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A Fire Risk Assessment is a structured review of a building or premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the risk they pose, and determine the measures needed to reduce or remove those risks. It ensures that people inside the building are kept safe and that the business complies with fire safety laws. The assessment covers areas such as escape routes, fire detection systems, fire doors, emergency lighting, and staff procedures. Regular fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for most businesses and are essential for maintaining a safe environment.

Yes, fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for most businesses and non-domestic premises in the UK.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the person responsible for the premises — known as the Responsible Person (usually the employer, owner, or occupier) — must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.

This applies to:

• All businesses, regardless of size

• Offices, shops, salons, warehouses, and factories

• Common areas of blocks of flats

• Public buildings and community spaces

If you have five or more employees, your fire risk assessment must be documented in writing. Failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment can lead to fines, prosecution, or even closure of the premises.

Assure Fire Safety can help ensure your business meets these legal duties and stays fully compliant.

The Responsible Person is legally required to ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment is conducted.

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person is typically:

• The employer, if the workplace is under their control

• The owner, landlord, or managing agent of the premises

• Anyone else with significant control over the building, such as a building or facilities manager

In shared premises, there may be more than one Responsible Person, and they must work together to ensure fire safety compliance.

The Responsible Person must also:

• Identify fire hazards and people at risk

• Evaluate, reduce, and remove risks

• Record significant findings (if they employ 5 or more people)

• Implement fire safety measures and maintenance

• Review and update the assessment regularly or when changes occur

Failing to fulfil these duties can lead to serious legal consequences, including prosecution or fines.

A Fire Risk Assessment reviews a premises to identify fire hazards, people at risk, and the effectiveness of existing safety measures. It covers ignition sources, escape routes, fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire doors, and staff training. The assessment ensures the building is safe, compliant with fire safety laws, and that any risks are reduced or removed.

Failing to have a fire risk assessment can result in serious legal consequences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Penalties include:

• Fines – Minor breaches can result in fines of up to £5,000 per offence.

• Unlimited fines or imprisonment – Serious breaches can lead to unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

• Business closure – Authorities may issue enforcement notices, prohibition notices, or even shut down unsafe premises.

• Increased liability – In the event of a fire, lack of a proper assessment could result in civil claims or invalidated insurance.

Having a thorough, up-to-date fire risk assessment is not just good practice — it’s a legal duty and critical for protecting lives and your business.