What Is a Fire Risk Assessment? A Complete Guide for UK Businesses
A fire risk assessment is a systematic inspection of a building that identifies potential fire hazards, considers the people who may be at risk and determines what measures are required to reduce the likelihood and consequences of a fire.
For businesses, landlords, employers and organisations, a suitable fire risk assessment is one of the most important parts of effective fire safety management.
However, a fire risk assessment should not simply be viewed as paperwork. Instead, it should help the Responsible Person understand the building, identify weaknesses and create a practical plan for protecting occupants.
At AK Fire Safety Ltd, we help businesses and organisations manage fire safety throughout the UK. This guide explains what a fire risk assessment is, why it is important, what assessors inspect and what you should do once the assessment has been completed.
Contents
- What is a fire risk assessment?
- Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?
- Who is the Responsible Person?
- What are the five steps of a fire risk assessment?
- What is inspected?
- Fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire doors
- Escape routes
- Common problems discovered
- Who needs a fire risk assessment?
- How often should it be reviewed?
- Should you use a professional assessor?
- What happens after an assessment?
- Frequently asked questions
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment examines the fire hazards within a premises and evaluates the risk those hazards present to people.
In simple terms, the assessment considers how a fire could start, how it could spread, who could be affected and whether the existing fire precautions are sufficient.
The process should also identify improvements that can reasonably be made to reduce the level of risk.
For example, an assessment may consider whether the building has suitable:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Emergency escape routes
- Fire doors
- Emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire safety signage
- Fire evacuation procedures
- Staff training
- Fire drills
- Management procedures
- Maintenance arrangements
Furthermore, the assessor will consider the occupants of the premises. Particular consideration may be necessary for people who could require additional assistance during an evacuation.
Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Fire safety legislation places important responsibilities on people who control workplaces and other relevant premises.
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the principal legislation governing fire safety in many non-domestic premises.
The government explains that the legislation applies to workplaces and the common parts of buildings containing two or more domestic premises.
Consequently, the person with responsibility for the premises must ensure that an appropriate fire risk assessment is carried out and appropriate fire precautions are provided and maintained.
You can read the latest government information on fire safety responsibilities on GOV.UK.
Important
A fire risk assessment should reflect the actual premises and the risks present. Simply keeping an old assessment on file is not enough if the building, occupancy, processes or risks have significantly changed.
Who Is the Responsible Person?
UK fire safety legislation uses the term Responsible Person when describing certain fire safety duties.
Depending on the premises and circumstances, this could include an employer, owner, landlord, occupier or another person with control of the building.
There may also be more than one Responsible Person for a premises. Where responsibilities overlap, effective cooperation and coordination are important.
Detailed government guidance is available in the GOV.UK guide for people with duties under fire safety laws.
What Are the Five Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment?
The government provides a five-step approach to carrying out a fire risk assessment.
Step 1 – Identify Fire Hazards
The first stage is to identify anything that could contribute to a fire.
This includes potential ignition sources, fuel sources and other conditions that could increase the chance of a fire occurring.
Potential hazards may include:
- Electrical equipment
- Portable electrical appliances
- Heating equipment
- Cooking equipment
- Smoking materials
- Hot works
- Flammable liquids
- Combustible materials
- Waste accumulation
- Poor housekeeping
- Contractor activities
- Potential deliberate ignition
Step 2 – Identify People at Risk
Next, consideration must be given to the people who could be affected if a fire occurred.
This naturally includes employees. However, depending on the premises, it may also include visitors, contractors, customers, residents or members of the public.
Particular consideration should be given to people who may require additional assistance during an evacuation.
Step 3 – Evaluate the Risks and Take Action
After identifying the hazards and the people at risk, the next stage is to evaluate the existing fire precautions.
Where possible, hazards should be removed. Where they cannot reasonably be removed, the associated risk should be reduced.
For example, this could involve improving fire detection, replacing defective emergency lighting, repairing fire doors, improving housekeeping or changing working procedures.
Step 4 – Record, Plan and Train
The assessment should document the significant findings and identify the measures required to manage fire safety.
Organisations should also have appropriate emergency arrangements and ensure relevant employees understand what they need to do if a fire occurs.
