Fire Risk Assessment Templates & Checklists

Importance of Fire Risk Assessment Template

Using a fire risk assessment template is important because it provides a structured, consistent, and efficient way to identify and evaluate fire hazards, ensuring legal compliance and helping organizations prioritize safety measures. By systematically documenting risks, it supports effective emergency planning, resource allocation, and employee training, ultimately protecting lives, property, and business continuity while reducing the likelihood and impact of fire incidents.

What to Include in a Fire Risk Assessment Template?

Fire risk assessment records should be kept up to date so that precautionary measures are adequate at all times. Here are the key components of what a fire risk assessment template should have:

• Site Information: Basic details about the premises, such as location, purpose, and responsible persons.
• Fire Hazards: A list of all potential fire sources and combustible materials present on site.
• People at Risk: Identification of individuals who could be affected, including employees, visitors, and vulnerable groups.
• Review Schedule: A clear timeline for when the next assessment should be conducted to keep safety measures current.
• Validation: Sign-off by the assigned safety official to confirm the assessment’s accuracy and completion.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is an evaluation of identified fire hazards and fire protection measures. It also includes planning for the safety of people at risk. Ideally, employers, site managers, and safety officers work together to create effective fire safety plans based on fire risk assessments.

Why Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?

Aside from it being a legal requirement, conducting a fire risk assessment helps reduce the chances of a fire occurring. Fires not only result in property loss, but can also negatively impact business reputation and weaken the trust clients have in the capability and priority of the business to keep people safe from harm.

In contrast, conducting a fire risk assessment signals to clients that the business is proactive when it comes to fire prevention and fire safety. Conducting regular fire risk assessments also helps strengthen the confidence of potential investors or partners, as it shows that the business is reliable and aware of risks.

How to Conduct Fire Risk Assessment with a Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

To easily conduct a fire risk assessment, we’ll walk you through the five steps provided by the County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service using a fire risk assessment checklist. These steps include:

1. Identify any fire hazards
2. Determine people at risk
3. Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect people from risk
4. Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train
5. Review fire risk assessment

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

Observe and determine the type of fire hazard. A fire usually starts when heat comes into contact with anything that burns. The three things you need to look for in identifying fire hazards are sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen. Take measures to avoid these three coming together to reduce the chances of a fire occurring.

Different Types of Fire Hazards

Fire hazards are grouped according to the activity in which they manifest. Activities that are highly likely to cause fire are known as different types of fire hazards.

• Heating water or other substances – This type of fire hazard becomes a greater threat when substances are heated alongside or close to combustible materials such as wood. This type of fire hazard usually results in Class A fires, unless electrical equipment, metals, or chemicals are involved. You can use water or a foam fire extinguisher for Class A fires.
• Handling chemicals or explosives – This type of fire hazard involves flammable liquids, including alcohol, oil, paint, and gasoline, as well as pressurized gases. This type of fire hazard results in Class B fires. Use a foam, carbon dioxide, or powder fire extinguisher for Class B fires. Do not use water for extinguishing Class B fires.
• Using electrical equipment – This type of fire hazard involves circuit breakers, appliances, transformers, wiring, electrical cords, junction boxes, and motors. This type of fire hazard results in Class C fires. Use a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher for Class C fires. Do not use water or a foam fire extinguisher for Class C fires.
• Metalworking – This type of fire hazard is commonly found in auto mechanic shops and industrial facilities. Examples of metals known to ignite easily are potassium and sodium. This type of fire hazard results in Class D fires. Use only a dry powder extinguisher for Class D fires. Do not use water or a foam fire extinguisher for Class D fires.

Example:

Step 2: Determine People At Risk

Identify people at risk and where they are likely to be found around the premises. This step may require evaluating people with disabilities to discuss individual needs. These people could be:

• employees;
• visitors/contractors;
• people with disabilities, elderly customers, or parents with children; and
• other persons in the immediate vicinity of the premises.

Example:

Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, Reduce, and Protect People from Risk

Using the information gathered from steps 1 and 2, begin evaluating the management of the premises to identify situations and any acts or omissions that may present a fire risk. It is also essential to evaluate fire escapes and other fire precautions to ensure that they are up to date or adequate. Once you’ve evaluated the risks, remove or reduce the hazards you’ve identified by recommending actions and preventive measures.

Example questions for evaluating:

• Are ignition sources controlled to reduce the chances of fire?
• Are combustible materials kept away from ignition sources?
• Are all windows and openings closed last thing at night?
• Is your fire alarm system adequate for your premises?
• Will everybody be warned if the fire alarm operates?
• Are all fire exits easily identified by the correct signs?
• Are escape routes free from obstruction and storage?

Step 4: Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct, and Train

This step involves documenting all the significant findings and actions you’ve taken or will take when you conduct the fire risk assessment. Significant findings refer to fire hazards, actions taken, or preventive measures put in place.

Having a good recordkeeping program for your fire risk assessments is good practice and will be helpful to management and safety officers in case of fire incidents. This step also involves giving staff and employers clear and relevant information and appropriate instructions on fire safety arrangements.

Step 5: Review Fire Risk Assessment

Review your current assessment to determine if fire safety systems implemented are effectively controlling fire hazards and risks in the premises. If, during your review, you find that your fire risk assessment is no longer suitable for your premises and the type of work done onsite, revise it accordingly.

Fire Risk Assessment Example

To get a better visualization of what a completed fire risk assessment should look like, preview this sample report:

Preview Fire Risk Assessment Sample PDF Report