Fire safety is one of many safety issues management must address to minimise the risk of injury or death to staff or members of the public. Unlike most other safety concerns, fire has the potential to injure or kill large numbers of people very quickly. It is therefore essential to take every measure to ensure a fire is prevented from starting whilst maximising the protection to people and your business if it does.

JTP Associates offer the following services.

Fire Risk Assessment

The aims of a fire risk assessment are:

• To identify the fire hazards
• To reduce the risk of identified hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practicable.
• To decide what physical fire precautions and management arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your premises if a fire does occur.

Apart from a requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a well documented fire risk assessment is vital to the process of establishing safe and well managed premises. It will be required by:

• The local Fire and Rescue Service (the enforcing body).
• The Insurance Company
• The Licensing Authority, where necessary
• Staff and members of the public, if ask for.

We can undertake a fire risk assessment on your behalf ensuring that:

• The current fire protection methods are fully audited and recorded.
• A clear and understandable analysis of the risks and control methods currently provided.
• A full set of recommendations produced outlining best practice and methods for you to lower the risk and improve fire precautions.

This will include a full explanation to the 'Responsible Person' on how this was achieved, how recommendations were prioritised and how best to proceed with any remedial works if required.

Advice and Audit

You may have already undertaken a fire risk assessment, but are unsure if it is correct or of what action to take next. We can assist by either giving free advice to guide you through the process, ensuring that you are on the right track, or undertake an audit of your fire risk assessment and then advise on any remedial works required.

Representation

At some stage the Enforcing Authority (Fire and Rescue Service) will wish to visit your premises to audit your fire risk assessment and the standard of fire prevention/protection of your business. If required we are happy to attend that meeting and where necessary, speak on your behalf, ensuring no misunderstanding of your position and future intentions. At the same time we will be able discuss any requirements the Fire and Rescue Service may have, avoiding any misunderstandings or worries for you.

You may well already have had a visit and perhaps have received a letter of Non-Compliance or even an Enforcement Notice. We will represent you in discussions with the Fire and Rescue Service and secure a way to ensure compliance satisfactory to both parties in the most cost effective way.

Designing New Schemes

With some properties there is the need to devise and design a fire safety scheme to satisfy the safety of persons using the premises. This may include new routes of escape, fire alarm systems, escape lighting and fire fighting appliances. We have the skills to engineer out problems that may not always be obvious, but will meet the standards required to satisfy the relevant authorities.    

For new buildings we regularly advise architects and developers of the best options to satisfy good fire precautions and the Building Regulations.

Project Management

Once a new scheme of works has been agreed we will, if required, undertake management of the project to ensure standards are met throughout and are fit for purpose when complete.

Emergency Management Plans

Part of the requirements of the new fire legislation is the provision for an emergency plan. We will work with you to produce a plan that is relevant to your premises and contain appropriate information to ensure you, your staff and all other relevant people understand the action to take in the event of fire and any other requirements to ensure fire safety.

Staff Training

An essential part of ensuring the safety of your staff, your premises, and indeed your business, is well trained staff. All staff must receive training or instruction of the actions expected of them in the event of fire. For those staff expected to use fire extinguishers or to undertake specific roles specialist training must be provided. We will advise and undertake or arrange such training for you.