Cheap fire risk assessments may look attractive but how competent is your assessor? Follow our guide to find out before you commit.
DO
- Find out what the assessor’s qualifications and background are FSD assessors have at least thirty years experience in the field of fire safety, including specialist inspecting officers with local and metropolitan fire authorities (not just fire-fighters).
- Check they have third party accreditation or are approved by an national body such as The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) as a fire assessor Our fire assessors are registered with the Institute of Fire Engineers to ensure competency.
- Ask if they have full insurance cover including public liability This is paramount; FSD have full professional indemnity, public liability etc.
- Clarify that your provider will GUARANTEE their Fire risk Assessment in writing FSD guarantee to negotiate with the fire authority on your behalf FREE OF CHARGE if any aspect of our risk assessment is questioned by them.
- Check they provide a detailed risk assessment FSD do not use a tick box approach, AVOID TICK BOX only assessments. There have been prosecutions where this method has been used; they do not provide sufficient detail.
- Ask to see their health and safety policy statement FSD will forward this as part of a safety package including site risk assessment where appropriate, their safety policy statement etc.
- Find out how they keep informed on safety within the industry FSD are members of various safety organisations including IOSH, British Safety Council, Institute of Fire Engineers, The Fire Protection Association and Institute of Fire Prevention Officers. This enables us to keep regularly updated with all safety issues (not just fire safety).
DONT
- Be afraid to ask the provider for the necessary evidence of competency FSD will provide all information as a matter of course.
- Be tempted to buy cheap, unaccredited consultancy FSD provide cost effective and negotiable accredited training course
- Be tempted not to complete your fire risk assessment FSD will advise you on your legal obligations.
- Be tempted not to complete your fire risk assessment FSD will advise you on your legal obligations.
- Forget your staff are your greatest asset they deserve the best possible fire risk assessment
Remember
A fire risk assessment does not have to be expensive, however you should consider if your provider meets the above basic measures. Ask why they are so cheap, it is likely that they are not registered or do not have suitable experience or full insurance. Remember fire risks must be properly managed and controlled. Your provider must get it right.
It’s your responsibility to provide fire risk assessment for your organisation; choosing the wrong advisor could cost you dearly.