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Fire Risk Assessment2026-10-21T19:04:56+00:00

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS

Fire risk assessments help businesses meet their legal duties, protect people and maintain safer premises.

HELPING YOU STAY SAFE, PROTECTED AND COMPLIANT

Professional Fire Risk Assessments

Our qualified fire risk assessors identify potential hazards, evaluate fire safety measures and provide practical recommendations tailored to your premises. We help businesses meet their legal responsibilities while protecting employees, visitors and property.

SS Systems holds BAFE SP205 certification and brings specialist knowledge, experience and a thorough understanding of fire safety legislation to every assessment. Our professional approach makes fire safety compliance easier to understand and manage.

The Five Key Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment

Our assessors follow five key steps to identify hazards, evaluate risks and recommend appropriate fire safety measures.

  1. Identify fire hazards: Examine potential ignition sources, combustible materials and other hazards within the premises.
  2. Identify people at risk: Consider employees, visitors, contractors and anyone who may require additional assistance during an emergency.
  3. Evaluate and reduce risks: Review existing fire precautions and recommend practical measures to reduce identified risks.
  4. Record findings and plan improvements: Document significant findings, review emergency arrangements and identify any training requirements.
  5. Review and update: Revisit the assessment when circumstances change and at appropriate intervals to keep fire safety arrangements effective.

A Tailored Service for Your Business

Every building presents different fire safety challenges. That’s why we tailor our fire risk assessments to your premises, occupancy, activities and operational requirements.

Our comprehensive reports explain the findings, highlight areas of concern and provide practical recommendations. We also prioritise actions to help you plan improvements and address the most significant risks first.

Regular reviews and effective fire safety procedures help maintain safer premises. They also support responsible persons in managing their legal duties and protecting staff, customers, visitors and tenants.

What Our Fire Risk Assessments Cover

Our assessors review the fire safety arrangements relevant to your premises. Depending on the building and its use, this may include:

  • Fire detection and alarm systems
  • Emergency lighting systems
  • Fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment
  • Fire doors and compartmentation
  • Escape routes and means of evacuation
  • Fire safety signs and notices
  • Staff training and fire awareness
  • Emergency procedures and evacuation plans
  • Testing, maintenance and inspection records
  • Fire safety management systems and responsibilities

Why Choose SS Systems?

SS Systems combines professional fire safety expertise with a practical approach to risk management. We help organisations understand their responsibilities, identify potential hazards and make informed decisions about fire safety improvements.

  • BAFE SP205 certification and qualified fire risk assessors
  • Fire risk assessment reports prepared in accordance with PAS 79
  • Clear findings and practical, prioritised recommendations
  • Assessments tailored to different types of commercial premises
  • Ongoing support to help maintain fire safety compliance
  • Professional, knowledgeable and responsive service

Arrange your fire risk assessment with SS Systems. Complete the enquiry form, call 03300 417 170 or contact our team to discuss your fire safety requirements.

Enquiry

COMPLETE FIRE SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

Your Safety, Security and Satisfaction Come First

At SS Systems, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to excellent customer service. We build lasting relationships by understanding our customers’ needs and delivering reliable fire safety and security solutions. Our experienced team provides professional advice, responsive support and practical solutions tailored to each customer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment examines a building, its activities and its fire safety arrangements to identify hazards and evaluate the risk to people.

The assessment helps the person responsible for fire safety understand where a fire could start, how it might spread and whether people could escape safely.

A suitable assessment generally covers five key steps:

  • Identify potential fire hazards.
  • Identify people who may face particular risks.
  • Evaluate the risks and existing precautions.
  • Record the findings and establish appropriate fire safety arrangements.
  • Review the assessment and update it when necessary.

SS Systems provides professional fire risk assessments for commercial and other non-domestic premises, with practical recommendations to help businesses manage identified risks.

Yes. Fire safety legislation requires the responsible person for relevant non-domestic premises to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 establishes this duty. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate fire safety legislation.

The requirement applies to a wide range of premises, including:

  • Offices and retail premises
  • Factories, warehouses and workshops
  • Schools and healthcare premises
  • Hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities
  • Communal areas of relevant residential buildings
  • Other workplaces and premises covered by applicable fire safety legislation

The responsible person must also act on the assessment’s findings and maintain appropriate fire safety precautions.

Having a report alone does not fulfil every fire safety duty.

The responsible person must ensure that the premises have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Depending on the building and how people use it, the responsible person may be:

  • An employer
  • A building owner or landlord
  • A managing agent
  • An occupier or business operator
  • Another person or organisation with control over relevant premises

More than one party may have fire safety duties in a shared or multi-occupied building. Those parties must cooperate and coordinate their arrangements where the law requires it.

