General Statement Of Policy Fire Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A General Statement Of Policy Fire Risk Assessment is a comprehensive document that establishes your organization's commitment to fire safety management under England and Wales law. This policy serves as the foundation for your fire safety management system, outlining how you will identify, assess, and control fire risks while ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The document demonstrates to regulators, employees, and stakeholders that you take fire safety seriously and have implemented systematic approaches to risk management.

When do you need this document?

You must implement a General Statement Of Policy Fire Risk Assessment if you are the 'responsible person' for any non-domestic premises under the Fire Safety Order. This includes business owners, employers, landlords, or anyone with control over premises where people work, visit, or stay. The policy is particularly crucial when establishing new fire safety management systems, following significant changes to your premises or operations, or after incidents that require policy review. Insurance companies may also require evidence of formal fire safety policies when assessing coverage. Additionally, you need this document when preparing for fire safety inspections by local fire authorities or when demonstrating compliance during health and safety audits.

Key legal considerations

Your fire risk assessment policy must clearly define the 'responsible person' as required by the Fire Safety Order, along with their specific duties and accountability measures. The document should establish procedures for regular fire risk assessments, ensuring they are conducted by competent persons and reviewed periodically or following significant changes. You must include provisions for staff training, emergency procedures, and maintenance of fire safety equipment and systems. The policy should address how you will consult with employees on fire safety matters and ensure adequate information, instruction, and training. Consider including specific arrangements for vulnerable persons, visitors, and contractors who may be unfamiliar with your premises. Your policy must also establish clear escalation procedures for fire safety concerns and outline how you will maintain records of assessments, training, and safety measures.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you have absolute legal duties to conduct fire risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures. The Fire Safety Order requires that your policy addresses prevention of fire, reduction of fire spread, and provision of means of escape and firefighting facilities. You must comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which mandate systematic approaches to risk assessment and safety management. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establishes your general duty to ensure the safety of employees and others affected by your work activities. Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Document B set specific standards for fire safety measures in buildings that your policy must reference. Your document should also consider Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requirements for emergency procedures and facility safety measures.