Fire Risk Assessment in Manchester
Professional Fire Risk Assessment Services in Manchester
JBR Fire Compliance provides professional fire risk assessments in Manchester for businesses, landlords, property managers and organisations responsible for commercial, residential and multi-occupied premises.
Manchester has a wide mix of property types, from offices, shops and hospitality venues to warehouses, factories, apartment buildings, HMOs and serviced accommodation. Because of this, each assessment needs to reflect how the building is used, who occupies it and what fire safety risks are present.
Our Manchester fire risk assessment service helps responsible persons understand the significant fire risks within their premises, identify people who may be at risk and prioritise any actions required to improve fire safety.
Commercial Fire Risk Assessments Across Manchester
A fire risk assessment should be relevant to the building rather than a generic checklist. The risks in a city centre office can be very different from those in a warehouse, factory, shop, restaurant, apartment building or mixed-use property.
Our commercial fire risk assessments in Manchester consider the way the premises operates, the people who use the building and the fire safety arrangements already in place.
The assessment needs to consider factors such as:
- What takes place within the premises
- Who uses the building
- Whether people sleep in the premises
- The number and type of occupants
- The layout and escape routes
- Existing fire precautions
- How fire safety is managed
- Any people who may need additional assistance
JBR provides professional fire risk assessment services to help responsible persons understand these risks and identify the steps required to manage them.
Fire Safety in a Complex Property Environment
The range of property across Manchester means that fire safety arrangements can vary significantly from one building to another.
Fire Safety in a Complex Property Environment
The range of property across Manchester means that fire safety arrangements can vary significantly from one building to another.
Commercial offices
Large and small offices can present a range of fire safety considerations depending on the number of employees, visitors and contractors using the premises. Modern hybrid working patterns may result in occupancy levels varying significantly throughout the week, making it important that fire safety arrangements remain suitable under different conditions. A fire risk assessment should consider means of escape, travel distances, fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, compartmentation, procedures for evacuation and the management of fire safety on a day-to-day basis. Particular attention should also be given to visitors, meeting rooms, shared facilities and any persons who may require assistance in the event of an emergency.
Retail and hospitality
Shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment premises may experience rapidly changing occupancy levels and are often occupied by members of the general public who are unfamiliar with the building layout, escape routes and emergency procedures. The transient nature of these premises means occupants may be less likely to recognise a fire alarm, respond promptly to an emergency situation or know the nearest available exit. As a result, greater reliance is typically placed on effective fire detection and warning systems, clear escape route signage, robust management procedures and well-trained staff who can assist with evacuation, direct occupants towards suitable exits and respond appropriately in the event of a fire.
Warehouses and industrial premises
Warehouses, workshops, industrial units and manufacturing premises can present specific fire safety challenges due to storage arrangements, machinery, ignition sources, combustible materials and the movement of people, vehicles or goods. A fire risk assessment should consider how the premises is used, the adequacy of escape routes, fire detection, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment, staff training, housekeeping and fire safety management arrangements. JBR Fire Compliance can provide practical fire risk assessment advice for industrial and warehouse premises across Manchester and Greater Manchester.
Multi-occupied residential buildings
The areas of a building covered by fire safety responsibilities should be clearly defined and understood, particularly where communal areas exist or responsibility is shared between several parties. Apartment buildings, mixed-use developments, multi-let premises and commercial properties may involve multiple responsible persons with duties for different parts of the building. Effective communication, cooperation and coordination are therefore essential to ensure that fire safety arrangements are consistently managed, maintenance responsibilities are fulfilled and significant fire safety risks are addressed. Particular attention should be given to communal escape routes, fire doors, fire detection systems, emergency lighting and any measures that rely upon joint management arrangements to remain effective.
Hotels and serviced accommodation
Sleeping occupants and guests who are unfamiliar with the building require careful consideration as part of the overall fire safety arrangements. Unlike employees or regular occupants, sleeping guests may have little or no knowledge of the building layout, escape routes or emergency procedures, and their response to a fire alarm may be slower, particularly during night-time hours. As a result, greater reliance is typically placed on effective fire detection and warning systems, protected escape routes, emergency lighting, clear fire safety information and appropriate management arrangements. Fire risk assessments should consider how occupants will be warned of a fire, how they will locate and use escape routes, and whether the existing fire precautions are sufficient to support a safe evacuation from the premises.
Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety?
The person responsible for arranging and managing fire safety will depend on the premises, how it is occupied and who has control of the building.
It may be:
- An employer
- The Duty Holder
- A business owner
- A building owner
- A landlord
- A managing agent
- A facilities manager
- A property management company
- Another organisation or individual with control of the premises
In some buildings there may be more than one responsible person. This is commonly encountered within apartment buildings, mixed-use developments, multi-let premises and commercial properties where ownership, occupation and management responsibilities are shared. Where responsibilities overlap, effective cooperation, coordination and communication are particularly important to ensure fire safety arrangements remain effective and significant risks are appropriately managed.
Fire Risk Assessments for Offices, Shops, Factories and Warehouses in Manchester
Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area contain a diverse range of commercial and industrial premises, including offices, retail units, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, workshops, distribution centres and mixed-use developments. Each type of premises presents different fire safety challenges and requires a fire risk assessment that reflects how the building is occupied and used.
A fire risk assessment may need to consider:
- Staff, visitors and contractors
- Means of escape and travel distances
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Fire doors
- Storage arrangements and fire loading
- Emergency lighting
- Work processes covering machinery, equipment and hazardous substances
- Fire safety management procedures
- The needs of anyone requiring assistance during and evacuation
Commercial and industrial premises can present a range of fire safety risks depending on the activities undertaken within the building. Warehouses and manufacturing facilities may involve significant storage, machinery and combustible materials, whilst offices, shops and customer-facing premises may need to accommodate fluctuating occupancy levels, visitors unfamiliar with the building and changing patterns of use. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment helps identify these risks and determine whether existing fire safety arrangements remain appropriate.
Manchester Serviced Accommodation
Manchester serviced Accommodation, Airbnb & HMO Fire Risk Assessments.
- Apartment buildings and blocks of flats
- HMOs
- Student Houses
- Student accommodation
- Short-term rentals
- Serviced apartments
- Airbnb-style properties
- Holiday accommodation
Areas We Cover Across Greater Manchester
We provide fire risk assessment services across Manchester and the wider area, including:
JBR Fire Compliance provides fire risk assessment services throughout Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area, including Manchester city centre, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and surrounding locations.
Contact us to discuss the location and type of premises.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
The purpose of the process is to leave the responsible person with a clearer understanding of the premises and the priorities that need to be managed.
01
Establishing the scope
We gather information about the premises, its use and the people who occupy it.
02
Inspecting the premises
Potential hazards, people at risk and existing fire safety measures are assessed.
03
Evaluating the risks
The different findings are considered together to determine whether the existing arrangements are appropriate.
04
Recording the findings
A written report provides a clear record of the assessment.
Fire Risk Assessment in Manchester FAQs
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement for a business?
Where business premises are covered by fire safety law, the responsible person must ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and regularly reviewed.
Can I complete my own fire risk assessment?
It may be possible where the responsible person has sufficient knowledge and expertise for the premises. Where the building is larger, more complex or presents higher risks, professional assistance should be considered.
How much does a fire risk assessment in Manchester cost?
The cost depends on the size, use and complexity of the premises. A small office and a large multi-occupied or industrial property will require different levels of assessment.
How long does a fire risk assessment take?
This depends on the property. The size, layout, occupancy, activities taking place and complexity of the fire safety arrangements can all affect the time required.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes could affect the existing assessment.
Can you carry out assessments for several buildings?
Yes. JBR can discuss requirements for businesses, landlords and property managers responsible for multiple premises.
What happens after the assessment?
The findings are recorded and any identified actions can then be prioritised and managed by the responsible person.
Arrange a Fire Risk Assessment in Manchester
JBR Fire Compliance provides clear and practical fire risk assessment services across Manchester and Greater Manchester.
Contact us today to discuss your property and request a quote for a professional fire risk assessment in Manchester.