Good question and the answer is…technically anyone can carry out a fire risk assessment of their premises and many does he law does not specify who can and cannot.
That been said although you can carry out your own assessment it needs to deemed what is called "suitable and sufficient"
You are also expected to have sufficient competence in the building your assessing and understand what you are looking for recording it adequately.
Whilst this may be ok in smaller simple premises, more complex properties require a grater understanding of the risk assessment process therefore it is normal for a an external fire risk assessor to be appointed. Things to include on a fire risk assessment:
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Identify the fire hazards within your premises.
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Identify people at risk i.e. staff, customers.
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Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
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Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training specific to your premises.
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Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.
If you are looking to carry out your own fire risk assessment please have a look at our Business Owners Guide to Fire Safety which goes into more detail on the fire risk assessment process.
It is extremely important to remember that competence plays a major part in conducting fire risk assessments and if you are not confident in doing so or beleive you do not have the required skills it is just not worth it and the penalties for getting it wrong can be severe.
Any further questions you have regarding this please do not hesitate to get in touch.
James
White Rose Fire Safety
