Is fire risk assessment needed?

[Guest Sarah S]

Hi I'm selling a small retail shop with some offices above the premises (the offices are unoccupied at present) I have been asked by the Purchasers solicitor to provide an asbestos report and a fire safety certificate.  Is this necessary?, if so where will I obtain the 2 reports?

Thank you

[Tom Sutton]

I cannot help you with the asbestos report and there is no such a thing as a fire safety certificate, and I suspect the solicitor is referring to Fire Risk Assessment report (FRA).

As the employer (self employed applies) you are subject to  The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and are required to do a FRA on the shop premises.

As the owner of the office premises you are required to complete a FRA on the office premises.

You could check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ and see if you considered yourself capable of doing an FRA if not you can employ a Fire Risk Assessor check out  A Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor

[AnthonyB]

Asbestos surveys have been required for a very long time - your duties under the current version of the regulations are summarised here:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty.htm

It's usually necessary for an accredited specialist to carry out the work.

As Tom says Fire Certificates ceased to be over 10 years ago and an FRA is required. You need to include the offices as being vacant isn't an exemption, they are still subject to the legislation.