Fire risk assessment and audit checklist

1. FIRE PREVENTION — GENERAL

N/A

Yes

No

1.1

Is there a system for controlling the quantities, safe use and storage of combustible and/or flammable substances (materials, liquids and gases) on the premises?

1.2

Is the above system and its controls operating properly?

1.3

Is the workplace clean and tidy with combustible waste materials and rubbish placed in designated containers?

1.4

Is waste and rubbish collected regularly and placed in safe and secure receptacles outside the premises?

1.5

Are all designated ‘smoking’ areas clearly indicated?

1.6

Do smoking areas have suitable facilities for the disposal of smoking materials and are these emptied regularly?

1.7

Are ‘No Smoking’ rules rigorously enforced?

1.8

Are employees working in high-risk areas (e.g. areas where 'hot' processes or flammable/combustible liquids/gases are used) aware of the risks and the safety procedures to adopt?

1.9

Is all upholstered furniture in good condition?

1.10

Prior to leaving the premises, are all rooms and areas inspected to check for fire risks and that electrical appliances have been switched off?

1.11

Have appropriate measures been taken to reduce the risk of arson?

1.12

Have all staff received basic fire prevention instruction?

1.13

Do staff understand the need to report any potential fire hazards?

1.14

Do staff understand the role of self-closing and other fire-resisting doors (i.e. the need to keep them closed and free of obstruction to ensure that they will control the spread of fire and smoke)?

1.15

Are all fire-resisting and smoke-stop doors, especially those on hold-open devices, closed at night?

1.16

If any permit-to-work systems are in place, are they operated correctly at all times?

2. FIRE PREVENTION — ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION APPLIANCES ETC

N/A

Yes

No

2.1

Is the entire electrical installation in order?

2.2

Have all electrical systems and equipment been tested in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989

2.3

If the latest inspection shows work is necessary to make systems and equipment safe, has this been carried out?

2.4

Are records regarding regular testing of installation, equipment and portable appliances up to date?

2.5

Is flexible electrical cable used safely (e.g. use kept to a minimum and only short lengths used)?

2.6

Is there any evidence of overloading of electrical circuits?

2.7

Is electrical equipment (e.g. light bulbs / fittings and any electrical heating appliances) kept well away from combustible materials?

2.8

Are staff aware that only trained personnel authorised by management can make repairs or alterations to electrical systems and equipment?

3. FIRE PREVENTION — HEATING AND COOKING APPLIANCES ETC.

N/A

Yes

No

3.1

Are all heating appliances safe (e.g. securely fixed in position, suitably guarded and with an adequate clear space free of storage of any kind)?

3.2

Is the entire heating installation in good order?

3.3

Are all cooking appliances safe (e.g. securely fixed in position, properly maintained and used only for their originally intended purpose)?

3.4

Are arrangements for liquid/gaseous fuel supplies for heating and cooking equipment adequate (e.g. easily accessible with well marked shut-off valves)?

3.5

Are appropriately qualified/registered contractors used to carry out all installation and maintenance of liquid/gaseous fuel supply equipment?

3.6

Are staff aware that only trained personnel authorised by management can make repairs or alterations to liquid/gaseous fuel-fired equipment and fuel supply systems?

4. BUILDINGS PLANT AND MACHINERY

N/A

Yes

No

4.1

Are all fire/smoke barriers in good condition (e.g. with any openings for pipes, ducts etc. properly protected by provision of fire-resisting materials or fire dampers)?

4.2

Are fire dampers tested regularly for correct operation and results recorded?

4.3

Are there proper systems and procedures in place to control work on new buildings and/or alterations, repairs and decoration of premises, such that no fire hazards are introduced?

4.4

Are legal or other requirements for testing, maintenance and record keeping complied with for equipment such as lifts, hoists, escalators, air handling systems, heating boilers, pressure vessels, etc.?

5. ESCAPE FACILITIES

N/A

Yes

No

5.1

Are fire exits sufficient (i.e. a sufficient number of sufficient width) to enable the people present in any and all areas to evacuate safely?

5.2

Do all final exits lead to a place of safety?

5.3

Are all fire exits readily available?

