fire risk assessments, fire warden training, fire marshal training, fire safety training

A rapid risk assessment method provides even the inexpert assessor with the ability to meet the management requirements imposed by the new Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.The process measures the consequences of a fire and the likelihood of its occurrence against the statutory and business health, safety and environmental standards.

The final assessment is either "acceptable", "unacceptable", or "unknown / needs follow up" action by an expert fire engineer. The consequences of a fire in the defined area are assessed on the basis of the expected harm to people, to the environment, to fixed and variable assets, and the survivability of the business. The likelihood of a fire in the sample area is assessed from the area fire load, the likelihood of ignition and the likelihood of escalation. Simple tables are provided to enable consistent and reliable assessments to be made by assessors with the minimum of fire prevention training.

The basic rapid ranking risk assessment process (shown in figure 1) is as follows:

Study the system to be assessed.
Identify the significant hazards.
For each hazard:
a) estimate the consequences.
b) Estimate the likelihood of the consequences occurring.
Assess the acceptability of risk against the SHE (safety health and environment) and business criteria.
If acceptable, proceed, if unacceptable, modify the system.

The rapid ranking method is based upon the principle that the greater the severity of the consequences, the less should be the likelihood of occurrence.