Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
You’ve done your Fire Risk Assessment. Tick.
You've got your Insurance Policy. Tick.
So, you’re covered, right?
Not quite.
These two may sound like they're on the same team, but in practice? They’re often playing on different pitches with different rules. And if they’re not aligned, the one who is losing out is you - your people, your property, and your business.
Let’s break it down.
What’s a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?
Think of the FRA as your fire safety report card. It’s legally required, people-focused, and designed to answer one question:
"Can everyone in this building get out safely if there’s a fire?"
Your FRA will:
- Identify potential fire hazards
- Look at who’s at risk and why
- Recommend measures to reduce both
It’s all about life safety, compliance, and making sure no one gets hurt.
And What’s Covered By Your Insurance?
Your insurance company has only one question:
“If this place goes up in smoke, how much is it going to cost us?”
They're looking at:
- Building structure and compartmentation
- Early Fire Detection & Suppression systems
- Reinstatement costs
- Business interruption risk
- Anything that affects your premium or claim payout
In short: the FRA keeps people alive; the insurance report keeps your business alive.
Here’s Where It Gets Messy
Achieving a satisfactory Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) doesn’t necessarily mean your insurer will share the same level of confidence. They may assess your open-plan layout, high-end finishes, and extensive furnishings not as design features, but as significant fire and financial risks.
Meanwhile, your FRA might say everything’s fine because your Life Safety measures are suitable and sufficient e.g. escape routes are clear and the alarm system works. Different goals, and different measures of “safe.”
The result? Misaligned expectations, unexpected costs, and in some cases, denied claims right when you need support the most.
Why These Assessments Need to Talk
1. Safety Meets Business Resilience
When you connect the dots between the two, you protect both lives and livelihoods. It’s not just about getting people out—it’s about getting your business back on its feet.
2. No Nasty Surprises
When insurance and fire safety aren't aligned, you're rolling the dice. Suddenly you’re hit with exclusions, policy limits, or reinstatement bills your insurer won’t support, leaving you exposed.
So, What Should You Do?
- Loop your Fire Risk Assessor and Insurer in when planning Fire Precautions work.
- Take the initiative now. The perception that you are covered by both, because otherwise your insurers would have told you, is very dangerous ground. Be proactive and engage with your insurers. Make sure you have the systems and equipment in place so there are no gaps that they could exploit in a claim scenario.
- Share assessments between fire consultants and insurers. This ensures that both parties are aware of what the other is saying, and that there are no gaps between the two. Get them to tell you what is missing from each.
- Before making major changes or additions to your building, ask: ‘Will this new design affect our insurance cover?’ or ‘Does our current Fire Safety Strategy align with our policy terms?’. It’s best practice to ensure that you have the necessary systems and equipment so your insurance remains valid and effective.
Final Word
Don't run two assessments that never speak. Let’s get your FRA and Insurers having a proper conversation. When they align, you’re not just safe – you're sustainable.
Want help reviewing your current reports or making sure your business is as insurer-friendly as it is compliant? Let’s talk. We’re here to help you turn compliance into confidence and real peace of mind.
Fire Risk Assessments with Fixfire
For almost 50 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems, and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone: 08000 891 999.
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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