Electronic fire risk assessments

[jayjay]

The provision of FRAs only in electronic format was discussed some time ago but at that time nobody seemed to have any experience of them.

It has been suggested to me that issuing FRAs electronically only may be a method to reduce paper work to save costs?

I prefer to issue a written document  (with plans) but also send an emailed copy.

The RRO does not state they have to be  paper copies, if any one has had recent experience in trying to use electronic format only I would appreciate opinions/views particularly of any enforcement officers.

[Dinnertime Dave]

As far as I am concerned you can provide me with a written copy or an electronic copy of your FRA (with or without plans) or any of your records.

[AnthonyB]

Although all our clients get electronic copies (as reports are generated via an online system) as well as paper increasing numbers are going electronic only, as they can always print copies off as required. No problems reported from enforcers

[Phoenix]

All my reports, whether fire engineering reports or fire risk assessments go out only in electronic format.  If they ask for a hard copy they can have it but they never do.  The only paper in my office is a) for blowing my nose on, or b) receipts.

Stu

[Tom Sutton]

The RR(FS)O Art 27 Powers of inspectors does stipulate if using computerised reports an inspector can of the RP,

(c)  to require the production of, or where the information is recorded in computerised form, the furnishing of extracts from, any records (including plans) -
     (i) which are required to be kept by virtue of any provision of this Order or regulations made under it; or
     (ii) which it is necessary for him to see for the purposes of an examination or inspection under this article, and to inspect and take copies of, or of any entry in, the records;

This means the RP would need to make hard copy of any electronic reports so formats used are very important.

[Phoenix]

The RR(FS)O Art 27 Powers of inspectors does stipulate if using computerised reports an inspector can of the RP,

(c)  to require the production of, or where the information is recorded in computerised form, the furnishing of extracts from, any records (including plans) -
     (i) which are required to be kept by virtue of any provision of this Order or regulations made under it; or
     (ii) which it is necessary for him to see for the purposes of an examination or inspection under this article, and to inspect and take copies of, or of any entry in, the records;

This means the RP would need to make hard copy of any electronic reports so formats used are very important.

Tom,

This merely means that the RP may have to print off extracts for the fire authority if they require it; it does not mean that he has to make a hard copy of the whole thing by default.

Stu

[Tom Sutton]

Tom,

This merely means that the RP may have to print off extracts for the fire authority if they require it; it does not mean that he has to make a hard copy of the whole thing by default.

Stu

Stu

I never suggested he has to make a hard copy of the whole thing by default.

Even if he has to provide an extract it has to be in a computer format that the RP can manipulate. Written documents in word are pretty universal but plans are a more difficult matter and the RP must have the appropriate readers to display them.

Tom

[Phoenix]

Yes,  I always pdf mine but always offer the original documents if the RP wants them, which is very rare.

Stu