Much has already been said about fire safety especially in light of the terrible tragedy of Grenfell.  Given that so many lives were lost, it bears repeating that risk assessments are the key to identifying the dangers great or small not just in fire safety but all areas of health and safety.

2 Rivers has maintained the in all areas of health and safety but especially fire, there is no point scrimping on cost when lives are at stake.  We continue to recommend that all managing agents use a professional company to perform the risk assessments and to take great care in the fire risk assessor that you choose.

Some key points to consider include:

• Be satisfied that the fire risk assessor who carries out the work is competent.  This can be demonstrated by them providing evidence of compliance with the competency criteria set down by the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council.
• Check that they have experience of working in your kind of business and premises.
• Be clear about the scope of the work to be carried out and ensure that the assessor is provided with access to all areas of the premises and with relevant information.
• Obtain alternative quotes ~ make sure they all cover the same scope, so you can draw a proper comparison.
• It is advisable to request references from previous clients in similar premises types; ask them if they were satisfied and if any problems were later identified by the Fire and Rescue Authority.
• It is advisable to ask for proof that they have sufficient professional indemnity insurance and to seek assurance that the contractor is impartial and has a complaints procedure.
• Keep and maintain records of the steps you took in selecting your fire risk assessor.

Click here for a full report from the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council.