What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Include?
If you've found yourself asking, “what does a fire risk assessment include?”, you're not alone, understanding a fire risk assessment is crucial for anyone responsible for a property's safety and compliance in the UK. In this blog, we explain what to expect, why it matters, and how Wyvern Risk Management Limited can help safeguard your premises, people, and peace of mind.
When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required?
A fire risk assessment is necessary to keep your business or property safe and within the law. Here's when you need one:
Commercial Properties
As a business owner, you must have an up-to-date fire risk assessment to ensure your workplace meets all safety standards and legal requirements.
HMOs and Rental Properties
Landlords are legally obliged to provide a fire risk assessment for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and rental properties, covering escape routes, alarms, and the safety of tenants.
Communal Areas in Residential Buildings
Shared spaces like stairwells and corridors in flats need assessing too, to guarantee all residents stay protected in case of a fire.
Starting or Taking Over a Business
New premises, changes in management, or shifts in business use all require a fresh assessment to identify unique risks and responsibilities.
Changes to Building Layout or Use
Whenever you alter the structure, introduce new equipment, or redecorate significantly, a new assessment checks for emerging hazards.
In short, whether you're a landlord, business owner, or building manager, fire risk assessments are not just best practice, they're a recurring, legal obligation in the UK.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment in the UK?
Yes, it is a legal requirement for most premises across the UK under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Legal Duties for Business Owners and Landlords
You are responsible for carrying out a regular, written fire risk assessment if you own or manage non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, communal residential areas, or managed blocks of flats.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply can lead to significant fines, criminal prosecution, and enforced closure of your business, as local fire authorities take breaches very seriously.
Importance of Documentation
If you employ five or more people, you must keep a written record of your assessment. This document becomes essential during audits, inspections, or in response to fire safety incidents.
In summary, regular fire risk assessments, formal records, and prompt action on recommendations are all legal must-haves. Wyvern Risk Management Limited helps you meet these obligations with clarity and expertise.
What Should a Fire Risk Assessment Include in a Commercial Property?
A fire risk assessment for commercial premises is a detailed process that leaves nothing to chance, helping you meet your legal obligations and protect everyone using your building. Here's a thorough overview of what's involved:
Identification of Fire Hazards
The assessment starts with a systematic inspection to identify anything that could start a fire, spread flames or contribute fuel. This includes faulty electrical equipment, overloaded plug sockets, exposed wiring, heat sources near combustibles, machinery, kitchen appliances, and storage of flammable substances like cleaning chemicals, paints, or paper. Assessors also check for waste build-up and whether housekeeping standards could increase risk.
Identification of People at Risk
A good assessment goes beyond employees, considering anyone who might be on-site, including customers, visitors, contractors, and especially vulnerable or disabled persons who may have limited mobility, hearing, or vision. It looks at how individuals use different parts of the building and identifies where people might be at higher risk, such as those working alone, upstairs, or in remote spaces.
Evaluation and Reduction of Risks
Risks are then carefully evaluated, rating their likelihood and potential impact. The assessment includes how effective your current measures are at controlling fire hazards and whether additional controls are required. This might involve separating flammable materials from heat sources, improving housekeeping, or introducing more stringent storage practices. You'll get clear recommendations for reducing or removing identified risks entirely.
Fire Detection and Warning Systems
Assessors review your fire alarm and detection systems to ensure all areas are adequately covered and alerts will sound quickly in case of fire. This includes testing detectors, checking alarm audibility, and ensuring manual call points are accessible and visible. Systems in areas with sleeping accommodation or noisy environments may need extra scrutiny or specialised technology.
Fire-Fighting Equipment
The assessment checks the quantity, location, and maintenance of extinguishers, hose reels, blankets, and any sprinkler or suppression systems. Are the right types of extinguisher provided for electrical, flammable liquid, or kitchen fires? Are they regularly serviced and are staff trained to use them? Ensuring equipment is not blocked or hidden away can make a critical difference.
Emergency Routes and Exits
Escape routes must be clearly marked, kept clear of obstructions at all times, and provide the shortest safe passage to a place of safety outside. The assessor checks that fire doors are in good condition, self-closing, and not wedged open; exit doors must open easily without special keys or codes. Particular attention is given to high-traffic areas, basements, upper floors, and any spaces used by the public.
Signage and Lighting
Adequate, up-to-date fire signage is essential throughout the building. This includes fire action notices, exit signs, extinguisher labels, and instructions for assembly points. Emergency lighting systems are also checked to ensure they will operate if power fails, lighting exit routes and safety equipment.
Fire Safety Training and Procedures
A fire risk assessment reviews whether everyone in the building, from permanent staff to temporary contractors, receives fire safety training appropriate to their role. This includes evacuation procedures, how and when to use fire-fighting equipment, and what to do upon discovering a fire. Regular drills, up-to-date records, and clear roles (such as fire marshals) are all checked.
Recording Findings and Action Plans
Perhaps most crucially, every fire risk assessment should conclude with a clear, written report. This details every significant finding, hazards, people at risk, control measures, and what further actions are needed. Prioritised action plans make compliance more manageable, noting who needs to do what, and by when. At Wyvern Risk Management Limited, our reports are designed to be easy to understand and implement, supporting you from assessment right through to sign-off and review.
A comprehensive fire risk assessment does far more than tick boxes, it's a living process essential to the safety, compliance, and reassurance of everyone who comes through your doors.
How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take From Start to Finish?
The duration of a fire risk assessment depends on several factors. Here's what you need to know:
Small Premises (Shops, Small Offices)
Typically, assessments can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.