Training and fire drills can therefore form an important part of an effective fire safety management system.
Step 5 – Review the Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is not something that should be completed and then forgotten.
It should be kept under review and updated when necessary, particularly where changes may affect the fire risks or the suitability of existing fire precautions.
The government’s current five-step fire risk assessment checklist provides further information.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Inspect?
A competent fire risk assessor looks at the building as a complete fire safety system.
Therefore, the assessment is not limited to simply checking the fire alarm or counting extinguishers.
Instead, different fire safety measures are considered together because they all contribute to protecting occupants.
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
A suitable fire detection and alarm system can provide vital early warning when a fire occurs.
During a fire risk assessment, consideration may be given to the type and extent of fire detection provided, manual call points, alarm sounders, visual warning devices where applicable, system condition and maintenance arrangements.
The assessment may also identify areas where the existing fire alarm provision requires further investigation or improvement.
AK Fire Safety provides professional fire alarm installation, fire alarm maintenance and fire alarm servicing for commercial premises.
Businesses should also ensure their systems are appropriately tested. Learn more in our guide to weekly fire alarm testing.
Emergency Lighting
If the normal lighting supply fails during a fire or other emergency, occupants still need to be able to identify and safely use escape routes.
Emergency lighting is therefore an important consideration in many buildings.
A fire risk assessment may consider whether emergency lighting provides suitable coverage of escape routes, changes of direction, stairs, exits and other important locations.
Regular inspection, testing and maintenance are also important.
Find out more about emergency lighting services from AK Fire Safety.
Fire Extinguishers
Where portable fire extinguishers are provided, they need to be suitable for the risks present and appropriately positioned.
The assessment may consider:
- The number of extinguishers
- Extinguisher type
- Location and accessibility
- Identification signage
- Condition
- Maintenance records
- Whether additional specialist extinguishers are required
AK Fire Safety provides fire extinguisher supply, installation and servicing for businesses throughout the UK.
Fire Doors and Compartmentation
Fire doors can help restrict the movement of fire and smoke through a building. However, their effectiveness depends on their specification, installation, condition and management.
During an assessment, visible fire door issues may be identified, such as damaged doors, defective closing devices, unsuitable gaps or doors being held open incorrectly.
However, a general fire risk assessment and a detailed intrusive fire door or compartmentation survey are not necessarily the same service.
Where more detailed investigation is required, a specialist assessment may be recommended.
Learn more about our fire door inspection services.
Means of Escape and Final Exits
People need to be able to move from their location within the building to a place of safety.
Therefore, escape routes are a major part of the assessment.
An assessor may consider:
- Number of escape routes
- Travel distances
- Stairways
- Corridors
- Final exits
- Door operation
- Obstructions
- Escape route signage
- Emergency lighting
- Security arrangements
- Occupancy levels
Escape routes should also be managed correctly after the assessment. For instance, designated routes should not gradually become obstructed by deliveries, stock or stored equipment.
Fire Safety Signage
Suitable signs can help occupants identify emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment and other important fire safety information.
However, signage should support an effective fire safety strategy rather than being used as a substitute for correcting physical deficiencies.
AK Fire Safety can provide fire safety signage and signage surveys for commercial properties.
Fire Safety Management
Physical equipment is only one part of fire safety.
Good management is equally important.
Consequently, an assessment may review areas such as:
- Fire safety responsibilities
- Staff induction
- Fire safety training
- Fire drills
- Testing procedures
- Maintenance records
- Contractor controls
- Housekeeping
- Emergency procedures
- Evacuation arrangements
- Arrangements for people requiring assistance
Common Problems Found During Fire Risk Assessments
Every property is different. Nevertheless, assessors often encounter recurring fire safety problems.
| Potential Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Blocked escape routes | Obstructions can delay evacuation during an emergency. |
| Defective fire doors | Damaged or poorly managed doors may not provide the expected protection. |
| Fire alarm defects | Faults may affect the building’s ability to provide effective warning. |
| Missing fire alarm zone plan | It may make identifying the location of an activation more difficult. |
| Emergency lighting defects | Escape routes could become difficult to navigate following lighting failure. |
| Incorrect extinguisher provision | Equipment should be appropriate for the risks present. |
| Poor housekeeping | Accumulated combustible material can increase fire risk and fire spread. |
| Inadequate staff training | Employees may not understand what to do during an emergency. |
| Missing maintenance records | It may be difficult to demonstrate that safety systems are being properly maintained. |
Which Premises May Require a Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire safety responsibilities apply across a very wide range of premises.
