This is very common, like a lot of business owners they are likely to be very busy and the responsibility of having to conduct a fire risk assessment is no easy task. Where do they start? The easy option is to “pass the buck” to a manager or member of staff.
WARNING – The following information should be considered very carefully by you and your boss.
The Law states you can conduct your own fire risk assessment if you have the expertise to do so. That’s the issue, very few people have the expertise to conduct a fire risk assessment. You would need to have a good understanding of a number of LAW’s and British standards. Below are just a few:
- The fire safety order
- BS 5839 – for fire detection and warning systems
- BS 5266 – for emergency lighting
- BS 8214 – for fire resisting doors
- BS 5306 – for fire extinguishers
Carrying out a fire risk assessment when you do not have the expertise to do so, in any type of premises does not only put people’s lives at risk but if a fire were to start you could also be liable for large fines or even a prison sentence. As a company boss or owner of the property, it is their responsibility to appoint a competent person to conduct the assessment.