Introduction to Fire Safety Management

5.2.4 Risk 
assessment
The process of identifying hazards and evaluating 
the level of risk (including to whom and how many are 
affected) arising from the hazards, taking into account 
any existing risk control measures.
5.2.5 Risk 
controls
Workplace precautions, for example a guard on a dan-
gerous part of machinery, sprinkler systems within a 
building, safe systems of work (procedures), personal 
protective equipment (PPE), safety signs.
It is critical to distinguish between the two 
elements contained in risk so that a judge-
ment of risk magnitude can be identifi ed. For 
example, if assessing the risks associated 
with a contractor starting a fi re during hot 
work processes it is necessary to differentiate 
between the likelihood of a fi re being initiated 
and the severity or consequences of the out-
come. As if hot works are being undertaken 
outside in the open air the consequences of 
a fi re occurring are potentially less disastrous 
than if the hot work was being undertaken 
inside a building, where smoke levels may 
prevent people escaping.
Figure 5.2
Inspecting contractors arrangements for work-
ing at height

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Principles of risk assessment
85
5.2.6 Risk control systems (RCS)
These are arrangements that ensure that risk controls 
(workplace precautions) are implemented and main-
tained. For example: the provision for ensuring that an 
adequate level of supervision is maintained during work 
processes; a system for planned preventive main tenance 
for work equipment and specifi c safety systems; and 
establishing a programme of inspections and audits for 
buildings, sites and workplaces.