The devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017 highlighted the vital need for rigorous fire safety procedures across the UK. The Fire Safety Act, introduced in response to such events, has significantly impacted fire risk assessments, particularly by outlining the responsibilities of ‘responsible persons’ in multi-occupied residential buildings. This tragic event not only raised public awareness but also prompted significant improvements in guidelines governing fire safety, including substantial updates to PAS 79. The revised PAS 79-1:2020 now plays a key role in ensuring that fire risk assessments are thorough, consistent, and properly documented.
What is PAS 79?
PAS stands for Publicly Available Specification, which is essentially a set of clear guidelines for specific tasks—in this case, fire risk assessments. PAS 79 provides a structured approach for professionals to assess and manage fire risks effectively.
First introduced in 2005, PAS 79 underwent updates in 2007 and again in 2012. Initially, it was simply general guidance, but the latest revision in December 2020 split the guidance into two parts:
PAS 79-1 – Specifically covers non-housing premises (like offices, hotels, and warehouses).
PAS 79-2 – Dedicated to residential buildings.
The recent updates to PAS 79:2020 include detailed fire risk assessment guidance, emphasizing the need for specific methodologies in both non-domestic and housing premises.
These new distinctions were developed in response to feedback from industry professionals who needed clearer guidance tailored to different types of properties. The housing sector played a pivotal role in requesting specific guidance, leading to the creation of a dedicated section within the new standards.
Who does PAS 79 affect?
PAS 79 directly impacts anyone responsible for fire safety, primarily fire risk assessors. But its reach extends beyond assessors. Property landlords, building managers, health and safety officers, and local authority personnel also need to understand these guidelines, as they have legal responsibilities for fire safety.
The regular changes in fire safety law, particularly in light of recent tragedies, have led to significant legislative changes such as the Fire Safety Bill. These changes have important implications for fire risk assessment, making it crucial for stakeholders in the fire safety sector to stay informed about new guidelines and standards resulting from the revisions to PAS 79.
Steve Aldridge, Managing Director at Assets & Compliance Managed Services, has extensive experience in fire safety compliance. He emphasizes the critical importance of assessor training, “Passing a course in fire safety assessment is just the first step. What truly makes a difference is the mindset and care taken when performing the assessment. I always encourage our assessors to treat each inspection as though their own family were living or working in the building. This shifts their approach dramatically. They no longer just tick boxes—they genuinely evaluate whether people are safe.”
Who Should Use PAS 79?
There’s no question that PAS 79 has consistently proven its value across a wide variety of building types, regardless of their size. This methodology is especially helpful for premises such as:
- Offices and retail shops where day-to-day business operations take place
- Hotels and leisure facilities that accommodate visitors and guests
- Hospitals and healthcare premises where patient safety is paramount
- Schools and educational buildings filled with students and staff
- Factories and warehouses housing valuable inventory and equipment
Understanding and applying fire safety principles is crucial when conducting and documenting fire risk assessments, particularly in housing and organizational settings.While it might not represent the most suitable methodology in every circumstance, PAS 79 has gone on to provide a widely recognised and thoroughly respected foundation for carrying out comprehensive fire risk assessments. Ultimately, anyone responsible for fire safety should make sure they are fully informed about this valuable approach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a PAS 79 Fire Risk Assessment
Carrying out a comprehensive PAS 79 fire risk assessment involves nine essential steps:
Collect Information about the Building
Gather detailed information about the building’s design, usage, occupancy, and activities conducted within. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the entire fire risk assessment process. Understanding the building’s layout, construction materials, and any unique architectural features can help identify potential fire hazards and vulnerabilities.
Additionally, knowing the primary functions of the building and the nature of activities carried out within allows for a more tailored assessment. For instance, a building used for chemical storage would have different fire risks compared to a residential building or office space. It’s also essential to consider the occupancy levels, as this impacts evacuation procedures and the effectiveness of fire safety measures.
Gathering this information involves reviewing building plans, consulting with building managers, and conducting site visits to observe the building’s daily operations and identify any changes in use or occupancy that may have occurred since the last assessment. This comprehensive understanding ensures that the fire risk assessment is accurate and reflective of the building’s current state.
Additionally, evaluating the external wall construction in multi-occupied residential buildings is crucial to assess fire risks associated with cladding and other external features.
Identify Potential Fire Hazards
Determine conditions or situations that could lead to fires, considering sources of ignition (heat), fuel (materials that can burn), and oxygen. This involves a systematic evaluation of all potential fire hazards within the premises. Start by identifying any equipment or processes that generate heat, such as cooking appliances, heating equipment, electrical installations, and machinery. It’s crucial to ensure that all electrical systems are properly maintained and that any faulty wiring or overloaded circuits are promptly addressed to prevent electrical fires.
