AGAR BOWLES
Fire Consultancy & Training
Everyone knows the risks associated with fire, don't they? Whilst many are confident that they would know what to do, fires are often unpredicted and are not controlled, and in those situations, human nature can be to panic.
​
Legislation requires that businesses take certain steps to fulfill their duty when it comes to fire, and we can help meet those requirements.
Fire Risk Assessments
Fire risk assessments identify potential fire hazards in your environment, which is crucial to understanding where risks may arise and how to deal with them effectively. ​They are also a legal obligaton placed on any person who is responsible for a building so you need to have a documented assessment, whether that's for your office, HMO, residential buildings with communal areas, or a place of education or worship, to name a few.
​
Our qualified and competent assessor can attend your workplace and conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment, in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Working with your Responsible Person, this will involve a review of documentation and a site tour to establish potential fire hazards that are present.
​
Our reports are sent electronically to your designated contact, and including photos taken during the assessment and details of the actions that need to be taken to ensure that your business is compliant with fire safety regulations.
​
Alongside completing fire risk assessments, we can also help create emergency evacuation plans. and provide training.​ This includes the new requirements for RPEEPS (residential personal protective evacuation plans) which are applicable in certain buildings.
Fire Marshal Training
Fire awareness in the form of training is crucial; the likelihood of panic is much greater in an emergency situation, and everyone needs to know what to do and where to go. Our Fire Marshal course is a 1/2 day course, and training is delivered within your premises, during which your staff will gain understanding of:
-
Fire legislation within the UK
-
Identifying and reporting fire hazards within your workplace
-
Correct behaviours
-
Fire protection measures
-
Safe use of extinguishers
-
Role of a fire marshal
-
Evacuation plans
​
As part of our training (and only when completely safe to do so!), we also deliver practical fire extinguisher training. Of course, we risk assess this before any live training is completed on the day to make sure that the environment is suitable for the activity.
​
Fire extinguisher training typically covers:
​​​​
-
Different classes of fire and their behaviours
-
Identifying and understanding extinguishers
-
Steps to use an extinguisher
-
When it's appropriate to use an extinguisher​
​
If live training is safe to complete, staff will be able to take part in practical exercises using real extinguishers.
Fire Door Inspections
Fire door inspections are a requirement; they play a critical role in life safety, legal compliance, and property protection. Agar Bowles provides inspection services for both commercial and residential premises.
​​
Fire door inspections are mandated under UK fire safety legislation, mainly:
-
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
-
Fire Safety Act 2021
-
Building Safety Act 2022
​
The laws require the “Responsible Person” (e.g. landlord, building owner, or employer) to ensure fire safety equipment (including fire doors) is maintained, carry out regular inspections and risk assessments and fix any faults promptly. ​The frequency of inspection will depend on the premises and it's use - there are different requirements for commercial, residential and high risk buildings (over 11m).
Companies also need to consider commercial insurances and potential limitations on coverage as most policies require documented evidence of fire safety maintenance.
​
Recent data in the UK showed that 75% of fire doors failed to meet required safety standards during inspections. If you are due an inspection or need to talk through what you may need to do, get in touch and our team assist.