Completing a fire risk assessment for your premises is a legal requirement. However, with the addition of further fire regulations in recent years, just what is needed to ensure that your fire risk assessment is suitable and sufficient?
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a detailed examination of a premises to assess the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential risks presented to occupants and others in or around the building.
The assessment must consider the nature of the building’s use, its construction, the people who may be affected, and any existing fire safety measures in place. Different types of premises carry different levels and types of fire risk.
Fire safety requirements, required by law, vary depending on the building’s usage purpose. For example, an office or shop would have different fire safety requirements when compared to a block of flats. A fire risk assessment must always be tailored to reflect the specific characteristics and risks of the premises.
The assessment must determine whether current fire precautions are suitable and sufficient considering the risks identified, or if further control measures are needed to reduce those risks to an acceptable level.
Assessments must be made with correct reference to applicable fire regulations.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
Anyone responsible for a building, such as an employer, owner, landlord, or occupier, must ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out, unless the premises is a “single private dwelling” (i.e. a private home).
This legal requirement applies to all workplaces, commercial properties, and residential buildings with shared areas, such as blocks of flats or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
If you are in control of premises used for work or housing, you are responsible for ensuring a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place.
Legal requirements
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO05) is the primary piece of legislation in England and Wales.
Since its introduction, several key pieces of legislation have been introduced to strengthen and expand responsibilities, including:
The Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022
These laws place additional duties on those in control of premises, particularly in multi-occupied residential buildings.
Legal obligations continue to evolve though the introduction of revised and new regulations.
Fire risk assessment, assessment of external areas.
Who is responsible for fire risk assessment
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 states that the fire risk assessment must be completed by the ‘Responsible Person’.
The ‘Responsible Person’ is an employer, anyone in control of a premises or the owner of the building.
Who can complete a fire risk assessment?
To ensure a fire risk assessment is suitable and sufficient, it must be carried out by someone who is considered competent.
A competent person is someone with adequate training, experience, knowledge, and other relevant qualities that enable them to identify fire risks and recommend appropriate preventive and protective measures.
The competent person completing the fire risk assessment must reference and capture applicable regulatory requirements respective of the building being assessed.
At Riskhop, we offer professional fire risk assessments conducted by qualified assessors, ensuring your legal obligations are met with confidence.
How often to review your fire risk assessment
Under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement for the responsible person to keep the fire risk assessment up to date through regular reviews.
The assessment must be reviewed if:
There is reason to believe it is no longer valid; or
There have been significant changes affecting the premises, including alterations to the structure, layout, use of the building, occupancy levels, or changes to fire safety measures or working practices
At Riskhop, we recommend reviewing your fire risk assessment at least once a year to ensure any changes are captured and addressed.
Further guidance and support
Riskhop can provide tailored fire safety support, taking considering of business requirements and building specifics.
If you need assistance in fulfilling any aspect of your fire safety requirements, we’re here to help. Visit our fire risk assessment services page for more information.
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