A fire risk assessor should be competent, with appropriate training, knowledge and experience in fire safety legislation and risk assessment practices. Many professional assessors hold third-party certifications or belong to recognised industry bodies.

Choosing a qualified provider helps ensure your fire risk assessment is suitable, sufficient and legally compliant.

Yes. A key purpose of a fire risk assessment is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety arrangements. This includes reviewing alarm systems, escape routes, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment and fire safety management procedures.

Any deficiencies or areas for improvement will be clearly outlined in the report.

All non-domestic premises require a fire risk assessment. This includes offices, shops, warehouses, factories, schools, hospitality venues and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings.

If you employ staff or control premises that the public can access, you are likely required to carry out an assessment.

After completion, you will receive a written report detailing identified hazards, risk levels and recommended actions. The responsible person must then implement the recommendations within appropriate timescales.

Where improvements are required, these may include upgrades to fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers or management procedures.

The duration of a fire risk assessment depends on the size and complexity of the premises. Smaller offices or retail units may take a few hours, while larger or more complex buildings will require more time.

The assessor will need access to all relevant areas to ensure a thorough inspection and accurate report.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment of non-domestic premises. Significant findings must be recorded, appropriate fire safety measures implemented and the assessment reviewed regularly.

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines or prosecution, making regular assessments essential for legal compliance.

There is no fixed legal timeframe for how often a fire risk assessment must be completed, but it must be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. You should review it if there are significant changes to the building, occupancy, layout or processes.

Many businesses choose to review their assessment annually and arrange a new assessment every few years, depending on the level of risk and complexity of the premises.

A fire risk assessment involves a structured inspection of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess who may be at risk and evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures. The assessor will review ignition sources, escape routes, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment.

You will receive a written report outlining identified risks and prioritised recommendations to help you meet your legal obligations and improve overall fire safety.