Commercial Fire Risk Assessment London
Protecting your employees, customers, visitors, and premises begins with a professional commercial fire risk assessment London. Liviosiv provides comprehensive commercial fire risk assessments across London for offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, mixed-use buildings, and other non-domestic premises. Our qualified assessors identify fire hazards, review escape routes and existing fire safety measures, and provide a clear written report with a prioritised action plan. Every assessment is carried out in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, helping business owners, landlords, facilities managers, and Responsible Persons meet their legal fire safety obligations.
What Is a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment?
A commercial fire risk assessment is a legally required inspection of your business premises that identifies fire hazards, evaluates who might be at risk, and sets out clear, prioritised actions to reduce that risk. It is carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by a competent assessor and results in a written report you can use for compliance, insurance and staff safety records.
If you employ staff, welcome customers, or manage a commercial building anywhere in London, you are very likely the “Responsible Person” under the law which means this is not optional. For a broader introduction to how fire risk assessments work across different property types, see our guide: What Is a Fire Risk Assessment and Who Needs One in London?
Fire Risk Assessment Services
Fire Safety Certificate
Fire Door Certificate
Fire Extinguisher Services
Fire Door Installer
FRA Commercial Cost
Services
Prices
Upto 3 Floor
£159
3-5 Floor
£237
5-10 Floor
£297
Whole Building
One Call
Landlords
Property Agents
Letting Agents
Property Owner
Who Needs One?
- Offices single-floor units through to multi-storey office buildings
- Retail units and shops from independent stores to larger high street premises
- Restaurants, cafés and commercial kitchens where cooking equipment adds specific ignition risks
- Warehouses, workshops and light industrial sites larger footprints, different hazard profiles
- Mixed-use and multi-occupied buildings including shared entrances, corridors and stairwells
- Construction sites and hoardings temporary commercial occupation still carries fire safety duties under the Order
If your property is a licensed House in Multiple Occupation rather than a commercial premises, see our dedicated HMO Fire Risk Assessment London service instead. For purely residential buildings, visit our Residential Fire Risk Assessment London page.
| Included in Your Commercial Fire Risk Assessment | Not Included in the Assessment Fee |
|---|---|
| Full on-site inspection of the commercial premises (including communal areas where applicable) | Fire door repairs, replacements, or upgrades |
| Identification of fire hazards and persons at risk | Fire alarm installation or system upgrades |
| Assessment of means of escape, emergency exits, escape routes, and travel distances | Emergency lighting installation or replacement |
| Inspection of fire safety signage and emergency lighting provision | Fire extinguisher supply or replacement |
| Assessment of fire doors, compartmentation, and passive fire protection | Physical remedial works identified during the assessment |
| Review of fire detection and alarm systems | Electrical, building, or construction works |
| Evaluation of fire safety management procedures and existing fire precautions | Costs associated with third-party approvals or specialist testing (if required) |
| Comprehensive written fire risk assessment report | |
| Prioritised action plan with risk-rated recommendations | |
| Post-assessment follow-up to explain findings and answer any questions |
Additional Services Available
If your assessment identifies any issues requiring remedial work, we can provide a separate quotation for the necessary fire safety improvements with no obligation to proceed.
For older commercial buildings where asbestos may be present, we also offer a combined Fire Risk Assessment and Asbestos Survey service, allowing both inspections to be completed during a single visit, reducing disruption and saving time.
Our Commercial Fire Risk Assessment Process: 5 Simple Steps
We keep the process straightforward and structured, so you know exactly what to expect and when.
Confirm Scope: We will ask a few quick questions about your building floors, layout, occupancy and whether communal areas are included so we can confirm the right price and timing before we arrive.
On-Site Inspection: Your assessor visits at a time that works around your business, inspecting the premises for hazards, ignition sources, escape route suitability and existing fire safety controls. We plan access carefully to minimise disruption to your trading hours.
Risk Evaluation: We assess who’s at risk staff, customers, contractors and how severe and likely each hazard is, based on your building’s layout, use and existing controls.
Action Plan: Every finding is written up with a clear priority level, so you know exactly what needs urgent attention and what can be scheduled for later.
Report Delivered: You will receive your full written report within 1 working day a clear, compliance-ready document for your records, insurers, or landlord.
