Fire Risk Assessments

In the UK the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the main piece of governing Legislation which relates to Fire Safety within commercial (business) premises. Within this document it defines who is responsible for fire safety in relation to business premises and for which premises the Order relates to. Those persons responsible for the fire safety arrangements within the premises are known as a ‘Responsible Person’.

The following information is taken directly from the UK Governments website and can be accessed here.

As the responsible person the RRO requires you to carry out and regularly review your fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe. This assessment of risk must also be recorded.

Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment can be quite simple, and can be conducted in 5 easy steps:

Carrying out the risk assessment

  1. Identify the fire hazards

  2. Identify people at risk

  3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks

  4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.

  5. Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment

Step 1 - Premises type

Which type of premises are you responsible for? Download the appropriate guide below:

Offices and Shops

Educational Premises

Healthcare Premises

Factories and Warehouses

Small and Medium places of Assembly

Transport Premises and Facilities

Sleeping Accommodation

Large Places of Assembly

Purpose Built Blocks of Flats

Residential Care Premises

Theatres, Cinemas and Similar Premises

Step 2 - Undertake Fire Risk Assessment

Download the below document and use it to conduct a walk around your premises to identify the risks from fire and those who are at risk from fire..

Step 3 - Evaluate and act

Now you have undertaken your assessment of risk, it is time to evaluate your findings and take action to remove, reduce or, take mitigating action with regard the risk.

Step 4 - Record, Plan and Train

Now you must record your findings, actions you have taken and what training you have provided your staff or residents.

Step 5 - Review

You must review your fire risk assessment on a regular basis. Typically this is annually, however should their be a change to the occupancy or premises, then a review should be conducted as and when required. The review should also be recorded.

Need help?

If you need help and advice on conducting a Fire Risk Assessment, or with regard any of your findings, then please get in touch using the form to the right.

Fire Risk Assessment Downloads

Simple Fire Risk Assessment template

5-Step Fire Risk Assessment aide memoire

9 Page Fire Risk Assessment Guidance Checklist document

9 Page Fire Risk Assessment Checklist document (completed example)