Question 1

What is a fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a building or premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the risks to people and determine the fire safety measures needed to reduce those risks.

It considers factors such as ignition sources, combustible materials, escape routes, fire detection and warning systems, emergency procedures and people who may be particularly vulnerable.

The findings help the Responsible Person identify necessary improvements and maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements.

Question 2

Do I need a fire risk assessment for my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are responsible for a business or other non-domestic premises, fire safety legislation generally requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. In England and Wales, this is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate fire safety legislation. The assessment must identify fire hazards, consider who may be at risk and determine the precautions needed to protect people.

Question 3

Who is responsible for making sure a fire risk assessment is done?

Accepted Answer

The duty normally rests with the person or organisation responsible for fire safety at the premises. In England and Wales, this is known as the Responsible Person and may include an employer, building owner, landlord or anyone with relevant control of the premises. Where responsibilities are shared, the parties must cooperate and coordinate their fire safety arrangements.

Question 4

What are the main steps involved in a fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Typical key steps include:

 	Identifying fire hazards.
 	Determining who may be harmed and how.
 	Evaluating the risks and deciding on precautions.
 	Recording your significant findings, preparing an emergency plan and providing training.
 	Reviewing and updating the assessment regularly.

Question 5

What happens if I do not have a fire risk assessment or fail to keep it up to date?

Accepted Answer

Non-compliance can lead to enforcement action including fines, prosecution and in serious cases imprisonment. Having and maintaining a valid fire risk assessment is vital both legally and for safety.

Question 6

What should be included in the fire risk assessment report?

Accepted Answer

A professional fire risk assessment report should cover not only the hazard identification and risk evaluation but also your fire alarm system, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment (extinguishers etc.), escape routes, signage, and associated fire safety procedures

Question 7

How often should the fire risk assessment be reviewed or updated?

Accepted Answer

The fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes – for example changes in building layout, occupancy levels, use of the building or fire-safety systems. Regular reviews help ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Question 8

Can I carry out the fire risk assessment myself or should I use a specialist?

Accepted Answer

A Responsible Person can carry out a fire risk assessment themselves if they have the necessary competence, knowledge and experience. However, more complex premises may require a specialist fire risk assessor. When selecting a provider, look for relevant experience and independently verified competence, such as an organisation holding third-party certification and BAFE SP205 registration for life safety fire risk assessment services.

Question 9

Will having a fire risk assessment reduce insurance premiums or risk in my business?

Accepted Answer

A suitable fire risk assessment helps identify hazards and the precautions needed to reduce fire risks to people and premises. Acting on its findings can improve fire safety and demonstrate responsible risk management. However, a fire risk assessment does not automatically reduce insurance premiums. Any effect on cover or pricing depends on the insurer, the property and the fire safety measures implemented.

Question 10

After the assessment, what happens next?

Accepted Answer

Following the assessment you should receive a written report with clear findings and recommendations. Then you’ll need to act on those recommendations, implementing necessary precautions, arranging training, documenting procedures and scheduling future reviews.

Question 11

Understand your legal responsibility

Accepted Answer

Fire safety legislation requires those responsible for most non-domestic premises to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.

In England and Wales, these duties are set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legislation.

The Responsible Person, which may be an employer, owner, landlord or another person with control of the premises, must ensure that fire risks are assessed, appropriate precautions are implemented and the assessment is reviewed when necessary.

Question 12

Use a competent and accredited assessor

Accepted Answer

While a competent person may be able to assess simpler premises, more complex commercial environments can benefit from using a competent professional fire risk assessor.

When choosing an assessor, look for:

 	BAFE SP205 registration and appropriate third-party certification held by the assessment organisation.
 	Relevant experience in your sector, such as education, offices, industrial premises or retail.
 	Suitable qualifications, knowledge and professional competence.
 	The ability to provide a detailed written report with clear, prioritised recommendations.

Independent certification provides useful evidence of competence, but the Responsible Person remains accountable for meeting their fire safety duties.

Question 13

Know what the assessment should cover

Accepted Answer

A suitable fire risk assessment should identify potential fire hazards, consider who may be at risk and evaluate the precautions in place.

