Bradley-Mason LLP can provide a variety of advice on fire precautions and means of escape in conjunction with a variety of services including Building Surveys, Acquisition Surveys, Due Diligence, Condition Surveys, Planned Maintenance, Design and Project Management. By combining our specialist knowledge of a buildings construction with an understanding of current Legislation we are able to advise on any shortfalls in the design and construction of a current building and what works are needed to bring it in line with current statute. This is combined with our advice on design and construction methods together with cost advice to advise on the most cost-effective means of ensuring a safe building which protects your employees or Tenants.
FIRE LEGISLATION
The main Legislation covering fire safety in England and Wales is The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In Scotland fire safety is covered by Part 3 of The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. Supported by the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. This Legislation deals with the requirements for an existing building and when looking at the design of a new building this is covered by the Building Regulations, approved document B.
WHAT IS A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 there is a requirement for a responsible person (RP) for any non-domestic property. There is a legal requirement to carry out at a Fire Risk Assessment, including measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of fire and identify persons at risk. Where there are 5 or more employees a record must be kept of significant findings.
When identifying a fire hazard there are two components which much be assessed, one is the possibility of a fire occurring and the other is the magnitude of its consequences. It is the responsibility of each employer or Responsible Person to prepare this document although as part of this there is often a need for specialist input from a Building Surveyor or Fire specialist to understand how a building is constructed, what are the protected means of escape and whether a risk is posed. At Bradley-Mason LLP we can assist with preparing your Fire Risk Assessment by providing the technical support and guidance needed.
There are various guidance documents available for different types of premises and these can range significantly for offices and shops, factory and warehouse premises, hotels and boarding houses and residential care premises. From our knowledge of working with a variety of clients across the different sectors we are able to advise on relevant legislation in each sector and on any improvements which may be needed to ensure compliance.
ACHIEVING VALUE FOR MONEY
We are able to offer a combined service in conjunction with other Building Surveys to offer a suite of Reports following a single comprehensive Survey. These may be part of a Planned Maintenance Programme to allow essential works to be agreed and implemented, followed by the ongoing maintenance and potential future improvements as part of any capital projects. We have undertaken portfolio Fire Risk Assessments for a variety of clients including high street retailers, restaurants and takeaway food operators and we have developed a suite of combined documents which cover inclusive access, Fire Legislation, Health and Safety, Asbestos and a general review of a building condition. This can provide a comprehensive document which identifies the risks, notes any statutory compliance and allows works to be budgeted over a 5 or 10-year period.
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