Fire Risk Assessments In Bristol
Identifying the Potential Risks
Do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?
You need a Fire Risk Assessment if:
- You are responsible for business premises
- You are an employer or self-employed with business premises
- You are responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
- You are a charity or voluntary organisation
- You are a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
- You are providing accommodation for paying guests
You have a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment, but it also makes sense to want to protect the people and all the other assets in your business.
A fire risk assessment is a methodical investigation of a business premises, highlighting the fire risks and safety levels of the surroundings.
All of our team are highly experienced and qualified Fire Risk Assessors. Wyvern Risk Management is a third party assessed organisation delivering work to the BAFE SP205 pt 1 standard, and an affiliate organisation of the Institution of Fire Engineers and has carried out 100's of Fire Risk Assessments in Bristol, Bath and the South West in the last few years.
With our Fixed prices starting at £199 you will have no nasty surprises.
Housing Fire Risk Assessments In Bristol
What do I need to do as a landlord, management agency or private individual when selling my flat?
The freeholder of a leasehold block of flats, whether purpose built or a conversion, has the legal responsibility to carry out a fire risk assessment for the block and, based on the result of that assessment, to install features which ensure that the whole building and all the flats within it are compliant with the legal standards required for fire safety. Such measures are in place to protect tenants from the effects of fire.
The results of the Fire Risk Assessment must be recorded, carefully stored and made available for inspecting by fire authority inspection officers, local council inspecting officers and your tenants. These assessments must be renewed or replaced periodically.
Wyvern Risk Management will produce as a PDF using the latest version of PAS 79:2020 as an approved industry standard template sent directly to your email. You will then need to provide a record of this assessment to tenants.
What does my fire risk assessment include?
The fire risk assessment displays the following information:
- The Responsible Person
- Contact details and address
- The standards that are applied to the findings of the reports and the governing legislation that applies to the premises
- Information on any non-compliances and actions taken to fix them (time bound planning)
- Photographic evidence of non-compliances to aid easy identification for maintenance
- Evidence of routine maintenance or servicing undertaken
An accurate compliant fire risk assessment that is regularly reviewed not only ensures you are legally compliant but gives you peace of mind.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
When you call on Wyvern Risk Management to undertake your Fire Risk Assessment in Bristol, Bath or the South West one of our experienced competent team will attend your property and undertake a non-destructive assessment, inspecting ‘common' or ‘shared' areas.
The fire risk assessor will view the following:
Check escape routes are clear, signed and easily accessible
Physically check entry doors and sample flat doors for fire integrity
Check the correct alarm and detection system is operating where fitted
Visually inspect emergency escape lighting is correctly installed and operating
Review maintenance and safety checks testing paperwork is correct and current
Ensure notices, signage and instructions are clear, correct and available for tenants, visitors or owners of the property
Commercial Fire Risk Assessments in Bristol
What do I need to do as an owner of a commercial business?
The owner of a commercial business who employs five or more people has the legal responsibility to carry out a written fire risk assessment for businesses. They must install features which ensure that the whole building, the management processes and its staff are compliant with the legal standards required for fire safety.
The results of the Fire Risk Assessment must be recorded and made available for inspecting by fire authority inspection officers. Your business insurers will also want to see evidence of compliance.
Wyvern Risk Management, using its bespoke cloud-based software ‘ComplianceOnline', will inspect, audit, and assess your premises on your behalf so you can concentrate on running your business.
The cloud-based fire risk assessment ensures you always have the current LIVE status of your companies compliance across all your locations and all your devices.
What are the benefits of a 'ComplianceOnline' assessment?
- Reports are based on a PAS79 template and complies with current UK legislation
- Enables you to login instantly and view all of your Fire Risk Assessments reports in one place
- Online system cuts down on outdated paper trails (PDF reports are still available)
- Instant access allows you to see all actions due for your building(s) and any overdue
- Simple and easy to use system
- You can update your reports at any time, which provides an instant audit trail and evidence for fire safety compliance
- Ability to view severity of risk across your portfolio
- Re-assurance and ability to control your risks and plan within budget
Our ‘ComplianceOnline' Assessment Process
When you call on Wyvern Risk Management to undertake your fire risk assessment in Bristol, Bath and the South West one of our experienced competent team will attend your business
- On completion, it will be hosted on our cloud based online system ‘ComplianceOnline' which can be accessed by yourself or any authorised company employees.
