A fire risk assessment (FRA) is more than a box-ticking exercise—it is a detailed review of how well a building protects people and maintains overall fire safety if a blaze starts. Whether you own a block of flats, manage commercial property, or oversee a small business, an FRA helps identify fire hazards and assess fire risks to highlight the areas that need attention.
It then recommends practical steps for fire prevention and stronger fire protection to reduce the risk of harm. This process is both a vital safety measure and, in many cases, a legal requirement for property owners and managers. This guide by Fire Safety Specialists Ltd explains fire risk assessments in detail — what they involve, who is responsible for carrying them out, and how they help keep buildings safe and compliant.
Carrying out a fire risk assessment saves lives and property while keeping you compliant with local fire safety laws. For most multi-occupancy buildings in England and Wales, it isn’t optional—failing to have an FRA can lead to legal penalties and greater danger for residents, making fire prevention and effective fire protection essential to reduce the risk of harm.
A fire risk assessment is a structured inspection of a building that identifies fire hazards, evaluates potential fire risks, and sets out actions to protect occupants while maintaining overall fire safety. It helps property owners and managers understand where dangers exist and what must be done to keep people safe.
An FRA typically examines:
The assessment produces a written report with clear recommendations for fire prevention and fire protection. These can include installing better fire detection systems, updating the evacuation plan, and taking steps to reduce the risk of harm if a fire breaks out.
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes a fire risk assessment a legal requirement for two main property types:
A thorough assessment generally follows five key steps:
Failing to complete an FRA can lead to fines or prosecution and leaves occupants exposed to unnecessary fire risks.
A fire risk assessment does not focus only on individual flats—it covers all shared or communal areas where fire hazards could start or spread and where strong fire safety measures are essential. These typically include:
By checking these spaces during the inspection, the assessor works to identify fire hazards, ensure fire doors and exits remain clear, and confirm that fire detection systems provide effective fire protection in an emergency to support safe evacuation.
Yes—any building that contains flats must have a fire risk assessment covering all shared or communal areas to maintain proper fire safety. The landlord, managing agent, or building owner is the “responsible person” and must ensure the assessment is completed and reviewed regularly to meet legal duties and reduce the risk of harm.
Individual flat interiors are usually excluded. However, if a flat’s front door opens onto a common hallway, that door is part of the fire protection measures and is included in the inspection to help identify fire hazards and support safe evacuation in an emergency.
You may also read: Do Converted or Small Blocks of Flats Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Every FRA should confirm that basic fire precautions are present and maintained. Key measures include:
These precautions lower the risk of injury and make it easier for fire services to control an incident.
A thorough fire risk assessment follows a clear sequence to keep people safe and meet legal fire safety requirements. Here’s how to complete it effectively:
Collect building plans, previous assessments, and maintenance records. Review any existing fire protection systems and note past incidents to understand current fire risks.
Walk through every area to locate potential sources of ignition and flammable materials. Check for blocked exits or faulty equipment that could create fire hazards during an emergency.
Judge each hazard’s likelihood and impact. Recommend strong fire prevention steps such as improved fire detection, additional fire doors, or upgraded alarms to reduce the risk of a blaze.
Record all observations, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines for improvements. Include a clear evacuation strategy so everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
Revisit the assessment at least annually or whenever building use changes. Regular inspection keeps your fire safety measures effective and ensures ongoing compliance.
Following these steps helps property owners and managers identify fire hazards, strengthen fire protection, and keep occupants safe year-round.
By law, a “responsible person”—usually the landlord, property manager, or business owner—must make sure a fire risk assessment is carried out.
For small, low-risk premises, a competent in-house person can handle the task if they have a solid understanding of fire safety principles and can correctly identify fire hazards. They should also be able to recommend basic fire protection and fire prevention measures to reduce the risk of a blaze.
For complex or high-risk buildings, it is best to hire a certified fire risk assessor. A qualified professional brings specialist knowledge of local fire codes, NFPA standards, and current industry best practices. This expertise ensures the inspection is thorough and compliant, giving owners and occupants confidence that all fire risks are properly addressed.
You may also read: Who Is Responsible for Carrying Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
Staying compliant with fire safety rules takes more than completing one fire risk assessment. Follow these key steps:
These actions protect lives and property, prevent fines, and strengthen fire protection and fire prevention efforts.
A fire risk assessment is a key part of any building’s fire safety plan. It helps identify fire hazards, protects people and property, and keeps you compliant with local fire codes. By carrying out regular inspection and acting on professional advice, you strengthen fire protection, improve fire prevention, and reduce the risk of a serious emergency. Regular reviews give everyone—from residents to staff—greater confidence that the building is well prepared against fire risks.
You may also read: How to Commission a Fire Risk Assessment When the Council Won’t Help
It identifies fire hazards and sets out actions to reduce the risk of a blaze, helping to protect occupants and strengthen overall fire safety and fire protection.
You risk fines, prosecution, and higher danger to people and property, as unchecked fire risks can lead to an emergency.
Carry out an inspection at least once a year and whenever the building’s layout, use, or occupancy changes to stay compliant with the local fire code and keep emergency plans up to date.
Only if the premises are small and low risk; you must be able to identify fire hazards and understand basic fire prevention and evacuation procedures. Complex sites require a professional assessor.
Hold drills at least annually, review the evacuation plan, and refresh staff or tenant training whenever major changes occur so everyone knows how to act in an emergency. For more information please read: How Often Should A Fire Evacuation Drill Take Place?
Yes — fire risk assessments in HMOs are a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If your property is a licensed House in Multiple Occupation or includes shared or communal areas, you must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.