What We Check During a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment
Our assessments go beyond a tick-box walk-around. Here’s what a thorough fire safety inspection actually covers:
Fire Hazards and Ignition Sources: We look at everything that could start a fire from electrical faults and overloaded sockets to combustible storage and kitchen equipment and how these risks are currently being managed. Electrical faults remain one of the most common causes of commercial fires; wiring and installation condition is assessed against BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
Escape Routes, Signage and Emergency Lighting: Can everyone in the building get out safely, at any time of day? We check exit widths, travel distances, door swing direction, signage visibility and emergency lighting coverage.
Fire Doors and Compartmentation: Fire doors and compartmentation slow the spread of fire and smoke, buying crucial time for evacuation. We check that doors close properly, seals are intact, and construction genuinely contains fire where it’s meant to.
Fire Detection, Alarms and Extinguishers: We review your fire alarm system’s coverage and audibility, along with the type, positioning and service status of any fire extinguishers on site.
Fire Safety Management and Staff Procedures: Equipment is only half the picture. We also look at your fire safety procedures. Is there a clear evacuation plan, are staff aware of it, and are routine checks actually happening? For general guidance on business fire safety duties, see London Fire Brigade’s business safety guidance.
Geographical Breakdown of London’s Districts
East London
South London
West London
North London
Understanding Your Report: Fault Severity and Action Plan
One of the most common questions we get is: “What happens if you find something wrong?” Here’s exactly how we handle it.
How Findings Are Prioritised
Every issue we identify is risk-rated so you can see at a glance what matters most:
- Urgent a genuine life-safety risk requiring immediate action (e.g. a blocked fire exit)
- Medium priority should be addressed within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. a faded fire exit sign)
- Lower priority / advisory improvements worth making but not urgent (e.g. general housekeeping recommendations)
This isn’t a pass/fail exercise, it is a practical roadmap that tells you what to fix first.
What Happens If Issues Are Found
If we find something that needs attention, we will explain it in plain English what the issue is, why it matters, and what your options are for fixing it. There is no obligation to use us for any remedial work, though we’re happy to quote if it is helpful. Most businesses find having everything handled by one team, from assessment through to remedial works, is the simplest route.
Is a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Yes. For virtually all non-domestic premises in England, a fire risk assessment is a legal duty, not an optional extra.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Explained
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“the Order”) is the primary fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It requires the person in control of the premises to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, keep a record where five or more people are employed, and put in place and maintain appropriate fire precautions.
Who Is the “Responsible Person”?
Under the Order, the “Responsible Person” is typically the employer, business owner, or whoever has control of the premises which could also be a managing agent or facilities manager, depending on your lease and business structure. If more than one party has control (common in multi-let commercial buildings), responsibilities may be shared and should be clearly agreed between parties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the Order can result in enforcement action, including improvement or prohibition notices, and in serious cases prosecution with significant financial penalties and the possibility of imprisonment. Exact fine levels depend on the enforcement route and severity of the breach; see current gov.uk guidance on fire safety enforcement for the specific figures that apply.
Our Step-by-Step Fire Risk Assessment Process
Types of Fire Risk Assessment: Which Do You Need?
Not every commercial premise needs the same depth of assessment. Understanding the difference helps you know what you’re paying for and why.
Type 1: Non-Destructive, Common Areas Only
The most common assessment type for most commercial premises. It’s a visual, non-destructive inspection covering common areas, escape routes and general fire safety controls, no walls opened up, no fixtures removed.
Type 2–4: When a More Detailed Assessment Is Needed
If a Type 1 assessment raises questions about the integrity of fire-resisting construction or if your building has a more complex layout, higher occupancy risk, or specific concerns a more detailed assessment may be recommended:
- Type 2 — includes targeted, limited destructive inspection of common areas to confirm construction integrity where doubts exist
- Type 3 — extends inspection into a sample of individual units/areas beyond the common parts
- Type 4 — the most comprehensive option, combining wider destructive inspection across both common and individual areas
We will always recommend the right level for your building during our initial conversation — never more than you actually need.
Common Issues Found in Commercial Premises
Across the London businesses we assess, the same handful of issues come up again and again:
- Blocked or obstructed escape routes stock, furniture or equipment stored in corridors or in front of fire exits
- Fire doors not closing properly damaged self-closers, wedged-open doors, or missing intumescent seals
- Inadequate or missing signage exit routes that aren’t clearly marked, especially in buildings with more complex layouts
- Kitchen and cooking-related risks extraction systems and fire suppression not reflected in daily procedures
- Weak management controls no clearly nominated fire safety responsibility, or no record of routine checks
None of these are unusual, and none are difficult to fix once identified which is exactly why the assessment matters.
