The 5 Essential Steps of a Fire Safety Risk Assessment Explained

Introduction

If you are a business owner or a designated ‘Responsible Person’ for a property in the UK, understanding your fire safety duties is not just best practice—it’s a legal requirement. A cornerstone of this responsibility is the fire safety risk assessment. But how many steps actually make up this crucial process? The answer is straightforward: a fire safety risk assessment is comprised of five key steps.

This guide by Fire Safety Specialists Ltd, breaks down the official 5-step process in simple terms. Following this structure ensures you can systematically identify risks, protect people, and achieve full legal compliance, giving you complete peace of mind.

The 5 Official Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment

Mandated by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the fire risk assessment process is designed to be logical and thorough. The law doesn't ask for a complex, bureaucratic exercise; it requires a simple, structured approach to ensure nothing is missed. These five steps provide that structure, creating a clear path to a safer workplace and ensuring all potential fire risks are properly identified and managed.

Step 1: Identify All Potential Fire Hazards

The first step is to conduct a thorough inspection of your premises to find anything that could start or fuel a fire. To do this effectively, you need to think about the three elements of the 'fire triangle'.

• Sources of Ignition: Look for anything that could generate heat and start a fire. This includes obvious culprits like naked flames from cooking equipment or heaters, but also less apparent risks such as faulty electrical wiring, overloaded sockets, or heat from machinery.
• Sources of Fuel: Identify all combustible materials that could help a fire burn and spread. This covers a wide range of items, from large stockpiles of paper, cardboard, and wood to flammable liquids, chemicals, and even furniture.
• Sources of Oxygen: While the air around us provides enough oxygen for a fire, some environments have additional sources. Consider medical oxygen cylinders, certain chemicals (oxidisers), or even air conditioning systems that could accelerate a fire's growth.

Step 2: Identify the People at Risk

Once you know where a fire could start, you must consider who it would affect. This step is about evaluating the human element and identifying those who would be in danger if a fire broke out.

• Employees, Visitors, and Contractors: Think about everyone who uses your building. Consider their locations, daily routines, and how a fire might impact them differently depending on where they are and what they are doing.
• Vulnerable Individuals: You must pay special attention to anyone who may be at increased risk. This includes people with disabilities, young children, the elderly, or anyone with mobility issues who might need extra help to evacuate safely.
• Lone Workers: Consider employees who work in isolated areas of the building or outside of normal hours. How would they be alerted to a fire, and can they evacuate safely on their own?

You may also read: Understanding Fire Risk Assessment Responsibilities in the UK - The Complete Guide

Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce the Risks

With a clear picture of the hazards and the people at risk, the next step is to take action. The goal here is to do everything reasonably possible to make your premises safer.

• Assess the Danger: Evaluate the level of risk posed by each hazard you identified. Is the risk of a fire starting high or low? If a fire did start, how serious would the consequences be for the people you identified?
• Remove Hazards: The most effective way to reduce risk is to remove the hazard completely. For example, you could enforce a strict no-smoking policy or stop storing flammable materials on-site.
• Implement Control Measures:  If a hazard cannot be removed, you must introduce measures to control the risk. This could involve improving housekeeping to reduce clutter, installing fire doors to stop fire from spreading, or ensuring electrical equipment is regularly tested (PAT testing).

 

 

Step 4: Record, Plan, and Provide Training

A fire risk assessment is not just a mental exercise. You must document your process, create a clear plan for emergencies, and ensure everyone knows what to do.

• Document Your Findings: You must keep a written record of all the significant findings from your assessment. This document proves you have met your legal duties and serves as a vital tool for managing fire safety. This is a legal requirement if you have five or more employees.
• Create an Emergency Plan: Based on your findings, develop a clear, simple emergency plan that details the evacuation procedures for your building. It should include escape routes, assembly points, and procedures for contacting the fire brigade.
• Train All Staff: An emergency plan is only effective if people know about it. You must provide comprehensive fire safety training to all staff, ensuring they understand the plan, know how to raise the alarm, and are aware of the fire safety measures in place.

You may also read: Who Is Responsible For Fire Safety In The Workplace?

Step 5: Review Your Assessment Regularly

Fire safety is not a one-time task. Your workplace is constantly evolving, and your fire risk assessment must evolve with it. Think of it as a living document that requires regular attention.

• Keep it Updated: The assessment must be kept up to date to remain valid and effective.
• Conduct Regular Reviews: You should review your fire risk assessment at least once a year to ensure it still accurately reflects the risks in your premises.
• Review After Significant Changes: It is essential to conduct a new review immediately if there are any significant changes. This could include altering the building's layout, introducing new machinery or processes, or a significant change in the number of people using the premises.

Why an Expert Assessment Provides True Peace of Mind

While you can follow these five steps yourself, the expertise of a professional assessor is invaluable. Our consultants, many with years of experience in the fire service, are trained to see what others miss. They understand the nuances of fire behaviour and legislation, ensuring every piece of your safety jigsaw is firmly in place.

An expert assessment from Fire Safety Specialists isn't just about ticking boxes to satisfy legal requirements; it's about taking robust, practical steps to protect your property and save lives. We provide the clarity and confidence you need to know your business is truly safe.

You may also read: 2026 Fire Risk Assessment Guide - What UK Businesses Need to Know

Conclusion

Ensuring your business is compliant and your people are safe is a serious responsibility. That starts with a professional fire risk assessment carried out to legal standards. Our experienced fire safety professionals provide clear reports, practical recommendations, and full compliance support. Call 01246 439210 or contact Fire Safety Specialists Ltd to book your fire risk assessment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, if you are an employer, owner, landlord, or occupier of business or other non-domestic premises, you are legally responsible for fire safety and must have a fire risk assessment.

Can I do my own fire risk assessment?

You can conduct your own assessment if you feel you have the necessary competence—meaning you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to identify and assess fire risks properly. However, for most businesses, especially those with complex layouts or higher risks, hiring a professional assessor is the safest and most reliable option.

How often do I need to review my fire risk assessment?

It is recommended that you review your assessment at least annually. A review is also legally required immediately following any significant changes to the premises, processes, or number of occupants.

What happens if I don't have a fire risk assessment?

Failing to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is a criminal offence. It can lead to severe penalties from your local fire and rescue authority, including heavy fines and, in the most serious cases, imprisonment. More importantly, it puts lives at risk.

Do I need to record my fire risk assessment if I have fewer than 5 employees?

While the legal requirement to formally record the significant findings of your assessment applies to businesses with five or more employees, it is considered best practice for all businesses to keep a written record. This helps you manage safety effectively and demonstrates due diligence.