Key areas to consider include:

 	Fire hazards – ignition sources, combustible materials and activities that could increase fire risk.
 	People at risk – employees, visitors and anyone who may need additional assistance during evacuation.
 	Fire protection systems – fire alarms, emergency lighting and appropriate firefighting equipment.
 	Escape arrangements – emergency exits, escape routes, fire doors and safety signage.
 	Fire safety management – staff training, evacuation procedures and maintenance records.

The assessment should identify any necessary improvements and provide practical, prioritised recommendations.

Question 14

Keep it up to date

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for your premises. An annual review can be useful good practice, but there is no universal legal requirement to review every assessment annually.

Arrange an earlier review if:

 	The building layout, use or occupancy changes.
 	New machinery, equipment or processes introduce additional fire hazards.
 	Fire protection systems or evacuation arrangements are altered.
 	A fire, near miss or other incident raises concerns.
 	There is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer suitable.

The appropriate review frequency should reflect the risks and circumstances of your premises.

Question 15

Link the findings to an action plan

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment is most effective when its findings lead to practical fire safety improvements.

Develop an action plan that:

 	Prioritises significant risks and urgent corrective measures.
 	Identifies the action required for each finding.
 	Assigns responsibility to the appropriate person.
 	Sets realistic deadlines based on the level of risk.
 	Records progress and confirms when actions have been completed.

Review your action plan regularly and retain evidence of completed improvements.

Question 16

Integrate with your overall fire safety management

Accepted Answer

Your fire risk assessment should form part of your wider fire safety management arrangements.

Consider how its findings relate to:

 	Fire alarm testing, servicing and maintenance.
 	Emergency lighting inspections and testing.
 	Fire extinguisher provision and servicing.
 	Fire doors, escape routes and fire compartmentation.
 	Evacuation procedures and fire drills.
 	Staff fire safety training and induction.

Coordinating these activities helps identify gaps, clarify responsibilities and maintain effective fire safety precautions.

Question 17

Don’t treat it as a one-off

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment is an ongoing part of effective fire safety management, not a one-off exercise.

As your business evolves, changes to machinery, office layouts, storage arrangements, occupancy or working practices can introduce new fire risks.

Review the assessment when circumstances change and act on any new recommendations to help keep your fire safety arrangements appropriate for the premises.

Question 18

Make sure your documentation is accessible

Accepted Answer

Keep your fire risk assessment, action plan and supporting fire safety records organised and readily accessible.

Relevant documentation may include fire alarm and emergency lighting test records, equipment servicing certificates, staff training records, evacuation procedures and evidence of completed corrective actions.

Ensure the people responsible for fire safety know where these documents are stored and can provide them to enforcing authorities when required. Digital records can be useful, provided they remain accessible when needed.

Question 19

Train your staff

Accepted Answer

Effective fire safety depends on employees understanding how to prevent fires and respond in an emergency.

Provide appropriate fire safety information and training so staff understand:

 	How to recognise and report fire hazards.
 	How to raise the fire alarm.
 	Evacuation procedures and designated escape routes.
 	Where to assemble safely following evacuation.
 	Any specific fire safety responsibilities assigned to them.

Conduct fire drills at intervals appropriate to your premises, workforce and fire safety arrangements. Review training whenever procedures, risks or responsibilities change.

Question 20

Use it to improve insurance and compliance confidence

Accepted Answer

A suitable, up-to-date fire risk assessment helps demonstrate that fire hazards have been identified and that appropriate precautions are being considered and implemented.

Acting on the findings, maintaining relevant records and reviewing fire safety arrangements can support regulatory compliance and demonstrate responsible risk management.

However, completing an assessment does not automatically guarantee legal compliance or lower insurance premiums. Any insurance benefits depend on the insurer's requirements, the premises and the fire safety measures implemented.

Question 21

Work with a multi-disciplined provider

Accepted Answer

Working with a multi-disciplined fire safety provider can help businesses coordinate the improvements identified by their fire risk assessment.

SS Systems provides a range of fire safety services, including fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire safety equipment and ongoing maintenance.

Using an experienced provider can help you:

 	Coordinate recommended improvements across different fire safety systems.
 	Arrange inspections, upgrades and servicing more efficiently.
 	Reduce the need to manage multiple contractors.
 	Maintain clearer communication about outstanding fire safety actions.

A fire risk assessment is a separate assessment of the premises. Any additional installation, inspection or maintenance work should be agreed separately.

HELPING YOU STAY SAFE, PROTECTED AND COMPLIANT

Frequently Asked Questions – Fire Risk Assessment