Legislation

Fire safety is an extremely important issue, especially in mixed-use premises and where unrelated occupiers, who live independently from one another, share common areas of the same building. 

This area of law is covered by the Housing Act 2004 and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 inside the dwelling and for the common areas, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005). 

The responsible person for the "common parts" fire safety is either the freeholder or landlord who has responsibility for that part of the premises.

The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to systematically identify all fire related hazards within the premises and evaluate how those hazards may adversely affect the building and its occupants. It also identifies the level of risk that those hazards may present and also identify suitable control measures for any significant findings. 

The AFA Fire Risk Assessment will include:

• A description and evaluation of the premises.
• An evaluation of the occupants.
• An evaluation of possible fire hazards.
• An evaluation of fire protection measures within the premises.
• An evaluation of the procedures in place for management and maintenance of the fire safety provisions.
• An action plan.

AFA will also make recommendations for any remedial works that may be necessary. 

Following your Fire Risk Assessment, you should carry out regular checks to make sure that:

• All fire alarm systems are working.
• The emergency lighting is working.
• You record any faults in systems and equipment.
• Escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition.
• Fire escapes can be opened easily.
• Automatic fire doors close correctly.
• Fire exit signs are in the right place.

Your action plan will recommend how and when these checks should take place.

If you require a Fire Risk Assessment for your premises please contact us and we will be happy to give you a free, no obligation quote.