Definition
Fire Risk Assessor
A fire risk assessor is a competent person engaged to carry out the fire risk assessment required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Assessors must have sufficient training, experience, and knowledge of fire behaviour, building construction, and fire safety legislation to make reliable risk judgements. For higher-risk or complex premises, third-party accreditation through schemes such as BAFE SP205, IFE, or IFSM is strongly recommended.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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Find a BFC memberRelevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Requires the assessment to be carried out by a competent person
- PAS 79-1:2020Defines best practice for fire risk assessments and assessor competence for non-complex premises
- PAS 79-2:2020Defines best practice for fire risk assessments in housing (HMOs, flats, sheltered housing)
Related Terms
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA 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.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
- 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
- BAFEFire Regulations & StandardsBAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) is an independent third-party certification body that assesses fire protection companies and individuals against defined competence standards. BAFE schemes cover fire risk assessment (SP205), fire detection and alarm systems (SP203-1), portable extinguisher servicing (SP101), and emergency lighting (SP205-2), providing responsible persons with a verifiable measure of contractor competence recognised by fire and rescue authorities and insurers.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
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire risk assessor is a competent person engaged to carry out the fire risk assessment required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Assessors must have sufficient training, experience, and knowledge of fire behaviour, building construction, and fire safety legislation to make reliable risk judgements. For higher-risk or complex premises, third-party accreditation through schemes such as BAFE SP205, IFE, or IFSM is strongly recommended.
Requirements for fire risk assessor 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 Assessor and Fire Risk Assessment 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 assessor. 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.