Fire risk assessments in the UK: what they are and what to expect

A fire risk assessment is the structured process the law expects you to follow to identify fire hazards and people at risk, evaluate the severity of that risk, and record what you will do to reduce it. For most non-domestic premises in England and Wales, the starting point is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often called the Fire Safety Order or RRFSO). Similar duties exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland under different legislation, but the underlying ideas — identify, evaluate, act, record, review — are closely aligned.

Why the assessment matters

The assessment is not a paperwork exercise. It is the evidence trail that shows you have thought systematically about how a fire could start, how it could spread, who might be harmed, and how your existing measures (alarm, escape routes, compartmentation, management systems) hold up. Enforcement authorities, insurers, and residents’ groups increasingly expect assessments to be proportionate but defensible: clear about what was inspected, what was assumed, and what still needs to be done.

For higher-risk or more complex buildings — for example where people sleep, where there are vulnerable occupants, or where the layout has changed — a competent person with appropriate training and experience should carry out or oversee the assessment. Registration on a recognised assessor register, such as NFRAR, is one way duty holders can demonstrate that baseline competence has been considered, alongside referrals and professional indemnity cover.

The five steps most assessors follow

PAS 79 and industry practice describe fire risk assessment in stages that map closely to Article 9 of the Fire Safety Order. In plain terms, a robust assessment usually covers:

1. Identify fire hazards — sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen; unusual processes; storage; arson-related vulnerabilities where relevant.
2. Identify people at risk — employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may be present, with extra regard for those who may need more time or assistance to escape.
3. Evaluate existing measures and risk — detection and warning, escape routes and lighting, signs, firefighting equipment, compartmentation and fire-resisting doors, management of ignition risks, procedures, training, and maintenance records.
4. Record significant findings and an action plan — what you will do, who is responsible, and sensible timescales. You must record if you employ five or more people, and it is good practice regardless.
5. Review and revise — after material changes, incidents, or near misses, and on a periodic basis even if nothing obvious has changed.

What a good report looks like

Quality varies. A useful report for a duty holder typically includes a description of the premises and use, the scope and limitations of the survey (what was and was not opened up or tested), a summary of methodology, a register of hazards and risk evaluations, and a prioritised action plan. Photographs help when the same conversation must be had with contractors or board members who were not on site.

Language should be precise enough to act on: not “check doors” but “inspect third-floor storeroom door F03 for frame-to-wall gap and smoke seal continuity; verify closer torque.” Vague recommendations create delay and rework. Assessors should also avoid recommending work outside their competence; structural fire engineering, active system design, or mechanical smoke control may need a specialist.

How often should you review?

There is no single calendar interval in the Order that fits every building. Fire risk assessments should be reviewed if there is reason to believe they are no longer valid — which includes building work, change of use, a significant change in occupancy, or new equipment that affects ignition load or escape. Even without those triggers, many organisations adopt an annual or biannual desktop review with a full re-inspection on a longer cycle, depending on complexity and historic findings.

Working with your assessor

You get the most value when you can provide accurate drawings, maintenance records, and a single point of contact who can authorise access to locked areas. If you are between contractors or records are incomplete, say so up front; an assessor can still work but may need to qualify assumptions in the report.