Almost certainly, if you run a business or are responsible for any non-domestic premises. A fire risk assessment is the starting point for everything else – it decides what fire safety equipment, signs and procedures you need.
Who Needs One
- Workplaces and commercial premises of any size – shops, offices, factories, warehouses, pubs, schools, churches and community buildings.
- Anywhere the public can go.
- The shared areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
- Paying-guest accommodation, such as B&Bs and holiday lets.
A single private home lived in by one household isn't covered.
Who Is Responsible?
The person in control of the premises – usually the employer, owner, landlord or managing agent. The law calls them the responsible person in England and Wales, the duty holder in Scotland and the appropriate person in Northern Ireland. If more than one person shares control, they must work together.
The law that applies:
- England and Wales – the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Scotland – the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
- Northern Ireland – the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Does It Have to Be Written Down?
- England and Wales – yes, always. Since 1 October 2023, the whole assessment and your fire safety arrangements must be recorded, whatever the size of your business. You must also record the name of anyone who helped carry it out.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland – the significant findings must be recorded if you have 5 or more employees, need a licence or registration, or have an alterations notice. It's good practice to write it down anyway.
The Five Steps
- Identify fire hazards – things that could start a fire, things that could burn, and sources of oxygen.
- Identify people at risk – including anyone who'd need help to get out.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks, and put protection in place, such as alarms, extinguishers and escape routes.
- Record, plan and train – write down what you've found, make an emergency plan and train your staff.
- Review regularly.
How Often Should I Review It?
The law says "regularly", and whenever something significant changes – a new layout, new equipment, more people or a change in use. There's no fixed legal interval, but reviewing at least once a year is common practice.
Can I Do It Myself?
Yes, if your premises are fairly simple and you have the time to do it properly. The governments publish free guides to help. If your premises are larger or more complex, or you're not confident, use a competent fire risk assessor. Fire and rescue services give advice but don't carry out assessments.
Official guides: GOV.UK (England and Wales), GOV.WALES checklist, gov.scot (Scotland) and nibusinessinfo (Northern Ireland).
Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides what your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.
Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.