Fire risk assessments: Safety basics and best-practice guidance

A fire risk assessment (FRA) isn’t just a tick-box exercise for your local authority – it’s a living blueprint for protecting your people and your premises. If your site layout has recently changed, staff numbers have grown, or storage areas have shifted over the colder months, your current assessment may no longer be fit for purpose.

Whether you’re managing a busy manufacturing floor, warehouse, merchant yard, or garden centre, these best practice recommendations keep your assessment operationally sound. 

FRA fundamentals 

At its core, an FRA is a structured review of your premises, activities, and people. It’s a legal requirement that should be carried out by a competent individual, such as a qualified employee or health and safety partner. 

The assessment is designed to identify potential fire risks, who they could harm, and the effectiveness of your current controls. It should consider: 

• The nature of your business activities.
• The layout and use of your premises.
• Storage of combustible materials.
• Electrical installations and equipment.
• Escape routes and emergency lighting.
• Fire detection and warning systems.
• Firefighting equipment.
• The needs of disabled persons or those requiring assistance.

Once hazards are identified, you’re responsible for implementing appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce risk. This may include improving housekeeping standards, upgrading alarm systems, installing additional extinguishers, enhancing staff training, or reviewing evacuation procedures.

If five or more people are employed at your premises – or if your business operates under a licence – the significant findings of your fire risk assessment must be formally recorded. However, even when a written record isn’t required, it’s good practice to document your findings – ideally using an online safety management platform. Tracking assessment outcomes demonstrates due diligence, supports insurance compliance, and provides a clear action plan for continuous improvement.

Fire safety: Your essential success factors  

Importantly, a fire risk assessment is not a one-off exercise – it’s an essential strand of an overarching fire safety strategy. Your programme should go beyond pinpointing hazards to actively preventing them – through robust detection systems, emergency planning, and targeted staff training.

Review your FRA regularly 

Your FRA should be reviewed on a regular basis and updated whenever there are significant changes to your business – such as building upgrades, new equipment, process changes, or headcount increases. Treat it as an active document that evolves alongside your organisation.

Test and maintain your fire warning system 

Whether you use individual smoke alarms or a fully integrated fire alarm system, you must regularly check your alert systems. They’re your first line of defence in a fire, so it’s critical to confirm they’re working effectively. This involves testing all call points and smoke alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and keeping a record of your checks. 

Conduct electrical appliance checks 

Electrical items are among the main causes of fires in businesses and households, with faulty wiring, overloaded extensions and poorly maintained equipment and cables being key sources of danger. 

Many visible checks can be incorporated into routine fire safety inspections. However, more complex systems must be examined by a competent contractor as part of an ongoing maintenance programme. Risk-based portable appliance testing, fixed wire inspections and servicing of electrically powered building assets should be scheduled appropriately to minimise hazards.

Train staff on fire safety awareness 

All staff should receive fire training that highlights fire exits, assembly points, fire signage, and emergency procedures. Training can be rolled into induction programmes for new hires and refreshed at suitable intervals for other employees, depending on the level of fire risk within your business.  

Build a team of fire marshals

Competent fire marshals can efficiently promote and manage fire safety throughout your organisation. However, they require more than a general training course to add real value.  

Create a detailed job description by considering their responsibilities in the event of a fire, their role in proactive fire checks, and the skills they need to carry out their duties. Once you’ve defined the role of your fire marshals, clearly communicate their key tasks and invest in tailored training and support.  

Provide suitable fire extinguishers and fire blankets

Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen a fire or cause injury. Staff should understand the different fire classifications and the correct equipment for each type:

• Class A – Combustible solids such as wood, paper and textiles.
• Class B – Flammable liquids, including petrol, solvents and paints.
• Class C – Flammable gases such as butane or methane.
• Class D – Combustible metals, including magnesium and aluminium.
• Electrical fires – Energised electrical equipment.
• Class F – Cooking oils and fats.

No single extinguisher is suitable for all fire types, so ensure equipment reflects the specific risks on your site. Clear signage should identify the intended use of each extinguisher, and positioning must account for surrounding hazards. 

Fire blankets are used to put out clothing and kitchen fires by cutting the flames’ oxygen supply. Ensure your team learns how to use them correctly as part of their standard awareness training.

Implement an effective evacuation plan

Every premises must have a fire evacuation plan – a clear, accessible document that outlines what to do in the event of a fire. All colleagues should be aware of emergency instructions and understand their roles and responsibilities during a critical situation.  

Work with a trusted fire safety partner 

Opus provides comprehensive fire risk assessments and the support you need to stay compliant. Our experienced consultants will be with you every step of the way. 

To discuss your compliance goals and challenges with a sector specialist, get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or email hello@opus-safety.co.uk.