Reasons to be cautious when extending your premises

Did you know? We recently worked on two projects involving large?construction extensions to existing buildings.

In both cases, the construction area caused difficulties and issues with the means of escape for the existing building. This was due to the construction work extending the travel distance and reducing the available exits, impacting the number of occupants allowed on the premises.

It’s hard to believe that this was overlooked by the project architect and builder, who in both instances, considered this “out of the scope of their work”. At no point during their review of the construction plan for the property were the fire safety provisions for the existing buildings accounted for. This is a concerning prospect for any business looking to extend their property.

Luckily for our clients,?Synergy Fire was on hand

In one of these cases, our team?had to push back to the contractor to get more space for an extra escape route. This put some additional control measures in place to maintain the safety of the occupants and ensure that all could evacuate in the event of a fire.

Instances like these highlight how crucial it is to have a fire risk assessment to support a building project, whether it is a new build or an extension to existing premises.

What is the importance of having a fire risk assessment for a construction extension

All businesses and workplaces have to be compliant with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is the required standard for documenting the findings of all fire risk assessments. A comprehensive fire risk assessment guarantees this.?

If you’re having building works carried out, it’s important to contact your fire safety consultant early in the process. This ensures your existing premises remain suitably safe during any renovation works, and accounts for changes to your fire safety as a result of the extension.

What are the risks of not performing a fire risk assessment on my building?

Fire risk assessments ensure the safety of the people in your workplace is paramount. Without a fire risk assessment, you increase the risk of:

• Injuries?
• Fatalities?
• Property damage.

Not only is a fire risk assessment essential to maintain the safety of your people but also the livelihood of your business. Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for all commercial buildings, so failing to meet this can entail:

• Hefty fines
• Legal complications?
• Insurance issues.?

What should I expect from a Synergy Fire fire risk assessment?

As a BAFE SP205 accredited fire risk assessor, we offer:

• A thorough, non-intrusive physical inspection of your building?
• An evaluation of all potential fire hazards, any likely fire incidents, and their potential consequences
• A fire safety management review and guidance on any practical improvements to be made
• Alignment with the nationally recognised PAS-79 methodology.

Get in touch with our expert team

If you require a comprehensive fire risk assessment, look no further than Synergy Fire. With over 25 years of experience, our team of highly qualified assessors can support properties and businesses of any size.

Contact us or call us on 01629 828 881 to schedule an assessment tailored to your unique needs.