This update from the fire safety team explains the way we carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and what to expect on the day.

Prior to the assessment

• You will receive an email offering you a date and time for your fire risk assessment. We will specify in the email if we require a morning, full day or day and a half on site, depending on how big the site is.
• Attached to this email will be a document of pre assessment questions.
• We are asking sites to complete these questions and send them back to us prior to our visit. It is important to include as much information and any relevant dates when answering the questions.

On the day

• The officer will arrive on site at the agreed time.
• They will then begin a walk around with the site plans updating them as they go. This part can take a little bit of time depending on how many updates are needed to the plan.
• Once the plans have been completed, a second walk around is carried out where the officer will check fire doors, look at compartmentalization, and any other actions that need to be raised. Note that anything identified during the risk assessment is not a criticism.
• The officer will need access to the whole site including any locked cupboards.
• After the walk arounds are completed, the officer will return to the office to look over paperwork, such as the FEEP, fire alarm servicing records, PAT testing records, Boiler maintenance and any other relevant documents. A list of these items can be found at the end of the pre assessment questions.

After the assessment

• After the assessment has been completed, the officer will begin typing up the report and actions into Civica. They will also update the site plans and attach them to the report in Civica.
• Once the report is set to complete, you will receive an email from Civica notifying you that the report is now ready to view.
• If you need any support, guidance or have any questions following the fire risk assessment please contact the fire safety team by emailing: scfiresafety@somerset.gov.uk

Learn more:
Fire Guidance
Water Wednesdays and Fire Fridays!
What should go into a school Grab Bag?