Definition
Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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Find a BFC memberWhat 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.
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Article 9 — imposes the duty to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and review it regularly
- PAS 79-1:2020Fire risk assessments — guidance for non-complex premises: sets out expected methodology, content, and format
- PAS 79-2:2020Fire risk assessments — guidance for housing (including HMOs and multi-occupied residential buildings)
- BS 9999:2017Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings — informs the assessment of fire safety measures
Related Terms
- Responsible Person (Fire Safety)Fire Regulations & StandardsThe responsible person is the individual or organisation with control of a non-domestic premises who, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire, protect occupants, and maintain fire safety measures — including carrying out or commissioning a suitable fire risk assessment.View definition
- PAS 79Fire Risk AssessmentPAS 79 is the publicly available specification that defines best-practice guidance for fire risk assessors undertaking fire risk assessments in the UK. PAS 79-1:2020 covers non-complex premises and PAS 79-2:2020 covers housing. Both set out the expected methodology, content, and format of a fire risk assessment, and are widely referenced by enforcers and insurers when evaluating assessor competence.View definition
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales, applying to all non-domestic premises. It places a legal duty on the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and maintain them effectively. Non-compliance can result in unlimited fines or imprisonment of up to two years.View definition
- Passive Fire ProtectionPassive Fire ProtectionPassive fire protection (PFP) comprises the structural and material elements built into a building to contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke without requiring activation — including compartmentation, fire doors, fire stopping, cavity barriers, and structural fire protection. PFP elements must comply with Approved Document B and are assessed as part of a fire risk assessment.View definition
- Fire WardenGeneral Fire SafetyA fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a designated person trained to assist with fire safety procedures in a workplace — including conducting evacuation drills, checking escape routes are clear, accounting for occupants at the assembly point, and supporting the responsible person in maintaining fire safety day-to-day. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent, trained fire wardens.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.
Requirements for fire risk assessment 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.
Fire Risk Assessment and Responsible Person (Fire Safety) 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 fire risk assessment. 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.