Fire Risk Assessment FAQs 

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a systematic inspection that identifies fire hazards, assesses the risk to people, and recommends measures to improve fire safety. It helps ensure a building is safe and complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What Is the Purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment? 

The purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify fire risks, protect people, and reduce the likelihood of fire. It also ensures suitable fire safety measures are in place and helps the responsible person meet their legal obligations.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Include? 

A Fire Risk Assessment includes an inspection of fire hazards, escape routes, fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, extinguishers, signage, and evacuation procedures. It also provides a written report with any actions required to improve fire safety.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Do? 

A Fire Risk Assessment identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates existing fire precautions, and highlights improvements needed to protect occupants. It helps reduce fire risks while ensuring compliance with UK fire safety legislation.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment Report? 

A Fire Risk Assessment Report records the findings of the assessment, identifies fire safety risks, and lists any actions required. It serves as evidence of compliance and provides a clear plan for improving fire safety within the premises.

What Is an FRA? 

FRA stands for Fire Risk Assessment. It is a legal assessment that identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risk to occupants, and recommends measures to improve fire safety in non-domestic premises and the communal areas of residential buildings.

Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement? 

Yes. A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises in England and Wales under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is also required for the communal areas of blocks of flats, HMOs, and other multi-occupied residential buildings.

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment? 

You need a Fire Risk Assessment if you are the responsible person for a business, workplace, HMO, block of flats, or other non-domestic premises. It helps protect occupants, manage fire risks, and ensure compliance with UK fire safety legislation.

When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required? 

A Fire Risk Assessment is required before a building is occupied and whenever non-domestic premises or communal residential areas are in use. It should also be reviewed after significant alterations, changes in occupancy, or following a fire incident.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment? 

Fire Risk Assessments are required for employers, business owners, landlords of HMOs, managing agents, freeholders, and anyone responsible for non-domestic premises or communal areas of residential buildings. The legal duty falls on the building’s Responsible Person.

Who Is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment? 

The Responsible Person is legally responsible for ensuring a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is completed. This is usually the employer, building owner, landlord, managing agent, or anyone who has control of the premises.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety? 

Responsibility for fire safety rests with the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. They must identify fire risks, implement appropriate fire precautions, maintain fire safety systems, and ensure occupants can evacuate safely.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety in the Workplace? 

In the workplace, the employer is usually the Responsible Person and is legally responsible for fire safety. They must carry out or arrange a Fire Risk Assessment, maintain fire precautions, provide staff training, and establish emergency procedures.

What Duties Do Employees Have Under Fire Safety Legislation? 

Employees must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. They should follow fire safety procedures, attend training, report hazards, cooperate with their employer, and never interfere with or misuse fire safety equipment.

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Fire Risk Assessment should be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience. For complex or higher-risk premises, it is recommended to appoint a qualified fire risk assessor.

Can I Do My Own Fire Risk Assessment? 

Yes, you can carry out your own Fire Risk Assessment if you are the Responsible Person and have sufficient knowledge of fire safety. However, for complex buildings, HMOs, or commercial premises, using a competent assessor is strongly recommended.

Do the Fire Brigade Carry Out Fire Risk Assessments? 

No. The Fire and Rescue Service does not normally carry out Fire Risk Assessments for businesses or landlords. The legal responsibility rests with the Responsible Person, who must arrange a suitable and sufficient assessment.

How Do You Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Fire Risk Assessment involves identifying fire hazards, assessing who may be at risk, evaluating existing fire safety measures, recording the findings, and implementing any necessary improvements. The assessment should then be reviewed regularly. For a fuller walkthrough of the process, see our guide to what a fire risk assessment is and who needs one in London.

How Do You Write a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Fire Risk Assessment should clearly describe the premises, identify fire hazards, assess the level of risk, record existing fire precautions, and include an action plan for any improvements. The report should be clear, accurate, and regularly reviewed.

What Are the Five Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment? 

The five steps are: identify fire hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate and reduce the risks, record the findings and implement actions, and regularly review the assessment. These steps reflect the official UK Government fire risk assessment guidance and form the basis of a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment.

What Is the First Step of a Fire Risk Assessment? 

The first step is to identify potential fire hazards within the premises. This includes sources of ignition, combustible materials, and oxygen sources that could contribute to the spread of fire.

What Is the Second Step of a Fire Risk Assessment? 

The second step is to identify the people who may be at risk in the event of a fire. This includes employees, residents, visitors, contractors, and anyone who may require additional assistance during an evacuation.

