Church fire safety risk assessment

All churches need to complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005or The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

To meet the regulations, a responsible person must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that considers, amongst other things:

• Ignition sources
• Suitable means of detecting and raising the alarm in the event of a fire
• Adequate emergency escape routes and exits
• An appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers
• The correct type and number of fire signs and notices
• Provision for the correct maintenance of fire equipment
• Suitable provision for the protection of fire service personnel
• Ensure the occupants receive the appropriate instruction/training on actions to take in the event of a fire using evacuation drills
• The effect a fire could have on neighbours.

A formal record must be made of any significant findings and remedial measures that have been or may need to be taken.

In the event of a fire, it’s important to have a plan to keep people safe. Arrangements must be made to ensure that a fire can be detected and that persons can evacuate from the building safely. Details of the roles and responsibilities that should be considered are outlined in our fire safety guidance.

Our team of risk management specialists have created a fire risk assessment template with accompanying guidance notes to help you through the process.