is reviewed, as the factors that have enabled decisions to be made can themselves be readily re-evaluated.

Due to its very nature, the risk of fire will always be present, but through continued assessment and the introduction and maintenance of fire prevention measures, risks can be appropriately controlled. 

A full FRA can be undertaken on your behalf by fire engineers, although this is not necessary for many businesses and premises. There are ways of simplifying the sometimes confusing nature of undertaking a successful FRA and the ensuing actions.  The Complete Fire Safety Management System, being a complete online system accessible by one or multiple sites, assists by walking responsible persons through the process of effective FRA and fire prevention planning and actions to ensure your building is fire and legislation safe.

 

If you would like to know more about CFSM or Fire Risk Assessments, simply call Peter Gyere on 020 8668 8663