The IFSM Define Risk Assessors
As the new fire safety legislation unfolds, there is increasing concern that Fire Risk Assessments are not being carried out effectively or by the suitably trained.
Many are discouraged by the anecdotal evidence that is coming to light with regards to the way some assessments are being completed, the costs involved (minimum and maximum) and the amount of 'gear' that is being sold on the back of the risk assessment.
It has been recommended that individuals wanting to carry out risk assessments should prove some kind of competence mainly through a third party approval/accreditation system.
The IFSM has taken action to create a system offering accreditation to qualified individuals and has built a Register of Fire Risk Assessors.
This accreditation includes eligibility for any fire safety professional that provides sufficient evidence of professional training and experience in this area.
The service is provided for both members and non members of the Institute, a full guide to registration plus costs and an applications form is available on the IFSM website and can be downloaded for completion.
There is currently no formal definition of a Fire Risk Assessor. However, the Institute believes that it can provide a framework definition of this role as someone who is competent and capable to carry out assessments of premises/workplaces, or similar establishments and organisations, to identify, assess and record fire risks, as well as carrying out audits to verify other person's fire risk assessments if that is within their normal sphere of responsibilities.
A Fire Risk Assessor will be able to provide sufficient and adequate advice and recommendations in order to minimise and control any outlined risks that arise from their assessment.
A competent Fire Risk Assessor will be able to carry out fire risk assessments for life safety and property protection, usually for the purposes of legislative compliance, but also in the field of asset management as well as business continuity.
An application onto the Register is open to those persons who feel that they can satisfy the above criteria, the requirements set out by the Institute and who are working in the field of fire safety and fire engineering.
The application process for any registrant is completely open and inclusive although he or she will have to demonstrate their competence and ability as well as provide proof of both professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
The process itself is carried out by two internal assessors appointed to each application and then an external assessor who validates and audits the 'work' of the internal assessors.
Only when the external assessor is satisfied is the applicant placed onto the register.
This register not only allows individuals and business' to ensure they are hiring the correct person for the job but encourages those currently carrying out Fire Risk Assessments to be identified with the register and show they are competent in this important area.
A number of assessors have already applied and processed and it looks like a winning initiative already. Application forms are available on the website. www.ifsm.org.uk.
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