UK Level 2/3 Fire Marshal Course

Key ConceptsThis chapter covers how to conduct and record a compliant fire risk assessment (FRA) for UK Level 2/3 Fire Marshal/Warden duties. For exams, you must show you understand the FRA process, what evidence to keep, and how to write findings clearly and legally.

You MUST know:What an FRA is for: identify fire hazards, people at risk, evaluate risk, remove/reduce risk, and record findings.

The “5-step” structure typically expected in FRA training:

Identify hazards

Identify people at risk

Evaluate, remove/reduce, protect

Record findings

Review/update (especially after changes)

Legal compliance focus: the FRA must be suitable and sufficient, and the significant findings must be recorded where required.

Recording standards: dates, assessor details (role/company), premises description, significant findings, actions with priorities, and review schedule.

Action linkage: each control measure should connect to a hazard/risk finding (not a generic list).

Common exam expectation: “What would you record?” is as important as “What would you do?”.

Before you continue:What are the “significant findings” you should record in a fire risk assessment?

Key TermsFire Risk Assessment (FRA) - a structured process to identify hazards, people at risk, evaluate risk, and implement controls.

Hazard - something with potential to cause harm (e.g., ignition sources, faulty wiring, storage practices).

People at Risk - anyone who could be affected, including visitors, contractors, and people with mobility/understanding limitations.

Risk - the likelihood of a fire occurring and the severity of harm if it happens.

Significant Findings - the important results of the FRA (key hazards, people at risk, and main control measures/action points).

Control Measures - actions taken to reduce likelihood and/or impact (e.g., fire detection, compartmentation, housekeeping).

Suitable and Sufficient - the FRA level of detail and scope is appropriate for the premises and competent for decision-making.

Review / Update - checking the FRA remains valid, especially after changes or incidents.

Active Recall (definitions blank):Fire Risk Assessment (FRA): __________

__________

Hazard: __________

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People at Risk: __________

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Risk: __________

__________

Significant Findings: __________

__________

Control Measures: __________

__________

Suitable and Sufficient: __________

__________

Review / Update: __________

__________

Worked ExamplesWorked Example 1 (straightforward recording)Scenario: Small office. Portable heaters used in winter. No faults reported.

Task: What should the FRA record?

Identify hazards: portable heaters, charging points, general combustibles (paper storage).

People at risk: staff, visitors, cleaners.

Evaluate risk: heater use location, housekeeping levels, supervision/controls.

Record significant findings:

Heater use control (e.g., permitted locations, no unattended use)

Housekeeping expectations (combustibles kept away from heat sources)

Any actions with priority and target date

Include review: date completed and when it will be reviewed (e.g., after changes in heating arrangements).

Now you try:Scenario: Same office, but now there is a contractor storing pallets in a corridor overnight.

Identify two new hazards: ________

Identify one new group at risk: ______

State two significant findings you would record:

__________

__________

__________

Worked Example 2 (linking actions to findings)Scenario: Warehouse with blocked fire exits due to storage.

Hazard: blocked escape routes.

People at risk: shift workers, agency staff, late arrivals.

Risk evaluation: increased likelihood of entrapment and delayed evacuation.

Control measures (and what to record):

Clear routes policy (immediate removal of stored items)

Monitoring responsibility (who checks)

Timescale and verification method

Record actions: “Remove obstructions from all escape routes by [date] and implement weekly checks by [role].”

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