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

Most businesses and non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places this duty on the Responsible Person. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate fire safety legislation with their own requirements.

A fire risk assessment helps you identify fire hazards, understand who could be at risk and decide which precautions your premises need.

The assessment should reflect your building's layout, activities, occupancy and existing fire safety measures. You must also record the assessment findings in accordance with the requirements that apply to your premises.

If you are unsure which duties apply, seek advice from a competent fire risk assessor.

Question 3

Who Is Responsible for Making Sure a Fire Risk Assessment Is Done?

Accepted Answer

In England and Wales, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment takes place.

Depending on the premises, the Responsible Person may be an employer, business owner, landlord, managing agent or another party with control over the building.

More than one party may have fire safety responsibilities within the same premises. Where duties overlap, those involved must cooperate and coordinate their fire safety arrangements.

The Responsible Person can appoint a competent fire risk assessor to carry out the assessment, but this does not remove their underlying legal responsibilities.

Businesses should clearly identify who manages the assessment, implements the findings and monitors ongoing fire safety arrangements.

Question 4

What Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

During a fire risk assessment, a competent assessor examines your premises, activities and existing fire safety arrangements to identify potential hazards and areas for improvement.

The assessment typically includes:

 	Identifying potential ignition sources, fuel sources and other fire hazards
 	Considering employees, visitors, contractors and anyone who may need assistance during evacuation
 	Reviewing escape routes, exits, fire doors and compartmentation
 	Considering fire detection, alarm systems and firefighting equipment
 	Reviewing emergency lighting, signage and evacuation arrangements
 	Checking relevant fire safety management procedures and records
 	Identifying significant findings and recommending appropriate improvements

The assessor should explain the main risks and provide a report that helps you understand which actions require attention.

The assessment does not automatically include specialist testing or certification of every fire safety system. You may need separate inspections where the findings identify a concern.

Question 5

What Happens If I Don't Have a Fire Risk Assessment?

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 a Fire Risk Assessment Report Include?

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 a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

Accepted Answer

You should review your fire risk assessment regularly and whenever circumstances suggest that it may no longer reflect the risks within your premises.

In England and Wales, the Fire Safety Order requires the Responsible Person to keep the assessment under review and revise it where necessary.

Important reasons to review an assessment include:

 	Changes to the building layout or escape routes
 	New equipment, machinery or work processes
 	Changes in occupancy or the needs of building users
 	Significant changes to stored materials or fire hazards
 	Fire incidents, near misses or identified safety failures
 	Alterations to fire protection systems or management arrangements

Many organisations schedule annual reviews as good practice, but the law does not impose one universal annual reassessment deadline on every premises.

Set a suitable review schedule based on your risks and arrange an earlier review whenever significant changes occur.

Question 8

Can I Carry Out My Own Fire Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

You may carry out a fire risk assessment yourself if you have the necessary knowledge, experience and competence to assess your premises properly.

However, larger, more complex or higher-risk buildings often require specialist knowledge of fire hazards, evacuation arrangements, building construction and fire protection systems.

A competent professional can help you identify risks that may be difficult to recognise without appropriate training and experience.

When choosing an external provider, consider the assessor's qualifications, relevant experience and competence for your type of premises.

BAFE SP205 provides third-party certification for organisations that deliver life safety fire risk assessment services. It does not certify individual assessors.

Whether you complete the assessment internally or appoint a specialist, the person with the relevant legal duties must ensure the assessment remains suitable and sufficient.

Question 9

Can a Fire Risk Assessment Help with Business Insurance?

Accepted Answer

A suitable fire risk assessment can support your organisation's approach to risk management and help demonstrate that you take fire safety seriously.

Insurers may consider your fire risks, fire protection arrangements and risk management procedures when assessing cover or setting policy conditions.

Acting on the assessment's recommendations can help reduce the likelihood or consequences of a fire and may support discussions with your insurer.

However, a fire risk assessment does not guarantee lower premiums, improved policy terms or acceptance of an insurance claim.

Check your policy conditions and discuss any specific fire protection or maintenance requirements directly with your insurer.

Question 10

What Happens After a Fire Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

After completing the assessment, review the report and identify the actions needed to improve fire safety within your premises.

The report should help you understand the significant findings, the people who may be at risk and the precautions that require attention.

Your next steps should include:

 	Prioritising urgent or high-risk findings
 	Assigning responsibility for each recommended action
 	Setting appropriate timescales for improvements
 	Arranging specialist inspections, repairs or upgrades where necessary
 	Updating fire safety procedures and staff information
 	Recording completed actions and outstanding issues
 	Reviewing the assessment when circumstances change

Do not treat the assessment report as the final step. Its value comes from taking suitable action and maintaining effective fire safety arrangements.

