Case Study
Appointment-Only Consulting Premises Fire Risk Assessment
Fire risk assessment for a low-occupancy appointment-only premises with mixed-use building interface and rear-exit key control issues.
Summary
Fire Check Scotland assessed a small appointment-only consulting premises within a mixed-use building context. The use was low occupancy, but the assessment had to consider shared interfaces, a residential element above and escape arrangements from the assessed unit.
The Premises
- Small appointment-only consulting/ministry style premises.
- Ground-floor commercial/non-domestic use.
- Shared or mixed-use building interface.
- Low visitor numbers by appointment.
- Residential accommodation above not forming part of the assessed premises.
Why This Project Was More Complex
The premises itself had limited ignition sources and low occupancy, but the fire-safety position depended on the rear final exit, shared vestibule/interface, fire-warning evidence and separation from other parts of the building.
Key Technical Themes
- Rear final exit and key/lock reliance.
- Shared vestibule and mixed-use interface.
- Fire warning/detection evidence.
- Fire-door and separation confirmation.
- Emergency lighting, signage and routine records.
- Scope clarity where residential accommodation is outside the FRA.
Fire Check Scotland Approach
The assessment clearly separated the non-domestic premises from areas outside the assessment scope while still considering shared escape and interface risks that could affect life safety.
Outcome
The client received a focused action plan covering exit controls, fire warning, shared-interface evidence, door/separation checks and routine fire-safety management.
Relevance to Similar Clients
Relevant to appointment-only premises, consulting rooms, small community or ministry uses, mixed-use buildings and low-occupancy visitor premises.