What Is a Fire Risk Assessment? A Complete Guide for UK Businesses

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.

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.

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.