FIA

CONFERENCE TO OPEN UP DEBATE ON FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Fire Risk Assessment is the “Big Question” to be addressed by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) at a conference to be staged in Stratford upon Avon on 18 March.

Since the introduction of the Fire Safety Order, the fire protection industry has been grappling with its implications in terms of risk assessment, leading to the formation of the FIA’s new Fire Risk Assessment Council. Many questions and concerns remain, particularly in relation to the quality of some of the fire risk assessments that are being undertaken. Recognising that this is the foundation on which fire safety measures are implemented under the new fire safety regime and the critical role risk assessment therefore has to play, the FIA has identified the need to fully debate the issue and is presenting a full day conference at the Shakespeare Hotel under the title “Fire Risk Assessment: The Big Question”.

Colin Todd, Chairman of the FIA Fire Risk Assessment Council, will be joined by a series of top-line presenters to ensure the views of all interested parties are represented, including the regulators, the enforcers and the end users, many of whom are still confused as to what their responsibilities are under the new fire safety regime.

Central to the conference is a ‘Question Time’ style debate, with a panel comprising the presenters plus other influential figures from the fire industry answering pre-submitted questions from the floor (anybody interested in submitting a question can do so via FIA Marketing Manger, Becky Reid at breid@fia.uk.com.

Martin Harvey, Chairman of the FIA, will welcome the delegates and set the scene for the conference with a presentation on what Fire Risk Assessment means to the competent person and what the FIA is doing on the issue. Martin comments – “Fire risk assessment and the means to ensure that it is being done correctly is undoubtedly one of the most important subjects that we face as an industry. This conference aims not only to provide all the latest information but also to really open up the debate and offer a forum in which delegates can have their specific concerns and issues addressed by the leading exponents in this field. We know that it is an emotive issue so felt that the ‘Question Time’ approach was the best way to air the views of those present which I am sure will stimulate a very lively debate.”

The venue has been chosen for its central location, with the 17th century hotel located in the heart of Stratford, with free parking for delegates at the hotel or the nearby NCP, with the train station only a few minutes away.

Costs for FIA members are £75 (including a two-course, sit-down lunch and refreshments), with a non-member rate of £89. Places are limited to 65, with further details and booking of delegate places available through Michael Gregg at the FIA (mgregg@fia.uk.com or telephone 020 8549 5855 x227). Places can also be booked directly on the FIA’s website www.fia.uk.com.