Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments
email :: ray@dsdfireriskassessment.co.uk
tel :: 01395 223212
fax :: 01395 223212
mobile :: 07800 920901

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Select a question below and be directed to the answer

1. Do I need to get a fire risk assessment done?
2. What happens if I don’t get a fire risk assessment done?
3. If I share my building with other companies who is responsible for the fire risk assessment?
4. Do I need a fire risk assessment if I have a fire certificate?
5. How often do I need to have a fire risk assessment?
6. What is RRO?
7. What is a fire risk assessment?
8. What do I need to do for a fire risk assessment?
9. What is an emergency plan?
10. Do I need an emergency plan?
11. How do I gain access to my fire risk assessment report and emergency plan?
12. Types of contracts

1.Do I need to get a fire risk assessment done?

The answer is more than likely yes! Any premises used for a business or premises that are used by voluntary organisations come under the order. There are ver few exemptions, private dwellings and ships being some of the few. [back to top]

2. What happens if I don't get a fire risk assessment done?

The Fire Authorities will have the power to ensure that the 'responsible person' has taken appropriate steps to ensure the safety of people in their premises. If not and if measures are not taken to the satisfaction of the Authority it can penalise through the courts either financially or by imprisonment. Offences could include; no fire risk assessment, inadequate fire precautions and providing false information. [back to top]

3. If I share my building with other companies who is responsible for the fire risk assessment?

'The Responsible Person'. A 'Responsible Person' is:

in relation to a workplace - the employer where the workplace is to any extent under his control
in relation to any premises not falling into 1. above, the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with him carrying on a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not)
the owner where the person carrying on the business does not have any control over the premises.

The requirements of the Order are in fact imposed on any person who has, to any extent, control of premises so far as the requirements relate to matters within in his control. [back to top]

4. Do I need a fire risk assessment if I have a fire certificate?

Fire certificates are no longer valid and you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment to comply with new legislation. [back to top]

5. How often do I need to have a fire risk assessment?

You will need to regularly review your risk assessment to ensure it remains up to date and reflects any changes that may have occured. [back to top]

6. What is RRO?

RRO is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This has been brought into place to ensure that all businesses are aware of the dangers of fire and they have the correct guidelines in place if they were to be faced with a fire in their workplace, and has replaced over 70 seperate pieces of fire safety legislation. [back to top]

7. What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is an organised and methodical look at your premises, the activities carried out there and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises.
There are 5 steps in a fire safety risk assessment:

Identify fire hazards
Consider the people who may be at risk
Evacuate and act
Record, plan and train
Review [back to top]

8. What do I need to do for a fire risk assessment?

All you need to do is contact Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments to discuss what your next steps are towards completing your fire risk assessment and emergency plans. [back to top]

9. What is an emergency plan?

An emergency plan is a vital part of fire risk assessment. The purpose of an emergency plan is to ensure that people know exactly what to do if a fire breaks out and that they can evacuate the premises safely. [back to top]

10. Do I need an emergency plan?

Yes! An emergency plan is part of the fire risk assessment. The idea of an emergency plan is detailed above and is the result of a fire risk assessment and due to new legislation brought in 2006 a fire risk assessment is mandatory making the emergency plan a formality. [back to top]

11. How do I gain access to my fire risk assessment and emergency plan?

Apart from having a hard copy of your fire risk assessment and emergency plan it is fully accessible from the Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments secure website. On completion of your fire risk assessment you will be provided with a secure username and password to log on and retrieve your fire risk assessment, emergency plans and any other relevant information. [back to top]

12. Types of contracts

There are 2 types of contract available.

Initial fire risk assessment and/or emergency plans
Initial fire risk assessment and emergency plan with free advise or updating of plans through 1 year followed by an annual review. [back to top]

My question hasn't been answered!

If your question hasn't been answered then contact Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments where a fire risk assessment adviser will be more than happy to help.