Medium Premises (Restaurants, Multi-Storey Offices)
Allow half a day, particularly if your building has multiple floors, rooms or communal areas.
Large or Complex Sites (Warehouses, Factories, Schools)
These assessments may require a full day or more, especially if detailed records and interviews with staff are needed.
Report Delivery
After the physical inspection, we take up to five working days to compile and deliver your comprehensive written report, but urgent reports can be arranged by request.
It's vital to prioritise a thorough assessment rather than a quick one. Rushed checks can overlook hazards, risking non-compliance and putting lives at risk. With Wyvern Risk Management Limited, we always put safety and accuracy first.
How to Prepare for a Fire Risk Assessment of Your Property
Preparing for a fire risk assessment is key to a thorough, efficient inspection and will help identify any issues before they become serious problems. Proper preparation also demonstrates your commitment to fire safety and compliance. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to help you get ready:
Ensure Full Access to All Areas
Assessors need to view every part of your premises to carry out a reliable fire risk assessment. This includes unlocking all rooms, offices, basements, plant rooms, storage areas, roof spaces, utility cupboards, and outbuildings. Don't forget areas that are rarely visited, such as meter cupboards or service shafts, as hidden hazards may lurk there. If access is restricted to any parts on the day, rescheduling may be required, slowing down compliance.
Provide Previous Fire Risk Assessment Reports
If you have had prior fire risk assessments, keep these reports ready and accessible for the assessor. Older reports show what risks have been dealt with previously and help identify trends or recurring issues. Bringing previous reports to the front also shows your ongoing commitment to addressing fire safety, and helps the assessor focus on any outstanding actions.
Gather Maintenance Records
Maintenance records for all fire protection systems are vital. Have up-to-date records available for fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, dry risers, emergency lighting, and any automatic fire suppression systems. These documents should show inspection and servicing dates, any defects found, and that corrective actions have been completed. Well-maintained records save time and deliver confidence that equipment meets legal standards.
Inform Staff or Tenants
Let your staff, tenants, or building users know about the assessment in advance. Their cooperation may be necessary to access secure areas, answer safety procedure questions, or discuss evacuation arrangements. Advance notice also ensures the inspection is not disruptive to their work or daily routines.
Identify Any Known Issues
If you're aware of any fire doors not closing properly, alarms needing attention, blocked exits, or malfunctioning emergency lights, inform the assessor beforehand. Addressing or highlighting these issues saves time, shows openness, and allows for realistic recommendations during the assessment.
Ensure Escape Routes Are Clear
All escape routes, including corridors, stairwells, and final exit doors, should be unobstructed and plainly signposted. Remove storage, boxes, or any clutter, and make sure all doors along escape routes open easily and are free of extra locks or code panels. Emergency lighting should be tested and confirmed as operational.
Assign a Point of Contact On-Site
Appoint someone who knows the building well to accompany the assessor during their visit. This point of contact should be able to provide access to all rooms, locate key documents, and answer operational questions. They help guide the assessor efficiently, clarify any property-specific queries, and ensure nothing is missed.
Additional Tips
- Prepare keys, fobs, or codes for locked areas and cupboards.
- Ensure contractors working in the building at the time are made aware of the assessment.
- Remove or point out any ongoing works, as these may present temporary risks.
- Organise any fire training records and evacuation drill logs for review.
By taking these steps in advance, you ensure a comprehensive, hassle-free fire risk assessment and enable accurate recommendations tailored to your property. If you need guidance at any stage, Wyvern Risk Management Limited is always available to advise and help you get the most out of your assessment process.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed and Updated?
Keeping your fire risk assessment up to date is an ongoing duty, not a one-off event. Here's when to review and refresh:
Annually
It's recommended to carry out a review at least once a year, even if there are no obvious changes.
Changes in Building Layout
If you refurbish, redecorate, or reconfigure any area, a new assessment checks for fresh hazards.
Introduction of New Equipment
Whenever flammable or high-powered items are installed, their risks need assessing.
After a Fire or Near-Miss
Any incident should prompt a full review to identify what went right and what could be improved.
Changes in Occupancy
If more people start working or living on site, or if vulnerable people join, you should update your assessment to reflect this.
Documentation
Keep your records organised and accessible, as fire authorities may request them at any time.
Fire risk assessments are your ongoing responsibility, protecting people, property, and your reputation. Wyvern Risk Management Limited ensures reviews are straightforward and practical, supporting you with reminders and guidance for total compliance.
What Happens After a Fire Risk Assessment Is Completed?
After your fire risk assessment, you'll receive a detailed report outlining all findings and next steps.
Detailed Report
This document will summarise hazards, outline people at risk, and highlight compliance status throughout your premises.
Risk Ratings and Prioritised Actions
Findings are ranked by urgency or potential harm, so you can focus first on the most significant areas.
Recommended Improvements
Each report lists suggestions for risk removal or management, such as installing new alarms, training staff, or updating procedures.
Timeline for Addressing Issues
You'll be given clear deadlines for addressing any urgent issues, helping you act swiftly and avoid penalties.
Follow-Up Support
At Wyvern Risk Management Limited, we pride ourselves on supporting clients beyond the report: we can provide re-inspections and refresher training where needed.
Acting on Findings
Timely action is crucial. Implementing identified changes not only keeps people safe but also ensures ongoing compliance. Waiting can risk lives and result in legal trouble.
Book a Professional Fire Risk Assessment with Wyvern Risk Management
For expert, UKAS-backed compliance and peace of mind, choose Wyvern Risk Management Limited. We offer fire risk assessments for every type of property, with clear reporting and unrivalled support across the South West.
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