You can appoint a competent external assessor to carry out the assessment, but appointing a specialist does not transfer the responsible person’s legal duties.

SS Systems can help businesses identify relevant fire safety issues and understand the recommendations in their assessment reports.

A professional fire risk assessment considers the fire hazards, people at risk and existing fire safety arrangements within the premises.

Depending on the building, the assessor may examine:

  • Fire hazards: Electrical equipment, heating, cooking, combustible materials and work processes.
  • People at risk: Employees, visitors, contractors and people who may need assistance during evacuation.
  • Fire detection: Fire alarm systems, detectors, manual call points and relevant maintenance records.
  • Escape arrangements: Escape routes, emergency exits, fire doors and evacuation procedures.
  • Emergency lighting: Provision, condition and relevant testing arrangements.
  • Firefighting equipment: Extinguishers and other equipment appropriate to the premises.
  • Fire precautions: Compartmentation, fire safety signs and relevant building features.
  • Management arrangements: Staff training, fire drills, inspections and maintenance records.

The assessor then evaluates the findings and recommends proportionate actions to reduce relevant risks.

SS Systems provides reports with practical recommendations and a prioritised action plan.

Fire safety legislation requires the responsible person to review the fire risk assessment regularly and whenever circumstances suggest that the existing assessment may no longer remain valid.

There is no single statutory annual review interval that applies to every premises under the Fire Safety Order in England and Wales.

You should review the assessment when:

  • The building layout or escape arrangements change.
  • Occupancy levels or the people using the building change significantly.
  • You introduce new equipment, materials or work processes.
  • You alter fire alarm systems or other fire safety measures.
  • A fire, near miss or significant incident reveals a potential weakness.
  • New information suggests that the existing precautions may not provide adequate protection.

Many organisations schedule a formal annual review as a sensible management practice, but the appropriate frequency depends on the premises and its risks.

Arrange a fresh professional assessment when the changes or findings justify one.

Yes, in some circumstances. Fire safety legislation does not require every business to appoint an external fire risk assessor.

However, whoever carries out the assessment must have sufficient knowledge, experience and understanding to assess the premises properly.

A small, straightforward workplace may have relatively simple fire risks. Larger buildings, complex layouts, specialist processes and vulnerable occupants often require more extensive expertise.

Consider appointing a competent professional if your premises include:

  • Complex escape routes or multiple floors
  • High numbers of occupants
  • People who may need assistance to evacuate
  • Industrial processes or significant combustible storage
  • Shared occupancy or complicated management arrangements
  • Specialist fire protection systems

SS Systems offers professional fire risk assessments to help organisations understand and manage these risks.

The time required depends on the building’s size, layout, occupancy, activities and existing fire safety arrangements.

A straightforward small workplace may require a relatively short site visit, while a large warehouse, multi-storey building or complex commercial premises may need considerably more time.

The assessor may need to:

  • Review relevant building information and previous assessments.
  • Inspect accessible areas and fire safety arrangements.
  • Discuss fire safety procedures with the management team.
  • Examine available testing, servicing and training records.
  • Identify hazards and evaluate the risks to occupants.
  • Prepare a written report and prioritised recommendations.

The site visit represents only part of the work. The assessor also needs time to evaluate the findings and prepare the report.

When arranging an assessment with SS Systems, provide accurate information about your premises so the team can discuss the appropriate scope and arrangements.

If the assessment identifies significant fire safety problems, the responsible person must consider the risks and arrange suitable corrective action.

SS Systems provides clear findings and prioritised recommendations to help businesses understand what they need to address.

Depending on the problem, actions may include:

  • Removing combustible materials from escape routes
  • Repairing defective fire doors or other fire precautions
  • Improving fire detection and alarm arrangements
  • Addressing emergency lighting defects
  • Updating evacuation procedures
  • Providing additional staff training
  • Arranging specialist investigation or remedial work

Serious risks may require immediate action or temporary safety precautions while the organisation arranges permanent improvements.

Assign responsibility for each action, set an appropriate timescale and record the outcome.

Do not wait until the next scheduled assessment to address a significant danger.

Following a professional fire risk assessment, you should receive a written report that explains the assessor’s findings and recommends suitable actions.

SS Systems offers detailed reports with practical recommendations and a prioritised action plan.

