Virtus Fire Ltd

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a building to identify:
• Fire hazards
• People at risk
• Existing fire safety measures
• Actions required to reduce risk

Its purpose is to prevent fire, protect life, and reduce harm.

Yes. Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for:
• All workplaces
• Commercial premises
• HMOs
• Shared areas of residential buildings

Almost every non-domestic property must have one.

Fire risk assessments are required under UK fire safety legislation, which places a duty on the Responsible Person to assess and manage fire risk.

Failure to comply can result in:
• Enforcement notices
• Fines
• Prosecution
• In serious cases, imprisonment

The Responsible Person is legally accountable. This is usually:
• The employer
• The building owner
• The landlord or managing agent
• Anyone with control of the premises

The assessment itself can be carried out by:
• The Responsible Person (if competent), or
• A competent fire risk assessor

Yes — if you are competent.

You must have sufficient knowledge of:
• Fire hazards
• Building layout and use
• Fire safety measures
• Relevant legislation

For many premises, especially larger or higher-risk buildings, using a professional assessor is strongly recommended.

A suitable and sufficient assessment:
• Identifies all relevant fire hazards
• Considers everyone at risk
• Evaluates existing control measures
• Recommends realistic actions
• Is clearly documented
• Is kept up to date

Generic or template assessments often fail this test.

Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated when:
• There are changes to the building
• The use of the premises changes
• New processes or equipment are introduced
• A fire or near-miss occurs
• The assessment is no longer valid

There is no fixed time limit, but annual reviews are common best practice.

Failure to have a valid fire risk assessment may result in:
• Enforcement action
• Prohibition or restriction of use
• Significant fines
• Criminal prosecution
• Increased risk to life

It also weakens insurance and legal defence positions.

A fire risk assessment typically covers:
• Sources of ignition
• Fuel and combustible materials
• People at risk
• Means of escape
• Fire detection and warning systems
• Emergency lighting
• Fire doors and compartmentation
• Fire-fighting equipment
• Management and training

Yes. Business size does not remove the legal duty.

Even very small businesses must:
• Identify fire risks
• Take reasonable steps to reduce them

The assessment may be simpler, but it is still required.

Yes, in many cases.

Fire risk assessments are required for:
• HMOs
• Communal areas of flats
• Shared access routes

Private single-family dwellings generally do not require a formal assessment, but common areas do.

A competent assessor has:
• Appropriate training and experience
• Knowledge of fire safety legislation
• Understanding of building design and use
• The ability to identify risk and recommend controls

Competence is critical — poor assessments can be worse than none.

Yes. Fire authorities commonly request:
• A copy of the fire risk assessment
• Evidence of reviews and updates
• Proof that actions have been completed

Lack of documentation is a common enforcement issue.

Costs vary depending on:
• Building size and complexity
• Risk profile
• Use and occupancy
• Location

While cost is important, quality and competence matter more.

No.

A fire risk assessment is a living document that must be:
• Reviewed
• Updated
• Acted upon

Treating it as a tick-box exercise puts people and businesses at risk.

A fire risk assessment is the foundation of fire safety compliance in the UK.

When done properly, it:
• Protects lives
• Reduces legal risk
• Demonstrates due diligence
• Supports safer workplaces

Getting it wrong — or ignoring it — carries serious consequences.