NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety Element 6: Fire safety risk assessment Learning outcome
• 6.1 - 6.3: The learner will be able to do a fire risk assessment in their own workplace – prioritising risks, inspecting the workplace, recognising a range of common fire hazards, evaluating risks (taking account of current controls), recommending further control measures, planning actions. 6.1 Objectives of fire safety risk assessments Assessment criteria: 6.1-6.3: Explain the principles of the fire risk assessment process and be able to carry out a fire risk assessment of a workplace. Meaning of hazard and risk in relation to fire There are several slightly differing definitions of both words, but put simply: • A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. This may include ill health or injury, damage to property, products, production losses or increased liabilities. In the terms of this course the hazard refers to the potential to cause harm through fire or explosion. • Risk is the chance or probability either high or low, of the hazard happening and harm occurring. For example, the fire being a small fire and contained in an external waste bin, or a major fire in a building, devastating the building. The need to carry out a fire risk assessment It is in a company's best interests to carry out a fire risk assessment, in order to prevent or contain the effects of fire. Financial costs to a company in the aftermath of a fire are in relation to harm to people, lost production or in re- build or repair costs. If it is found that all the necessary precautions to prevent a fire were not taken, the ' responsible person' (usually the owner or occupier of a premises) may be found to be in breach of fire related legislation. This can cost the company valuable time and money, especially in fines if environmental pollution occurs. If the chance of reducing a fire is taken, the resultant costs to the company will also be reduced. Setting up and installing systems may create a substantial initial outlay, in resources (time and money and including ensuing maintenance and servicing costs) but this good practice will save money in the long run. The resultant costs experienced after a fire (loss of life, property, production, time, fines, prosecutions, etc.) will be saved and insurance premiums may avoid the annual increase. This makes good economic sense.
Objectives of fire safety risk assessments
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