Fire Safety

SKM Enviros offer a range of services providing solutions to fire safety issues, both for compliance with statutory requirements and good practice. The services offered are many and varied, these include Fire Risk Assessment of premises as required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety ) Order 2005, the drawing up of individual Fire Strategies for premises and sitting on the design team to produce Fire Engineering solutions for the design of new buildings or those undergoing refurbishment. SKM Enviros also provide a significant range of services on specific fire safety elements such as the specific design of, or advice on Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, Fire Compartmentation, Emergency Lighting, Evacuation Procedures as well as Fire Safety Procedures and Training.

Fire Risk Assessment

The onus for fire safety is now placed upon the employer or ‘responsible person’ for the building or premises. This is in all premises where people go for work or leisure except domestic premises (private dwellings). The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order also includes voluntary sector properties as well as work places of self employed people which are separate from their homes. Fire certificates are no longer required and have ceased to have any legal status. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order relates to the law of England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland have a similar legislation regarding these issues. The “responsible person” within a workplace (i.e. employer, owner or controller of the workplace) must comply with the fire safety order. If convicted of failing to comply with the provisions of the order, fines or up to two years imprisonment can be awarded. The ‘responsible person’ must ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out focusing upon the safety of all relevant persons in case of fire. The fire risk assessment must pay specific attention to those at risk, such as disabled persons, and children, as well as considering any dangerous substances that may be on the premises. The fire risk assessment will help to identify the risks that can be mitigated against or removed. It will also help to identify and define the nature and extent of the general fire precautions needed to put into place to protect against fire and the inherent fire risks that remain.

Fire Engineering

SKM Enviros has extensive expertise in fire engineering design. Our highly qualified fire consultants negotiate with all enforcing authorities and produce fully comprehensive fire strategies to meet all regulatory needs whilst addressing the needs of the client. We also develop bespoke fire engineering objectives, tailored to meet individual buildings and clients needs. Our fire experts can also advise on the selection of fixed fire fighting installations, including: sprinkler systems, water spray suppression systems, powder systems, foam systems, as well as fire detection and emergency lighting systems. In addition to helping employers to comply with statutory duties, our trained personnel can help rationalise the complexities of fire safety legislation, building regulations, corporate risk management and insurance company recommendations.