Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a professional systematized examination of
premises, undertaken in order to analyze the hazards and risks, which has the
potential to cause a fire and lead to harm to those in or around the premises.
The meaning of the terms “Hazard” and “Risk” are not the same in relation to
fire.
Hazard is defined as something that has the potential to cause harm or loss,
whereas Risk is defined as the likelihood of that harm or loss, occurring in
defined circumstances, along with its consequences.
Why do we need a FRA?
- It’s a legal requirement in India
- In order to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm to everyone in or around the premises, by identifying the potentials hazard and implementing control measures
- In order to protect business interests- Moral, social and Financial costs involved if a fire occurs
- It’s a very good practice for maintaining positive fire safety culture in an organization
What are the main steps of FRA?
Following five steps should be considered in order to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment:
- Identify potential fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk
- Record, plan, inform, instruct and train
- Review
When to review a FRA?
- Ideally, this document should be reviewed every 12 months
- When layouts, occupants, and construction materials change
- When the purpose of the building changes