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STEP 1- Identify the hazards
You can identify the potential ignition sources in your workplace by looking for possible sources of heat which could get hot enough to ignite the material in the workplace. Indications of 'near misses', such as discoloured or charred electrical plugs and sockets, cigarette burns etc, can help you identify hazards which you may not otherwise notice.
STEP 2 - Who / what could be harmed?
If there is a fire? The main priority is to ensure that everyone reaches a place of safety quickly. You need to assess who or what could be harmed by a potential fire
STEP 3 - Evaluate the Risk
Steps 1 and 2 will have helped you to identify what the hazards are and who may be at risk because of them. You now need to evaluate the risk and decide whether you have done enough to reduce this or if more needs to be done
3a - Reduce the risk
Look at all the ways you could reduce the risk
3b - Means of Warning
This will vary greatly depending on the type of catering operation i.e. mobile units, small marquees / pop up shelters, large marquees/ fixed site retail premises, single storey / multi storey. You need to look at how you would warn the emergency services, your staff and those trading around you
3c - Detection and Means of Escape
Once a fire has been detected and a warning given, everyone in your workplace should be able to evacuate without being placed at undue risk. You need to make sure that the means of escape are available and clearly marked or notified.
STEP 4 - Record your findings and actions
If you employ five or more employees you must record the significant findings of your risk assessment, together with details of any people you identify as being at particular risk.
4a Fire Training Register
Make a list of who has been trained, in what and when
4b - Emergency plan
You need to plan the action that your employees and other people in the workplace should take in the event of a fire. If you employ more than five people then you must have a written emergency plan. This emergency plan should be kept in the workplace, be available to your employees and the employees' representatives (where appointed) and form the basis of the training and instruction you provide.
4c - Information and instructions for employees
It is important that your employees know how to prevent fires and what they should do if a fire occurs. They should all be given information about the fire precautions in the workplace and what to do in the event of a fire.
4d - Training employees
You should ensure that all employees (and contractors) are told about the evacuation arrangements and are shown the means of escape as soon as possible after attending your premises.
STEP 5 - Review and Revise
Sooner or later you may introduce changes in your workplace which have an effect on your fire risks and precautions, e.g. changes to the work processes, equipment, substances, buildings, or the number of people likely to be present in the workplace. Any of these could lead to new hazards or increased risk. So if there is any significant change, you will need to review your assessment in the light of the new hazard or risk
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