Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Principles of risk assessment
95
the risk controls, particularly with regard to an implemen-
tation programme.
It is therefore essential that a mechanism for priori-
tisation be considered. Any action plan emanating from 
a risk assessment must be SMART:
➤
Specifi c
➤
Measurable
➤
Achievable
➤
Realistic
➤
Time 
bound.
In addition any action plan arising from a risk assess-
ment must seek to identify the appropriate resources 
required to complete the action. This must include time 
and people required. It is also important to ensure that 
the person in the organisation who is responsible for its 
implementation is identifi ed to enable follow-up of the 
implementation plan.
Following a fi re risk assessment in a small 
offi ce facility it was identifi ed that no early 
warning system by way of detection was 
installed, particularly in storerooms and other 
unoccupied out of the way areas. 
While the action plan identifi 
ed that a 
detection system complying with BS 5839 
Part 1 was required, the action plan also 
identifi ed that domestic smoke alarms could 
be installed as an interim measure, while 
awaiting the design, installation and certifi ca-
tion of the new system.
5.5.6 Recording of risk assessment fi ndings
Where fi 
ve or more persons are employed by an 
employer, the risk assessment fi ndings (the signifi cant 
ones) must be recorded. It is good practice that all fi nd-
ings of risk assessments are recorded, not only if they 
are legally required, but also so that they can be used 
for providing staff and management with information and 
may help defend claims for negligence.
A wide variety of differing forms are used for record-
ing risk assessments and there is no universal layout. 
In general forms refl ect the requirement of the law and 
guidance issued by the enforcing authorities. The 
Five
Steps to Risk Assessment
document produced by the 
HSE suggests the minimum standards of what should 
be recorded on a risk assessment form.
Regardless of the approach adopted to record the 
fi ndings, key elements should be recorded and are likely 
to include:
➤
The building, task, or location being assessed
➤
The name of the assessor/s
➤
The date of assessment
➤
The scheduled date of review of the assessment 
(arbitrary see section 5.4.7)
➤
A breakdown of all the identifi ed hazards (if a task, 
hazards at each stage of the task)
➤
Persons at risk and why
➤
Current control measures
➤
An evaluation of risk (with existing controls in place)
➤
Identifi cation of controls required to reduce the risk 
(prioritised in an action plan)
➤
An evaluation of any residual risk (with the additional 
controls in place).
Better assessments identify named persons and target 
dates for implementing fi ndings as part of the action 
plan. An example of a form to record a task-based risk 
assessment is provided at Appendix 5.1.