Responding to changes in legislation that put responsibility for fire safety into the hands of employers and premises managers, and owners, the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) has released its latest qualification; the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assesment.
Approved by Ofqual, the qualification has been developed in conjunction with employers and industry organisations. It’s main purpose is to equip employers or people responsible for business premises with the tools and knowledge needed to assess fire risk in low to medium risk premises, such as shops and offices, and develop a suitable fire management plan. Such responsibility was previously undertaken by the fire service.
ABBE chief executive Roger Bishop believes that the qualification will ultimately save lives, citing government figures from 2006 showing 32,900 fires at non-dwellings which caused 1,500 injuries and killing 37 people. “This qualification will help to professionalise a very important area of workplace safety. Not only do employers have an obligation to make sure that their business premises are compliant with the law, but they also have a duty of care towards their employees,” said Mr Bishop