5.4

Are all final exits and intermediate doors easily operable from the inside without the use of a key?

5.5

Are all corridors, gangways and stairways forming part of escape routes free from obstruction and not used for storage?

5.6

Are floor and stairway surfaces in good condition and free from tripping and slipping hazards (including any external stairs and paths)?

5.7

Are fire-resisting and smoke-stop doors in good condition, with fully operating self-closing devices and the doors closing fully onto rebates?

5.8

Do all doors on escape routes open in the direction of travel?

5.9

Are all escape routes clearly and properly signed throughout their lengths with internal doors not forming part of a route clearly labelled as such?

5.10

Are all escape routes provided with adequate lighting at all times of the day and night?

5.11

Is adequate emergency lighting provided and is it fully serviceable?

5.12

Have appropriate provisions been made for the safety of persons with disabilities, e.g. assistance, refuges?

6. FIRE ACTION AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION

N/A

Yes

No

6.1

Are there clearly defined written fire action and emergency evacuation procedures, including provision for roll calls?

6.2

Are all employees fully aware of these procedures and their own particular duties and responsibilities in the event of an evacuation?

6.3

Are suitable 'Fire Action' notices prominently displayed around the premises?

6.4

Have appropriate staff been instructed to summon the fire brigade for all fires, no matter how small?

6.5

Are there sufficient fire wardens available to provide for all working hours (including lunch and tea breaks) taking into account holidays and sick leave?

6.6

Have appropriate arrangements been made for dealing with those who are not normally on the premises (e.g. visitors and contractors)?

6.7

Are the fire evacuation assembly areas in safe locations, clear of the building and away from fire brigade vehicle access and parking?

6.8

Are there alternative evacuation areas available in the event that the nominated ones are not available?

6.9

Are emergency evacuation drills carried out at least once per year?

7. FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS

N/A

Yes

No

7.1

Can a fire alarm be raised without placing anyone in danger?

7.2

Is the fire alarm system in full working order?

7.3

Are there fire alarm call points located near to every exit from each floor and from each building?

7.4

Are all alarm call points unobstructed and clearly visible?

7.5

Are the audible signals from the fire alarm operated weekly and clearly audible throughout the premises?

8. FIRE‑FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

N/A

Yes

No

8.1

Is there adequate provision of portable fire extinguishers which are suitable types for the fire risks where they are positioned?

8.2

Are ALL portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets suitably located, positioned appropriately and always available (not obstructed or hidden)?

8.3

Are the locations of ALL portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets clearly identifiable even without the provision of appropriate signs?

9. NOTICES AND SIGNS ON FIRE STOP AND EXIT DOORS

N/A

Yes

No

9.1

Are appropriate notices and signs of the type 'Fire Door Keep Closed' provided on all visible sides of all fire-resisting and smoke-stop doors?

9.2

Are appropriate 'pictogram' notices provided on all fire exit doors and routes such that at least one sign is always visible for all points on an exit route?

9.3

Do all 'panic bar' fire exit doors have suitably positioned 'Push Bar to Open' signs?

10. FIRE SERVICE FACILITIES AND LIAISON

10.1

Is there adequate access to the site and all buildings to enable fire brigade vehicles to get close enough for fire-fighting and rescue purposes?

10.2

Are all fire hydrants in the vicinity clearly indicated and accessible?

10.3

Is the fire brigade familiar with the premises?

11. TESTING MAINTENANCE AND RECORDS

N/A

Yes

No

11.1

Are the required regular tests and maintenance carried out on:

11.1.1

fire detection and alarm systems?

11.1.2

emergency lighting systems?

11.1.3

fire extinguishers and hose reels?

11.1.4

automatic sprinkler systems?

11.1.5

other fixed suppression systems installed?

11.1.6

smoke and smoke/heat control systems?

11.1.7

automatic closing doors, shutters, etc.?

11.1.8

emergency generators?

11.1.9

evacuation and fire-fighting lifts?

11.2

Are appropriate records kept of all such tests and maintenance?

11.3

Are appropriate records kept of fire evacuation drills?

11.4

Are appropriate records kept of staff fire training?

11.5

Are copies of the fire risk assessment and the emergency action plan kept in a safe place away from the premises?