Fire Risk Assessments by
Fire Risk Consultancy Services

A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a building or premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the level of risk they pose, and implement appropriate fire safety measures to minimise the risk of fire. Fire Risk Consultancy Services specialises in conducting thorough and professional Fire Risk Assessments for businesses and premises.

Yes, a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement in all ‘non-domestic’ premises,  including offices, shops, warehouses and factories, licensed premises, residential care and health care buildings, hospitals, hotels, HMOs, flats, schools, places of worship, etc. under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in the United Kingdom. 

The law on Fire Safety in England and Wales is primarily governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises. The law requires that a responsible person carries out a Fire Risk Assessment and takes steps to address any identified risks. 

In Scotland – The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the associated Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

In Northern Ireland – The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and The Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legislation governing Fire Safety in the UK. The Order requires that a ‘responsible person’ carries out a Fire Risk Assessment and takes steps to address any identified risks. The Order applies to all non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, warehouses and factories, licensed premises, residential care and health care buildings, hospitals, hotels, HMOs, flats, schools, places of worship, etc

However, the Order does exclude domestic properties occupied by a single-family unit.

Responsibility for complying with the Order rests with the ‘responsible person’. If you are responsible for non-domestic premises, then you are required by law to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and take steps to address any identified risks. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in significant fines or even imprisonment. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can provide expert guidance and solutions to help ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

A Fire Risk Assessment is essential for your business as it helps identify potential fire hazards specific to your premises, evaluates the risk of fire and its potential consequences, and ensures that appropriate fire safety measures are in place to protect your property, employees, and visitors. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can provide expert guidance and recommendations tailored to your business needs.

Yes, conducting a Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for all types of premises, including commercial, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, educational, residential, and government buildings. It is necessary to ensure the safety of occupants, comply with fire safety regulations, and reduce the risk of fire. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can assist you in fulfilling this requirement and provide you with a complete assessment report.

The responsibility for conducting a Fire Risk Assessment usually falls on the owner or landlord of a premise, or the person responsible for the organisation. They are required to ensure that the assessment is carried out by a competent person.

No, a Fire Risk Assessment should only be carried out by a competent person with the necessary training, experience, knowledge of fire safety and expertise. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can provide professional Fire Risk Assessment services carried out by ex-firefighters who have extensive experience in assessing and managing fire risks.

A Fire Risk Assessment should be conducted by a competent person. This means someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out the assessment effectively.

A ‘competent person’ for Fire Risk Assessment is someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the assessment effectively. They should have a good understanding of fire hazards, fire safety precautions, and the legal requirements associated with Fire Risk Assessments.

While it is possible to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment yourself, seeking professional assistance is often recommended. Fire Risk Consultancy Services, with its team of experienced fire risk assessors, can conduct a detailed assessment, identify potential hazards, and provide expert advice on appropriate fire safety measures tailored to your business. Their expertise ensures accuracy and compliance with standards.

Generic templates and checkboxes are not adequate especially if you are not qualified to undertake Fire Risk Assessments

Failure to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 can result in significant fines or even imprisonment. The responsible person for the premises could face prosecution and may be held liable if a fire occurs due to their failure

Local Fire & Rescue Services enforce the legislation. An inspector appointed by a fire authority has extensive powers including the power to enter and inspect any premises and anything in them; the power to conduct interviews to find out whether the Order has been complied with and to identify the ‘Responsible Person’ concerning the premises.

Minor offences to the fire safety of premises can be charged penalties of up to £5,000. The charges do not stop there.

Major fire safety breach penalties can be anything from an unlimited fine, to a maximum of 2 years imprisonment.

A Fire Risk Assessment should include a thorough evaluation of potential fire hazards in the workplace, such as sources of ignition, combustible materials, and electrical equipment. The assessment should also evaluate the risk of fire spreading and identify any vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children and those with disabilities. The ‘responsible person’ should then develop control measures to address any identified risks, such as installing fire alarms or training employees in fire safety procedures. The Fire Risk Assessment report should (according to Government guidelines) also include emergency routes and exits, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment condition, removal (or safe storage) of dangerous substances, emergency fire evacuation plan, information for employees and other people on the premises, fire safety training for staff.

There is no fixed number of steps in a Fire Risk Assessment, as it will depend on the complexity of the premises being assessed. However, a typical Fire Risk Assessment will involve several stages, including identifying fire hazards, evaluating the risks, determining control measures, and creating an emergency plan. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can provide a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment tailored to the specific needs of your premises.