How Often Should a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
There’s no single fixed interval that applies to every business; the right frequency depends on your risk profile and how much your premises change. As a practical guide:
- Annual review is a sensible default for most commercial premises
- Immediate reassessment is needed after any significant layout change, refurbishment, change of use, or increase in occupancy
- Reassessment after an incident any fire, near-miss, or enforcement notice should trigger an updated assessment
We will always advise on a sensible review schedule specific to your premises.
Book Your Commercial Fire Risk Assessment
Ready to get your London commercial premises assessed by a qualified, NICEIC and NAPIT-accredited fire risk assessor?
Commercial Fire Risk Assessment Coverage Across London
We install fire alarm systems across every part of London, from Zone 1 right out to the M25 commuter belt.
Central London: We install fire alarms across Central London, covering Westminster (SW1), the City of London (EC1–EC4), Holborn (WC1, WC2), Covent Garden (WC2), Soho (W1), Mayfair (W1), Marylebone (W1, NW1), Fitzrovia (W1), Bloomsbury (WC1), St James’s (SW1), Pimlico (SW1), South Bank (SE1), Victoria (SW1), Belgravia (SW1), Knightsbridge (SW1, SW7), Chelsea (SW3, SW10), Kensington (W8, SW7), Paddington (W2), Bayswater (W2), and Notting Hill (W11).
North London: Our North London coverage includes Highgate (N6), Muswell Hill (N10), Crouch End (N8), Finsbury Park (N4), Archway (N19), Hampstead (NW3), Golders Green (NW11), Finchley (N2, N3, N12), Mill Hill (NW7), Totteridge (N20), Whetstone (N20), Barnet (EN4, EN5), Enfield Town (EN1, EN2), Palmers Green (N13), Winchmore Hill (N21), Southgate (N14), Edmonton (N9, N18), Bounds Green (N11), Wood Green (N22), Alexandra Palace (N22), Holloway (N7), and Islington (N1).
North West London: We provide fire alarm installation across North West London, including Cricklewood (NW2), Kilburn (NW6), Willesden (NW10), Neasden (NW10), Harlesden (NW10), Wembley (HA0, HA9), Alperton (HA0), Kingsbury (NW9), Queensbury (HA8), Kenton (HA3), Harrow (HA1, HA2, HA3), Pinner (HA5), Ruislip (HA4), Stanmore (HA7), Edgware (HA8), Colindale (NW9), Hendon (NW4), Brent Cross (NW4), and Swiss Cottage (NW3).
West London: Our West London service area covers Acton (W3), Chiswick (W4), Ealing (W5, W13), Northfields (W5), Hanwell (W7), Hammersmith (W6), Shepherd’s Bush (W12), White City (W12), Notting Hill (W11), Holland Park (W11), West Kensington (W14), Southall (UB1, UB2), Brentford (TW8), Isleworth (TW7), Hounslow (TW3, TW4), Osterley (TW7), Feltham (TW13, TW14), Hayes (UB3, UB4), Harlington (UB3), Uxbridge (UB8, UB10), Ruislip (HA4), Yiewsley (UB7), and West Drayton (UB7).
South West London: We cover South West London, including Putney (SW15), Wandsworth (SW18), Clapham Junction (SW11), Battersea (SW8, SW11), Balham (SW12), Tooting (SW17), Earlsfield (SW18), Southfields (SW18), Wimbledon (SW19), Raynes Park (SW20), Morden (SM4), Colliers Wood (SW19), Mitcham (CR4), Streatham (SW16), Norbury (SW16), Richmond (TW9, TW10), Twickenham (TW1, TW2), Teddington (TW11), Hampton (TW12), Kingston upon Thames (KT1, KT2), Surbiton (KT5, KT6), and New Malden (KT3).
South London: Our South London coverage includes Brixton (SW9), Clapham (SW4), Stockwell (SW9), Vauxhall (SW8), Kennington (SE11), Elephant & Castle (SE1), Camberwell (SE5), Peckham (SE15), Dulwich (SE21, SE22), Herne Hill (SE24), Crystal Palace (SE19, SE20), Norwood (SE19, SE25, SE27), Thornton Heath (CR7), Croydon (CR0, CR2, CR5, CR8), Addiscombe (CR0), Shirley (CR0), and Selhurst (SE25).
