Posted By PatrickT Colleagues, I am at odds to know whether a multi storey building with a current fire Certificate (issued by the Home Office fire inspectorate) requires an additional Risk Assessment to be undertaken? To further stir the pot we have a number of colleagues with mobility problems, what is the current best practice for their evacuation. Regards Patrick Teyhan

Posted By shaun mckeever Patrick Originally the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regs were brought out in 1997 but specifically excluded premises which had fire certs. In a nutshell Europe thought we were'nt playing ball and so the 1997 Regs were subsequently amended in 1999 to include all places of work whether a fire cert was in force or not. Essentially a fire cert ensures there are adequate means of escape and remains in force for the lifetime of the building unless there are significant changes. A fire risk assessment will examine the work activities to identify ignition sources, combustible materials, management of fire safety etc and then ensure that there are adequate precautions in place to lessen the threat of fire, these aren't adequately dealt with under the fire cert. A FRA will have to be reviewed on a regular basis. I hope this helps. Best regards, Shaun

Posted By sylvia For people with disablities or special needs in emergency, you should have a PEEP (personal emergency evacuation plan). That is personal to each, as different issues will apply. There is a BS for this, but forgot which. This has been around a while, before all the fire RA stuff arrived, but in my view, follows the ideal assessment approach. It will mean talking through with each person, and recording the plan once agreed. Fire service can also help - maybe have "draft plans" for them to comment on, as refuges, rescue, staged evacuation etc. vary.

Posted By Laurie .... but not in Scotland, where a different protocol is being followed. Laurie