Effectively identify and address fire risks using free fire risk assessment templates.
This fire safety risk assessment template is used to identify fire hazards and evaluate current fire safety protocols in a site to improve emergency plans. Small businesses can use this template to carry out fire safety risk assessments on simple premises (e.g small offices, shops, or industrial units etc). This template follows a simple 5-step guide provided by the UK Government. Conduct a fire safety risk assessment using this template on your mobile device or tablet by following the points below:
A fire risk assessment template is a documentation tool used by trained safety officials to identify fire hazards and risks on any site. It assists safety officials as they do a visual check on the site and investigates various areas where fire incidents are more likely to occur.
A fire risk assessment template usually comprises the following:
Fire risk assessment records should be kept up to date so that precautionary measures are adequate at all times. Failure to comply can result in fines, criminal charges, irreparable damage to business assets, or worse, cost lives.
A fire risk assessment is an evaluation of identified fire hazards and fire protection measures. It also includes planning for the safety of people at risk. Ideally, employers, site managers, and safety officers work together to create effective fire safety plans based on fire risk assessments.
Aside from it being a legal requirement, conducting a fire risk assessment helps reduce the chances of a fire occurring. Fires not only result in property loss, but can also negatively impact business reputation and weaken the trust clients have in the capability and priority of the business to keep people safe from harm.
In contrast, conducting a fire risk assessment signals to clients that the business is proactive when it comes to fire prevention and fire safety. Conducting regular fire risk assessments also helps strengthen the confidence of potential investors or partners, as it shows that the business is reliable and aware of risks.
To easily conduct a fire risk assessment, we’ll walk you through the five steps provided by the County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service using a fire risk assessment checklist. These steps include:
Observe and determine the type of fire hazard. A fire usually starts when heat comes into contact with anything that burns. The three things you need to look for in identifying fire hazards are sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen. Take measures to avoid these three coming together to reduce the chances of a fire occurring.
Fire hazards are grouped according to the activity in which they manifest. Activities that are highly likely to cause fire are known as different types of fire hazards.
| Type of Hazard | Flammable Material (gases, liquids, paints, thinners, glues) |
| Are existing control measures suitable? | Yes |
| If yes, elaborate | Flammable materials are stored and labelled properly |
Identify people at risk and where they are likely to be found around the premises. This step may require evaluating people with disabilities to discuss individual needs. These people could be:
| Type of Hazard | Flammable Material (gases, liquids, paints, thinners, glues) |
| Are existing control measures suitable? | Yes |
| If yes, elaborate | Flammable materials are stored and labelled properly |
| People at risk | Employees Visitors / contractors Lone workers, e.g. cleaners, security staff People with disabilities |
Using the information gathered from steps 1 and 2, begin evaluating the management of the premises to identify situations and any acts or omissions that may present a fire risk. It is also essential to evaluate fire escapes and other fire precautions to ensure that they are up to date or adequate. Once you’ve evaluated the risks, remove or reduce the hazards you’ve identified by recommending actions and preventive measures.
Example questions for evaluating:
This step involves documenting all the significant findings and actions you’ve taken or will take when you conduct the fire risk assessment. Significant findings refer to fire hazards, actions taken, or preventive measures put in place.
Having a good recordkeeping program for your fire risk assessments is good practice and will be helpful to management and safety officers in case of fire incidents. This step also involves giving staff and employers clear and relevant information and appropriate instructions on fire safety arrangements.
Review your current assessment to determine if fire safety systems implemented are effectively controlling fire hazards and risks in the premises. If, during your review, you find that your fire risk assessment is no longer suitable for your premises and the type of work done onsite, revise it accordingly.
To get a better visualization of what a completed fire risk assessment should look like, preview this sample report:
