ECA members are being asked by clients to carry out fire risk assessments. In taking on this responsibility, members are accepting a duty of care to their client and a liability in case of an accident.

Four questions should be answered before tackling a fire risk assessment:

  • are you a competent person?
  • do you fully understand the procedures?
  • have you had the appropriate training?
  • do you have the appropriate insurance?

If the answers to all of the above are yes, there are five steps to carrying out a risk assessment.

Step one: identifying the hazards. This includes both sources of ignition and fuel.

Step two: identifying people at risk. This should include the numbers of people at risk, potential speed of fire spread and systems for fire detection and escape.

Step three: evaluating the risks. Assess the effect of a fire hazard, take account of control measures in place and identify any areas of inadequacy.

Step four: record your findings. If a company has five or more employees, records should detail risks and remedies taken.

Step five: review and revise the assessment. There should be reassessment if any changes are made to the workplace.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

A more detailed introduction to fire risk assessment can be found on ECA circular 55 of 2004.