Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment? UK Guide

Who can carry out a fire risk assessment? This is an important question because the quality of an assessment depends heavily on the knowledge and competence of the person completing it.

For straightforward premises, the Responsible Person may sometimes be capable of completing the assessment themselves if they have sufficient knowledge and understanding of fire safety.

However, larger, higher-risk or more complicated buildings can require considerably greater expertise. In these situations, appointing a competent professional fire risk assessor may be appropriate.

In this guide, AK Fire Safety Ltd explains competence, qualifications, professional assessors and when businesses should consider obtaining specialist fire safety assistance.

Quick Answer: Who Can Complete a Fire Risk Assessment?

The person carrying out the fire risk assessment needs to have sufficient competence for the premises and risks being assessed.

For a small and straightforward premises, the Responsible Person may be capable of completing the assessment if they have the necessary knowledge.

However, where the premises are larger, more complicated or contain significant fire risks, professional assistance may be necessary.

Most importantly, appointing someone else to carry out the assessment does not automatically remove the Responsible Person’s fire safety duties.

Contents

• What does fire safety law require?
• What does competent mean?
• Can you do your own fire risk assessment?
• Does an assessor need qualifications?
• When should you use a professional assessor?
• Which buildings need greater expertise?
• How do you choose an assessor?
• Questions to ask an assessor
• Who remains legally responsible?
• What should you receive?
• What happens after the assessment?
• Frequently asked questions

What Does Fire Safety Law Require?

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places fire safety duties on the Responsible Person for relevant premises.

These duties include ensuring that a suitable and sufficient assessment of fire risks is carried out.

Government guidance explains that the Responsible Person can carry out the assessment themselves with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides if they have the necessary competence.

However, if the Responsible Person does not have sufficient expertise or if the premises are complicated, they should obtain assistance from a competent person.

For official guidance, see GOV.UK guidance on fire risk assessments.

What Does Competent Mean for a Fire Risk Assessor?

Competence is more important than simply giving someone the title of “fire risk assessor”.

The level of competence required should reflect the complexity of the premises and the risks involved.

A person carrying out an assessment may need appropriate knowledge and understanding of areas such as:

• Fire hazards
• Sources of ignition
• Combustible materials
• People at risk
• Means of escape
• Fire detection and warning
• Emergency lighting
• Fire doors
• Compartmentation
• Fire-fighting equipment
• Evacuation arrangements
• Fire safety management
• Relevant legislation and guidance

The more complex the building becomes, the greater the level of knowledge that may be necessary.

Can I Carry Out My Own Fire Risk Assessment?

For relatively straightforward premises, a Responsible Person with sufficient competence may be able to carry out their own assessment.

For example, a small office with a simple layout and limited fire hazards may be considerably easier to assess than a large industrial site.

Nevertheless, the person carrying out the assessment still needs to understand the risks and determine whether the existing precautions are appropriate.

A checklist alone does not automatically make an assessment suitable and sufficient.

Important

If you are unsure whether you have sufficient knowledge to properly assess your premises, consider obtaining professional assistance.

Fire risk assessment is a life-safety activity. Missing a significant hazard can have serious consequences.

Can a Business Owner Carry Out the Assessment?

A business owner may be able to complete the assessment where they have sufficient competence and the premises are straightforward.

However, owning or managing the business does not automatically mean the person has the fire safety knowledge required for every type of premises.

For example, assessing a small office is very different from assessing:

• A large warehouse
• A manufacturing facility
• A hotel
• A care environment
• A school
• A multi-storey building
• Complex sleeping accommodation

Therefore, the decision should be based on competence and complexity rather than job title alone.

Does a Fire Risk Assessor Need Qualifications?

Businesses should consider the assessor’s overall competence rather than relying on a single qualification or course certificate.

Relevant training, qualifications, knowledge and practical experience can all contribute to competence.

When selecting an assessor, it can be useful to consider:

• Relevant fire safety qualifications
• Fire risk assessment training
• Practical assessment experience
• Experience with similar premises
• Understanding of current legislation
• Understanding of recognised fire safety guidance
• Professional memberships where relevant
• Third-party certification or registration where appropriate
• Professional indemnity insurance

The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council guidance published on GOV.UK provides useful information for people responsible for selecting a competent fire risk assessor.

When Should You Use a Professional Fire Risk Assessor?

Professional assistance should be strongly considered when the premises or risks exceed the Responsible Person’s knowledge and experience.

