Overview: This all-encompassing assessment is conducted in a wide array of workplaces, including offices, retail establishments and service industries.

Focus: It delves into the overarching fire risks inherent to workplaces, encompassing evaluations of electrical safety, adequacy of fire exits, formulation of efficient evacuation plans and implementation of fire prevention measures.

Industry Variation: While the basics remain the same, the specific risks may differ. For example, an office may focus on electrical equipment and safe evacuation, while a retail store may emphasise fire risks related to storage and merchandise.

Overview: Conducted on construction sites during building projects.

Focus: It evaluates temporary fire risks associated with construction materials, equipment and potential ignition sources.

Industry Variation: Construction sites present dynamic and ever-evolving risks as projects progress. Consequently, assessments must adapt continuously to accommodate the evolving environment and address the fluctuating risks.

Overview: Conducted in schools, colleges and universities.

Focus: The assessment encompasses fire risks specific to educational environments, including classrooms, laboratories and student dormitories, with a primary emphasis on safeguarding the welfare of students and staff.

Industry Variation: Educational institutions may require frequent fire drills and have specific requirements for fire alarms and emergency exits.

Overview: Common in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities.

Focus: It evaluates unique fire risks associated with patient care, medical equipment, oxygen use and evacuation of patients with limited mobility.

Industry Variation: Healthcare facilities adhere to stringent requirements to ensure patient safety during fire emergencies, often mandating the use of fire-resistant building materials and the development of specialised evacuation plans tailored to the unique challenges of healthcare settings.

Overview: Relevant for hotels, HMO’s, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Focus: The assessment scrutinises fire hazards in kitchens, bars, guest accommodations and public areas, with a notable emphasis on the safe evacuation of guests.

Industry Variation: The hospitality industry presents unique fire risks associated with commercial kitchens, alcohol storage and the presence of a substantial number of guests. Fire safety measures must be adapted to suit these specific challenges.

Overview: Frequently conducted in manufacturing and industrial settings where unique fire risks are prevalent.

Focus: It assesses specific fire risks related to machinery, hazardous materials and storage of flammable substances.

Industry Variation: Industries characterised by substantial machinery or chemical processes may necessitate more stringent assessments to prevent industrial fires and explosions. Mitigation strategies and safety protocols must align with the specific risks encountered in these environments.

Overview: Focused on retail stores, malls and shopping centres.

Focus: It assesses fire risks related to merchandising, storage, electrical systems and the safety of shoppers and employees.

Industry Variation: The layout and occupancy of retail spaces can vary significantly, leading to diverse fire risk profiles. The fire risk assessment approach must be customised to address the specific challenges of each retail setting.

Overview: Focussed on transportation modes, including airports, train stations, bus terminals, maritime and other forms of transport.

Focus: It prioritises passenger safety by assessing unique hazards and establishing efficient evacuation routes and protocols.

Industry Variation: Tailored assessments and regular drills ensure readiness for swift evacuations and passenger safety across diverse transportation scenarios, encompassing all modes of transport.

Overview: Designed for diverse settings, Evacuation Planning focuses on ensuring prompt and effective evacuations during emergencies.

Focus: It assesses various potential hazards and outlines evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication protocols to streamline the evacuation process.

Industry Variation: Incorporates thorough assessments of building layouts, potential hazards, and population demographics to tailor evacuation procedures. Regular drills and training sessions ensure readiness for swift and orderly evacuations in diverse scenarios.