SS Systems can discuss your fire risk assessment requirements. Call 03300 417 170, email sales@sssystems.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page.

Question 11

Understand Your Legal Fire Safety Responsibilities

Accepted Answer

Understanding your legal responsibilities helps you manage fire safety effectively and protect everyone who uses your premises.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the Responsible Person. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate fire safety legislation.

For premises covered by the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person must:

 	Ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment takes place.
 	Record the assessment in full, including its findings and relevant precautions.
 	Introduce and maintain appropriate fire safety measures.
 	Provide relevant fire safety information and training.
 	Review the assessment regularly and after significant changes.
 	Cooperate with other Responsible Persons where responsibilities overlap.

Identify who holds these responsibilities within your organisation and make sure the appropriate people understand their duties.

Appointing an external assessor can provide specialist support, but it does not transfer the Responsible Person's legal obligations.

Question 12

Choose a Competent Fire Risk Assessor

Accepted Answer

Choose a fire risk assessor who has the knowledge, experience and competence to assess your type of premises.

A small office, large warehouse, manufacturing facility or complex multi-occupied building may present very different fire safety challenges.

Before appointing an assessor, consider:

 	Relevant experience – Ask whether they have assessed buildings with similar activities and risks.
 	Qualifications and training – Check that their professional background suits the complexity of your premises.
 	Third-party certification – Consider recognised certification schemes and confirm their scope.
 	Assessment methodology – Ask how they identify hazards, evaluate risks and recommend improvements.
 	Reporting – Request a clear report with findings and practical recommendations.
 	Ongoing support – Establish whether they can help you understand findings or arrange further specialist advice.

BAFE SP205 provides certification for organisations delivering life safety fire risk assessment services. It does not certify individual assessors.

Choose competence and relevant experience over price alone.

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

Review Your Fire Risk Assessment When Risks Change

Accepted Answer

Keep your fire risk assessment under review so it continues to reflect the way you use your premises.

Fire hazards can change as your business grows, introduces new equipment or alters its working arrangements.

Arrange a review when you:

 	Change the building layout or designated escape routes
 	Install new machinery or introduce different processes
 	Increase occupancy or change how people use the premises
 	Store new materials or increase combustible storage
 	Make significant changes to fire safety equipment
 	Experience a fire, near miss or serious safety concern
 	Identify evidence that the existing assessment may no longer be valid

Set a regular review schedule that reflects the risks and complexity of your premises.

An annual review often provides a useful starting point for simpler premises, but legislation does not specify one universal annual review deadline.

Record each review and update the assessment wherever the findings require changes.

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 Staff and Review Emergency Procedures

Accepted Answer

Help employees understand the fire risks within your premises and what they should do if an emergency occurs.

Use your fire risk assessment findings to identify suitable training, information and evacuation arrangements.

Your fire safety programme should address:

 	Fire awareness – Explain common workplace hazards and practical prevention measures.
 	Evacuation procedures – Show employees how to raise the alarm, follow escape routes and reach a place of safety.
 	Fire wardens – Provide appropriate training to employees who have designated responsibilities.
 	Fire extinguisher use – Train relevant staff where their duties and the fire safety strategy require it.
 	Evacuation assistance – Make suitable arrangements for people who may need additional help.
 	Fire drills – Practise evacuation procedures at intervals appropriate to the premises and its risks.
 	New starters and contractors – Provide relevant fire safety information before they begin work.

Review your arrangements after drills, incidents or significant changes to the building.

Do not assume that one annual drill or training session automatically meets every organisation's requirements.

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 Provider That Supports Ongoing Fire Safety

Accepted Answer

A fire risk assessment provides a starting point for managing fire safety, but your organisation must also maintain suitable precautions and address the risks the assessment identifies.

Consider working with a provider that understands how fire risk assessments relate to wider fire protection and safety systems.

Depending on your premises and assessment findings, you may need support with:

 	Fire alarm systems and detection arrangements
 	Emergency lighting
 	Fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment
 	Fire doors, compartmentation and escape routes
 	Fire safety training
 	Planned inspection, testing and maintenance
 	Specialist surveys or remedial works

SS Systems provides commercial fire safety services and can help businesses discuss their assessment findings and relevant fire protection requirements.

Remember that a fire risk assessment does not automatically include specialist inspection or certification of every fire safety system. Arrange separate technical assessments where necessary.

HELPING YOU STAY SAFE, PROTECTED AND COMPLIANT

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessments