A quality fire risk assessment is a vital obligation in fire safety legislation for all non-domestic /commercial buildings A “suitable and sufficient” Fire Risk Assessment is the core foundation of any building’s fire safety policy. Its purpose is to identify any hazards and provide important information for the person responsible for fire safety to carry out, mitigating any risk as best as possible. Did you know: If you are a responsible or accountable person for a residential building there are new legal requirements in line with The Fire Safety Act 2021, The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022? Following the Grenfell Towers Tragedy, an overhaul of existing regulations and legislation was undertaken following the inquiry. In Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 which came into force on 1st October 2023. • Many premises are affected by the changes including small shops, take-aways, holiday lets and small blocks of flats. The main changes businesses need to be aware of are: • All businesses will need to record a fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in full – regardless of the number of employees, and size or type of business. • There are increased requirements for cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons in multi occupied buildings or those where the occupier and owner are not the same person. • In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, all residents must be provided with information on the risks from fire and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe. • If there is a fire and you haven't met your legal duties to keep people safe, you could be fined and may even spend time in prison.

It is a legal requirement for all non-domestic/commercial properties to (where appropriate) equip the building with an emergency lighting system. It is also part of these requirements to ensure they are maintained appropriately, so they remain ready in the event of any emergency. As the person or team appointed responsible for fire safety in your building (Responsible Person/Duty Holder), you can perform this assessment yourself. However, if you are not 100% confident in your ability to fulfil this important task, then it is advised that an appropriate Third Party Certificated provider is used.

An EICR report is an official document that provides details of the safety and overall condition of the electrical fittings and installations within a commercial building. The inspection and report must be completed by a qualified and licensed electrician. The report will state whether electrical installations are satisfactory and advise whether remedial work is needed to improve electrical safety and energy efficiency. All businesses in the UK are required to comply with specific electrical safety standards set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These rules are designed to keep commercial properties, customers and employees safe. Under these rules, business owners and landlords of commercial properties must get a new EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) at least every five years. Did you know; Not having an EICR will make ‘building owners’ and ‘responsible persons’ liable under UK law for any injuries or damage that is caused by an electrical shock or fire. So without a current EICR, it would be very difficult to prove that all precautions were put in place to ensure the safety of all customers and employees. If ‘building owners’ and ‘responsible persons’ need to make a claim to an insurance company because of an electrical-related accident, for example fire, death, injuries or damage. The insurance company are more likely to cover the damages if an EICR is in place, and any remedial works highlighted within it have been completed. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places the duty of care on employers, employees and the self-employed to provide for health and safety at work premises. Electrical installations fall under this. The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) under its Regulation 4, requires electrical systems to: • be safe at all times to prevent danger. • be maintained to prevent danger. • From April-2021, it is a legal requirement for landlords to provide a copy of the EICR to their existing or new tenants. • As a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of the electrics throughout the property – this includes the installation itself and any electrical appliances you have provided. You will need to make sure these are safe when a new tenant moves in and that they are maintained for the duration of their tenancy, If you do not, you could face fines of up to £30,000 and your insurance could be invalidated.

Many clients will arrange for yearly ‘Hot Spot Checks’ to be carried out, this will help to identify any potential issues occurring between EICR inspections. The objective of a thermographic survey is to identify abnormally high temperatures within electrical distribution systems. Any high temperatures within electrical components are often indicative of imminent or possible problems. Early identification of these faults is essential in order that corrective action can be undertaken before the problem escalates. Fire Risk Assessment and Electrical Compliance Ltd can arrange to carry out these works, produce a report, and arrange for further investigations to be completed. Note; The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) recognises the benefits of performing thermographic surveys of an electrical distribution system, as a supplement to a periodic inspection and test. It is not, however, a substitute for a periodic Inspection and Testing programme or documented routine maintenance programme.