If you own or operate a business, electrical service in London tell that you need to make sure that you comply with all aspects of fire safety law. Fire Safety Order 2005 came into force in 2006 and applies to all non-domestic buildings, places, and infrastructure, including houses in multiple occupation.
Under the Fire Safety Order, it is your responsibility to make sure that your workplace meets the required standard and that employees are provided with adequate fire training. A large part of this includes conducting a comprehensive fire risk assessment in London.
Fire Risk Assessments are designed to reduce fire risk. They aim to identify risks and hazards within your commercial building and eliminate these risks. There are five steps to carry out a fire risk assessment. Here are the steps given below:
Fire Risk Assessment London: Steps to Follow
Step 1: Identify the Hazards
In this step, you have to make a note of anything in your building that could be a potential fire hazard. In order to do this effectively, it is important to learn how fire occurs. You must know the details of your building and the starting point of the fires, such as naked flames, heaters, electrical equipment, and commercial processes. You must also take note of the things in your property that could burn in a fire, like piles of waste, fabrics, and textiles. It is also important to consider oxygen sources during this step that can intensify the fire.
Step 2: Identify the People At Risk
Everyone is at risk during a fire, but the risk may be greater for people of a certain age group. That is why the elderly, children, and disabled need to be protected at all costs. If you have night staff in your building or some people work in isolated areas on your premises, you need to take note of that too.
Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, Reduce, and Protect
- First, assess your environment to identify anything that could start a fire. This includes things like faulty electrical wiring, flammable materials (e.g., paper, chemicals), or unattended appliances.
- Consider the risks to people in the building — for example, can everyone evacuate safely if a fire starts? Are the fire exits clear and accessible? Will people be alerted in time?
Take Steps to Remove or Reduce Risks:
- Get rid of unnecessary waste or clutter that could catch fire.
- Keep flammable items (like paper, fabric, chemicals) away from heat sources such as heaters or electrical devices.
- Conduct PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) on all electrical equipment to ensure they are safe and functioning properly.
Step 4: Record, Plan, and Train
During this step of your fire risk assessment in London, you must record everything that you have found and the steps you have taken to reduce the chances of fire hazards. You must plan precisely what you will do in case of fire, how you will carry out the evacuation process, and how you will keep your staff safe. You must run this step with your staff, informing everyone of the safety measures you have taken. Also, assign a role to your staff in case of emergencies.
Step 5: Review
Over time, the risks may change, and hence it is important that you keep your fire risk assessment under review, notice any changes, and update your fire safety plans accordingly.
The level of detail required for a fire risk assessment in London and the completion of the criteria of the Fire Safety Order can be exhaustive.
MM Electrical: The Best Electrical Company in London
At MM Electrical, we understand that over time, fire risks can evolve, especially in environments where electrical systems are constantly being installed, upgraded, or maintained. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly review and update your Fire Risk Assessment, identifying any changes and adjusting your fire safety plans accordingly.
Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment in London is a mandatory and highly detailed process. The requirements of the Fire Safety Order demand a thorough understanding of fire risks, particularly those associated with electrical systems. This complexity often makes the process challenging for businesses to manage alone.
That’s where MM Electrical, the leading electrical service in London, can help. With a strong foundation in electrical safety and compliance, our team is equipped to support you in fulfilling your fire safety obligations.
While it’s always recommended by organisations like us that Fire Risk Assessments be carried out by a trained and experienced professional, our expertise in both fire safety and electrical installations makes us uniquely positioned to assist.
If you need help conducting a compliant, up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment or fire alarm installation in London, MM Electrical can take the burden off your hands. We’ll ensure your premises are not only legally compliant but also fully protected, allowing you to focus on running your business with peace of mind.