Examples can include:

• Large buildings
• Complex premises
• Multi-storey buildings
• Sleeping accommodation
• Industrial premises
• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses with complex storage
• Care environments
• Buildings with complicated evacuation strategies
• Premises containing significant fire hazards
• Buildings with complex compartmentation
• Multi-occupied premises

Professional assistance can also be valuable where an existing assessment is outdated, incomplete or has been questioned by an enforcing authority.

Which Premises May Require Greater Fire Risk Assessment Expertise?

Hotels

Hotels can require greater expertise because occupants may be sleeping and unfamiliar with the building.

Detection, alarm audibility, protected escape routes, fire doors and evacuation arrangements can all require detailed consideration.

Care Homes

Care environments can be particularly complex because some occupants may not be capable of evacuating without assistance.

Staffing arrangements, evacuation strategy, fire detection and compartmentation may therefore require careful consideration.

Warehouses

Large warehouses can contain significant quantities of combustible stock together with complex racking and potentially long travel distances.

Factories and Manufacturing Premises

Industrial premises can contain machinery, heat sources, combustible materials and specialist processes.

Schools

Schools require suitable arrangements for pupils, employees, visitors and people who may require assistance during evacuation.

Multi-Occupied Buildings

Buildings containing several organisations can involve overlapping responsibilities between employers, landlords, managing agents and tenants.

Consequently, cooperation and coordination can be particularly important.

How Do You Choose a Competent Fire Risk Assessor?

Choosing an assessor should involve more than comparing prices.

Businesses should consider whether the assessor has appropriate competence for the type and complexity of the premises. What to Check Why It Matters Training and qualifications Provides evidence of relevant fire safety education. Practical experience Shows that the assessor has applied their knowledge in real buildings. Similar premises Experience with your sector can be particularly valuable. Professional registration Relevant third-party schemes can provide additional assurance. Insurance Professional indemnity insurance should be considered when appointing an external assessor. Report quality The final report should clearly explain findings and actions. References Previous client experience can help demonstrate capability.

Should a Fire Risk Assessor Be Third-Party Certified?

Third-party certification can provide useful independent evidence that an assessor or organisation has been evaluated against defined requirements.

However, Responsible Persons should still satisfy themselves that the individual or organisation is suitable for their specific premises.

The Fire Industry Association provides further fire safety information and industry guidance.

Questions to Ask Before Appointing a Fire Risk Assessor

Before appointing an assessor, consider asking:

• What fire risk assessment qualifications do you hold?
• How much experience do you have?
• Have you assessed buildings similar to ours?
• Do you hold professional indemnity insurance?
• Are you registered with a relevant professional or certification scheme?
• What does your assessment include?
• Will we receive a written report?
• Will recommendations be prioritised?
• Can you explain the findings after the inspection?

Clear answers to these questions can help Responsible Persons make a more informed decision.

Should You Choose the Cheapest Fire Risk Assessor?

Cost is naturally an important consideration. Nevertheless, price should not be the only factor.

A very cheap assessment may offer poor value if it fails to properly consider the premises.

Businesses should compare:

• Scope
• Competence
• Experience
• Report quality
• Professional credentials
• Insurance
• Support provided

For more information about pricing, read our guide: How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?

Does Hiring an Assessor Transfer Legal Responsibility?

No. Appointing a competent assessor can provide valuable specialist assistance, but the Responsible Person should still understand and manage their fire safety responsibilities.

After receiving the assessment, the Responsible Person should review the findings and ensure that appropriate actions are taken.

For more information about responsibility, read Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

What Should You Receive After a Fire Risk Assessment?

A professional assessment should provide clear information about the fire risks and significant findings.

Depending on the premises and scope, the report may include:

• Premises information
• Occupancy details
• Fire hazards identified
• People at risk
• Means of escape
• Fire alarm observations
• Emergency lighting observations
• Fire door observations
• Fire extinguisher provision
• Fire safety management arrangements
• Significant findings
• Recommendations
• Prioritised actions

The report should be understandable and useful to the Responsible Person rather than simply being a technical document that is never acted upon.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Completing the assessment is only part of effective fire safety management.

The Responsible Person should consider the recommendations and arrange appropriate corrective actions.

For example, findings may include: Finding Possible Next Step Inadequate fire detection Review the existing fire alarm system. Fire alarm faults Arrange investigation and repair. Emergency lighting defects Arrange inspection and remedial work. Fire extinguisher deficiencies Review provision and servicing. Fire door concerns Arrange detailed inspection where appropriate. Management deficiencies Improve testing, training or emergency procedures.