Next, assess the presence of combustible materials that could serve as fuel for a fire. This includes not only obvious items like paper, wood, and textiles but also flammable liquids and gases that may be stored on-site. Proper storage and handling of these materials are essential to minimize fire risks. Additionally, consider the building’s construction materials and whether they contribute to fire spread.
Finally, evaluate the availability of oxygen, which is necessary for a fire to sustain itself. While it’s impossible to eliminate oxygen, controlling ventilation systems and ensuring that doors and windows can be closed in the event of a fire can help restrict oxygen flow and contain a fire’s spread.
By thoroughly assessing these elements, fire risk assessors can identify potential fire hazards and implement effective fire protection measures to mitigate risks.
Evaluate Fire Likelihood
Assess the likelihood of a fire occurring, considering how realistically hazards could interact to ignite a fire. This involves a detailed analysis of the interactions between potential fire hazards and the conditions that could lead to ignition. Fire risk assessors must evaluate the probability of ignition sources coming into contact with combustible materials under various circumstances. For instance, consider the likelihood of an electrical fault causing a spark near flammable liquids or the possibility of a kitchen appliance overheating and igniting nearby materials.
In addition to evaluating the physical aspects, it’s crucial to consider human factors that could increase fire risks. This includes assessing the level of fire safety awareness among building occupants, as well as their adherence to fire safety protocols. Human error, such as improper storage of flammable materials or failure to maintain equipment, can significantly elevate the risk of fire.
Furthermore, assessors should consider external factors that might influence fire likelihood, such as weather conditions, which could impact electrical systems or increase the risk of wildfires in certain areas. By taking a comprehensive approach to evaluating fire likelihood, assessors can identify areas where additional fire safety measures may be necessary to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, consider using quantitative risk assessment as an alternative methodology for a more detailed and numerical approach to evaluating the likelihood and impact of fire hazards.
Assess Existing Fire Protection Measures
Identify existing fire safety precautions, such as alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, fire doors, and fire-resistant barriers. These fire protection measures are crucial in minimizing the risks associated with fire hazards and ensuring the safety of building occupants.
Alarms are essential for providing early warning signals, allowing people to evacuate promptly. Sprinklers play a key role in controlling and extinguishing fires before they can spread, significantly reducing potential damage. Fire extinguishers, available in various types to tackle different classes of fires, are vital for addressing small fires quickly and effectively.
Fire doors help contain fires, preventing them from spreading to other areas of the building, while fire-resistant barriers provide additional protection by slowing down the spread of flames and smoke. Together, these measures form a comprehensive defense system that enhances the building’s overall fire safety strategy. Regular maintenance and testing of these precautions are essential to ensure they function correctly when needed.
Review Current Fire Safety Management Practices
Consider existing procedures such as evacuation drills, fire training, and regular maintenance checks. Effective fire safety management practices are integral to ensuring the safety of building occupants and minimizing fire risks. Regular evacuation drills are crucial, as they familiarize occupants with emergency exits and procedures, reducing panic and confusion during an actual fire event. These drills should be conducted at least annually, with more frequent drills recommended for buildings with high occupancy or complex layouts.
Fire training for staff and occupants is another essential component of fire safety management. Comprehensive training programs should cover the use of fire extinguishers, understanding fire alarm systems, and recognizing fire hazards. Employees should be encouraged to report potential fire risks and participate actively in maintaining a safe environment.
Regular maintenance checks of fire safety equipment and systems are vital to ensure they function correctly when needed. This includes inspecting fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting. Any faults or deficiencies should be addressed promptly to maintain the integrity of the fire protection measures.
Additionally, a robust fire safety management plan should involve clear communication channels for reporting issues and a designated fire safety officer responsible for overseeing fire safety protocols. By incorporating these practices, organizations can create a safer environment and enhance their overall fire safety strategy.
Determine the Likely Consequences of a Fire
Evaluate how a fire would impact occupants based on factors like building layout, occupancy numbers, mobility, and familiarity with evacuation routes. A comprehensive evaluation should consider the unique characteristics of the building and its occupants to accurately predict the potential consequences of a fire. The building layout plays a critical role in determining how quickly occupants can evacuate during a fire. Complex layouts with multiple floors or sections may pose challenges, especially if clear signage and unobstructed pathways are not maintained.
Occupancy numbers are equally important, as higher numbers can lead to congestion during evacuation, increasing the risk of injury or delay. Assessors should consider peak occupancy times and ensure that evacuation plans accommodate the maximum number of occupants.
Mobility is another crucial factor, as individuals with disabilities or limited mobility may require additional assistance or alternative evacuation routes. It’s essential to identify these needs in advance and incorporate them into the fire safety strategy.
Familiarity with evacuation routes can significantly impact the effectiveness of an evacuation. Regular drills and clear communication can enhance occupants’ understanding of the procedures, reducing panic and confusion during an actual fire event. By taking these factors into account, assessors can better understand the potential repercussions of a fire and develop targeted strategies to protect occupants and minimize risks.
