Fire risk assessment
Fire Risk Assessment services in London
A structured assessment of fire hazards, people at risk, existing controls and the actions needed to reduce risk and support the responsible person’s fire-safety duties.
What a fire risk assessment does
A fire risk assessment examines how a fire could start, who could be harmed, how effectively people could escape, and whether suitable measures are in place to prevent fire and protect occupants if a fire occurs.
The output should be practical: significant findings, existing controls, deficiencies, priorities, an action plan and a clear basis for review.
England duty
The responsible person for business and other non-domestic premises must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment and keep a written record of it.
The five-step assessment framework
1. Identify fire hazards
Consider sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen, together with work activities, equipment, housekeeping and other ways fire could start or spread.
2. Identify people at risk
Consider employees, visitors, contractors, lone workers, people unfamiliar with the premises and anyone who may need additional assistance.
3. Evaluate and reduce risk
Assess the likelihood and consequences of fire, reduce hazards where possible and evaluate escape routes, detection, warning, firefighting and other controls.
4. Record, plan and train
Record findings and actions, prepare an emergency plan, provide information and instruction, and ensure staff know what to do.
5. Review and update
Keep the assessment under review and revise it when significant changes, incidents, new hazards or other relevant information mean the existing assessment may no longer be sufficient.
What the assessment may consider
Means of escape
Escape routes, final exits, travel distances, occupancy, signage, emergency lighting and the ability of occupants to reach safety.
Detection and warning
Whether the fire-detection and alarm arrangements are suitable for the premises, occupancy and risk.
Firefighting equipment
The provision, siting, suitability and maintenance arrangements for extinguishers and other firefighting equipment where required.
Fire doors and compartmentation
Relevant passive fire-protection measures, including doors, compartmentation and features intended to restrict fire and smoke spread.
People requiring assistance
The needs of disabled people, elderly people, children and others who may require additional arrangements for safe evacuation.
Management and maintenance
Testing, servicing, staff training, drills, contractor controls, housekeeping and how fire-safety responsibilities are managed day to day.
The report should produce an actionable compliance plan
A premium FRA should not stop at identifying issues. The report should make it clear what the deficiency is, why it matters, what action is recommended, the relative priority and who is responsible for progressing the action.
Who should carry out the assessment?
The responsible person remains responsible for meeting the legal duties, even where a third party is appointed to assist. The person carrying out the assessment should have sufficient competence for the complexity and risk of the premises.
For simple, low-risk premises, government guidance recognises that a responsible person may be able to carry out the assessment if they are competent and capable. More complex premises or higher-risk situations can justify specialist fire-risk-assessment expertise.
Primelinks Compliance coordinates the commercial process; the assessment itself is carried out by a suitably competent assessor for the premises and scope.
Fire risk assessment questions
How often should an FRA be reviewed?
There is no single fixed review interval that is correct for every premises. The assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated when relevant changes, incidents or other information mean the existing assessment may no longer reflect the risk.
Does the fire risk assessment have to be written down?
Yes. Current government guidance for responsible persons in England says a written record of the fire risk assessment must be kept.
What happens if the report identifies deficiencies?
The responsible person should use the findings and action plan to reduce or control the identified risks. Where testing, maintenance or remedial work is required, those actions should be progressed and documented.
Need a fire risk assessment for a London property?
Tell us the premises type, use, occupancy and current fire-safety position and we will coordinate the appropriate assessment route.