JKB Fire Risk Assessors Ltd

Fire Risk assessments

All businesses must have a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment carried out and their staff must undergo appropriate fire training.

You should now be aware of the new Fire Safety Legislation that came into force on the 1st of October 2006. It is called "The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005".

1. Will it affect me and my business? Every business in the UK with a few exceptions will be affected.

2. When did it come into force? It came into force on 01 October 2006.

3. Who is now responsible for the fire safety in my premises? The responsible person at any workplace (see definition below).

4. Who is responsible person to ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out? The responsible person at any workplace (see definition below).

5. Who should carry out the fire risk assessment? With all but the simplest of premises, the fire risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person (definition below).

6. What if I fall to comply with the new legislation? It is possible that your insurance may become invalid and the responsible person could face a fine, imprisonment or both.

7. What would happen in the event of a fire that results in death of anyone on my premises and it is proven I have not complied with the regulations? You could fall under the new Corporate Manslaughter and/or Corporate Homicide Act 2007 that came into force April 2008.

The government's definition of a responsible person, is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises (occupier or owner), or the person in control of the premises.

The government's definition of a competent person, is where he/she has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to carry out the required task.

Please contact us for no obligation advice on fire risk assessments

Fire Training

The new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, states that the responsible person within the premises, must ensure that appropriate fire fighting equipment is available for use and it is clearly visible or its location clearly marked.

Depending on the type of premises, the hazards, activities carried out and/or other circumstances, identified personnel must be given fire training to the appropriate level by a competent person. It is a legal requirement.

The identification of personnel and appropriate level of training, should be determined by a risk based approach. In some circumstances, this may result in the requirement to have nominated Fire Wardens (Marshals).

It is current common practice for a designated number of staff [sometimes totally inappropriate], to be given basic fire fighting training such as evacuation procedure, identification of fire fighting equipment and its use. This sometimes involves the practical use of fire extinguishers and occasionally the extinguishing of a real fire. This type of training is often inappropriate and becoming increasingly difficult with environmental issues.

JKB offers a modern risk based training package that is flexible and designed around your particular needs, this will ensure that your company complies with the latest requirements under the new fire safety legislation.

The most up to date DVDs are used as part of the training package, to cover topics such as:

• Identification of different types of fire extinguishers
• Identification of the appropriate extinguisher for a particular type of fire
• The safe method of using an extinguisher to tackle a fire, if and when appropriate
• The correct sequence of appropriate actions to take if a fire breaks out
• Safe evacuation
• Assessing fire risk
• Arson awareness
• Hazard spotting
• Fire drills etc

Approximately 1½ to 2 hour training course for up to 15 staff members including personal completion certificate starts from £160 (depending on location)

The training package as described does not preclude the practical use of fire extinguishers as this training can be arranged if specifically requested

Training is specific to the premises occupancy ie. General - Residential care homes - Schools - Hotels - Hospitals

Please contact us for no obligation advice or to arrange a fire training course

Fire safety Advice

We also offer a full range of fire safety services over and above fire risk assessments.

This could include:

Pre occupation inspections and reports:
Considerable inconvenience and cost savings can be made by getting the correct equipment and/or fire protection in place pre occupation. The fire risk assessment can then be finalised after occupation

Plan inspections:
Considerable inconvenience and cost savings can be made by getting the correct fire protection in place during the construction stage

Fire Training:
General induction training and/or fire marshal/warden training can be arranged prior to occupation therefore complying with legal requirements

Fire safety advice following a fire risk assessment:
Following the completion of a fire risk assessment, for a period of 12 months, effectively up to the review date, you will have access to free advice on any matter relating to the fire risk assessment or fire safety in general (unless a site visit is required, there will be no additional cost on the original fire risk assessment charge)

General Advice:
General advice can be given free via email or telephone with no obligation