Assessing How Your Cardiff Premises Are Used
A useful assessment looks at how your premises actually operate. An office with visiting contractors, a school with community lettings and a warehouse with changing stock each need a different discussion. We ask about occupancy, working hours, vulnerable people and any activities that could start or spread a fire.
The inspection considers ignition sources, combustible storage, escape routes, fire separation and management arrangements. Alarm records, emergency lighting tests and extinguisher maintenance help build the picture. An assessment does not replace the specialist testing of those systems.
When To Arrange An Assessment
Arrange an assessment when taking responsibility for premises, changing the layout or introducing a new use. Review the existing document after a fire, near miss, significant staffing change or alteration to escape arrangements. A document prepared for the previous occupier may not describe your business.
There is no universal expiry date that suits every workplace. Set a review programme that reflects the risks and revisit it when something changes. If your last report has unresolved actions, bring those to the discussion rather than treating a new inspection as a fresh start.
Your Responsibilities In Wales
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person. For a workplace this is commonly the employer, with other duties falling on people who control premises. Appointing an assessor helps with the assessment but does not transfer the responsible person’s legal duties.
Welsh Government guidance on section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 explains the recording and information requirements. Keep the assessment and fire safety arrangements in writing, identify who carried out the assessment and coordinate with other responsible persons where premises are shared.
From Site Visit To Action Plan
First, share the building use, approximate floor area and existing records. Next, agree the accessible areas, any security restrictions and the person who can explain day-to-day operations. During the visit the assessor examines the available areas and discusses how an evacuation would work in practice.
The written report should describe significant findings, limitations and recommended action. Ask for priorities that distinguish immediate management changes from work needing design or specialist investigation. Allocate each action to someone who can complete it and keep evidence when it is closed.
Pricing A Cardiff Fire Risk Assessment
The quotation depends on the building’s size, complexity, use and access arrangements. Multiple occupiers, sleeping accommodation in a commercial operation, hazardous processes and incomplete records can require more investigation. A straightforward office and an industrial site should not receive an identical scope by default.
Tell us whether plans, previous assessments and a current action log are available. Identify any areas that cannot be accessed and whether a return visit might be needed. The proposal should make clear what the assessment covers and whether follow-up support is included.
Prepare For A Useful Visit
Make your alarm logbook, lighting test records, evacuation plan and previous report available. Provide details of any planned refurbishment, access-controlled doors or people who need evacuation assistance. Arrange for someone with authority to explain responsibilities across landlord and tenant boundaries.
After the visit, keep the action plan live. Brief staff on changes that affect them, review arrangements when work is complete and retain the supporting reports together. For equipment defects, use the relevant inspection or maintenance service alongside the assessment.
Guidance And References
These references explain the legal framework and relevant standards. The scope for your premises is agreed individually.
Welsh Government: responsible person duties ↗Questions, Answered.
Do I Need A Fire Risk Assessment For An Office?
A fire risk assessment is needed for an office covered by the Fire Safety Order. It should reflect the actual occupancy, layout and activities, including visitors and shared escape routes. Keep a written assessment and arrangements, review them as circumstances change and give identified actions a named owner.
How Often Should A Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid. Changes to layout, use, processes or occupancy can trigger a review. Agree a review schedule based on risk rather than assuming every commercial building has the same fixed expiry date.