A fire risk assessment is a methodical process conducted within a building or workplace to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the associated fire risks (the potential for a fire incident to occur), and establish control measures to eliminate or reduce those fire risks. Regular fire risk assessments are a cornerstone of workplace fire safety and should be carried out by a trained, competent fire risk assessor at least once a year.
Are employers legally required to conduct fire risk assessments in South Africa?
Section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 states that employers have a legal duty to “provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees.” Because accidental fires pose a major risk to employee safety, employers are obliged to identify and control fire risks through conducting fire risk assessments. Because fire risks exist in almost all work environments, the obligation to conduct fire risk assessments applies to all employers in South Africa.
What does a fire risk assessment involve?
A fire risk assessment involves conducting a methodical physical inspection of a building or workplace to identify fire hazards and evaluate the associated fire risks. Fire risks should be ranked in order of severity so that the most severe risks can be addressed as a priority. When conducting a fire risk assessment, it is important to consider all people who may be at risk, including employees, contractors, customers, members of the public, occupants of surrounding buildings, the elderly, children, and physically impaired individuals. The most important aspect of a fire risk assessment is establishing risk controls for all identified fire risks. All findings and recommendations should be recorded.
What is the difference between a fire hazard and a fire risk?
While a fire hazard and a fire risk are closely linked, their meaning differs:
Fire hazard: any source, substance, situation, or act that has the potential to cause an accidental fire, or any situation that has the potential to hinder evacuation or firefighting efforts in the event of a fire.
Fire risk: the chance – high or low – that a fire hazard will result in a fire, and the potential magnitude of that fire.
Example: Flammable materials stored near a heat source is a fire hazard. The associated fire risk is high, due to the high probability of a large, explosive fire starting that will be difficult to control or extinguish.
Examples of fire hazards
Fire hazards can be grouped into various categories, including electrical hazards, flammable liquids and gases, combustible materials, ignition sources, evacuation hazards, and human factors. Common examples of fire hazards in each category are listed below:
Electrical hazards
- Overloaded electrical sockets, multiplugs, and power strips
- Faulty electronic appliances like printers, kettles, toasters, etc.
- Frayed or damaged extension cords and exposed wiring
- Non-compliant wiring
Flammable liquids and gases
- Paint, varnishes, and lacquers
- Gasoline, kerosene, and petrol
- Ethanol, rubbing alcohol, and acetone
- Aerosol sprays
- Liquified petroleum gas (LPG), butane, and propane
Combustible materials
- Paper, cardboard, and wood
- Rubbish and litter
- Textiles, upholstery, and curtains
- Plastic and rubber
- Coal and charcoal
Ignition sources
- Heaters and heat-generating equipment
- Cigarettes, lighters, and matches
- Kitchen and cooking appliances
- Open flames and hot surfaces
- Friction and sparks
- Faulty electronic equipment
Human factors
- Human error
- Negligence
- Arson
Evacuation hazards
- Obstructed or blocked evacuation routes
- Poor housekeeping leading to clutter, blocked walkways, and tripping hazards
- Defective fire alarms and sprinkler systems
- Lack of emergency signage, evacuation floor plans, and emergency exits
- Lack of firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers, fire blankets, hose reels)
How to conduct a fire risk assessment
A fire risk assessment should include the following five steps:
Step 1: Identify fire hazards
- Conduct a physical inspection of the building or workplace
- Identify fire hazards (electrical hazards, combustible materials, flammable liquids and gases, ignition sources, human factors, and evacuation hazards)
- Look for sources of fuel, oxygen, and heat
Step 2: Decide who might be harmed, and how
- Consider the safety of employees, contractors, customers, members of the public, occupants of neighbouring buildings, and at-risk groups (pregnant, young, elderly, physically impaired)
- Determine the nature of the harm posed to each group of people
Step 3: Identify the risk and decide on control measures
- For each hazard identified, assign a risk level (low, medium, or high) based on the likelihood of a fire starting and the magnitude/severity of the potential fire
- Establish control measures to remove fire hazards or reduce/control fire risks
Step 4: Record all findings and implement them
- Record all findings and proposed control measures in a risk assessment document and risk register document
- Communicate with relevant team members and assign the responsibility for implementing control measures to specific people
- Prepare and communicate your emergency evacuation plan and your emergency response procedure
- Provide firefighting training and evacuation planning training where necessary
- Set a follow-up date to assess the effectiveness of control measures
Step 5: Follow up
- Review implemented control measures – have they been effective?
- Identify which fire hazards have not been adequately addressed and follow up with the responsible team member
- Implement changes as required
- Update the risk register accordingly
What is a risk register?
A risk register is a living document that must be kept current. It lists all identified hazards and risks, the proposed controls, the person responsible for implementing these controls, and dates for when the effectiveness of implemented controls must be reviewed. Fire risks should be entered onto the organisation’s risk register and it is critical that the effectiveness of fire risk control measures is regularly reviewed.
Who can conduct a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a specialised task that should be carried out by a competent, trained person. First Aid, Fire and Safety Training offers Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) courses that equip Health and Safety Team members or Fire Wardens to carry out risk assessments at their workplace – including fire risk assessments. This comprehensive course covers relevant sections of the OHS Act and guides delegates on how to plan a risk assessment and put together a risk assessment team. It provides in-depth teaching on how to conduct a systematic, comprehensive risk assessment, including using the Hierarchy of Controls and the Four Ts of Risk Management to identify the most appropriate and effective control measures.
Sending a member of your Health and Safety Team for risk assessment training will have a profound impact on the safety of your entire workforce and improve your OHS Act compliance rating. Find out more about our HIRA training here or contact us to book your course.
