What is a Fire Risk Assessment and Who Needs One?

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Involve?

A competent person (usually a trained fire safety professional) will carry out a systematic inspection of your premises.

This includes:

1. 1. Identifying fire hazards – looking at ignition sources (e.g. electrical equipment, heaters, open flames), materials that could fuel a fire, and oxygen sources.
   2. Identifying people at risk – considering everyone on site, from staff and visitors to residents, contractors, or anyone especially vulnerable (like the elderly, children, or those with mobility issues).
   3. Evaluating existing controls – reviewing your fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, signage, extinguishers, escape routes, and evacuation procedures.
   4. Recording findings – documenting any hazards, assessing their level of risk, and outlining necessary actions or improvements.
   5. Creating an action plan – prioritising changes to bring the premises up to an acceptable standard of fire safety.
   6. Reviewing regularly – typically once a year, or sooner if there’s a significant change such as building work, new processes, or a change in occupancy.

The assessment results in a written record, your Fire Risk Assessment report which is essential evidence of compliance.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

Under the Fire Safety Order, all non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment. That includes:

• Businesses and workplaces – offices, shops, warehouses, factories, salons, cafés, and workshops.
• Landlords and property managers – for any building that includes communal areas, such as blocks of flats or Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Public and community buildings – schools, hospitals, care homes, churches, community halls, and libraries.
• Voluntary and charitable organisations – even small charities using offices, halls, or meeting spaces are required to comply.

Essentially, if you are the Responsible Person (for example, an employer, building owner, or anyone in control of the premises) you are legally obligated to ensure a current and adequate Fire Risk Assessment is in place.

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices, prosecution, and even imprisonment in serious cases.

Why a Professional Assessment Matters

While small or low-risk premises can technically complete an in-house assessment, many organisations choose to use a competent fire safety professional to ensure compliance and accuracy. A trained Fire Risk Assessor will understand the regulations in depth, spot issues that might be missed, and provide practical advice to improve safety and meet legal standards.

A good assessor will also help you create an Action Plan that’s realistic for your business, balancing safety requirements with operational needs.

How Often Should It Be Reviewed?

A Fire Risk Assessment should be reviewed:

• Annually (as a general rule)
• Whenever significant changes occur, such as:
  • Alterations to the building structure or layout
  • A change in use or occupancy
  • New equipment or storage methods
  • After a fire or near-miss incident

Regular reviews ensure your fire safety measures continue to reflect how the premises are actually used.

Where to Find Official Guidance

The UK government provides clear and detailed resources to help you understand your responsibilities and carry out a compliant Fire Risk Assessment:

• • Fire safety in the workplace (GOV.UK)
    

• • Fire safety risk assessment guides for different types of premises
    

• • Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – legislation.gov.uk

 

These resources explain the law, give step-by-step guidance, and offer downloadable templates tailored for specific building types (e.g. offices, factories, sleeping accommodation, etc.).