The 6 Step Checklist You Need To Follow Up Your Fire Risk Assessment

There's a myriad of information on how to complete a fire risk assessment, but not so much about following up on the uncovered risks. Doing the risk assessment is only half the job - the follow up process is equally important!

No such thing as bog standard

Each commercial building is unique, so the risk assessment will unearth different issues for each business - some minor and some more pressing concerns.

Nevertheless, these issues need to be acted upon - straight away! You're busy, we know. It's too easy to think "job done" and move on. But ignoring or forgetting about the findings of an assessment is negligent. The Responsible Person will find themselves in a world of legal trouble if the worst should happen.

You could face unlimited fines or even a prison sentence! Not to mention what could be on your conscience...

We've put together a quick checklist so you can easily identify the next steps you need to take after your fire risk assessment. Read on and ensure you are fully compliant with the law...

Fire risk assessment follow up - 6 step checklist

Here are the 6 most important things you need to know to follow up on your fire assessment and stay within the law:

1. Record your findings - The first step to tackling fire and security risks is by documenting them. You are legally required to record your risk assessments if your business has over 5 employees.
2. Contact the relevant authority to raise any concerns - Did you find something likely to cause harm that isn't going to be fixed? If you see something you think is breaking the law, you should report it to HSE using their online form.
3. Take action! - Paperwork on its own makes no difference - only when you start to take action are you protecting the staff and visitors. Think about the short and long term measures you can enforce to get quick wins and long term effectiveness - and put them into place.
4. Contacting fire and security installers - As a result of your assessment you may be required to add, update or fix fire and security systems including emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers or access control. This is a job for the professionals. It is crucial to pick a competent supplier - don't cut corners by hiring your electrician friend or local handy man. We recommend choosing an NSI GOLD accredited supplier so you can rest assured that the fire and security systems are fully compliant with the law, and the engineers are insured. The buck stops with you...so it pays to make sure!
5. Schedule appointments for new systems, updates and maintenance - Depending on your risk assessment conclusions, you may need to add fire and security measures or schedule maintenance on existing systems.
6. Review and update your Fire risk assessment record - document the changes to the workplace health and safety officer so your records are up to date.

Responsible Person, beware! But help is at hand...

Being the Responsible Person is a daunting task. There are so many procedures to follow and laws to abide by! Following up on your Fire risk assessment is just one part of the bigger picture.

It's easy to miss little details, but it's those little details that could save lives...

Luckily, we can help make your job a bit easier. And not only with the points we just listed. Our experts have used their years of knowledge and experience to make a checklist of the 10 things you need to know. Click the image below to download your FREE copy and avoid prosecution, fines and jail!