Our Community Risk Management Plan

What are the risks

Across our service area, the built environment presents a wide range of fire risks influenced by building design, occupancy type and the vulnerability of people who may be present. Those premises in which people sleep present the greatest risk to occupants, for example care homes, hotels and hostels, hospitals etc.

Tall buildings, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, are designed and built to resist fire and limit smoke spread. While the likelihood of a fire is not increased, their complexity can amplify risks. Factors such as layout, occupancy and environmental conditions can impact evacuation and firefighting operations. We work collaboratively with partners to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. 

Although the risk of a fire starting is not increased, the unique challenges posed by tall buildings can amplify hazards. Factors such as layout, occupancy type, and environmental conditions can affect evacuation and firefighting efforts. We collaborate with partners to make sure compliance with fire regulations. High-rise buildings, defined as those 18 metres or taller, require additional fire safety measures, including rising mains and protected lobbies.

Other types of premises particularly manufacturing, waste and recycling facilities present higher levels of risk and challenges in the event of an incident. Fires in these buildings can draw on significant resources and impact local communities and the environment.

What we currently do

• Protection activity is a critical component of our approach to reducing risk, supporting safer communities and resilient businesses through regulation, enforcement, guidance and partnership working.
• Our RBIP prioritises those premises where a fire is more likely or would pose the greatest risk to life. Inspections carried out under this programme are carried out by experienced and qualified Protection Inspectors.
• Planned visits with businesses ensures staff competency is maintained and enhanced, while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with the business community. Inspections provide a valuable opportunity to build and reinforce these relationships.
• We are statutory consultees regarding the Building Regulations via either the Local Authority or an Approved Inspector. Through effective consultation with these building control bodies, we aim to make sure that buildings are safe for their intended occupiers on completion.
• We use the powers of legal enforcement and prosecution available to us where this is appropriate, to ensure public safety in a fair, equitable and consistent manner in line with the Enforcement Concordat. We support other regulatory bodies in maintaining the safety of persons through licensing, event safety, housing and public health.
• We support smaller, local businesses to meet their fire safety duties individually and through the engagement visits carried out by our operational crews. We also support those responsible for buildings with a significant heritage impact, such as listed buildings and those of historical importance. Further information is available in our business safety area of our website.
• We will carry out appropriate post fire activity in commercial premises to identify trends and reduce risk.
• We apply a risk-based approach to fire safety concerns raised by members of the public; Concerns are assigned to officers with the appropriate level of competence and authority in relation to the nature of the concern, and the type of premises. Our work to reduce unwanted false alarms has resulted in a significant decline in numbers over the last six years.

What we will do

• We will continue to evaluate our RBIP annually to make sure we are targeting our inspection activity at the right premises and remain responsive to emerging risks. Delivering measurable reductions in fire risk across the built environment.
• We will invest in the training and development of our Protection teams to make sure they gain and maintain the highest level of competence. This will be backed up by a robust internal quality assurance framework to monitor the activity delivered.
• We will strengthen the use of data to continue risk reduction, by identifying trends, informing inspection activity and responding to emerging risks.
• We will continue to provide accredited training for our operational staff to make sure our biggest resource is able to engage effectively with our business communities.
• We will ensure fire safety regulation is consistent, proportionate and intelligence-led, applying enforcement powers where necessary and progressing serious non-compliance through to prosecution where appropriate.
• We will continue to support the Building Safety Regulator as more of our buildings come into their scope of inspection. Linked to this will be our continued support for NFCC emerging issues to drive local and national improvement.