The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (Amended 1999) place a legal obligation on almost all employers to demonstrate the organisations fire safety. Insurers are increasingly requiring their customers to demonstrate that they are taking a responsible approach to fire safety, particularly the safety of staff, customers, visitors and property. The employer is unlikely to be an "expert". As a result the exercise is likely to be time consuming and the result would lack authority.

MK Fire can provide fire safety audits and fire risk assessments designed to meet the customer's needs. Fire risk assessments are undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended 1999).

A fire safety audit is an analysis of the fire risks. An audit, including a review of the fire risk assessment, should be carried out every year or:

• when there are extensions or alterations made
• when there are changes in the number of staff
• when there is a changes of use
• when there is the installation of new equipment or systems

A fire safety audit would also check for compliance with the Fire Certificate, contravention of which is a criminal offence.

The fire risk assessments and audits are carried out by MK Fire's specialist Staff, and cover the following subjects:

• risk to life from fire
• risk to property from fire
• means of escape
• fire detection and alarm system
• fire fighting equipment
• emergency lighting
• safety signs
• fire drills
• staff training
• fire safety management
• fire protection systems
• compliance with legislation and national standards
• security with regard to arson

The results of an assessment or audit are written into a comprehensive but easy to follow report, which details recommendations, where appropriate, for improvements.