If you run a business, manage a building, or are responsible for any non-domestic premises in the UK, you are legally required to have a fire risk assessment. It is one of the most fundamental fire safety obligations, yet many business owners are unsure what it involves or whether they need one.
The short answer: yes, your business needs a fire risk assessment. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured review of your premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and determine what measures are needed to prevent fire and keep people safe. It is required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales.
The assessment must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ — someone with sufficient training and experience to identify fire risks and recommend appropriate controls.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
A fire risk assessment follows five key steps:
- Identify fire hazards — sources of ignition (heaters, electrical equipment, cooking), sources of fuel (paper, textiles, flammable liquids), and sources of oxygen
- Identify people at risk — employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone who might be especially vulnerable (disabled people, lone workers, children, sleeping occupants)
- Evaluate the risks — assess the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential consequences, then determine whether existing fire safety measures are adequate
- Record your findings — document the hazards, the people at risk, and the actions you have taken or plan to take. If you have 5 or more employees, you must record this in writing
- Review and update regularly — the assessment should be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to the premises, processes, or occupancy
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
Every non-domestic premises in England and Wales requires a fire risk assessment. This includes:
- Offices, shops, and retail premises
- Factories, warehouses, and industrial sites
- Hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, and holiday lets
- Care homes and residential facilities
- Schools, nurseries, and colleges
- Restaurants, pubs, and cafes
- Churches, community halls, and village halls
- Construction sites
- Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and shared flats
If you are a landlord, you are the responsible person for the common areas of your property. If you run a holiday let — even through Airbnb — you need a fire risk assessment.
Can I Do My Own Fire Risk Assessment?
Legally, yes — if you are competent to do so. For small, simple premises (a small office or shop), the responsible person can carry out the assessment themselves using government guidance. The Home Office publishes free guides for different premises types.
However, for larger, more complex, or higher-risk premises (care homes, hotels, factories, HMOs), it is strongly recommended to use a professional fire risk assessor. Our sister company Beacon Fire Protection provides professional fire risk assessments across Cumbria.
What Happens After the Assessment?
The fire risk assessment will identify actions you need to take. Common recommendations include:
- Installing or upgrading fire detection and alarm systems
- Ensuring adequate fire extinguishers are in place and serviced
- Improving means of escape (fire doors, emergency lighting, signage)
- Providing fire safety training for all staff
- Appointing and training fire wardens
- Carrying out regular fire drills
- Creating personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable occupants
How Often Should It Be Reviewed?
There is no fixed legal timeframe, but annual reviews are considered best practice. You should also review your assessment after any of these changes:
- Building alterations or refurbishment
- Change of use or layout
- Introduction of new processes, equipment, or materials
- A fire or near-miss incident
- Significant changes to the number or type of occupants
Fire Risk Assessment Support in Cumbria
Beacon Fire Protection carries out professional fire risk assessments for businesses across Cumbria, from Carlisle to Barrow. Cumbria Fire & Safety Training provides the complementary fire safety training your staff need to meet the recommendations.
Need a fire risk assessment or fire safety training? Contact us today.