A fire risk assessment report does not make a building safer. Acting on it does. The weeks after the report arrives are when the value is won or lost, and a report with an untouched action list is hard to defend if something goes wrong.
Step 1: Read the whole report
Start with the summary and the action plan, then read the findings behind them. If anything is unclear, ask the assessor. You should understand what each finding means, why it matters and what is being asked of you.
Step 2: Sort by priority
A good report ranks its findings. Typically:
- Immediate: things that put people at risk now, such as a locked or blocked exit, a failed alarm or a missing fire door on a stairway.
- Short term: things to fix within weeks, such as faulty door closers, overdue servicing or missing training.
- Planned: improvements that need a budget or a contractor, such as upgrading detection or fire-stopping.
Step 3: Give every action an owner and a date
An action nobody owns does not get done. For each one, write down who is responsible, the target date and the budget if it needs one. In a shared building, send the landlord or managing agent the actions that fall to them, in writing.
Step 4: Deal with the quick wins straight away
Many actions cost nothing: clearing a corridor, removing door wedges, moving stock away from heaters, briefing staff. Doing them in the first week cuts the risk quickly.
Step 5: Put interim measures in place
Where a fix will take time, reduce the risk in the meantime. If a detector is waiting for repair, for example, increase checks of that area and make sure staff know.
Step 6: Record what was done
Mark each action as complete with the date, who did it and any evidence: a certificate, a photograph or a contractor’s report. Keep it with your fire safety register.
Step 7: Tell your staff
Share the findings that affect how people work: new procedures, changed escape routes, who the fire wardens are.
Step 8: Review
Check progress on the action plan every month until it is closed. Review the assessment itself when something significant changes. Read more on how often a fire risk assessment should be reviewed.
When you disagree with a finding
Talk to the assessor. There may be more than one way to reach the same level of safety. What you should not do is leave an action open without a reason on record.
Every fire risk assessment from Safer Solutions comes with a prioritised action plan, and we are happy to talk you through it. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.