Fire risk assessments: Safety basics and best-practice guidance

FRA fundamentals

A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and determine what actions need to be taken to reduce those risks. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the 'responsible person' in a non-domestic premises is legally required to carry out and review a fire risk assessment.

The five steps of a fire risk assessment are:

1. Identify fire hazards
2. Identify people at risk
3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risks
4. Record, plan, and instruct
5. Review regularly

Who should carry out a fire risk assessment?

The responsible person (typically the employer, owner, or occupier of the building) is legally responsible for ensuring a fire risk assessment is carried out. It must be conducted by a competent person – someone with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge of fire safety.

For small, low-risk premises, it may be appropriate for someone within the business to carry out the assessment, provided they have the necessary competence. For larger or more complex premises, it is usually advisable to appoint an external fire safety specialist.

What should a fire risk assessment cover?

A thorough fire risk assessment should cover:

• Ignition sources (heating equipment, electrical equipment, hot work)
• Fuel sources (combustible materials, paper, packaging, flammable liquids)
• Oxygen sources (air conditioning systems, oxygen cylinders)
• People at risk (employees, customers, visitors, vulnerable people)
• Existing fire safety measures (detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment, emergency routes and exits)
• Emergency procedures (evacuation plans, assembly points, fire marshals)

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to your premises, activities, or workforce. As a minimum, you should review your FRA:

• At least annually
• After a fire or near miss
• After significant building works or refurbishment
• When new fire safety legislation comes into force
• When there are significant changes to the number or type of people using the building

Common fire risk assessment mistakes

The most common mistakes identified in fire risk assessments include:

• Inadequate identification of fire hazards
• Failure to consider all people at risk, including contractors and visitors
• Poor documentation of the assessment and action plan
• Failure to review and update the assessment regularly
• Relying on a generic or template assessment that doesn't reflect the specific risks of the premises

Best-practice guidance

To ensure your fire risk assessment is effective and compliant, follow these best-practice steps:

• Appoint a competent person to carry out and review the assessment
• Involve relevant staff in the assessment process
• Document all findings clearly, including the actions required and the person responsible
• Set a clear timetable for completing actions and review regularly
• Keep records of all fire risk assessments and reviews
• Ensure all staff are trained in fire safety and emergency procedures

If you need support with your fire risk assessment, our fire safety specialists are here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a consultation.