The importance of conducting suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments from both the position of Responsible Person (managing agent) and persons with a degree of control (fire risk assessor and individual manager for the premises) is being highlighted with ever increasing regularity.
As more of these cases come to light, it begs the question ‘should there be a regulatory framework in regard to fire risk assessors?’
The fire risk assessor, who provided an inadequate assessment that was not suitable or sufficient for a residential block in Southampton was fined £2,750, ordered to pay costs of £19,952 and a given a three-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. The company was also fined £20,000 and also ordered to pay costs of £19,952 for the same offense.
The managing agent for the premises, at an earlier hearing, had pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice to provide a suitable fire risk assessment. It was fined £10,000 with £6,000 costs. The individual manager specifically responsible for the premises was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,800 costs. His Honour, Judge Burrell QC said: “The job of a fire risk assessor is a highly responsible one. Lives are in their hands and their judgement is crucial. It is not a job to be taken lightly.
At Regent Fire Consultants we deliver Fire Risk Assessment to a high exacting standard, understanding first hand how important each aspect of fire safety is and crucially how one impacts on another. With the change in culture already under way and a growing appreciation of the importance of experienced and qualified Fire Risk Assessors, we are perfectly placed to do our part in raising the level of fire safety throughout the country. Regent Fire Consultants are accredited to the NSI Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Silver Scheme and BAFE SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Scheme.
For advice and further information on Fire Risk Assessments provided by Regent Fire Consultants contact us by email at info@regentfire.co.uk.