These can include:
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Industrial units
- Schools
- Nurseries
- Care environments
- Hotels
- Guest accommodation
- Restaurants
- Pubs
- Shops
- Retail premises
- Healthcare premises
- Community buildings
- Places of worship
- Apartment block common areas
- Some residential buildings and HMOs
The precise legal responsibilities can depend on the building, location and how it is occupied. Therefore, premises-specific advice should be obtained when there is uncertainty.
Fire Risk Assessments for Offices
An office may appear relatively low risk, but that does not mean fire safety can be ignored.
Electrical equipment, kitchens, heating equipment, storage, escape routes and occupancy arrangements all need consideration.
Furthermore, changes to office layouts can affect evacuation arrangements. Therefore, significant refurbishment or changes in occupancy should trigger consideration of whether the assessment needs updating.
Fire Risk Assessments for Warehouses and Industrial Buildings
Warehouses and industrial premises can present more complex risks because of large quantities of stored materials, high-bay storage, machinery, charging equipment, manufacturing processes and potentially large compartment sizes.
Accordingly, these premises may require a more detailed assessment than a simple low-risk office.
The assessor should understand the processes taking place inside the property rather than assessing the building in isolation.
Fire Risk Assessments for Schools
Schools require effective arrangements for evacuating pupils, staff and visitors.
Assessments can consider fire detection, emergency lighting, fire doors, escape routes, evacuation procedures, staff responsibilities and arrangements for people who may require additional support.
Effective management and regular testing are particularly important because buildings can change significantly throughout the academic year.
Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords and Residential Buildings
Fire safety responsibilities for residential properties can be more complex because different legislation and guidance may apply depending on the type and occupancy of the building.
For example, particular requirements may apply to common areas of blocks of flats and certain houses in multiple occupation.
Landlords and managing agents should ensure they understand which legislation applies to the property they manage and obtain competent advice where required.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
A common question is: How long does a fire risk assessment last?
Rather than relying solely on an arbitrary expiry date, the assessment should be kept under review and updated when necessary.
A review may be particularly appropriate after:
- Significant building alterations
- Changes to the layout
- Changes to occupancy
- Changes to work activities
- Introduction of new equipment or processes
- A significant fire safety incident
- Changes affecting escape arrangements
- Major changes to fire protection systems
- Evidence that the existing assessment may no longer be valid
Routine periodic reviews are also good practice because buildings, staff and working arrangements can gradually change over time.
Can You Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment Yourself?
Government guidance explains that a Responsible Person may complete an assessment themselves where they are competent and capable of doing so. The government’s simplified checklist is specifically intended to assist competent Responsible Persons in simpler premises.
However, this does not automatically mean that completing your own assessment is appropriate for every building.
Larger or more complex premises can require considerable knowledge of fire safety principles, means of escape, fire detection, passive fire protection and fire safety management.
Therefore, where you do not have the necessary competence, appointing an appropriately competent fire risk assessor can provide a more comprehensive assessment.
The Fire Industry Association provides further fire risk assessment guidance, including information relating to selecting a fire risk assessor.
What Should a Professional Fire Risk Assessment Report Contain?
The exact format will depend on the premises and the assessor. However, a professional report would generally be expected to provide a clear record of the assessment and its significant findings.
This may include:
- Premises information
- Occupancy information
- Fire hazards identified
- People potentially at risk
- Existing fire safety arrangements
- Fire alarm provision
- Emergency lighting provision
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Means of escape
- Fire doors and compartmentation observations
- Fire safety management arrangements
- Identified deficiencies
- Recommended actions
- Priorities or timescales where appropriate
What Happens After a Fire Risk Assessment?
Completing the assessment is only the beginning.
If deficiencies are identified, the Responsible Person should consider the actions required to address them.
Actions may include straightforward management improvements, while others may require specialist contractors.
