Fire Risk Assessment:
A Systematic Approach
Fire Risk Assessment by Rajshekhar Yellumahanti
Fire is a good servant but a bad Master. An Uncontrolled fire often strikes at the
very core of human existence & harms by taking away the life of the loved ones & livelihood. In this
article, we will discuss a systematic approach of carrying out a fire risk assessment in order to make the process
more scientific and simple to complete.
What is a Fire risk assessment?
- A systematic examination of the fire risks posed to the occupants, evaluation
of the risk levels & control measures.
- Aims to critically analyze the existing control measures for being suitable
& sufficient so that the residual risk levels are sustainable.
- Not necessarily focus on quantifying the risks but to confirm that sufficient
hierarchy of controls are in place for the risk mitigation.
- Preventive & proactive step towards
managing the risk posed by fire hazards.
- Needs to be carried out by a “responsible person” who understands the process
& is trained in completing the process.
- Alternatively, the responsible person can appoint a “competent person” who is
trained to carry out on his behalf.
- Legally required
- Serves as a base line for the entire range of fire prevention &
protection program of an organization.
- Although the methodology of the assessment procedure remains same across the
disciplines, specific information related with the size & nature of the workplace would vary. For example,
a fire risk assessment of a multi specialty hospital would differ from that of a vehicle garage or a high rise
building.
Do I need to undertake it?
- If you are responsible for business premises,
an employer,
- Self-employed with business premises,
- A charity or voluntary organization or a contractor with a degree of control
over any premises
How can I do it?
- Identify the fire hazards: For any fire to occur, the three elements of the
fire triangle need to be in a definite proportion at the same time & place. Atmospheric oxygen is present
everywhere hence efforts should be directed to eliminate the fuel & ignition energy assimilation. With the
exception of a few inert substances, practically all things burn provided the right amount of initial ignition
energy is available. Our efforts should be to keep the fuel as distant as possible from the ignition source.
Hence to identify the fire hazards identify all fuel, all sources of ignition energy & in specific
conditions, cases of rich oxygen atmospheres or supplies.
- Identify the people who might be harmed and how: This is often the most
critical part of the fire risk assessment. You should consider all people on the premises including vendors,
visitors & contractors. People like elderly persons, children, expectant mothers, patients, specially abled
persons should be specially considered.
- Evaluate the risks and decide the adequacy of the control measures: The risks
should be evaluated to understand fully the impact it would cause. The commonly accepted way is to analyze
exposure, likely hood & consequence.. The hierarchy of controls for risk reduction should be a preferred
option as applicable. When it is not possible to eliminate the risks, ways of risk reduction are to be
explored. Some of them could be like establishing notification systems & procedures, clear & identified
means of escape, emergency equipment provision, their upkeep & training, etc. The control measures should
be cost effective for the type of business & implemented so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Record your findings: The assessment findings should be documented in order
to create a record of the activity. The document should essentially contain all relevant information as to the
workplace description, risk assessor, risk assessment, its findings, date, next review date etc. This document
should be readily available for reference & used as source document for the basis of induction to visitors
to the facility. Internal trainings should be periodically conducted to create awareness amongst the occupants
by way of information, instruction and training.
- Review & revise the assessment: A review should be undertaken to ensure
that the objectives of the fire risk assessment are fully met, all hazards have been identified & suitable
& sufficient control measures are in place. It is also prudent to ensure that no new hazards due to the
control measures have crept into the workplace. The fire risk assessment is a live document & should be
revised upon any change in the business structure, procedure, occupancy, any new law being enacted, upon a
business license renewal or periodically.
Conclusions:
The fire risk assessment is necessary to ensure that all humane, legal & moral
requirements have been met in a cost effective way to the business. Apart from being a legal requirement, a
suitable & sufficient fire risk assessment by a responsible or a competent person is a requirement by law. The
end results are reasonably practicable control measures, a safer work place, higher sense of security, high morale,
informed occupant, reduction in insurance premiums, etc. The benefits are too many to be ignored by any
measures.
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