Fire risk assessment questions

A fire risk assessment is a structured review of a premises to identify fire hazards, consider who may be at risk and examine the measures in place to reduce those risks. It should also identify actions that may be needed to improve fire safety arrangements.

Many non-domestic premises and the common parts of certain residential buildings fall under fire safety duties that require risks to be assessed and managed. The exact responsibilities depend on the premises and who has control of it.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person is whoever has control of the premises — often the employer, building owner, landlord or managing agent. That duty stays with them: commissioning an assessment supports it, but does not transfer it.

A fire risk assessment should be kept under review rather than treated as a one-off document. A review may be appropriate when circumstances change, after significant works, following an incident or when there is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer suitable.

The assessor inspects the premises — escape routes, compartmentation, fire doors, signage, emergency lighting, alarm provision, storage and housekeeping, and the arrangements for managing fire safety. It is a non-destructive visual inspection: we do not open up construction or lift finishes unless that has been agreed separately in advance.

For residential blocks it depends on the scope agreed. Some assessments cover common parts only; others include a sample of individual dwellings. We will confirm what is needed before the visit so access can be arranged. Where we cannot get into relevant areas, the report records that limitation and its effect on our findings.

A written report setting out what was inspected, the hazards identified, who is at risk, and prioritised recommendations. The point is that you can act on it, so findings are specific and ordered rather than presented as an undifferentiated list.

It depends on the premises — building type, size, number of floors and units, and the scope agreed. We do not quote a single figure for every property because that would be meaningless. Tell us about the building and we will provide a free, no-obligation estimate.

We offer fire door installation, emergency lighting installation, fire risk management and consultation, so in many cases we can help. Our assessors are not paid commission on remedial work arising from their findings, and you are never obliged to use us or anyone we introduce. Our Referral Marketing Disclosure explains this in full.

Yes. We regularly structure our service around the needs of landlords, managing agents, facilities teams and other people responsible for property portfolios.

Yes. Depending on the findings, we can assist with fire door installation, emergency lighting installation, fire risk management and consultation. This helps clients move from identifying issues to planning sensible corrective work.

The Order requires a competent person, which comes from training, relevant experience and continuing development rather than a single certificate. You are entitled to ask who will attend, what their qualifications are and what comparable buildings they have assessed — see Meet the Team.

No, and you should be wary of anyone who says otherwise. An assessment identifies risks and recommends proportionate measures with reasonable skill and care. It reflects the premises on the day of inspection and does not certify a building as "safe". Our Disclaimer covers this.

We cover Greater London, including central, inner and outer London boroughs. If your property is within the London area, contact us with its location and we can discuss the service required.