For example, recommendations could result in:
- Fire alarm repairs or upgrades
- Additional fire detection
- Emergency lighting repairs
- Fire extinguisher replacement or repositioning
- Fire door repairs
- Improved signage
- Staff training
- Updated evacuation procedures
- Improved record keeping
- Further specialist surveys
Importantly, actions should be managed according to their significance rather than simply filing the report away.
Need Help With Fire Safety?
AK Fire Safety Ltd provides commercial fire protection services to businesses and organisations throughout the United Kingdom.
Whether recommendations from your fire risk assessment identify issues with your fire alarm system, emergency lighting, extinguishers, fire doors or other fire safety equipment, our experienced team can help you put the required improvements in place.
Contact AK Fire Safety
Call 01604 459588
Email: sales@akfiresafety.co.uk
Why Use AK Fire Safety?
Managing multiple fire safety contractors can become complicated. Therefore, many organisations choose AK Fire Safety because we can support a broad range of commercial fire protection requirements.
Our services include:
- Fire alarm installation
- Fire alarm maintenance
- Fire alarm servicing
- Weekly fire alarm testing
- Emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire door inspections
- Fire safety signage
By identifying deficiencies and acting on them systematically, businesses can build a stronger and more manageable fire safety system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessments
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment systematically considers fire hazards, people at risk and the fire precautions required to reduce risk and protect occupants.
Is a fire risk assessment required by law?
Fire safety legislation places duties on Responsible Persons for relevant premises. In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the principal legislation governing fire safety in many non-domestic premises.
Who is responsible for a fire risk assessment?
The Responsible Person has duties relating to fire safety. Depending on the premises, this may include an employer, owner, landlord, occupier or another person with control of the premises.
What are the five steps of a fire risk assessment?
The five-step approach is to identify fire hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate and act on the risks, record and plan appropriate measures while providing information and training, and finally review the assessment.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
The assessment should be kept under review and updated when necessary. Changes to the building, occupancy, activities or fire risks may make an earlier review necessary.
Can I complete my own fire risk assessment?
A Responsible Person may be able to carry out an assessment where they are competent and capable of doing so. However, more complex premises may require specialist knowledge, so professional assistance should be considered where competence is uncertain.
Does a fire risk assessment include the fire alarm?
Fire detection and warning arrangements are an important part of fire safety and will normally be considered when evaluating the fire precautions within a building.
Does a fire risk assessment check fire extinguishers?
The suitability and availability of fire-fighting equipment may form part of an assessment. More detailed servicing and maintenance should be undertaken separately by competent personnel where required.
Does a fire risk assessment include fire doors?
The condition and suitability of fire doors and compartmentation may be considered during the assessment. However, a general fire risk assessment is not necessarily a substitute for a detailed fire door inspection or intrusive compartmentation survey.
What happens if problems are identified?
The assessment should identify appropriate actions. These actions should then be managed and completed according to their significance and priority.
Further Fire Safety Guidance
For additional authoritative information, visit the following resources:
- GOV.UK – Fire Safety in the Workplace
- GOV.UK – Fire Risk Assessment Five-Step Checklist
- UK Legislation – Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Industry Association – Fire Safety Advice
Conclusion
A fire risk assessment is one of the foundations of effective fire safety management. It enables those responsible for a building to identify hazards, understand who may be at risk and determine whether the existing fire precautions are appropriate.
However, the assessment itself does not make a building safe. The real value comes from acting on its findings, maintaining fire protection systems and regularly reviewing arrangements as the building changes.
Therefore, if your assessment identifies problems with your fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguishers, fire doors or related systems, dealing with those recommendations promptly can help improve both safety and compliance.
For professional commercial fire safety support throughout the UK, contact AK Fire Safety Ltd or call 01604 459588.
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary considerably depending on the size, complexity, use and location of the building.
For example, a small office with a simple layout will normally require less assessment time than a large warehouse, hotel, school, factory or multi-storey residential building.
Therefore, there is no single standard price that applies to every premises.