Assess the Overall Fire Risk Level
Combine your findings about fire likelihood and the potential impact to assess the overall risk. Is the risk low, medium, or high? To determine the overall fire risk level, consider both the probability of a fire occurring and the severity of its potential consequences. A low risk might be identified in a building with minimal fire hazards, robust fire protection measures, and well-trained occupants.
Conversely, a high risk could be present in a building with numerous ignition sources, inadequate fire safety management, and a high occupancy of individuals unfamiliar with evacuation procedures. By categorizing the risk level, you can prioritize which areas require immediate attention and allocate resources effectively.
This step is crucial for developing a targeted fire safety strategy that addresses the most pressing vulnerabilities while maintaining a safe environment for all building occupants.
Develop an Action Plan
Clearly document areas needing improvement alongside practical solutions and preventive measures. An effective plan provides specific actions to address any identified weaknesses. This involves prioritizing tasks based on the level of risk they pose and assigning responsibilities to ensure accountability.
For instance, if the assessment identifies a lack of fire extinguishers in critical areas, the action plan should specify the type and quantity needed, the exact locations for installation, and who will be responsible for purchasing and installing them. Additionally, the plan should include timelines for implementation, ensuring that improvements are made promptly to enhance fire safety.
Regular follow-ups should be scheduled to verify that the corrective actions have been completed and are effective. The action plan should also outline preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of future fire risks, such as routine maintenance checks, employee training programs, and updates to fire safety protocols.
By providing a clear roadmap for addressing fire safety issues, the action plan not only helps mitigate immediate risks but also fosters a proactive approach to maintaining a safe environment over the long term.
Document the Assessment Thoroughly
Proper documentation is critical, both legally and practically. Ensure records clearly detail hazards, existing measures, risks identified, and proposed solutions. Thorough documentation serves as a vital reference point for future assessments and audits, providing a comprehensive overview of the fire safety measures in place and any changes made over time.
This record-keeping is not only essential for compliance with relevant fire safety legislation but also plays a crucial role in demonstrating due diligence in the event of an incident or inspection by fire safety authorities. Additionally, maintaining detailed documentation can facilitate smoother transitions during staff changes, ensuring that new personnel can quickly familiarize themselves with the building’s fire safety protocols. It’s important to organize records systematically, making them easily accessible for review and updates.
Documenting significant findings is essential to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and to provide a comprehensive understanding of fire hazards and risks within the premises.
Set a Clear Review Schedule
Regularly revisit and update the assessment, especially when significant changes occur—like alterations to building layout or changes in occupancy. This proactive approach ensures that fire safety measures remain effective and relevant to the current conditions of the premises. It’s important to recognize that as buildings evolve, so do potential fire risks.
For instance, the introduction of new technologies or equipment may introduce new ignition sources, necessitating updated safety protocols. Similarly, changes in occupancy levels can impact evacuation procedures and require adjustments to fire safety management plans.
By continuously monitoring and revisiting fire risk assessments, organizations can adapt to these changes and maintain a high standard of fire safety. This ongoing process not only helps in identifying emerging risks but also fosters a culture of safety awareness among occupants and staff.
Ultimately, regular updates to fire risk assessments play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property, ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation, and demonstrating a commitment to proactive risk management.
How Often Should PAS 79 Assessments Be Reviewed?
Regular reviews are essential, typically at least annually. More frequent reviews are necessary if significant changes occur—new equipment installed, refurbishments, new working methods, or increased occupancy, for instance. It’s crucial to understand that fire risk assessments are not a one-time task but an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous attention and adaptation.
The dynamic nature of building use, technological advancements, and changes in fire safety legislation necessitate a proactive approach to risk management. By scheduling regular reviews, organizations can ensure that their fire safety measures remain effective and aligned with current standards and best practices. Moreover, staying compliant with evolving fire safety law is critical, as recent legislative changes like the Fire Safety Bill have significant implications for fire risk assessment.
These reviews provide an opportunity to reassess and refine evacuation plans, update training programs, and evaluate the performance of fire protection systems. Engaging with fire safety professionals during these reviews can offer valuable insights and recommendations, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement improvements. Ultimately, regular reviews not only enhance the safety of building occupants but also demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a robust fire
Need Help Conducting a PAS 79 Fire Risk Assessment?
PAS 79 guidelines are designed to support comprehensive fire risk assessments and are essential for ensuring your property is safe and compliant with UK fire regulations. Fire risk assessment guidance related to the PAS 79:2020 standard promotes better understanding and compliance with fire safety laws, emphasizing the need for specific methodologies in both non-domestic and housing premises. If you need assistance implementing PAS 79 assessments or would like trained professionals to manage your fire safety responsibilities, Assets & Compliance Managed Services is ready to help.
Call our experienced team on 0115 922 0600 or email us directly at projects@acmsuk.com for guidance or a detailed quote.
Make sure your fire risk assessment doesn’t just tick boxes—make sure it saves lives.
