Hi all

Does anyone know if there is a minimum qualification requirement in order to be authorised to perform a basic fire risk assessment on premises. The premises would not be categorised as high risk and would be offices and shops predominantly. I have spoken with the local fire service reference this and belive it or not they couldnt really give me definitive guidance.

Your views greatly appreciated as always

Gordon J

Thanks JohnW

Very helpful info

gordon j

Hi Stephen

Thanks for the info on course...looking up reputable training organisations now

gordon j

There is no minimum qualification nor indeed any sort of qualification that is spelt out that is a legal requirement that I know of but competence is quoted

As an example; every school in the UK should undertake a fire risk assessment and after looking at hundreds of these school fire risk assessments I find that on many many occasions they are undertaken by the person given the task [anything from the head teacher to their admin manager, to the care taker etc.] and in most cases they have no experience nor training; this is a stupid situation but there it is

It is only when we have problems/a fire etc. that such risk assessments are seen for what they are

Best of luck on chosing your course

Can I just add my 2 pennies -

The RRFSO 2005 states:

(5) A person is to be regarded as competent for the purposes of this article where he has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures.

Its very fluffy at the moment in terms of guidance on this subject. You would just have to demonstrate you have taken the above into consideration. I am a very methodical person. When I first complete the NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management Cert, because I was lacking in experience, I followed a very in depth study book used to study for the course, and every decision I made when Risk Assessing the premises was detailed. This was to demonstrate why I had come to the decisions I had in the RIsk Assessment. Over time I have gained experience, and know could pretty much complete a FRA without the requirement of constant referring to my books but, I will always need to make reference to some sort of book because of the complexity of FRA`s in general.


That draft document is brilliant!


I also compile my companies polices, this will help hugely when discussing draft polices I have compiled, thanks JohnW.

Hello i came across this thread i would like to make a comment.The NEBOSH Fire cert is a very good start but is not enough to be able to say you have the competence to carry out a FRA, i have the fire cert at Dist to gain competence you can enrol on the Vulcan Fire Managers course it consists of Mod 1 and Mod 2. If you have the Nebosh fire you only have to take Mod 1, i have just passed it, i would highly recommend it Graham the tutor is highly knowledgeable. you can then apply for Tech-IFSM and carry out FRA.

http://www.vulcanfiretra.../course_fire_Manager.php
Graham Holloway

BA(Open), FIFSM, MIFPO, MIFireE, MIIRSM

Hope this helps

I have just done Module 1 of this course and found it to be very worthwhile. I would highly recommend it.

Andy

Of the many that I have looked at which have been undertaken by 'retired professionals' I find that most are very poor

I agree with the people who are saying that the Nebosh Fire Cert is not enough. When we had an issue with our (now ex) fire assessor and sought advice from the LFB, they said that they would expect a fire assessor to:
- Have done a separate course such as the Vulcan or FPS fire assessor course in the specific competency area (Life Safety OR Property Protection), AND
- Be a member of a professional fire assessor register such as the Institute of Fire Engineers.

I echo Bob in that many retired professionals, i.e. ex-firemen, can be very poor as they are not necessarily trained in fire risk assessment!