Fire Risk Assessments: The Hackitt Review

...the need for independently accredited fire risk assessors has never been greater.

Every non-domestic premises must have a 'responsible person' whose duty it is to identify fire risks and hazards in the building.

​If five or more people work at your premises, you'll need to keep a written record of your fire risk assessments.

Take a look at the diagram below.  The vast majority of fire risk assessments carried out in the UK are 'Type 1'.
This is a non-destructive survey that only requires assessment of common areas within a building; not including cladding, or inside walls.

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Types of Fire Risk Assessment

Basic FSO Requirement 

Non Destructive

TYPE 1

Destructive

TYPE 2

Beyond FSO Requirement

Non Destructive

TYPE 3

Destructive

TYPE 4

More information about Fire Risk Assessment types can be found on my SERVICES page.

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The Hackitt Review, commissioned in response to the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, does not recommend any changes to this practice. However, the review has highlighted the importance of ensuring FRAs are conducted by qualified fire risk assessors.

The current regulations states that Fire Risk Assessments are meant to be carried out by 'competent persons'. However, there is little guidance within the regulations to define this competency.

​According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), this means there are hundreds of unregistered fire risk assessors operating across the UK.

It is clear that the need for independently accredited fire risk assessors has never been greater.

​The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council (FRACC) has issued advice (which you can download here) that recommends landlords ensure their FRAs are conducted by assessors with independent registration with, or certification from, a professional body. 

​According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA)... there are hundreds of unregistered fire risk assessors operating across the UK.

FRACC lists four bodies which can approve individual assessors:

1. Institution of Fire Engineers
2. Institute of Fire Safety Managers
3. Warrington Certification
4. Institute of Fire Protection Officers

BBFS is THIRD PARTY ACCREDITED by ALL 4.
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​To view my accreditation details, click here.