Factors That Can Affect Fire Risk Assessment Cost
Several factors can influence the overall price of a professional fire risk assessment, including:
- Size of the premises
- Number of floors
- Building complexity
- Number of occupants
- Type of business activity
- Fire hazards present
- Existing fire protection systems
- Whether sleeping accommodation is provided
- Number of buildings on the site
- Availability of existing fire safety documentation
- Travel and location
- Whether specialist surveys are also required
Rather than choosing an assessor based purely on price, businesses should consider whether the assessment will be suitable and sufficient for the premises.
A very basic assessment may initially appear cheaper. However, if significant hazards or deficiencies are overlooked, the long-term cost to the business could be considerably higher.
How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take?
The time required to complete a fire risk assessment depends on the premises.
A relatively simple building may be assessed comparatively quickly. In contrast, larger or more complex premises can require substantially more time.
The assessor may need to inspect:
- All accessible areas of the building
- Plant rooms
- Electrical intake areas
- Storage areas
- Kitchens
- Escape routes
- Stairways
- Fire doors
- Fire alarm equipment
- Emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Final exits
- External escape routes
In addition, the assessor may need to review fire safety records and speak with the Responsible Person or site management.
For larger premises, the report preparation itself can also require significant time after the physical inspection has been completed.
What Information Should You Provide to a Fire Risk Assessor?
Providing accurate information can help the assessor develop a clearer understanding of the premises.
Where available, useful documentation may include:
- Previous fire risk assessments
- Fire alarm service reports
- Emergency lighting test records
- Fire extinguisher service records
- Fire door inspection reports
- Fire drill records
- Staff training records
- Building plans
- Fire alarm zone plans
- Evacuation procedures
- Accident or incident records
- Records of previous fire alarm activations
- Records of alterations to the premises
Nevertheless, missing documentation should not prevent an assessment from being carried out. Instead, missing records may themselves become an important finding within the assessment.
What Are Significant Findings?
A fire risk assessment should identify the significant findings of the assessment.
These findings help the Responsible Person understand where improvements may be required and which areas of fire safety need additional attention.
Examples of significant findings could include:
- Insufficient fire detection
- Defective fire alarm equipment
- Missing emergency lighting
- Damaged fire doors
- Blocked escape routes
- Unsuitable fire extinguisher provision
- Inadequate staff training
- Missing evacuation procedures
- Combustible materials stored incorrectly
- Poor fire safety record keeping
The report should explain these findings clearly enough for the Responsible Person to understand what action may be required.
How Are Fire Risk Assessment Actions Prioritised?
Many professional fire risk assessments include an action plan.
This can help businesses prioritise improvements rather than attempting to complete every recommendation at the same time.
Actions may be grouped according to their level of urgency or risk.
| Priority | Typical Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| High Priority | An issue requiring urgent attention because it could significantly affect life safety. | A serious fire alarm fault or an escape route that cannot be safely used. |
| Medium Priority | An important deficiency that should be corrected within a reasonable timescale. | Several defective emergency lights or fire doors requiring repair. |
| Lower Priority | An improvement that may strengthen fire safety management but is not considered immediately critical. | Improving documentation, signage or record keeping. |
The exact prioritisation system can differ between assessors. Therefore, the Responsible Person should read the report carefully and seek clarification where recommendations are unclear.
What Happens If a Fire Risk Assessment Identifies a Fire Alarm Problem?
If the assessment identifies a problem with the fire alarm system, further investigation by a competent fire alarm engineer may be recommended.
Potential problems could include:
- Insufficient automatic detection
- Incorrect detector types
- Faults displayed on the fire alarm panel
- Damaged manual call points
- Insufficient sound levels
- Missing visual alarm devices where required
- Missing or outdated zone plans
- Lack of maintenance records
- Changes to the building not reflected in the system
- Old or unsupported equipment
AK Fire Safety can investigate fire alarm deficiencies and recommend appropriate solutions.
Our services include commercial fire alarm installation, planned fire alarm maintenance, fire alarm servicing and system upgrades.
Fire Alarm Zone Plans and Fire Risk Assessments
A clear fire alarm zone plan can help staff and attending personnel identify the area associated with a fire alarm activation.
During an assessment, the assessor may check whether the fire alarm system has suitable zone information available where
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary considerably because every building is different. Therefore, there is no single price that applies to every business or commercial premises.
Generally, the price will depend on factors such as the size of the building, its complexity, the number of floors, occupancy levels and the activities taking place within the premises.
