Posted By loweysafety All, Need advice. I have been instructed to produce a Fire RA for isolated buidlings with respect to the new RRFSO guidance. This are now relatively abandoned buildings used by no more than 1 or 2 persons visited for no more than two days a week (for routine work and inspection). So they still have services (power source, IT network etc). They are also secure from vandals/arson. To what length should the RA go? To avoid going to great lengths would an inspection do? If not, does anyone know where I can get hold a simplified FSO version without exhaustive detail. Regards, Lowey

Posted By garyh Fire risk assessment in reality is simple in principle. It only gets complicated really for complicated premises or situations. In the RA I would run though each aspect in turn, detailing the situation, how it is controlled and what if any changes are needed ie Sources of Fuel Ignition sources (remembering arson) Mean of detecting fire Means of raising the alarm How many people at risk, locations, any with mobility issues, children etc Means of escape Prevention of fire spread Signage Emergency planning, roles, drills Emergency lighting if required, maintenance of it and also alarm systems Document this. You ned to have a good look around the premises and then write your RA, not the other way around, of course! Hope this helps.

Posted By tdunbar Bearing in mind that a fire alarm system is only required where, to the extent that it is appropriate, necessary.

Posted By martinw tdunbar true - but Approved Doc B is frustratingly open when it talks about 'small buildings or premises the means of raising the alarm may be simple.' Shouts, gongs, etc. It then goes on get all specific: 'in all other cases the building should be provided with a suitable electrically operated fire warning system with anual call points sited adjacent to exit doors ans sufficient sounders to be clearly audible throughout the building.' So I presume the latter until I can justify the former. Not disagreeing - just adding some other guidance for interpretative assistance for others.

Posted By tdunbar Sure Martinz, but you are referring to a guidance document for new and renovated buildings. I am referring to legislation concerning fire risk assessments. If you are carrying out a FRA for a building which is in compliance with Building Regs then it would most likely have an electric fire alarm system because most BC officer can't tell the difference between that and a means of giving early warning in the event of a fire. If the subject building doesn't have a system you would have to determine if, because of the risk, it is appropriate and necessary to provide a means of giving warning and, if so, depending on the risk, what type.