HSMC offer specialist
HSMC offer a range of services 
HSMC offer a range of on-site training courses including DSE, noise, fire, risk assessment and accident managementFire risk assessment
Fire risk assessment is a discipline which has been around for almost eight years now but has recently come to the fore with the 2006 changes in the legislation governing fire safety. Fire risk assessments are now the primary document controlling fire safety in the workplace, replacing fire certificates in this role, and are treated as such by enforcement bodies carrying out fire safety inspections.
As a result of our experience of completing fire risk assessments in businesses ranging from large hotels, through pubs and farms to factories and offices, HSMC can present you with a detailed assessment of your workplace. HSMC fire risk assessments include:
| Ignition sources | What are the risks present of fire actually starting in your workplace, including electrical hazards, chemical ignition, etc. |
| Fuel sources | What are the significant fuel sources, what form do they take and do they offer any increased risk. |
| Smoke and fire spread | What system are in place to control the spread of smoke and fire and if any improvements are needed. |
| People risks | The people who may occupy premises will be considered to determine if there are any increased risks to or from specific groups. |
| Means of escape | This section covers number of escape routes, their distance and general condition. Assessment of this section is made with reference to anticipated occupancy, the areas the escape routes pass through, etc. |
| Lighting | Lighting covers natural and artificial lighting, determining if emergency lighting is required and if so, is it to a satisfactory standard. |
| Signs and communication | Communication is important for fire safety and signs are a vital part of this. Signs include directional escapes, fire action notices, door signs, etc. |
| Fire detection and alerting | An assessment is made to determine if automatic fire detection is required, and if so to what general standard. Where alarms are present a general assessment will be made of their installation. (Note: this is not a complete alarm system survey. |
| Fire fighting equipment | Provision and location of fire extinguishers is important, as is their condition and suitability. |
| Fire safety management | All fire systems require routine management, including routine tests of emergency lighting and alarms, along with periodic safety inspections, training, drills etc. |
A summary of the significant findings is always included in the report, highlighting the key points which the client should be taking action to mitigate. The significant findings element combines the sections above, identifying areas where, for example, both fuel and ignition risks are high.
It is a benefit to HSMC that we do not sell fire alarm systems, extinguishers, signs, emergency lights or any other fire equipment. You can therefore be confident that you will receive an honest assessment of the hazards present and be given sensible risk-based advice, with no potential for an underlying risk of further sales motives.
All assessments are carried out by a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers.