Definition
Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk of harm arising to fire service personnel, the public, or the environment while the fire service is carrying out its operational duties. Services manage operational risk through dynamic risk assessment, standard operating procedures, and pre-incident planning for known hazardous sites.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Related Terms
- Community RiskFire Risk AssessmentCommunity risk refers to the likelihood and potential impact of unwanted fire-related events occurring within a local area. Fire and rescue services assess community risk to prioritise prevention activity, allocate resources, and set response standards through their Integrated Risk Management Plans.View definition
- Fire PreventionFire Risk AssessmentFire prevention encompasses the activities undertaken by fire and rescue services to reduce the risk of fires occurring in homes and the wider community — including home fire safety visits, safe and well checks, education campaigns in schools, and targeted work with vulnerable individuals.View definition
- Risk AnalysisFire Risk AssessmentRisk analysis is the systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritising the risks that could affect a community or organisation. Fire services use risk analysis to develop their Integrated Risk Management Plans, determine resource deployment, and target prevention and protection activity where it will have the greatest impact.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Operational risk is the risk of harm arising to fire service personnel, the public, or the environment while the fire service is carrying out its operational duties. Services manage operational risk through dynamic risk assessment, standard operating procedures, and pre-incident planning for known hazardous sites.
Requirements for operational risk in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Operational Risk and Community Risk are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to operational risk. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.