Fire Brigades Duty and Risk Assessments

[darrel_walters]

Hi I am looking for a little guidance into the exact role of the fire brigade since the inception of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005

The issue can be quite detailed but I will try to be brief.

We offer Fire Risk Assessments, Signs, Extinguishers and alarms etc.

The concern we have is that the Brigade may call on a client or a prospective client, and may intimate that there may be a requirement for an odd fire door, or a lack of signs or staff training etc.

For the brigade to make this observation they must assess the risk or be aware of an escape plan etc.

When we are then in communication with the client and suggest a fire risk assessment is required. The response normally ensues with ‘The fire Brigade has been round and suggested upgrades and if he is happy then so am I’ and therefore, if the Brigade has not recommended a Risk Assessment in their eyes it is not required and if we eventually do do an assessment as ours are more detailed may come up with other issues and the response then is ‘The Brigade has not asked for it so we do not have to do it’.

In some cases the Brigade suggests a ‘tick box’ assessment and with anyone who is in the industry know full well that in most cases this is inadequate. As the person carrying out the assessment may have no experience in a whole host of issues that may endanger the occupants etc.

I am led to believe that the Brigades role is now one of ensuring that persons/business has a risk assessment done and act on its findings. If this is the case why do we still see the brigade recommending or insisting on defects and not on the encompassing role of a fire risk assessment and the management of procedures?

We seem to be in a constant battle on this issue and if anyone has experience in this field perhaps guidance can be given.

Regards
Darrel

[Editor]

I hear this many times and quite understand the frustration Fire Authority advice can be, but in their defence they are still obliged to give advice if asked. Under the RRO your client can if he chooses rely just on this advice if he would like to do so. I do suggest that your client has this advice in writing along with the formal risk assessment to protect themselves and yourself. In my experience this has never materialised other than on specific enforcement notices. Your advice should remain unchanged and is made on the basis of your professional liability to your client. I would always apologise if I were asking the client to provide further protection than the advice given verbally by the FRS but would mention that it would be me that would be standing in the witness box supporting the client not the FRS. It is most important that you document your advice and your clients wish not to proceed this would be required should the proverbial hit the fan.