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working from home and a fire risk assessment
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brian02  
#1 Posted : 13 March 2012 21:30:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
brian02
A local firm close to me works from home and the office is upstairs with one exit, does a fire risk assessment need to be done by a professional for this very simple job and does the assessment need to be signed by the person who does it. I have been quoted £45, but alarm bells are ringing here. can anyone advise
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firesafety101  
#2 Posted : 14 March 2012 12:32:05(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
Small low risk premises do need a fra but not by an "expert". The business can look online and download the ACOP to the rrfso and do it themselves. Further help from local FRS who will probably have posted a record form to print out. One cheeky method is to come on here and ask a few questions, I'm sure we will all chip in with the correct requirements. Not rocket science. However if they do want to be charged loads of money get them to contact me and I'll be happy to help! :o)
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Jake  
#3 Posted : 14 March 2012 12:49:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jake
Also, if the company employees less than 5 people (which it presumably does if operating from home) the assessment does not have to be documented (therefore no it would not need to be signed). That siad, the business would need to show they have carried out a FRA so an element of "documentation" would be required to show the risks have been considered.
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Lizjohnston  
#4 Posted : 14 March 2012 17:01:17(UTC)
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Lizjohnston
As the premises is a domestic premises there is no requirement for a fire risk assessment.
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messyshaw  
#5 Posted : 14 March 2012 20:10:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
messyshaw
There is absolutely no legal requirement to sign a FRA document or even mention who has carried out the assessment. Many templates have a gap for a signature, but it's not strictly required
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Lisa Boulton  
#6 Posted : 14 March 2012 21:48:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Lisa Boulton
lizjohnston wrote:
As the premises is a domestic premises there is no requirement for a fire risk assessment.
I always thought that if you are working from home, then it is a workplace? I do assessments for our employees who work from home as the employer has a duty of care to manage the risks wherever they work. If the business has more than 5 employees and are carrying out RA's then they can simply add on to this the hazards and risks presenting from fire and what precautions are required their is lots of guidance and templates available from the Communities and Government website. A small business shouldn't need a consultant to carry this out.
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Ron Hunter  
#7 Posted : 14 March 2012 22:53:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter
Lisa Boulton wrote:
I do assessments for our employees who work from home as the employer has a duty of care to manage the risks wherever they work.
Interesting. Where the Assessment identifies that further action is required, the employer presumably also takes on that responsibility? Brian, if the kitchen door has a 1/2 hour rating and a door closer, the job's a good 'un?
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