- Actions are colour coded, listed in order of priority ensuring the most cost-effective solutions for any areas where your property is non-compliant.
- By law every employer must maintain a fire logbook. There is an option for the logbook to be stored online, safer from fire and easily accessible. You can update it at any time, always ensuring total compliance.
- Action plans includes assessors notes, floor plans (if available) and photos, to show you exactly what and where the problem is.
- Once addressed the non-compliance can either be signed off as ‘Action Completed' or added as a status update to show work still in progress. Once completed, upload your own photos to show the result and it will be immediately removed from your Action Plan and sent to the Archive.
- All PPM documents & certificates can be stored on the portal.
- All assessments are produced with a BAFE SP205 Certificate of Conformity giving you assurance that the correct procedures have been followed by competent people.
FAQs
How often does a fire risk assessment need to be carried out in Bristol?
There is no fixed expiry date for a fire risk assessment in Bristol or the UK, but it must be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. As a general guide:
- Every 12 months for most commercial properties
- More frequently if there are significant changes (layout, occupancy, use)
- Immediately after a fire or near miss Regular reviews ensure your premises remain compliant with current fire safety regulations.
What is included in a fire risk assessment for commercial premises in Bristol?
A commercial fire risk assessment in Bristol includes a full inspection of your premises, identifying fire hazards, evaluating risks, and recommending actions. This typically covers:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Emergency escape routes and exits
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Firefighting equipment (extinguishers)
- Staff training and fire procedures
- Record keeping and maintenance logs
Do landlords need a fire risk assessment for rental properties in Bristol?
Yes, landlords and property managers are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment for communal areas in blocks of flats and HMOs in Bristol. This applies to:
- Apartment buildings with shared corridors or stairwells
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
- Converted properties with shared spaces
How much does a fire risk assessment cost in Bristol?
The cost of a fire risk assessment in Bristol can vary depending on the size, type, and complexity of the property. Smaller premises such as shops or offices may be at the lower end of the scale, while larger buildings or multi-occupancy properties will require a more detailed assessment and therefore a higher cost. Many providers offer fixed starting prices with tailored quotes for more complex sites.
What happens if I don’t have a fire risk assessment for my business?
If you fail to have a valid fire risk assessment in place, you may be in breach of fire safety legislation. This can lead to enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution. In serious cases, authorities can restrict or close your business. It may also affect your insurance, potentially invalidating your cover. Most importantly, not having an assessment puts people and property at significant risk.
How long does a fire risk assessment take to complete?
The time required to complete a fire risk assessment depends on the size and complexity of the premises. Smaller properties may take a couple of hours, while larger or more complex buildings can take half a day or longer. Once the site visit is complete, the report is typically delivered within a few days, depending on the level of detail required.
Can I carry out my own fire risk assessment for my business?
It is possible to carry out your own fire risk assessment if you are considered competent and have a good understanding of fire safety regulations. However, many business owners choose to use a professional fire risk assessor to ensure nothing is missed. A qualified assessor will provide a more detailed and compliant report, giving you confidence that your legal responsibilities are being met.
What happens after a fire risk assessment is completed?
After the assessment, you will receive a report outlining any identified risks along with recommended actions and timescales. It is then your responsibility as the responsible person to act on these recommendations and keep records up to date. Addressing these actions is essential to achieving compliance and maintaining a safe environment.
Can you provide fire risk assessments outside of Bristol?
Yes, fire risk assessment providers based in Bristol often work across the wider South West region. This includes areas such as Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Devon. If you are searching for a fire risk assessment service near you in the South West, many companies offer flexible coverage to meet your needs.
Got another question? Ask us here
Fire Risk Assessments in Bristol & the South West
Wyvern Risk Assessment is based in Bristol, providing professional, fully compliant fire risk assessments across the city and throughout the South West. Whether you manage a single property or a portfolio of buildings, we deliver reliable, detailed assessments tailored to your premises and legal responsibilities.
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