Other factors that may influence the cost include:
- The type and size of the premises
- The number of buildings included
- The number of floors
- Building layout and complexity
- Number and type of occupants
- Nature of the business activities
- Existing fire protection measures
- Availability of previous fire safety documentation
- Whether specialist risks are present
- The complexity of evacuation arrangements
For example, assessing a small office will usually involve different considerations from assessing a large warehouse, manufacturing facility, hotel, school or multi-storey residential building.
Consequently, businesses should look beyond price alone when choosing a fire risk assessor. Most importantly, the assessment needs to be suitable for the building and completed to an appropriate professional standard.
How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take?
The time required to complete a fire risk assessment also depends on the premises.
A relatively small and straightforward building may take considerably less time to inspect than a large or complicated site. Meanwhile, industrial premises, warehouses, schools, hotels and multi-building sites can require significantly more investigation.
The assessor may need to examine different areas of the premises, review existing fire safety documentation and discuss management arrangements with the Responsible Person or site representative.
Therefore, businesses should provide sufficient access to the premises and relevant documentation so that the assessment can be completed effectively.
How Should You Prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment?
Good preparation can make the assessment process more efficient and help the assessor understand how fire safety is managed within the organisation.
Where available, it can be helpful to prepare:
- The existing fire risk assessment
- Fire alarm service records
- Fire alarm test records
- Emergency lighting test records
- Fire extinguisher servicing records
- Fire door inspection records
- Fire drill records
- Staff fire safety training records
- Building plans
- Fire alarm zone plans
- Emergency procedures
- Evacuation plans
- Records of previous fire incidents or false alarms
- Relevant maintenance records
However, missing documentation should not be hidden. Instead, it should be discussed with the assessor so that appropriate recommendations can be made.
Why Is Fire Safety Documentation Important?
Fire safety records can help demonstrate that important inspections, tests and maintenance activities are being completed.
For example, a business may have a correctly installed fire alarm system. Nevertheless, without suitable testing and maintenance arrangements, faults could remain unidentified.
Similarly, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and fire doors require appropriate inspection and maintenance.
Businesses should therefore consider maintaining a suitable fire safety log book containing relevant testing, servicing, training and fire drill information.
Fire Alarm Maintenance Following a Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment may identify deficiencies relating to the building’s fire detection and alarm system.
For example, recommendations might relate to inadequate detection coverage, system faults, missing documentation, inappropriate detector types or insufficient maintenance arrangements.
Where specialist work is required, AK Fire Safety can provide commercial fire alarm maintenance and fire alarm servicing.
Where an existing system is no longer suitable, businesses may also require a professional fire alarm installation or upgrade.
Emergency Lighting Recommendations
Emergency lighting helps occupants identify and use escape routes if the normal lighting supply fails.
Therefore, defects identified during an assessment should be investigated appropriately.
Potential recommendations could include repairing failed luminaires, reviewing coverage, improving testing procedures or arranging specialist inspection.
Find out more about commercial emergency lighting services from AK Fire Safety.
Fire Extinguisher Recommendations
A fire risk assessment may also identify problems with portable fire-fighting equipment.
For example, extinguishers may be unsuitable for a particular risk, incorrectly positioned, damaged or overdue for servicing.
Importantly, different fire risks can require different types of extinguishing equipment. Therefore, extinguishers should be selected according to the hazards present rather than simply purchasing identical units for every location.
AK Fire Safety provides fire extinguisher supply, installation and servicing for commercial premises.
Fire Door Recommendations
Fire doors form an important part of passive fire protection within many buildings.
However, everyday use can result in damage, adjustment or deterioration.
Problems may include doors that fail to close correctly, damaged components, inappropriate alterations or other defects that require further investigation.
Where a fire risk assessment recommends a more detailed inspection, a dedicated fire door inspection can provide a closer assessment of individual doors and associated components.
Creating a Fire Safety Action Plan
One of the most valuable outputs from a fire risk assessment is the resulting action plan.
