10 Fire Risk Assessment Mistakes

The 10 most common mistakes when completing a fire risk assessment are all very easy to overlook for the untrained – you could be making them right now!

To ensure that you’re carrying out your fire risk assessments correctly, take a look through our list:

1. DONE FROM A DESKTOP 
• There is no physical inspection of the building
• Actually going to the building/ site is an essential part of a fire risk assessment 
• Far too many people assume that a virtual assessment is sufficient
2. YES/ NO ANSWERS
• In most instances answering like this will not be deemed suitable and sufficient
• Answers and observations need to be detailed, and must include next steps
3. ACTION PLAN
• With the above in mind, a fire risk assessment must conclude in an action plan with ranking and suitable timescales
4. HIGH RISK / TECHNICAL
• If you are not trained and competent, the chances are you’ll be missing the main risks!
• It is essential that anyone carrying out a fire risk assessment is trained and has a high level of understanding 
5. GUIDANCE
• Often overlooked is working to the right legislation, supporting documents, and British Standards
6. SHARE
• Tell your employees and pass on significant findings of the assessment
7. KEEP IT CURRENT
• Is your report current; a true reflection of the premises
8. PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS
• It is essential that all occupants know what to do in the event of a fire and deploy the evacuation strategy effectively
9. IGNORE
• Have you acted on the findings or just filed the report away until next time
10. COMPETENCE
• The person completing the assessment can be prosecuted if they do not complete the work to the level required
• It is absolutely essential that whoever carries out a fire risk assessment understands their obligations and has the means necessary to meet them