Question 1

What is a fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of your premises to identify fire hazards, determine who might be harmed and how, evaluate and remove or reduce those risks, record your findings and prepare an emergency plan, and regularly review the assessment.

Question 2

Do I need a fire risk assessment for my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you run or occupy a non-domestic premises in the UK (for example a business, commercial or public building), you must carry out a fire risk assessment to comply with the law.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

If you’re an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or anyone with control over the premises you have a legal duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is conducted and periodically reviewed.

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

You may choose to carry out certain parts of a fire risk assessment yourself especially if the building is simple, but using experienced and accredited fire-risk assessors (such as those certified under BAFE SP205) provides expertise, peace-of-mind, documentation accuracy and legal robustness.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. An up-to-date and professionally conducted fire risk assessment demonstrates to insurers and regulators that you are proactively managing fire safety. That often reduces risk, may lower premiums and strengthens your position in the event of an incident or claim.

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

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every commercial premises in the UK must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
The “responsible person”, typically the employer, owner, landlord, or occupier, is legally accountable for ensuring it’s completed and kept up to date.

Question 12

Use a competent and accredited assessor

Accepted Answer

While simple premises can conduct their own assessments, most commercial environments should use a competent professional.
Look for assessors who are:

BAFE SP205 certified (industry-recognised accreditation)
Experienced in your sector (schools, offices, industrial, retail, etc.)
Able to provide full written reports and practical recommendations

This ensures your assessment is compliant and defensible in case of an audit or incident.

Question 13

Know what the assessment should cover

Accepted Answer

A thorough fire risk assessment will include:

Identification of fire hazards (heat sources, ignition points, materials)
Who is at risk and where
Evaluation of existing fire protection measures (alarms, detection, extinguishers, lighting)
Assessment of escape routes, signage, and emergency exits
Review of fire safety management procedures and staff training
Clear action plan with prioritised recommendations

If your report doesn’t include these, it may not be comprehensive.

Question 14

Keep it up to date

Accepted Answer

Your assessment should be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if:

The building layout changes
Staff numbers or activities change
Fire safety systems are updated
There’s been a fire, false alarm, or near-miss incident

Outdated assessments can invalidate insurance and breach legal obligations.

Question 15

Link the findings to an action plan

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment is only effective if you act on it.
Use the recommendations to create a Fire Safety Action Plan, addressing high-risk items first and assigning responsibilities with deadlines.

Question 16

Integrate with your overall fire safety management

Accepted Answer

Your assessment should connect with other key safety measures:

Fire alarm system testing and maintenance
Emergency lighting inspections
Fire extinguisher servicing
Evacuation procedures and drills
Staff training and induction programmes

This creates a joined-up, proactive approach to fire safety management.

Question 17

Don’t treat it as a one-off

Accepted Answer

Fire risk assessment is a continuous process.
As your business evolves, new machinery, office layouts, storage areas, risks change too.
Regular reviews help you stay compliant and keep people safe.

Question 18

Make sure your documentation is accessible

Accepted Answer

Keep a printed and digital copy of your fire risk assessment, certificates, and maintenance records.
Store them where the Fire & Rescue Service or inspectors can easily access them during audits or emergencies.

Question 19

Train your staff

Accepted Answer

Even with the best systems, safety depends on people.
Train staff in fire awareness, evacuation procedures, and how to raise the alarm.
Regular fire drills (at least annually) reinforce readiness and identify practical issues in escape routes or procedures.

Question 20

Use it to improve insurance and compliance confidence

Accepted Answer

A professional, up-to-date fire risk assessment demonstrates you take fire safety seriously, improving your compliance record and sometimes even lowering insurance premiums.

Question 21

Work with a multi-disciplined provider

Accepted Answer

Choosing a company that handles fire detection, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment, and maintenance (like SS Systems) means:

All systems are checked together
You get a single, cohesive report
You save time, disruption, and administrative effort

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Frequently Asked Questions – Fire Risk Assessment