The 5 steps of a fire risk assessment are:

• Identify fire hazards.
• Identify people at risk.
• Evaluate and control risks.
• Record findings.
• Review and update regularly.

For a thorough and accurate assessment, consider seeking the expertise of a professional fire risk assessment service like Fire Risk Consultancy Services.

Common fire hazards in premises include electrical faults, flammable materials, inadequate storage practices, faulty equipment, blocked escape routes, and ineffective fire prevention measures. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can conduct a thorough inspection of your premises, identify these hazards, and provide recommendations to minimise the risk of fire specific to your business.

To ensure fire safety in your business, you should implement measures such as installing fire alarms, fire detection systems, and fire extinguishers suitable for the building and its specific fire hazards. Maintain clear escape routes, conduct regular evacuation drills, provide fire safety training to employees, and establish emergency response procedures. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can help you develop a comprehensive fire safety plan and provide training tailored to your business and industry.

You can evaluate the effectiveness of your fire safety measures by conducting regular inspections and tests of fire alarms, suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting. Review and update your emergency response procedures, conduct evacuation drills, and ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities during a fire incident. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can assist you in conducting audits and evaluations to ensure your fire safety measures, policies, and procedures are effective and compliant.

Failure to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment can result in serious consequences. It not only puts the safety of occupants at risk but also exposes your business to legal penalties, including fines and potential closure. Non-compliance with fire safety legislation can lead to increased insurance premiums, damage to reputation, and potential liability claims in the event of a fire incident. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can ensure that your business is in compliance with the required fire risk assessment standards and regulations.

A Fire Risk Assessment must be conducted regularly to account for any changes in your building or operations. It is recommended to review and update your assessment annually or whenever significant changes occur, such as renovations, changes in occupancy, or the introduction of new fire safety measures. Fire Risk Consultancy Services can help you with periodic assessments and provide ongoing support to keep your fire risk management up to date.

Yes, a fire risk assessment for blocks of flats may be different due to the specific fire hazards and requirements associated with multiple dwellings.

Yes, high-rise buildings have specific fire risk assessment requirements due to their complexity and potential challenges in evacuation. These assessments may involve protected firefighting shafts, lifts, fire suppression systems, and phased evacuation strategies. Fire Risk Consultancy Services specialises in conducting fire risk assessments for high-rise buildings, considering the unique factors and providing tailored solutions for effective fire safety. We DO NOT undertake Fire Risk Assessments on high-rise buildings.

There are 4 Types of Fire Risk Assessment, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments. These are categorisations that signify varying levels of complexity and scope in the assessment process. These different types of assessments allow for a more intensive approach to evaluating fire risks and implementing appropriate fire safety measures. Each type corresponds to a specific level of detail and thoroughness, taking into account the size, nature, and specific requirements of the premises being assessed.

Type 1 – Common parts only (non-destructive)

This is the most basic fire risk assessment required for satisfying The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Unless there is reason to suspect deficiencies in fire protection, such as inadequate compartmentation then a Type 1 will usually be sufficient for most blocks of purpose-built flats.

Type 2 – Common parts only (destructive)

This fire risk assessment covers the same areas as the Type 1, except that there is a degree of destructive inspection involved, carried out on a sampling basis.  This will require a competent contractor to be present, both to gain access to the elements and to make good any damage caused after the investigation.

A Type 2 fire risk assessment is usually a one-off exercise, only carried out if there is a good reason to suspect deficiencies that could lead to the spread of fire.

Type 3 – Common parts and flats (non-destructive)

A Type 3 fire risk assessment includes the work involved in Type 1 but goes beyond the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 by considering the arrangements for means of escape and fire detection within (at least) a sample of the flats.  The inspection of any flat is non-destructive, but the fire resistance of doors to rooms will be part of the assessment.

A Type 3 fire risk assessment may be required if there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents in the event of a fire in their flats, this could be due to the age of a building or due to unauthorised alterations.

Type 4 – Common parts and flats (destructive)

A Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment (the most comprehensive) covers the same areas as the Type 3, except that there will be some destructive inspection required to the common areas and in a sample of the flats.  This will require a competent contractor to be present, both to gain access to the elements and to make good any damage caused after the investigation.

This type of inspection would normally only be carried out on unoccupied flats.

A Type 4 fire risk assessment will only be required in a very limited set of circumstances, such as when a new landlord takes over a block of flats where the fire safety history is unknown, or where there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents in their flat or a neighbours’ flats.