Fire Alarm Defects Identified During a Fire Risk Assessment

Fire alarm deficiencies should be investigated appropriately because effective detection and warning can be critical to safe evacuation.

AK Fire Safety provides:

• Commercial Fire Alarm Installation
• Fire Alarm Maintenance
• Fire Alarm Servicing
• Weekly Fire Alarm Testing Guidance

Emergency Lighting Defects

Where an assessment identifies problems with emergency lighting, further specialist investigation may be required.

Learn more about commercial emergency lighting services.

Fire Extinguisher Deficiencies

Extinguishers should be appropriate for the risks present and suitably maintained.

AK Fire Safety provides commercial fire extinguisher supply and servicing.

Fire Door Concerns

A general fire risk assessment may identify visible concerns involving fire doors.

Where detailed investigation is required, a dedicated fire door inspection may be appropriate.

How Often Should the Assessment Be Reviewed?

Once completed, the fire risk assessment should be kept under review and updated where necessary.

A review may be particularly important following significant changes to:

• The building
• Occupancy
• Business activities
• Escape arrangements
• Fire protection systems

For a detailed explanation, read How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

Fire Risk Assessment Recommendations to Complete?

AK Fire Safety Ltd provides commercial fire protection services throughout the UK.

If your fire risk assessment identifies deficiencies involving your fire alarm, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers or fire doors, our team can provide professional support.

Contact AK Fire Safety Call 01604 459588

Email: sales@akfiresafety.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to carry out a fire risk assessment?

The person carrying out the assessment needs sufficient competence for the premises and risks involved. Straightforward premises may sometimes be assessed by a competent Responsible Person, while complex premises may require professional assistance.

Can I do my own fire risk assessment?

Potentially, yes, if you have sufficient knowledge and competence and the premises are straightforward. If you are unsure, professional assistance should be considered.

Does a fire risk assessor need qualifications?

Competence should be considered as a whole, including relevant training, knowledge, qualifications and practical experience appropriate to the premises.

Do I need a professional fire risk assessor?

Professional assistance may be appropriate where the premises are large, complicated or higher risk, or where the Responsible Person does not have sufficient competence.

Who is responsible if I hire an external assessor?

The Responsible Person retains fire safety duties. Hiring a competent assessor provides specialist assistance but does not automatically transfer all legal responsibility.

Can my fire alarm engineer carry out my fire risk assessment?

Fire alarm engineering and fire risk assessment require overlapping but different competencies. An engineer should only carry out an assessment where they have appropriate fire risk assessment competence in addition to their technical fire alarm knowledge.

Can a landlord carry out a fire risk assessment?

A landlord may carry out an assessment where they have sufficient competence for the premises. Otherwise, competent professional assistance should be obtained.

Can a health and safety consultant complete a fire risk assessment?

Only where the consultant has appropriate fire risk assessment competence. General health and safety experience alone does not automatically demonstrate specialist fire safety competence.

How do I check whether an assessor is competent?

Consider relevant qualifications, training, practical experience, experience with similar premises, professional registration or certification and suitable insurance.

What happens if my assessor misses something?

Fire safety responsibilities remain important for the Responsible Person. This is why selecting a competent assessor and acting on findings are essential parts of effective fire safety management.

Related Fire Risk Assessment Guides

• What Is a Fire Risk Assessment? Complete UK Guide
• Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
• Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
• How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
• How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

Official Fire Safety Resources

For authoritative fire safety information, visit:

• GOV.UK – Fire Risk Assessments
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• GOV.UK – Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor
• GOV.UK – Fire Safety Law and Guidance for Business

Conclusion: Choose Someone Competent for Your Premises

The person carrying out a fire risk assessment should have sufficient competence for the size, complexity and risks associated with the premises.

For simple premises, a knowledgeable Responsible Person may sometimes be able to complete the assessment themselves.

However, as buildings become larger or more complicated, professional fire risk assessment expertise becomes increasingly important.

When appointing an assessor, consider their qualifications, training, experience, professional credentials, insurance and experience with buildings similar to yours.

Most importantly, remember that completing the assessment is only the beginning. Recommendations need to be considered, appropriate actions completed and the assessment kept under review.

For more information, read our complete guide to fire risk assessments.

If your assessment identifies fire protection deficiencies, contact AK Fire Safety Ltd for professional commercial fire safety support.