Risk assessment process recording findings

The process of carrying out a fire risk assessment is similar to that of a general risk assessment except that the identification of hazards is restricted to fire matters. It is the findings of a fire risk assessment that will determine the type and number of fire extinguishers to be provided. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the findings of a fire risk assessment must be recorded. The fire risk assessment should cover a defined area of the workplace. In small premises the defined area could be the whole premises whereas for larger places of work the premises should be divided into discrete sub-areas and each made the subject of a separate fire risk assessment. 

In 1994 the HSE published guidance entitled Five Steps to Risk Assessment , a leaflet setting out the most basic steps in the process and providing a specimen format for recording the findings of assessments. The leaflet has since been updated and reissued. The simplistic approach presented has much to commend it. Comments contained in the text give useful pointers to the approach to risk... 

---