Free Fire Risk Assessment Templates | PDF | safety culture (2023)

What is a fire risk assessment template?

A fire risk assessment template is a documentation tool used by trained safety officers to identify fire hazards and risks at each site. It assists security officials in visually inspecting the site and investigating various areas where fires are more likely to occur. A fire risk assessment template typically includes the following: 1) information about the site or facility; 2) list of identified fire hazards on the premises; 3) The vulnerable people; 4) schedule of next review; and 6) Validation of the report through sign off by the assigned security officer. Fire risk assessment records should be kept up to date so that appropriate precautions can be taken at all times. Failure to comply can result in fines, criminal charges, irreparable damage to company assets or, worse, loss of life.

This article discusses:

• What is a fire risk assessment?
• Why Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?
• A guide to conducting a fire risk assessment in 5 steps
• Fire Risk Assessment Templates with iAuditor

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is an assessment of identified fire hazards and fire safety measures. This includes planning for the safety of vulnerable people.Ideally, employers, site managers and safety officers work together to be effectivefire safety plansbased on fire risk assessments.

Why Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?

Aside from being required by law, conducting a fire risk assessment will help reduce the likelihood of a fire. In addition to causing property damage, fires can also negatively impact a company's reputation and reduce customer confidence in the company's ability and priority to keep people safe.

In contrast, conducting a fire risk assessment signals customers that the company is proactive when it comes to fire safety and fire prevention. Conducting regular fire risk assessments also helps increase the confidence of potential investors or partners as it shows that the company is reliable and risk-aware.

Fire risk assessment example: step-by-step guide

To easily conduct a fire risk assessment, we will guide you through the five steps ofCounty Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Serviceusing aFire risk assessment checklist template.

First step: identify fire hazards

Observe and determine the nature of the fire hazard. A fire usually starts when heat comes into contact with something that is burning. The three things to look for when identifying fire hazards are sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen. Take steps to avoid these three getting together to reduce the chance of a fire.

Different types of fire hazards

Fire hazards are grouped by the activity in which they manifest themselves. Activities that have a high probability of causing a fire are referred to as different types of fire hazards.

• Heating water or other substances– This type of fire hazard is increased when substances are heated next to or near combustible materials such as wood. This type of fire hazard usually leads toClass A fires, unless it is electrical, metal or chemical. You can use water or a foam extinguisher for thisClass A fires.
• handling chemicals or explosives– This type of fire hazard involves flammable liquids, including alcohol, oil, paint and gasoline, and compressed gases.This type of fire hazard leads toClass B fires. Use foam, carbon dioxide, or powder extinguisher for Class B fires. Do not use water to extinguish Class B fires.
• Use of electrical devices– This type of fire hazard affects circuit breakers, appliances, transformers, cords, electrical cables, junction boxes and motors.This type of fire hazard leads toClass C fires. Use carbon dioxide or dry powder extinguisher on Class C fires. Do not use water or foam extinguisher on Class C fires.
• metalworking– This type of fire hazard is common in auto repair shops and industrial facilities. Examples of metals that are known to ignite easily are potassium and sodium.This type of fire hazard leads toClass D fires. Use only a dry powder extinguisher on Class D fires. Do not use water or a foam extinguisher on Class D fires.

Example:

Second step: Identify vulnerable people

Identify people at risk and where they are likely to be on the premises. This step may require an assessment of people with disabilities to discuss individual needs. These people could be:

• Employees;
• visitors/contractors;
• people with disabilities, elderly customers or parents with children; And
• other people in the immediate vicinity of the company premises.

Example:

Third step: Assess, remove, reduce and protect people from risk

Using the information gathered in Steps 1 and 2, begin evaluating the management of the premises to identify situations and any actions or omissions that may pose a fire risk. It is also important to evaluate fire escapes and other fire safety measures to ensure they are up to date or adequate. After assessing the risks, eliminate or reduce the hazards you have identified by recommending actions and preventive actions.

Example questions for evaluation:

• Are ignition sources controlled to reduce the risk of fire?
• Are combustible materials kept away from sources of ignition?
• Are all windows and openings closed at night?
• Is your fire alarm system suitable for your premises?
• Is everyone warned when the fire alarm goes off?
• Are all emergency exits easily identified with the correct signage?
• Are escape routes free of obstacles and traffic jams?

Fourth step: record, plan, inform, instruct and train

This step includes the documentation of all significant findings and measures that you have made or will take in the fire risk assessment. Significant findings relate to fire hazards, actions taken, or preventive actions taken.

A good recording program for your fire risk assessments is good practice and will be helpful to management and safety officers during fire incidents. This step also includes providing employees and employers with clear and relevant information and appropriate instructions on fire safety precautions.

Step Five: Review Fire Risk Assessment

Review your current assessment to determine whether the fire safety systems implemented are effective in controlling fire hazards and risks in the premises. If during your review you find that your fire risk assessment is no longer appropriate for your premises and the type of work being performed on site, revise it accordingly.

For a better visualization of what a completed fire risk assessment should look like, see this sample report:

Fire Risk Assessment Templates with iAuditor

SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)is a mobile risk assessment app and digital safety platform. iAuditor Fire Risk Assessment Templates allow you to conduct multiple fire risk assessments using a mobile device or tablet. Data is automatically synced to the cloud, so you can access and review fire risk assessments anytime, anywhere, even offline.

iAuditor helps you:

• Save more time- Streamline audits and eliminate manual entries by using digital fire risk assessment templates in the mobile app. Conduct a fire risk assessment in minutes.
• Create comprehensive fire risk assessment reports- Capture photos and add notes directly to your audits.Preview the Sample Fire Risk Assessment Report in PDF format.
• Proactively improve workplace safety- Easily track compliant and non-compliant items and take immediate action by assigning corrective actions when needed.

Download one of our featured fire risk assessment templates for free to get started.