Fire Risk Assessments at a Glance
- A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards and evaluates the risks they present.
- The responsible person is legally required to ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is completed.
- Assessments should be regularly reviewed and updated when circumstances change.
- Documentation, evacuation planning and fire safety management remain key compliance priorities in 2026.
- A thorough assessment helps protect occupants, property and business continuity.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a building, its activities and the people who use it to determine how likely a fire is to occur and what consequences it could have.
The assessment examines potential fire hazards, identifies people who may be at risk and evaluates whether existing fire safety measures are adequate. Where shortcomings are identified, actions should be taken to reduce risk and improve safety.
Under UK fire safety legislation, most non-domestic premises are required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. The findings should inform the organisation’s wider fire safety arrangements, including evacuation procedures, staff training and fire protection measures.
Who Is Responsible for Carrying Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
The responsibility for fire safety falls on the person who is responsible for the premises.
Depending on the building, this may be an employer, business owner, landlord, managing agent, facilities manager or anyone with control over part of the building.
While some responsible persons may choose to carry out the assessment themselves, many organisations engage competent fire safety professionals to ensure the assessment is comprehensive and reflects current fire safety requirements.
Ultimately, responsibility for fire safety compliance remains with the responsible person, regardless of who conducts the assessment.
Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards
The first stage of any fire risk assessment is identifying potential sources of fire.
Every building contains hazards that could lead to ignition if not properly managed. Common examples include electrical equipment, heating systems, machinery, cooking appliances and smoking materials.
Attention should also be given to combustible materials that could contribute to the spread of fire. These may include paper, packaging, waste materials, furnishings, stock and flammable liquids.
The objective is to understand where a fire could start and what materials could fuel its growth.
Step 2: Identify People at Risk
Once fire hazards have been identified, the next step is to determine who may be affected by a fire.
This includes employees, contractors, visitors, customers and any other occupants who may be present within the building. Particular attention should be given to anyone who may be more vulnerable during an emergency.
Individuals with mobility impairments, sensory impairments, medical conditions or limited familiarity with the premises may require additional consideration during evacuation planning.
In 2026, regulators continue to place increased emphasis on ensuring that vulnerable occupants are adequately considered within fire safety arrangements.
Step 3: Evaluate Existing Fire Safety Measures
A fire risk assessment should review the measures already in place to prevent fires and protect occupants.
This includes examining fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, escape routes, fire doors, signage and staff training arrangements.
The assessment should determine whether these measures are suitable for the building and whether they are being properly maintained.
For example, a fire alarm system may have been adequate when originally installed, but changes to the building layout or occupancy levels could mean that additional protection is now required.
Step 4: Assess the Level of Risk
Having identified hazards, people at risk and existing control measures, the next step is to evaluate the overall level of risk.
This involves considering how likely a fire is to occur and the potential consequences if it does.
Areas with significant ignition sources, large quantities of combustible materials or complex evacuation arrangements may present higher levels of risk and require additional controls.
The assessment should focus on reducing risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining effective day-to-day operations.
Step 5: Record Your Findings
Recording the findings of a fire risk assessment is an important part of demonstrating compliance.
The assessment should clearly document identified hazards, people at risk, existing control measures and any actions required to improve fire safety.
Well-maintained records provide evidence that fire risks have been considered and managed appropriately. They can also help support future reviews and inspections.
Increased regulatory scrutiny means that organisations should ensure documentation is accurate, up to date and readily available when required.
Step 6: Develop an Action Plan
Identifying risks is only one part of the process. Any issues highlighted during the assessment should be addressed through a clear and practical action plan.
Actions may include upgrading fire alarm systems, improving emergency lighting, enhancing staff training, replacing damaged fire doors or reviewing evacuation procedures.
Each action should be prioritised according to the level of risk involved and assigned a realistic timescale for completion.
A fire risk assessment should drive continuous improvement rather than simply fulfil a compliance requirement.
Step 7: Review the Assessment Regularly
Fire risk assessments are not static documents.
Buildings, occupancy levels and business activities change over time, and fire safety arrangements must evolve accordingly.
A review should be carried out whenever there are significant changes to the premises, including alterations to building layouts, changes in staffing levels, the introduction of new equipment or modifications to fire safety systems.
Even where no major changes have occurred, regular reviews help ensure that fire safety measures remain effective and compliant with current requirements.
Common Fire Risk Assessment Mistakes
Many organisations approach fire risk assessments as a paperwork exercise rather than a practical safety process.
One common mistake is failing to consider how changes to the building affect existing fire safety measures. Another is overlooking vulnerable occupants during evacuation planning.
Outdated documentation, poorly maintained fire protection systems and inadequate staff training can also undermine the effectiveness of an otherwise comprehensive assessment.
The most effective fire risk assessments take a holistic view of fire safety and focus on how risks are managed in practice.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter More Than Ever in 2026
Fire safety expectations continue to evolve, with greater emphasis being placed on accountability, documentation and emergency preparedness.
Regulators increasingly expect responsible persons to demonstrate a clear understanding of the risks within their premises and the measures in place to control them. A thorough fire risk assessment provides the foundation for this approach and helps organisations identify potential issues before they lead to enforcement action or incidents.
For businesses, an effective fire risk assessment is not only about compliance. It is about protecting people, safeguarding property and supporting operational continuity.
Need Professional Support with Your Fire Risk Assessment?
At Croma Fire & Security, we help businesses, landlords and organisations meet their fire safety obligations through professional fire risk assessments, fire alarm installation, maintenance services and ongoing compliance support.
If you need expert guidance on carrying out a fire risk assessment or improving fire safety within your premises, contact Croma Fire & Security today to speak with one of our experienced fire safety specialists.
