5,400 UK searches/month

Fire Risk Assessment Guide

Learn your legal obligations under UK fire safety law. Follow the 5-step approach to create compliant fire risk assessments for your premises.

Legal Requirements

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales)

Responsible Person

The employer, owner, or person with control of the premises is legally responsible for fire safety.

Written Assessment

If you employ 5 or more people, you must record your fire risk assessment in writing.

Regular Review

Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated when circumstances change.

Competent Person

The assessment should be carried out by someone with sufficient knowledge and training.

Important: Failure to comply with fire safety law can result in unlimited fines and imprisonment. If you're responsible for premises, you must ensure a suitable fire risk assessment is in place.

The 5 Steps to Fire Risk Assessment

Follow the government's recommended approach

1
Identify Fire Hazards

Walk through your premises and identify potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.

Electrical equipment and wiring
Heating systems and open flames
Combustible materials (paper, wood, textiles)
Flammable liquids and gases
Oxygen supplies and ventilation
2
Identify People at Risk

Consider who might be at risk in case of fire, including employees, visitors, and vulnerable individuals.

Staff and contractors
Visitors and customers
People sleeping on premises
Those with mobility issues
People working alone or in isolated areas
3
Evaluate, Remove, Reduce and Protect

Assess the risks and implement measures to remove or reduce fire hazards and protect people.

Remove or reduce ignition sources
Replace combustible materials
Install fire detection and alarms
Provide fire extinguishers
Ensure clear escape routes
4
Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct and Train

Document your findings, create an emergency plan, and ensure everyone knows what to do.

Record significant findings
Create emergency evacuation plan
Install fire safety signs
Train staff on fire procedures
Conduct fire drills
5
Review

Regularly review your fire risk assessment and update it when circumstances change.

Annual review minimum
After building alterations
When work processes change
After a fire or near-miss
When staff numbers change significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Create Your Fire Risk Assessment

Generate a professional fire risk assessment in 60 seconds. Identify hazards, evaluate risks, and document control measures.

Create Fire Risk Assessment

About Fire Risk Assessments

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all non-domestic premises in England and Wales to have a suitable fire risk assessment. Similar legislation exists in Scotland (Fire (Scotland) Act 2005) and Northern Ireland (Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010).

A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risk to people, and documents the measures needed to ensure safety. It's a legal requirement that can result in prosecution if neglected.

Our risk assessment generator can help you create the fire risk assessment document by identifying common hazards and control measures. For complex premises, consider engaging a professional fire risk assessor.