South East London: We install fire alarms across South East London, covering Deptford (SE8), New Cross (SE14), Brockley (SE4), Lewisham (SE13), Catford (SE6), Hither Green (SE13), Blackheath (SE3), Greenwich (SE10), Eltham (SE9), Woolwich (SE18), Plumstead (SE18), Abbey Wood (SE2), Thamesmead (SE28), Bexleyheath (DA6, DA7), Welling (DA16), Sidcup (DA14, DA15), Chislehurst (BR7), Bromley (BR1, BR2), Beckenham (BR3), Orpington (BR5, BR6), Penge (SE20), Anerley (SE20), and Grove Park (SE12, BR1).
East London: Our East London coverage includes Shoreditch (E1, E2), Hoxton (N1), Bethnal Green (E2), Whitechapel (E1), Stepney (E1), Poplar (E14), Bow (E3), Canary Wharf (E14), Stratford (E15, E20), Forest Gate (E7), Plaistow (E13), East Ham (E6), West Ham (E15), Canning Town (E16), Beckton (E6), Barking (IG11), Dagenham (RM8, RM9, RM10), Ilford (IG1, IG2), Seven Kings (IG3), Goodmayes (IG3), Chadwell Heath (RM6), Romford (RM1, RM2), Gidea Park (RM2), Hornchurch (RM11, RM12), Upminster (RM14), Wanstead (E11), Leyton (E10), Leytonstone (E11), Walthamstow (E17), Chingford (E4), and Woodford Green (IG8).
Surrounding Towns Just Outside the M25: We also cover the wider Greater London commuter belt, including Watford (WD17, WD18), Bushey (WD23), Borehamwood (WD6), Elstree (WD6), Potters Bar (EN6), Cheshunt (EN8), Waltham Abbey (EN9), Epping (CM16), Loughton (IG10), Theydon Bois (CM16), Chigwell (IG7), Buckhurst Hill (IG9), Brentwood (CM14, CM15), Upminster Bridge (RM14), Dartford (DA1, DA2), Swanley (BR8), Orpington’s outer areas (BR5, BR6), Epsom (KT17, KT18, KT19), Ewell (KT17, KT19), Leatherhead (KT22), Ashford, Middlesex (TW15), Staines-upon-Thames (TW18, TW19), Sunbury (TW16), Shepperton (TW17), Rickmansworth (WD3), and Chorleywood (WD3).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a commercial fire risk assessment?
A commercial fire risk assessment is a professional evaluation of your business premises to identify fire hazards, assess who could be at risk, and set out practical actions to reduce that risk and improve compliance with UK fire safety law.
What does a fire risk assessment do?
It systematically identifies fire hazards in your building, evaluates who might be harmed and how, and sets out clear, prioritised actions to reduce that risk giving you a documented, legally compliant record of your fire safety duties.
Do I need a fire risk assessment for my office/shop/restaurant?
Yes if you employ staff, welcome customers, or have any responsibility for a commercial building, you almost certainly need a current fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Is there such a thing as a fire risk assessment certificate?
Not officially in England, there’s no single “certificate” that replaces the ongoing legal duty to hold a current, suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. What you receive instead is a full written report, which serves as your compliance and insurance record. Some providers refer to this informally as a “certificate,” but the assessment report itself is what matters legally.
What is the difference between a fire risk assessment and a fire safety certificate?
A fire risk assessment is the ongoing legal duty to identify and manage fire risk. There’s no such thing as a single “fire safety certificate” that replaces this in England; the assessment itself, kept up to date, is your compliance record.
How much does a commercial fire risk assessment cost in London?
Pricing depends on your building’s size, layout and number of floors. Our fixed-price options start from £159 see our pricing table above, or get in touch for a tailored quote.
How long does a commercial fire risk assessment take?
This depends on the size and complexity of your premises. A small office might take an hour or two; larger or more complex sites can take half a day or more. We will confirm the timing when we scope your booking.
How do you conduct a fire risk assessment?
We follow a clear five-step process: confirming scope, on-site inspection, risk evaluation, building your action plan, and delivering your written report. See our full process breakdown above.
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
Legally, any “competent person” can carry one out, but for anything beyond the simplest premises, a qualified, accredited assessor is strongly recommended. Our assessments are always carried out by a named, qualified assessor never subcontracted.
What is included in the report?
A clear written report covering all findings, risk-rated and prioritised, with practical next steps — delivered digitally within working days.
Do you carry out fire risk assessments near me in London?
Yes we cover all 32 London boroughs and the wider M25 area. See our Areas We Cover section above for your specific location, or get in touch and we’ll confirm availability and timing for your postcode.
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