Who is responsible for carrying out a fire risk assessment?

The 'responsible person' is legally required to carry out the fire risk assessment. This is typically the employer, building owner, landlord, or occupier. They can carry it out themselves or appoint a competent person to do it on their behalf.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

Q: What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a structured process of identifying fire hazards in a premises, evaluating who may be at risk, and determining what precautions are needed to prevent fires and protect people. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

A fire risk assessment is a structured evaluation of fire hazards in a premises, who may be at risk, and what measures are needed to prevent fires and protect people. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

The 5-Step Fire Risk Assessment Process

The widely accepted approach follows five clear steps:

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

Look for three elements that could combine to start a fire:

Sources of ignition — heaters, electrical equipment, naked flames, hot processes, smoking materials
Sources of fuel — paper, cardboard, textiles, flammable liquids, wood, plastics
Sources of oxygen — air, oxidising chemicals, oxygen supplies

Step 2: Identify People at Risk

Consider everyone who uses or visits the premises:

Employees, including lone workers and night shift staff
Visitors, customers, and contractors
People with disabilities or mobility issues
Children and elderly people
People in sleeping accommodation
People who may be unfamiliar with the building layout

Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks

Remove or reduce fire hazards where possible
Ensure adequate fire detection and warning systems
Ensure adequate escape routes and emergency lighting
Provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment
Implement fire safety management procedures

Step 4: Record Findings, Prepare a Plan, and Train

Record significant findings (mandatory if you employ 5 or more people)
Prepare an emergency fire action plan
Inform and train employees
Cooperate with other occupiers if the building is shared

Step 5: Review and Update Regularly

Review whenever there are significant changes (layout, occupancy, materials, processes)
Review after any fire or near-miss
Review at least annually as good practice

Legal requirement: If your business employs 5 or more people, you must record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment in writing. Even if you have fewer than 5 employees, it is strongly recommended to keep a written record.

Who Is the "Responsible Person"?

Under the Fire Safety Order, the responsible person is:

The employer (for workplaces)
The owner or occupier (for premises that are not a workplace)
The landlord or managing agent (for common areas of residential buildings)
Anyone with control over the premises or fire safety systems

The responsible person can carry out the assessment themselves or appoint a competent person. For complex premises, it is advisable to use a professional fire risk assessor.

What Premises Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

All non-domestic premises in England and Wales require a fire risk assessment, including:

Offices, shops, and retail premises
Factories, warehouses, and workshops
Pubs, restaurants, and hotels
Schools, colleges, and universities
Hospitals and care homes
Churches and community buildings
Common areas of residential buildings (flats, HMOs)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to carry out an adequate fire risk assessment, or failing to act on its findings, is a criminal offence. Penalties include:

Unlimited fines
Imprisonment — up to 2 years for serious breaches
Enforcement notices — requiring specific improvements by a deadline
Prohibition notices — forcing closure of all or part of the premises

Learn Fire Risk Assessment in Our Fire Marshal Course

Our free Fire Marshal Level 3 course includes a dedicated module on fire risk assessment, covering the 5-step process, hazard identification, and recording findings — all aligned to the Fire Safety Order 2005.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed legal frequency, but the assessment should be reviewed regularly — at least annually, and immediately after any significant changes to the premises, occupancy, layout, or fire safety systems, or after a fire or near-miss.

Can I do a fire risk assessment myself?

Yes, for simple premises (small offices, shops, etc.) the responsible person can carry out the assessment themselves, provided they are competent to do so. For larger or more complex premises, it is recommended to engage a professional fire risk assessor.

What is the difference between a fire risk assessment and a fire safety audit?

A fire risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates risks to determine what measures are needed. A fire safety audit checks that existing fire safety measures and management systems are working effectively. The assessment comes first; audits verify ongoing compliance.