Latest News

  • Fire safety legislation in Northern Ireland changed on 15th November 2010, adding new provisions for fire safety for all non-domestic premises.
    Read More...
  • Special offer 25% OFF
    Introductory offer on fire safety awareness refresher training for every new client.
  • We offer a complete service of:-
    Carrying out a fire risk assessment of your premises, Training of all staff and fire wardens, Supplying the relevant log books, test sheets and all paperwork to keep you "fire safe" and within the new laws.
  • BSL interpreter service now available for any deaf members of staff.
  • Carbon monoxide and fire safety for Landlords.
    We can visit your rented property and carryout a home fire risk assessment, we will advise your Read More...

FAQ

Does the new law affect me?

The answer is more than likely yes! Any premises used for business or by voluntary organisations come under The Order. It will mean significant changes to the ways in which employers and people in control of premises are required to manage fire safety. Responsibility for fire safety in the workplace now clearly rests with the employer and those with any degree of control of premises.

The legislation applies to all non-domestic premises.

Every employer has an absolute duty imposed by the Regulations to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment, and provide training and instruction to all staff.

What is the Fire Brigade's role?

The Fire Brigade is given powers to enforce the Regulations. The FIRE BRIGADE WILL NOT CARRY OUT RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR YOU. If your premises are inspected under the Regulations, you will be asked for your risk assessment and records of the findings. Powers are given to enforce the Regulations by Criminal Prosecution, which may result in a fine, imprisonment or both if you are found guilty of failing to comply.

I am a landlord; do I need a fire risk assessment for my rented properties?

Yes, only if it is defined a House of multiple occupation. (homo)

But

We can visit your rented property and carryout a home fire risk assessment, we will advise your tenant on the actions to take in the event of a fire, fire prevention, escape routes and the use and provision of smoke alarms, fire blankets and carbon monoxide alarms.

We will deliver a written report signed by your tenant to show they have been informed and understand the aspects of fire safety in the home; a copy of this report will be given to the tenant and the landlord. This can form part of a tenancy agreement

Where does the Order apply?

The Order will apply to almost all premises which are not private dwellings.

Examples include:

  • Offices and shops
  • Premises that provide care, including care homes and hospitals
  • Pubs, clubs and restaurants
  • Places of worship
  • Educational establishments including schools
  • Theatres and cinemas
  • Sports centres and other community premises
  • Hotels and hostels
  • Guests houses and bed & breakfast accommodation
  • Shared areas of properties common to several households
  • Houses of multiple occupation
  • Factories and warehouses
  • Tents and marquees
  • Transport premises and facilities
  • Animal premises and stables
  • Open air events and venues

It does not apply to people's private homes, including individual flats in a block or house.

Do I need a fire risk assessment for my private home?

It is not a legal requirement but for peace of mind we can provide a domestic fire risk assessment.

We also provide fire safety advice to all domestic households, we can visit your home or rented property and carryout a home fire risk assessment, we will advise you or your tenant on the actions to take in the event of a fire, fire prevention, escape routes and the use and provision of smoke alarms, fire blankets and carbon monoxide alarms.

If I don't get a fire risk assessment what will happen?

The new Regulations place an unconditional responsibility on employers to provide a safe workplace. The duty of enforcement is placed on the Fire Authority, and the Chief Fire Officer may appoint Inspectors to carry out this task.

If your premises are inspected under the Regulations, you will be asked for your risk assessment and records of the findings. Powers are given to enforce the Regulations by Criminal Prosecution, which may result in a fine, imprisonment or both if you are found guilty of failing to comply.

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is an organized and methodical look at the premises, the activities within the premises, the potential for a fire to occur and the harm it could cause to the people in and around the premises. The existing fire safety measures are evaluated and kept under review to establish whether they are adequate or if more requires to be done, thereby reducing a situation that may start a fire and the potential for a fire to occur and cause death or injury

What are the benefits to my business?

Reduces the risk of a fire on the premises,( 80% of all businesses never recover from a fire), reduces the risk of injury to staff and lower insurance premiums.

The purpose of the Fire Services Order is to simplify fire safety legislation and reduce the number of enforcing authorities that businesses have to deal with. The FSO abolished the requirement for businesses to have a fire certificate and replaced it with a risk assessment therefore placing the duty on the owner/ occupier to implement appropriate measures to minimise the risk to life and property from fire; and to keep the assessment up to date.

How much will this fire risk assessment cost?

Since the 15th November 2010, the new legislation is affecting all small businesses regardless of the number of employees or the nature of the premises; this includes places of worship and charity groups.

Therefore we have cut all our prices so all premises in N.Ireland can now have affordable fire safety.

Prices starting from just £89, please contact us with any questions, all quotations are free of charge.

Do I need a fire certificate?

No. The legislation abolished the requirement for businesses to have fire certificates. (although should be kept for record purposes)

All workplaces will now be required to have in place a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment that must include all matters relating to fire precautions and training.

What do I have to do?

The FSO places a duty on (usually the owner, employer or occupier of business or industrial premises) stating:

You must:

  • carry out a fire-risk assessment identifying any possible dangers and risks.
  • consider who may be at risk.
  • inform and instruct staff
  • provide training and training records.
  • get rid of or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions to deal with any possible remaining risk.
  • take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored.
  • create a plan to deal with any emergency and keep a record of your findings; and
  • review your findings when necessary
  • email: enquiries@nifireriskasessment.co.uk

Do I need to keep a record?

Yes

The law says you must keep a written record of the significant findings of your premises risk assessment. You will be required to produce this if your premises are audited by the N.I Fire and Rescue Service.

What happens if I share my premises with others?

If you share a building with others, you will need to co-ordinate your risk management plan with them.

If your plan changes as a result of a review or changes you made to your premises over time, you will need to share the revised risk management plan with others who share the premises

What fire precautions do i need to consider?

Fire Precautions Legislation deals with general fire precautions, these include:

  • The means of detecting and giving warning in case of fire;
  • The means of escape from the building in case of fire (this includes protection of escape routes and the provision of signs, lighting, etc.);
  • The means for fighting fire (this includes training in use of fire- fighting equipment, preparing an emergency action plan and arranging contacts with the Fire Brigade (if necessary); and
  • The training of staff in what action to take in the event of fire.

How long will it take to train my staff?

We will ensure minimum disruption to your day to day business,

Providing a plain English presentation covering all the fire safety training needs for your employees.

We also provide a more comprehensive presentation for the designated fire marshal within your building. Outlining the duties and legal responsibilities that a fire marshal / fire warden must do on a routine basis and in the event of a fire.

How often do I need to provide fire safety training to my staff?

Once per year is the minimum standard . By doing this, staff will be prepared in the event of fire, ensuring their own safety and the safety of other people on the premises.

How long is my fire risk assessment valid for?

A review should take place annually or after any new occurrences, i.e :-

  • A fire
  • A new significant hazard introduced ie new heating
  • Anyone with a physical or medical impairment is employed
  • A change of use, such as premises now converted for a different purpose than was last assessed for.

How do I ensure I am meeting this new legislation?

Contact us at N.I Fire risk assessment and we will look after all the necessary requirements, with minimal fuss and disruption to your business.

Act today, we are here to help. enquiries@nifireriskassessment.co.uk