Jan 31, 2024
What Makes Fire Safety Risk Assessments Different from Regular Risk Assessments in Asset Protection?
In the realm of asset protection, risk assessments reign supreme, meticulously scanning potential threats and crafting strategies to mitigate them. But when it comes to fire safety, a standard risk assessment simply doesn't cut it. Fire demands a dedicated assessment approach, one that delves deeper and dissects its unique characteristics.
So, what sets fire safety risk assessments apart from their regular counterparts? Read on as we discuss the key differences that make fire safety such a specialised domain.
What Is Asset Protection?
Asset protection in this sense is the protection of physical goods within a business premises from a variety of threats. These threats could include, fire, floods, burglary, or any other type of unauthorised access, harm or destruction to the premises.
Having some kind of asset protection strategy in place can give you peace of mind for your people and your business properties.
Differences Between A Risk Assessment and a Fire Risk Assessment?
So what are the differences between a risk assessment and a fire risk assessment?
Firstly, the stakes are undeniably higher. Unlike a minor equipment malfunction or a data breach, a fire can engulf your entire facility in seconds, jeopardising lives, livelihoods, and irreplaceable assets. This heightened risk necessitates a more granular and meticulous analysis, scrutinising every aspect of your building, its occupants, and the activities conducted within.
Secondly, the dynamics of fire hazards differ vastly from other hazards. Its ability to spread rapidly, consume oxygen, and generate toxic fumes introduces a complex element of unpredictability into the equation. Fire safety risk assessments must therefore account for propagation pathways, potential sources of fuel, and sources of ignition, crafting robust measures to contain and suppress the risk of fires.
Furthermore, regulatory requirements play a significant role in fire safety assessments. Unlike regular risk assessments, they are a legal requirement, with specific guidelines and benchmarks dictating the scope and content of the evaluation. Failing to comply with these regulations can incur hefty fines and expose you to legal repercussions in the event of a fire incident.
Finally, the human element takes centre stage in fire safety assessments. Evacuation procedures, escape routes, training programs, and emergency response capabilities all become crucial factors in ensuring the safety of occupants. Therefore, these assessments necessitate a collaborative approach, involving building management, fire safety professionals, and the occupants themselves.
By delving into these key differences, we gain a deeper understanding of why fire safety risk assessments deserve their specialised status. They are not merely checklists, but rather sophisticated evaluations that demand a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. So, the next time you assess your assets, remember – when it comes to fire protection, a specialised approach is the only way to truly safeguard your people and your precious investments.
Your Asset Protection Fire Risk Assessment
Fire & Evacuation Services will send a fire risk assessor to your property to carry out a full fire risk assessment, this is to identify any potential fire risks and includes taking photographs, discussions with management/owners, the previous fire safety records and any areas of concern. The fire risk assessment will then be fully written up and include the inspection report, fire safety checklist, any supporting documentation and a preventative measures action plan if required.
The fire assessment report will assess:
Fire alarms and detection
Fire safety signage
Fire safety training including drills
Firefighting equipment and signage
Emergency lighting, fire doors and exits
Evacuation and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS)
Any gaps in existing fire safety measures
Use, age, condition and layout of premises
Identify any persons at risk working on the premises
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about a fire safety risk assessment; you can call us on 0208 0870 343
About Fire & Evacuation Services
Fire & Evacuation Services is a private fire service that operates throughout the UK and internationally. Formed to assist businesses and event organisers in meeting relevant fire safety requirements.
The F&ES team consists of a varied selection of operational firefighters, with over one hundred combined years of firefighting experience within the UK Fire & Rescue Service, Including many years as Fire Officers and Incident Commanders in a range of high-profile incidents.
Click here to view our fire safety services.