Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessments UK for Premises Safety, Compliance Evidence and Risk-Controlled Operations

A Fire Risk Assessment identifies fire hazards, assesses who may be at risk, evaluates existing controls, and defines actions to reduce risk to a tolerable level. A robust assessment supports compliance with fire safety duties, improves operational resilience, and reduces the likelihood and consequence of fire events through clear, practical control measures. Fire risk governance also supports insurers, landlords and corporate audit requirements by providing traceable evidence of risk management and maintenance.

When a Fire Risk Assessment Is Required

Fire risk assessments are typically required where:

• You are responsible for premises and need documented fire safety risk controls
• There are changes to occupancy, layout, processes, storage or fire loads
• Audit, insurer or landlord requirements require a current fire risk assessment
• There have been incidents, near misses or identified deficiencies
• High-risk activities exist (hot works, solvent storage, combustible materials, battery storage) and controls require review
• Sites require structured fire prevention and emergency response governance

Purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment

The purpose is to prevent fire and protect people by ensuring hazards are controlled, detection and warning systems are effective, escape routes are adequate, and emergency arrangements are practical. A strong assessment also ensures actions are prioritised, owned and tracked to completion.

What a Fire Risk Assessment Typically Covers

A structured assessment commonly covers:

• Fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, oxygen and process-specific risks)
• People at risk including vulnerable occupants and out-of-hours risks
• Fire protection measures (detection, alarms, compartmentation where relevant, extinguishers)
• Means of escape (route adequacy, signage, lighting, door integrity and obstructions)
• Management arrangements (training, drills, permits to work, hot works controls)
• Maintenance and inspection governance (records, testing intervals, contractor controls)
• Action plan with prioritisation and evidence requirements

What the Service Delivers

• Fire risk assessment report with clear findings and practical recommendations
• Prioritised action plan with ownership and evidence expectations
• Support for audit readiness through clear records and control structure
• Risk reduction recommendations aligned to site operations and constraints

Standards, Guidance and Regulatory Context

Fire safety governance and risk assessment commonly reference:

• GOV.UK: Workplace fire safety responsibilities
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
• National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance resources

What We Need From You

We typically request:

• Premises details, occupancy and operating hours
• Layout plans if available (or access for assessment)
• Fire safety systems information (alarms, detectors, extinguishers, emergency lighting)
• Existing records (testing, maintenance, drills, training) where available