A fire risk assessment helps you identify potential fire hazards in your building or workplace, understand the risks they pose, and put the right measures in place to keep people and property safe.

Facts about fire risks assessments

  • Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement.
  • You will need one for each property you’re responsible for.
  • If you don’t have a risk assessment you could be breaking the law.
  • Your fire risk assessment should be updated regularly. We recommend you update it annually or whenever there is a significant change.
  • We recommend you ask a qualified person to complete the risk assessment.

Appointing someone to carry out your risk assessment

You do not have to carry out the risk assessment yourself. You can appoint someone who has the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to carry it out on your behalf.

If you decide to appoint someone else to carry out your fire risk assessment, we recommend considering a person or organisation with third-party accreditation or one that is registered with a recognised professional scheme. This can help provide confidence that they have the appropriate competence to carry out the assessment.

How to complete a risk assessment yourself

We strongly recommend that your fire risk assessment is carried out by a competent person with the right level of fire safety knowledge and experience. This helps make sure fire risks are properly identified and managed.

For smaller premises with a simple layout, you may be able to complete your own fire risk assessment. If you choose to do this, our five-step fire risk assessment guide can help you work through the process.

5-step fire risk assessment

1. Identify the hazards

Start by looking around your building for anything that could start a fire or help it spread.

Think about:

  • Sources of ignition; faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment, and hot work such as welding, cutting or grinding.
  • Materials that could help a fire start or spread; packing materials such as cardboard and plastics, as well as waste or other combustible materials.
  • Sources of oxygen; gas cylinders, or areas with increased ventilation or airflow that could make a fire burn more quickly.
  • Smoking-related risks; designated or unofficial smoking areas, and the unsafe disposal of cigarettes or other smoking materials.
2. Identify people at risk

Think about everyone who works in, visits or stays in your building. Some people may need extra help to stay safe in a fire.

This could include:

  • People working outside normal hours or in isolated area; such as cleaners, maintenance staff and security personnel.
  • People with disabilities or additional needs; including people with restricted mobility, or visual or hearing impairments.
  • People who may not know the building well; such as visitors and contractors.

Find out more about how to support people with disabilities.

 

3. Identify the measures needed to keep people safe

Once you know what the hazards are and who could be at risk, decide what you need to do to reduce the risks and keep people safe.

This could include:

  • Removing or reducing fire hazards; remove hazards where possible. If you cannot remove them, reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable.
  • Keeping ignition sources away from fuel; keep sources of heat and ignition away from combustible materials, and store flammable substances safely.
  • Putting fire safety measures in place; make sure you have suitable fire detection and warning systems, appropriate fire-fighting equipment, and clear escape routes and emergency exits.
  • Protecting people who may need extra help; have arrangements in place to support people who may be more vulnerable in a fire, and make sure staff know what to do.
  • Keeping the building well maintained; regularly check and maintain equipment, and prevent waste or other combustible materials from building up.

For example, keep combustible materials away from sources of ignition wherever possible. This can reduce the chance of a fire starting.

4. Record, plan and inform

Make sure you record what you have found and have a clear plan for what to do if there is a fire.

You should:

  • Record your risk assessment; document the hazards you have identified, the people who may be at risk and the measures you have put in place. Keep the record up to date and review it regularly.
  • Create an emergency plan; set out what people should do if there is a fire, including evacuation procedures, assembly points and emergency contacts. Include arrangements for helping people who may need extra support.
  • Inform and train staff; make sure everyone knows their fire safety responsibilities. Provide training on emergency procedures and how to use fire-fighting equipment safely. Tell staff about any changes to the plan, hazards or procedures.
5. Reviewing your risk assessment

Your fire risk assessment should stay up to date so it continues to reflect your building, how it is used and the people who use it.

Make sure you:

  • Review it regularly; carry out a full review at least once a year.
  • Review it after significant changes; update your assessment if there are major changes to the building, how it is used or the people who occupy it. This could include renovations, new equipment or changes to working practices.

Fire Safety Templates

To help you manage fire safety in your premises, we provide a range of free templates and guidance documents. These are designed to support you in completing your fire risk assessment and keeping accurate fire safety records.

Fire risk assessment template for small and medium sized businesses

Visit

Fire risk assessment template for food concessions

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Fire risk assessment template for traders and market stalls

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Fire Safety Logbook

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Useful resources

The Institution of Fire Engineers/Fire Protection Association

Fire Risk Assessors Certification Scheme

Fire Industry Association

The Institute of Fire Safety Managers

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register

Institute of Fire Prevention Officers

British Approvals for Fire Equipment

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