Fire Risk Assessments - Clear from Start to Finish

 

Fire Risk Assessments for Commercial and Residential Buildings

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for commercial premises and the common parts of residential buildings, including HMOs and blocks of flats. It helps identify fire hazards, assess risks to occupants, and ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a structured review of a building to identify fire hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and determine whether existing fire precautions are adequate.

This includes assessing ignition sources, combustible materials, means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, and existing fire protection measures such as fire doors and compartmentation.

The aim is to ensure the safety of occupants and that appropriate measures are in place to reduce the risk of fire.

Why Is It Important?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it up to date.

This applies to:

• Commercial premises
• Workplaces
• Common parts of residential buildings, including HMOs

A proper assessment helps to:

• Identify and reduce fire risks
• Protect occupants, staff, and visitors
• Ensure compliance with fire safety legislation
• Avoid enforcement action, notices, or penalties

What’s Included?

• Identification of fire hazards and risks
• Assessment of escape routes and means of escape
• Review of fire detection and warning systems
• Checks on fire doors and compartmentation
• Identification of non-compliance
• Report with findings and recommended actions

When Should It Be Reviewed?

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off document and must be kept up to date.

It should be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary, particularly when:

• There are changes to the building layout or use
• Occupancy levels or occupants change
• Fire safety measures are altered
• Works have been carried out
• Previous issues have been identified

Regular review ensures the assessment remains suitable and sufficient and continues to meet legal requirements.

Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

If you are responsible for a property and need to ensure compliance, we can carry out a fire risk assessment and provide a clear, practical report with straightforward recommendations.