What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured process for identifying the fire hazards present in a premises, evaluating the risk those hazards pose to people in and around the building, and deciding what action is needed to eliminate or reduce that risk to as low as reasonably practicable. The assessment also checks whether existing fire safety measures — detection, warning, escape routes, firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, passive fire protection — are adequate and properly maintained.
The five-step approach widely recommended by the UK government is: (1) identify fire hazards; (2) identify people at risk; (3) evaluate, remove or reduce the risks; (4) record, plan, inform, instruct and train; (5) review and update the assessment regularly.
Who Must Have a Fire Risk Assessment?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes workplaces of all sizes, schools, hotels, hospitals, places of worship, common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings, and any other premises to which the public has access.
The duty falls on the responsible person — typically the employer, building owner, or person in control of the premises. The responsible person may carry out the assessment themselves if they have sufficient competence, or they may appoint a specialist fire risk assessor.
What Must Be Recorded?
Where a premises has five or more employees, or where a licence is in force (such as a HMO licence or licensed premises), the significant findings of the fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing. Best practice — as set out in PAS 79-1 — recommends a written record for all premises, regardless of size. The record should include the hazards identified, the persons at risk, the control measures in place and their condition, and any action required.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
- After any fire or near miss at the premises
- After significant changes to building layout, use, occupancy, or processes
- After any change to fire safety systems or passive fire protection
- If there is reason to suspect the assessment is no longer valid
- At regular intervals — best practice is annually for most premises; more frequently for high-risk or fast-changing environments
Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
The RRO requires the assessment to be carried out by a competent person — someone with sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and skills to properly evaluate the fire risks in the premises. For complex, high-risk, or higher-risk residential buildings, a specialist fire risk assessor with third-party accreditation (such as IFE, IFSM, or BAFE SP205) is strongly recommended.
BFC member companies include accredited fire risk assessors covering all premises types. Use the member directory to find a vetted specialist.
