To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, i.e. sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk. Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and manage them. Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adequate and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.
It is strongly recommended that the vestry employ a professional risk assessor who is competent in fire safety. A useful guide to choosing a fire risk assessor can be found here.
If you decide to carry out your own risk assessment then templates for performing an assessment are available here.
Note that the fire risk assessment must be kept up-to-date and the Fire and Rescue Service are entitled to audit them.
A guidance note on fire safety responsibilities has been published by the Scottish Government which includes a chapter on Provision and Use of Means of Escape.
A guidance note on fire safety responsibilities has been published by the Scottish Government.