A useful report should normally identify:

  • The premises and areas within the assessment scope
  • The assessment date and relevant building information
  • Significant fire hazards and people at risk
  • Existing fire safety precautions
  • Deficiencies and other significant findings
  • Recommended corrective actions and their priorities
  • Relevant limitations or areas requiring further investigation
  • Appropriate review arrangements

In England and Wales, the Fire Safety Order requires responsible persons to record the findings of their fire risk assessment, regardless of the number of employees.

Keep the report accessible and maintain separate records that show how you address the recommendations.

Yes. SS Systems offers professional fire risk assessments alongside a wider range of commercial fire safety services.

Following your assessment, the team can discuss relevant findings and help you identify suitable next steps.

Depending on the recommendations, SS Systems may be able to assist with:

  • Commercial fire alarm systems
  • Emergency lighting
  • Fire safety equipment
  • Fire safety training
  • Inspection, testing and maintenance
  • Other relevant fire protection services

The responsible person must review the recommendations, approve suitable corrective measures and maintain oversight of outstanding actions.

To discuss a fire risk assessment for your premises, call 03300 417 170, email sales@sssystems.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page.

Advice When Arranging and Managing a Fire Risk Assessment

Before arranging a fire risk assessment, establish who holds responsibility for fire safety at your premises and which legal requirements apply.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person for relevant premises.

Start by confirming:

  • Who controls the premises and its fire safety arrangements
  • Whether landlords, tenants or managing agents share responsibilities
  • Which parts of the building the assessment must cover
  • Who manages fire safety records and maintenance arrangements
  • Who has authority to approve corrective work
  • How different responsible persons will cooperate where necessary

Remember that Scotland and Northern Ireland operate under separate fire safety legislation.

Appointing a professional assessor can help you understand the risks, but the responsible person must still ensure that the organisation takes appropriate action.

Choose an assessor who has the knowledge, experience and competence to evaluate the risks associated with your particular building.

Fire risk assessments require more than a general inspection. The assessor must understand fire hazards, evacuation arrangements, relevant legislation and the fire protection measures appropriate to the premises.

Before appointing a provider, ask about:

  • Relevant experience: Has the assessor worked with similar premises and activities?
  • Professional competence: What qualifications, training and experience support the assessor’s work?
  • Third-party certification: Does the provider hold relevant certification, and what does its scope cover?
  • Assessment methodology: How will the assessor inspect the building and evaluate its risks?
  • Reporting: Will you receive clear findings and prioritised recommendations?
  • Follow-up support: Can the provider explain its recommendations and discuss suitable corrective measures?

SS Systems advertises professional fire risk assessment services, with reference to BAFE SP205 and PAS 79 on its website.

When comparing providers, verify the current certification status and scope of the organisation undertaking the assessment rather than relying on a general accreditation claim.

Gather your existing fire safety documents and building information before the assessor arrives.

Good preparation helps the assessor understand how your premises operate and identify issues that may not appear during a visual inspection.

Useful information includes:

  • Previous fire risk assessments and outstanding action plans
  • Building plans and relevant escape route information
  • Fire alarm inspection and servicing records
  • Emergency lighting testing and maintenance records
  • Fire extinguisher servicing information
  • Fire door inspection records where available
  • Staff fire safety training and evacuation drill records
  • Details of significant building alterations
  • Information about hazardous materials or specialist processes
  • Existing emergency procedures and arrangements for people who need assistance

Arrange access to relevant rooms, plant areas, storage spaces and escape routes.

Identify a member of staff who can answer questions about the building and its day-to-day operations.

Do not delay an essential assessment simply because some documents are missing. Tell the assessor what information you cannot provide.

Make sure your fire risk assessment considers all relevant occupants, not just permanent employees.

Different people may face different risks during a fire, particularly when they do not know the building or need assistance to evacuate.

Consider:

  • Employees working in different areas or on different shifts
  • Visitors, customers and members of the public
  • Contractors and temporary workers
  • People with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments
  • People who may need additional assistance during an emergency
  • People working alone or in remote areas
  • Occupants who may be asleep, where relevant to the building’s use

Review how people will receive a warning, reach a place of safety and obtain assistance when necessary.

Where appropriate, establish personal emergency evacuation plans or other suitable arrangements that reflect individual needs and the building’s fire strategy.

Update these arrangements when occupants’ circumstances or the building’s use changes.

Use the assessment to identify potential ignition sources, combustible materials and weaknesses in your existing fire precautions.

Consider how a fire might start, how it could spread and whether your current arrangements adequately protect people.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Electrical hazards: Damaged equipment, overloaded sockets and unsuitable charging arrangements.
  • Heat sources: Heating equipment, cooking facilities and hot work activities.
  • Combustible materials: Packaging, waste, stock and flammable substances.
  • Fire detection: The suitability and condition of fire alarm equipment.
  • Escape routes: Obstructions, inadequate arrangements and difficulties reaching exits.
  • Fire doors: Damage, poor operation and inappropriate wedging open.
  • Emergency lighting: Provision and maintenance where necessary.
  • Fire safety management: Training, housekeeping and inspection procedures.

Discuss any specialist hazards with the assessor, including manufacturing processes, battery storage, commercial kitchens or significant quantities of combustible goods.

The assessment should consider the premises as a whole rather than focusing on individual items of equipment.

A fire risk assessment provides the greatest practical value when you act on its findings.

After receiving the report, review each recommendation and establish a clear plan for addressing identified deficiencies.

Your action plan should include:

  • The issue: Describe the fire safety concern and its location.
  • The required action: Identify the improvement or further investigation needed.
  • Priority: Consider the risk and the urgency of corrective work.
  • Responsibility: Assign an appropriate person to manage the action.
  • Timescale: Set a suitable deadline based on the level of risk.
  • Progress: Record updates, obstacles and interim precautions.
  • Completion: Keep evidence of repairs, changes or other corrective measures.

Address serious risks promptly and seek competent advice if you need temporary precautions while arranging permanent work.

SS Systems provides prioritised recommendations that can help businesses organise their next steps.

Review the action plan regularly until you resolve or otherwise appropriately manage each outstanding issue.

Use your fire risk assessment to guide ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance across the premises.

A suitable assessment should consider whether existing fire safety systems and management arrangements remain appropriate for the building.

Coordinate the findings with:

  • Fire alarm testing and professional servicing
  • Emergency lighting inspections and testing
  • Fire extinguisher maintenance
  • Fire door inspection and repair programmes
  • Escape route and housekeeping checks
  • Staff fire safety training and evacuation drills
  • Relevant specialist fire protection systems

Follow the applicable standards, manufacturer instructions and risk-based requirements for each system.

Keep records of maintenance work and address faults that could compromise fire safety.

SS Systems offers a range of commercial fire protection and maintenance services that can support the corrective actions identified during an assessment.

Remember that a fire risk assessment does not replace the specialist inspections and servicing that individual systems require.

Keep your fire risk assessment under review as your building, activities and occupants change.

Fire safety risks can develop gradually, even when the premises appear largely unchanged.

Arrange a review when you:

  • Alter the building layout or escape routes
  • Expand or change business operations
  • Introduce new machinery, processes or hazardous materials
  • Increase occupancy or change how people use the building
  • Modify fire alarm systems or other fire protection measures
  • Identify significant deficiencies during maintenance
  • Experience a fire, near miss or other relevant incident
  • Receive new information that affects the existing assessment

Many businesses choose an annual management review to help identify changes, although legislation does not impose one universal annual interval for every premises.

Decide whether the changes require an update to the existing assessment or a more extensive reassessment by a competent professional.

Record the review date, findings and any actions that follow.

Look for a fire risk assessment provider that offers clear advice, understands your premises and can help you manage the findings over time.

SS Systems provides professional fire risk assessments alongside commercial fire alarm, emergency lighting, fire safety equipment and maintenance services.

Before appointing a provider, discuss:

  • Experience with buildings similar to yours
  • The assessment scope and any exclusions
  • Assessor competence and relevant third-party certification
  • The format and detail of the final report
  • How the provider prioritises recommendations
  • Whether you can discuss findings with the assessor
  • Support for relevant remedial work and ongoing maintenance
  • Arrangements for future reviews or reassessments

Choose a provider that explains risks clearly and recommends proportionate improvements rather than simply producing a report.

Maintain responsibility for deciding, approving and tracking the necessary fire safety actions.

Bonus Tip: Create a fire risk assessment action tracker alongside your report. Give each recommendation a unique reference, record its location and priority, assign an owner and deadline, and attach evidence when your team completes the work. Review the tracker during regular management meetings so important actions do not disappear between assessments.

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OUR PARTNERS

SS Systems partner with leading UK based manufacturers to ensure that the fire detection and alarm systems we provide are at the forefront of current technology, along with being the most reliable our industry has to offer.

Externally Monitored to Ensure that we meet a High Standard of Service.

As members of the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), We maintain service records and monitor our success. The SSAIB, is a leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection alarm systems, and monitoring services. So, you can be confident that we strive to provide our clients with a reliable and professional level of service.

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