Our Services – Holistic Fire Safety Consultancy

Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is a systematic critical examination of a premises which assesses fire risk. The process identifies the likelihood of fire occurring and the amount of harm that fire would cause to persons and property. Fire risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient, undertaken by a competent person and reviewed on a regular basis.

The Fire risk assessment is the starting point for a safer working environment for staff, visitors and tenants. Through taking a holistic approach towards fire safety our risk assessment process has been developed and adapted based on the PAS 79 template, whilst also being flexible to meet specific client requirements.

We act as the competent person for organisations to produce their fire risk assessment and provide an action plan for improved safety in the case of a fire.

Compartmentation Surveys

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment examines fire precautions within a premises and part of this process will involve sample inspections of passive fire protection measures and compartmentation. Compartmentation is the subdivision of a premises using passive fire protection measures to contain fire, limit its growth, provide means of escape and offer property protection. Where the responsible person has concerns surrounding the level of compartmentation or deficiencies have been identified; a more detailed, comprehensive compartmentation survey can be undertaken to provide a detailed report on walls, floors, voids and ducting.

Fire Door Inspections

Fire doors assist with the subdivision of a premises and are critical to the building’s passive fire protection and fire strategy. Fire doors help restrict the spread of fire and provide occupants a sufficient time to evacuate the building. Fire Door inspections consists of a specific examination of a complete door assembly; the inspection assesses the door leaf, frame, glazing, intumescent strips, cold smoke seals and ironmongery. Fire Doors and Flat Entrance Doors must be tested, inspected and regularly maintained to meet the requirements of Article 17 of the Regulatory, Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. As a result, inspections can be a complex process which require a significant degree of understanding with Building Regulations and relevant British Standards.

Fire Strategy & Emergency Planning

Article 15 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to establish appropriate fire procedures in the event of serious and imminent danger.

The fire strategy of a premises is essential in reducing the risk to life safety whilst also providing property protection to business assets and limiting any impact on operations.

The fire strategy of an organisation defines emergency procedures and ensures they are aligned to business objectives. Each business must have a written document which provides guidance on actions to be taken in an emergency; this document is known as an emergency plan. The emergency plan considers building usage, the occupancy and the presence of vulnerable persons whilst also making reference to the fire risk assessment to formulate a plan and help co-ordinate the response of occupants.

Fire Risk Management, Advice & Consultancy

Often professional advice is necessary to assist organisations when more complex situations arise; and in light of recent tragic events and societal expectations, we are living in an ever-changing environment where there is an increasing burden on businesses to self-regulate and manage their own Fire and Health & Safety needs.

As a result, this creates a number of pressures which can distract the organisation from its core business objectives; Holistic Fire Safety understands this and is able to provide competence in a range of services to assist in meeting legal obligations taking into account time, money and effort.

Regardless of the size of task in hand, there is very rarely a single rigid answer. By adopting an holistic approach, Holistic Fire Safety is able to provide options based on risk assessment to satisfy the fire authority and reduce the risk occupants whilst meeting business needs.

Bespoke Fire & Safety Training

Article 20 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure all employees are provided with adequate fire safety training. Our training courses range from Fire Warden to Advanced Fire Safety for Managers. Courses can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the organisation and are conducted by qualified experienced instructors.

Assessments

Satisfaction Rate

The Process

Fire Risk Assessment

Phase 1

FACT FINDING - OBTAIN SITE INFORMATION

For a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment to be undertaken, it is essential that all information specific to the design, construction and maintenance of the premises is collated.

Information required includes:
●Building plans and details of construction
●Fire strategy and compartmentation plans
●Fire safety systems test, inspection and maintenance records
●Hazardous substances information – Material Safety Data Sheets

PHASE 2

UNDERTAKE SITE ASSESSMENT

The site inspection involves a comprehensive examination of all areas in and around the premises taking into consideration occupancy, use and fire strategy.
The purpose of the inspection is to identify fire hazards, evaluate the adequacy of existing control measures and assess fire risk. Fire risk is the likelihood of fire occurring multiplied by the consequences to life safety and business operations.

PHASE 3

ASSESS THE MANAGEMENT OF FIRE SAFETY

A meeting is held with the Responsible Person/Fire Safety Manager to confirm
arrangements on how the premises is managed to mitigate the risk of fire and assess provisions for business continuity.

Information required:
●Fire Policy and Fire Safety Arrangements
●Responsibilities for fire safety within the building – Fire Warden/Competent Persons
●Emergency procedures
●Training records
●Arrangements for the maintenance of the premises – routine inspections of means of escape, fire precautions and procedures for reporting defects

PHASE 4

ASSESSOR TO FORMULATE AND DOCUMENT THE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT AND ACTION PLAN

The assessor will make an assessment of fire risk and determine the adequacy of fire precautions taking into consideration all information gathered. The Responsible Person will receive a comprehensive fire risk assessment report and where applicable include an action plan for significant findings.

In the event significant findings are present; the deficiency will be highlighted in the report with photographic evidence which is accompanied by details of the breach.

The action plan will provide clear advice which is reasonably practicable on how to rectify the breach and determine the assessment review date.

PHASE 5

SUPPORT & CONSULTANCY

Upon receipt of the fire risk assessment, a support meeting is available to the Responsible Person to ensure full understanding of the report and any potential requirements detailed within the action plan.

Holistic Fire Safety acknowledges that there are multiple factors which can affect decision making and remedying significant findings. Therefore, we endeavour to provide options so that compliance can be achieved.

Ultimately, controls must be proportionate to the risk and take into consideration life safety, property protection and business needs.

It is very rare that there is only ever one answer to any particular problem, therefore by providing options it allows the organisation to meet business needs and drivers whilst ensuring the safety of occupants at all times.