Building Change Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must keep the fire risk assessment under review and update it where there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or where there has been a significant change to the premises or activities. Building work, alterations to layout or changes in use can all affect the existing assessment.

Any large construction project usually involves an architect and also a builder.  Both should understand the fire safety regulations the works need to comply with and these will usually be considered in the architectural drawings and recommendations.

However, there are occasions when works are considered minor and their impact on fire risk is underestimated.

For this reason, if you are planning changes to the design or layout of your building, including the installation of new furniture, fixtures and fittings, the existing fire risk assessment should be reviewed to make sure it still reflects the premises and the risks present.

Projects that might require a building change Fire Risk Assessment

Several types of building project may mean the existing fire risk assessment needs reviewing. Some examples include:

1. 1. Renovations or refurbishments: Upgrading the interior or exterior of a building, changing wall or partition configurations, or updating building materials may impact fire safety features and escape routes.
   2. Change in building usage: If the purpose of the building changes, such as converting an office space into residential apartments or a warehouse into a retail space, the fire risk profile and required safety measures may also change.
   3. Building extensions or additions: Expanding the building footprint or adding new floors can affect fire compartmentation, escape routes, and the coverage of fire detection and suppression systems.
   4. Installation of new systems: Adding new electrical, heating, or mechanical systems can introduce new fire hazards and may require modifications to existing fire protection systems.
   5. Modification of occupancy or layout: Changes in the number or type of occupants, or alterations to the layout or furniture arrangement, can impact fire load and escape routes, warranting a reassessment of fire risk.
   6. Structural modifications: Alterations to the building structure, such as removing or adding load-bearing walls, can impact the building’s fire resistance and may require adjustments to fire protection measures.
   7. Installation or modification of storage facilities: Introducing new storage areas or altering existing ones may change the fire risk profile, especially when storing hazardous or flammable materials.

   In all these cases, reviewing the fire risk assessment will help identify any potential hazards or vulnerabilities and confirm that appropriate fire safety measures are in place to protect occupants and property.

Can Blake Contractors’ one stop shop help with your project?

Does your building contractor understand that any change to the design, layout or usage of a commercial building, whether major or minor, may mean the fire risk assessment needs reviewing? We do.

As well as carrying out your building work, we can arrange a fire risk assessment through an independent assessor, then implement the recommendations through Blake Fire & Security, our fire and security division.

Click the button below and contact us for a free quote!

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