Fire Risk Assessment
Suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments for commercial, communal and non-domestic premises, identifying hazards, people at risk and the measures required to improve fire safety.
Managing Fire Safety Within Your Premises
Good fire-safety management helps reduce the likelihood of a fire, ensures that any outbreak is controlled or contained as quickly as possible and supports the safe evacuation of everyone within the premises.
A fire risk assessment is central to that process. It reviews the building, the activities carried out within it, the people who may be affected and the fire precautions already in place.
The assessment identifies matters requiring attention and provides a structured basis for improving fire prevention, emergency procedures, escape arrangements, warning systems, staff training and ongoing maintenance.
The Main Aims of a Fire Risk Assessment
The assessment is an organised and methodical review of the premises and the likelihood that fire could cause harm to people in or around the building.
Identify Fire Hazards
Review possible ignition sources, combustible materials and conditions that could support fire development.
Identify People at Risk
Consider employees, residents, visitors, contractors and anyone who may require additional assistance.
Reduce Risk
Recommend proportionate measures to reduce the likelihood of fire and limit the potential consequences.
Plan Necessary Precautions
Decide which physical precautions and management arrangements are needed to protect people if a fire occurs.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Fire Safety Order places duties on the responsible person for non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment must be completed and kept under review.
Even where a building was constructed to recent Building Regulations or previously held a fire certificate, the fire precautions must still be maintained and the assessment updated so that the arrangements remain current and adequate.
The responsible person must also ensure that competent people are appointed where necessary and that relevant information, instruction, training, maintenance and coordination arrangements are in place.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Review?
The assessment considers the physical building, fire hazards, people at risk, fire precautions and the management arrangements supporting day-to-day fire safety.
The precise scope depends on the building use, size, occupancy, complexity and available fire-safety information.
Identifying Sources of Ignition, Fuel and Oxygen
Fire risk depends on the interaction between potential ignition sources, combustible materials and the available supply of oxygen.
Electrical Equipment
Fixed wiring, portable appliances, overloaded sockets and damaged electrical equipment may present ignition risks.
Heating and Cooking
Boilers, heaters, kitchens, hot works and other heat-producing processes require suitable control and maintenance.
Combustible Materials
Furniture, waste, packaging, stored goods and materials within escape routes can increase fire growth.
Dangerous Substances
Flammable liquids, gases, aerosols and chemicals may require additional controls and emergency information.
Arson and Security
External waste, unsecured access and vulnerable areas may increase the risk of deliberate fire setting.
Compartmentation Defects
Open fire doors, service penetrations and damaged fire-resisting construction can allow fire and smoke to spread.
Identifying People at Risk
The assessment considers where people are likely to be located and how quickly they may be able to recognise and respond to a fire.
Particular attention is given to people working alone, residents, visitors, contractors, members of the public and anyone who may need additional time or assistance to evacuate.
Measures Reviewed During the Assessment
Fire Detection and Warning
Review of alarm coverage, audibility, testing arrangements and the suitability of the warning system.
Means of Escape
Review of travel distances, route widths, final exits, locked doors and escape-route obstructions.
Emergency Lighting
Assessment of emergency illumination and testing arrangements for escape routes and changes of level.
Fire Signage
Review of directional, fire-action, extinguisher and door-management signs.
Firefighting Equipment
Review of extinguisher provision, siting, maintenance and suitability for the identified risks.
Passive Fire Protection
Consideration of fire doors, compartmentation, fire stopping and other measures limiting fire spread.
Training, Records and Ongoing Fire Safety
Staff Information and Training
Employees should understand the fire risks, alarm signal, escape routes and action required in an emergency.
Fire Drills
Appropriate drills and evacuation exercises help test the effectiveness of emergency arrangements.
Testing and Maintenance
Alarm systems, emergency lighting, extinguishers, fire doors and other equipment require suitable maintenance.
Fire Safety Records
Testing, training, maintenance, drills and significant findings should be documented and retained.
Significant Findings and Recommendations
The assessment report records the significant findings and identifies actions required to improve fire safety. These recommendations provide the basis for a practical improvement plan.
Actions may relate to physical defects, management arrangements, emergency procedures, staff training, maintenance or the need for a separate specialist survey.
How the Fire Risk Assessment Process Works
Providing the available building and fire-safety information before the visit helps the assessor understand the premises and prepare for the survey.
Initial Review
Confirm the premises, building use, occupancy, access and existing fire-safety information.
Site Assessment
Inspect accessible areas, hazards, escape arrangements and fire precautions.
Risk Evaluation
Consider the likelihood of fire, potential consequences and people who may be affected.
Report Preparation
Record significant findings and provide prioritised recommendations.
Ongoing Review
Update the assessment after changes, incidents or at suitable periodic intervals.
When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
Building Alterations
Changes to layout, fire compartments, escape routes or internal construction can affect the assessment.
Changes in Use or Occupancy
New activities, sleeping accommodation or vulnerable occupants may change the level of risk.
Fire or Near Miss
Any incident should prompt a review of the existing precautions and management arrangements.
Reported Defects
Problems with alarms, doors, compartmentation or escape routes may require the assessment to be updated.
New Equipment or Processes
Additional machinery, storage, hazardous substances or work activities may introduce new risks.
Periodic Review
Even without a major change, the assessment should be reviewed at suitable intervals to confirm it remains valid.
Fire Risk Assessments for a Range of Buildings
Information Required for a Quotation
Provide the full property address, building use, number of storeys, approximate floor area, occupancy and preferred assessment date.
Please also provide floor plans, the previous fire risk assessment, fire strategy, alarm information, emergency plans and details of any recent building alterations.
Other Services Your Building May Require
Important Fire Risk Assessment Information
A fire risk assessment is based on the building condition, activities, occupancy and information available at the time of the visit. Concealed defects and inaccessible areas may not be identified without separate intrusive investigation. The responsible person remains responsible for implementing recommendations, maintaining fire precautions and keeping the assessment under review. Specialist surveys may be required for fire doors, compartmentation, fire stopping, alarms, electrical systems or other technical matters. One Stop Consult provides consultancy and coordination support through its specialist fire-safety network.
Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
What is a fire risk assessment?
It is a methodical review of fire hazards, people at risk, existing precautions and the measures needed to improve fire safety.
Who is responsible for arranging the assessment?
The responsible person for the premises must ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is completed and kept under review.
Does a recently constructed building still need one?
Yes. Even where the building complied with recent Building Regulations, the fire risk assessment must still be completed and maintained.
What hazards are considered?
The assessment reviews potential ignition sources, combustible materials, dangerous substances and conditions that could allow fire to spread.
Does the assessment review means of escape?
Yes. Escape routes, exits, emergency lighting, signage and the needs of occupants are considered.
Does the report include recommendations?
Yes. The significant findings and recommendations provide the basis for an improvement action plan.
How often should the assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes, incidents, defects or new risks arise.
Is a fire risk assessment the same as a fire strategy?
No. A fire strategy explains the building's fire-safety design, while a fire risk assessment reviews the operational risks and management of an occupied premises.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the address, building use, size, occupancy, floor plans, previous assessment and available fire-safety records.
Request Your Free Fire Risk Assessment Quote
Complete the form below with the property address, building use, occupancy and approximate floor area. Upload the latest floor plans, previous fire risk assessment and available fire-safety records so our team can review the requirement and coordinate an appropriate quotation.