A DEM Fire guide to fire risk assessments

Our comprehensive fire risk assessments meet fluctuating requirements across industry sectors and property uses. As an overview, here’s why you need a fire risk assessment and what’s involved to ensure your property is fully compliant with current fire protection guidelines.

Kamal Adhikari is a Senior Fire Systems Designer and Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety) with DEM Fire, who designs sprinkler systems, fire hydrants and fire hose reel systems, fire detection and alarm systems, and emergency warning systems. He explains why risk assessments play a key role.

“Fire systems are complex and there is no one system that covers every aspect of fire prevention. There are also different risks associated with each system. A hospital and residential apartments for instance, will have different hazards – and requirements. And the only way to determine the optimal fire protection system is to do a risk assessment.”

These factors include the type of property and nature of the business, if the premises are residential, communal or commercial, the number of people using the building, the type of materials stored on site, and specific requirements to assist emergency personnel including the fire brigade to achieve their emergency response strategies.

“All of this information collectively gives us the methodology. It helps us determine which fire protection methods we need including fire protection systems and equipment,” says Kamal.

“We conduct a final risk assessment at project completion,” he adds. “Then we hand over to the client and provide a manual on how to run and oversee each aspect of the fire protection system.”

We complete risk assessments during standard Annual Fire Safety Statements and for supplementary Fire Safety Statements which may be issued at more regular intervals dependent on critical Fire Safety Measures.

“Our fire safety assessors check that every fire system and all fire safety equipment is fully functional and working as intended. Based on their assessment, we will provide them with another risk assessment to ensure the current fire protection measures are adequate.”

DEM Fire has full capability in fire risk assessments for new projects, and as part of our asset management and fire compliance services. Contact us to find out more. Read more fire safety maintenance articles.