Speak to our team
If you would like to arrange a fire risk assessment or discuss your requirements, please call us on 01872 277151, email riskmanagement@cornishmutual.co.uk or speak to your local Field Insurance Advisor.
Keep scrolling to learn why fire risk assessments matter, what’s included in our service, the fire risks commonly faced by farms and rural businesses, and how we can help you meet your legal responsibilities.
Why have a fire risk assessment?
Fire can have a devastating impact on a farm or rural business. From livestock buildings, barns and grain stores to workshops and machinery sheds, understanding your fire risks is an important part of protecting your business. For many premises, carrying out and recording a fire risk assessment is also a legal requirement.
A fire risk assessment helps you to:
- Identify potential fire hazards
- Understand who may be at risk
- Review existing fire safety measures
- Prioritise improvements
- Keep appropriate records and documentation
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to managing risk
- For many premises, carrying out and recording a fire risk assessment is also a legal requirement.
What does our fire risk assessment include?
Our fire risk assessments are carried out by our qualified advisors who understand the unique challenges of farms, agricultural and rural premises.
1. On-site fire risk survey
We visit your premises and assess the major fire safety measures, including:
- Escape routes
- Fire doors
- Alarm and detection systems
- Fire extinguishers
- General housekeeping and fire prevention measures
- Where appropriate, photographic evidence is included to support findings.
2. Compliance review
We evaluate areas such as:
- Emergency lighting
- Safety signage and notices
- Fire compartmentation
- Potential fire spread risks
3. Risk analysis and action plan
We use a structured risk assessment process to identify priorities and provide practical recommendations tailored to your farm or rural business.
You'll receive:
- A written fire risk assessment
- Risk ratings and prioritised actions
- Property profiles where required
- Clear guidance on next steps
4. Evacuation information
Where appropriate, we will provide evacuation diagrams and supporting information to help you understand emergency procedures.
5. Report delivery
Your completed assessment can be provided digitally or in hard copy format, ready to keep with your insurance and business records.
6. Ongoing support
We'll help you understand the findings and discuss practical ways to address any actions identified.
Understanding agricultural fire risks
Farms face a range of fire risks differing significantly from other commercial premises. Our advisors understand these hazards include:
· Hay and straw storage - damp or poorly ventilated bales can create conditions that increase the risk of spontaneous combustion.
· Grain drying operations - heat sources and combustible materials often exist in close proximity, requiring careful management.
· Machinery and vehicles - overheating equipment, fuel leaks and accumulated debris can all increase fire risk.
· Fuel and chemical storage - diesel, oils, pesticides and fertilisers require appropriate storage and management.
· Barns and outbuildings - older electrical installations, rodent damage and environmental exposure can increase fire hazards.
· Hot work activities - welding, cutting and grinding operations require suitable controls when carried out near combustible materials.
· Rural security risks - isolated locations can increase vulnerability to deliberate fire-setting and unauthorised access.
Your legal responsibilities
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires owners, employers or landlords to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out for relevant premises.
Recently, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced additional requirements around recording fire risk assessments and documenting fire safety arrangements.
If you're unsure whether these requirements apply to your premises, our team of certified fire risk advisors are happy to discuss your circumstances.
Our service is designed to support current guidance and help provide the expected documentation.
More about Cornish Mutual
· Local, rural specialists: We've been helping farmers and rural businesses manage risk since 1903. Our understanding of agricultural environments helps us provide practical, relevant advice.
· In-house expertise: Our fire risk assessments are carried out by our own specialist advisors, who’ll provide ongoing support whenever you need it.
· Practical, tailored recommendations: We provide advice that is specific to your premises and focus on practical actions.
· Supporting your insurance position: Good risk management helps demonstrate a proactive approach to protecting your business and assets.
· BAFE Accredited: Cornish Mutual is a BAFE Registered Organisation for Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment, providing independent reassurance our service meets a recognised UK standard.
Speak to our team
If you'd like to arrange a fire risk assessment or discuss your requirements, we'd be happy to help. Please call us on 01872 277151, email riskmanagement@cornishmutual.co.uk or speak to your Cornish Mutual Field Insurance Advisor.
