Housing Fire Risk Assessments

Fire Safety Law changed in October 2006 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This new legislation placed an emphasis on risk assessment; it is a requirement of the Fire Safety Order that all ‘responsible persons’ carry out a fire risk assessment of their Housing Stock in order to ensure the safety of all.

At Oakleaf we adopt industry best practice when undertaking fire risk assessments, to ensure a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment of the fire risk is adequately documented, as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Our surveys and reports are formed using approved guidance such as the code of practice PAS 79:2020 Fire Risk Assessment – Guidance and recommended methodology. We are able to provide accredited fire risk assessments through our BAFE SP205 accreditation scheme.

The Fire Risk Assessment

The Oakleaf Fire Risk Assessment provides clear and practical recommendations rather than vague generalisations. It clearly quantifies risk (harm potential) using a simple risk matrix.

Our Assessors

Our experienced assessors operate in a wide variety of premises, including healthcare, schools, colleges, police stations, industrial properties and listed buildings. Each assessor hold a range of fire safety qualifications and memberships, with professional bodies such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers and the Engineering Council.

Oakleaf have been awarded certification under the BAFE SP205 third party certification scheme for companies carrying out life safety fire risk assessments. This is a UKAS accreditation scheme which involved a rigorous inspection of our management systems and processes, and evaluation of the technical competency of our consultants. We are further evaluated annually in order to ensure we are providing a consistently high standard of service to our clients.

The scheme is designed to give assurance to those commissioning fire risk assessments that the service provider they appoint is competent and has been independently approved.

The Oakleaf fire risk assessment report incorporates photographic evidence of control measures (good practice) and significant findings (issues arising that require attention) to support the commentary documented in the fire risk assessment. This approach enables us to not only identify which items do not meet an appropriate condition, but also those which do; and provides clients with additional information on the fire precautions and systems that need to be adequately maintained along with those which may require improvement.

Risks are prioritised and scored by severity to allow programming of remedial work. An action plan is provided as part of all fire risk assessments, enabling client’s to distribute actions to the relevant departments / persons, and to track progress.

Software and Innovation

Oakleaf’s Housing Fire Risk Assessments are produced on a variety of platforms. We are adept at using client systems, utilising their current CAFM or Tablet solution. We also engage with the market leading providers of Housing Fire Risk Assessment software to provide a truly client focused reporting experience.

Frameworks

Oakleaf’s Housing Fire Risk Assessments are available on several frameworks; please get in touch to find the most suitable for your needs.

Drawings

All Fire Precautions including Fire Doors, Alarms, Detection, Signs, Fire Fighting Equipment etc. can be indicated on AutoCAD drawings (if available).

Consultancy – Mortgage Statements EWS 1

Oakleaf fire engineers are able to assist with requests from mortgage lenders and solicitors where during the sale process a written statement to confirm the property meets the requirements of current Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) guidance is requested. The aim of the request from lenders and solicitors is largely to confirm the property meets the requirements outlined by the MHCLG Advice Note 14. EWS 1 Forms are a natural part of this process.

Our fire engineers are members of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) as well as holding Chartered Engineer and Incorporated Engineer status, registered with the Engineering Council. This fulfils the requirement that the statement must be produced by a member of one of the professional bodies listed by MHCLG in information Note 1.