A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is the foundation of effective fire safety management. It identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates risks to people, and sets out practical measures to reduce those risks and protect life, property and business continuity.

For most non-domestic premises in the UK, having a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is a legal requirement — and it must be kept up to date.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a structured review of your premises that looks at:

• How fires could start

• Who may be at risk

• How people would escape safely

• Whether existing fire precautions are adequate

The outcome is a clear, documented assessment that highlights areas of compliance, areas of concern, and recommended actions to improve safety and meet legal obligations.

Legal Responsibilities

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” (such as an employer, landlord, managing agent or building owner) must ensure that:

• A fire risk assessment is carried out

• It is suitable and sufficient for the premises

• Findings are acted upon

• The assessment is reviewed regularly and kept up to date

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, invalidated insurance, or — in serious cases — prosecution.

What Our Fire Risk Assessments Cover

Our competent assessors carry out thorough on-site assessments tailored to your building type, occupancy and use. Assessments typically include:

• Identification of fire hazards and ignition sources

• Evaluation of people at risk, including vulnerable occupants

• Review of means of escape and evacuation routes

• Assessment of fire detection and alarm systems

• Review of emergency lighting and signage

• Evaluation of fire doors and passive fire protection

• Review of firefighting equipment

• Management procedures, training and documentation

You will receive a clear, easy-to-understand written report, including a risk rating and prioritised action plan.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

Fire risk assessments are not a one-off exercise. They should be reviewed:

• Regularly, as part of ongoing fire safety management

• After significant changes, such as building alterations, changes in use or occupancy

• Following a fire incident or near miss

• If the previous assessment is no longer suitable or sufficient

In practice, many organisations choose to review assessments annually or every two to three years, depending on risk.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire risk assessments are required for most non-domestic and shared-use premises, including:

• Offices and workplaces

• Retail premises

• Schools and educational buildings

• Healthcare and care settings

• Hotels and hospitality venues

• Industrial and warehouse buildings

• Communal areas of residential properties

BAFE Accreditation — Confidence in Competence

We are BAFE accredited, meaning our fire safety services are independently audited and certified against recognised industry standards. This provides reassurance that our fire risk assessments are carried out by competent professionals, using consistent methods and quality-assured systems.

BAFE accreditation is widely recognised by enforcing authorities, insurers and responsible persons as a benchmark of quality and competence in fire safety.