Instead of viewing recommendations as a simple checklist, businesses should create a structured process for completing and recording required improvements.
| Priority | Typical Approach |
|---|---|
| Urgent | Issues presenting a significant concern should receive prompt attention and appropriate interim measures may need to be considered. |
| High | Important deficiencies should be programmed for corrective action as soon as reasonably practicable. |
| Medium | Improvements should be planned and completed within an appropriate timescale. |
| Advisory | Good-practice improvements can be considered as part of ongoing fire safety management. |
The exact prioritisation should reflect the assessor’s findings and the circumstances of the premises.
Common Fire Risk Assessment Mistakes
Although organisations may have a fire risk assessment document, the assessment may become less effective if it is not properly managed.
1. Completing the Assessment and Forgetting About It
A fire risk assessment should remain part of the organisation’s ongoing fire safety management arrangements.
2. Ignoring Recommended Actions
Identifying a deficiency does not correct it. Therefore, recommendations should be reviewed, prioritised and acted upon.
3. Failing to Review the Assessment After Changes
Changes to the building, occupancy or working processes can introduce new risks. Consequently, significant changes should trigger consideration of whether the assessment needs reviewing.
4. Using an Assessment That Does Not Reflect the Building
A generic assessment that does not properly consider the premises may fail to identify important site-specific risks.
5. Poor Fire Safety Record Keeping
Testing, maintenance, training and fire drill records can provide important evidence of ongoing fire safety management.
6. Treating Fire Safety Systems Separately
Fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, extinguishers, escape routes and management procedures work together. Therefore, weaknesses in one area can affect the overall fire safety arrangements.
Benefits of a Professional Fire Risk Assessment
Although compliance is an important reason for carrying out an assessment, there are also wider benefits.
- Identifies potential fire hazards
- Highlights weaknesses in existing precautions
- Supports safer evacuation arrangements
- Helps prioritise fire safety improvements
- Improves understanding of fire safety responsibilities
- Provides a structured action plan
- Supports ongoing maintenance planning
- Encourages better staff awareness
- Helps protect employees, visitors and other occupants
- Supports responsible management of the premises
Fire Risk Assessments for Different Types of Business
The fundamental assessment process remains similar, but the hazards and precautions can vary substantially between industries.
Warehouses
Warehouse assessments may need to consider large quantities of combustible stock, high-level storage, charging equipment, loading areas, machinery and potentially extensive travel distances.
Manufacturing Facilities
Manufacturing businesses can have additional risks associated with machinery, processes, heat, electrical equipment, combustible materials and potentially flammable substances.
Hotels
Hotels require particular consideration because occupants may be sleeping and may be unfamiliar with the building.
Schools
Schools need suitable arrangements for pupils, employees, visitors and anyone requiring additional assistance during evacuation.
Offices
Office risks may include electrical equipment, kitchens, heating equipment, storage areas and changes to layouts or occupancy.
Retail Premises
Retail businesses need to consider employees as well as customers who may be unfamiliar with emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
Commercial Fire Safety Support Across the UK
AK Fire Safety Ltd supports commercial organisations with fire protection requirements across the United Kingdom.
Our services include fire alarm installation, servicing and maintenance together with emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire door inspections and other commercial fire safety solutions.
This means that where a fire risk assessment identifies deficiencies in existing fire protection systems, businesses can obtain specialist support to address those recommendations.
Has Your Fire Risk Assessment Identified Fire Safety Defects?
AK Fire Safety Ltd can help you address fire safety recommendations across your premises.
From fire alarm repairs and upgrades to emergency lighting, extinguishers and fire door inspections, our team supports businesses throughout the UK.
Request Fire Safety Support
Call 01604 459588
Email: sales@akfiresafety.co.uk
Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
What is the purpose of a fire risk assessment?
The purpose is to identify fire hazards, consider who may be at risk and determine whether suitable fire precautions are in place. Where deficiencies are identified, appropriate actions should be considered.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
Fire safety legislation applies to many workplaces and other relevant premises. The Responsible Person should understand the duties that apply to their particular building and circumstances.
Is a fire risk assessment the same as a fire alarm service?
No. A fire risk assessment evaluates fire risks and fire safety arrangements across the premises. A fire alarm service focuses specifically on inspection and maintenance of the fire detection and alarm system.
Is a fire risk assessment the same as a fire door inspection?
No. Although an assessment may identify visible concerns involving fire doors, a dedicated