What Does the Hierarchy of Fire Protection Refer To? 

The hierarchy of fire protection refers to prioritising measures that prevent fires before relying on emergency response. It includes eliminating hazards, reducing risks, providing passive and active fire protection, and ensuring safe evacuation procedures are in place.

What Are the Four Types of Fire Risk Assessment? 

The four main types of Fire Risk Assessment are Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type varies in the level of inspection, from non-destructive assessments of communal areas to fully destructive inspections of the building’s structure where required.

What Is a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is the most common assessment for blocks of flats. It involves a non-destructive inspection of the communal areas and a visual check of flat entrance doors without entering individual flats, unless necessary.

What Is a Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment includes everything in a Type 1 assessment but also involves destructive inspection of selected areas within the communal parts. It is carried out where hidden fire safety risks or construction defects are suspected.

What Is a Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment covers the communal areas and includes a non-destructive inspection inside a sample of individual flats. It helps assess fire risks that may affect both residents and shared escape routes

What Is a Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment?

A Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment is the most comprehensive assessment. It includes destructive inspection of both communal areas and selected flats to examine concealed construction, fire compartmentation, and hidden fire safety defects — work that can sometimes need to be carried out alongside an asbestos survey where asbestos-containing materials are suspected in older buildings.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Carried Out? 

A Fire Risk Assessment should be completed before a building is occupied and reviewed regularly thereafter. It should also be updated whenever there are significant changes to the building, its use, occupancy, or following a fire incident.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed? 

There is no fixed legal review period, but it should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur. Many organisations choose to review their assessment annually to ensure it remains suitable and up to date.

How Long Is a Fire Risk Assessment Valid For? 

A Fire Risk Assessment does not have a fixed expiry date. It remains valid only while it accurately reflects the building and its fire risks, so it must be reviewed after significant changes or at regular intervals.

How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost? 

The cost of a Fire Risk Assessment depends on the size, type, and complexity of the property. Small commercial premises or residential buildings typically cost less than large HMOs, offices, or multi-storey buildings that require a more detailed assessment.

How Do I Get a Fire Risk Assessment? 

You can arrange a Fire Risk Assessment by contacting a competent fire risk assessor or fire safety company. The assessor will inspect your premises, identify fire risks, and provide a written report with any actions required.

How Do I Get a Fire Risk Assessment Certificate? 

Unlike some fire safety services, a Fire Risk Assessment does not usually result in a certificate. Instead, you receive a Fire Risk Assessment Report that records the findings, identifies any risks, and outlines the actions needed to improve fire safety.

Where Are Fire Procedures Documented? 

Fire procedures are typically documented within the building’s Fire Risk Assessment, emergency fire action plan, fire safety manual, and evacuation procedures. These documents should be readily available to staff and regularly reviewed.

Do Flats Need a Fire Risk Assessment? 

Yes, the communal areas of blocks of flats generally require a Fire Risk Assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Individual self-contained flats usually do not require one unless they are used for commercial purposes or form part of an HMO.

When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required for Flats? 

A Fire Risk Assessment is required for the communal areas of blocks of flats where residents share entrances, corridors, staircases, or other common areas. The assessment helps ensure these escape routes remain safe in the event of a fire.

When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Not Required for Flats? 

A Fire Risk Assessment is generally not required for the inside of an individual self-contained flat occupied by a single household. However, the communal areas of the building remain subject to fire safety legislation.

Do Maisonettes Need a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A self-contained maisonette occupied by a single household does not normally require a Fire Risk Assessment. However, if it forms part of an HMO, mixed-use building, or has shared communal areas, a Fire Risk Assessment may be required.

When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required for Residential Property? 

A Fire Risk Assessment is required for the communal areas of residential buildings such as blocks of flats, HMOs, and sheltered accommodation. Single-family homes are generally exempt from this legal requirement.

Do Landlords Need a Fire Risk Assessment? 

Yes, landlords are responsible for ensuring a Fire Risk Assessment is carried out for the communal areas of rental properties, HMOs, and blocks of flats where required by law. This helps protect tenants and ensures compliance with fire safety legislation.

Is the Landlord or Tenant Responsible for the Fire Risk Assessment? 

In most cases, the landlord, freeholder, managing agent, or Responsible Person is legally responsible for arranging the Fire Risk Assessment. Tenants are responsible for following fire safety procedures but are not usually required to commission the assessment.

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment for My Business? 

Yes. If you own, manage, or are responsible for business premises, you are legally required to have a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment. This applies to offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, and most other workplaces.

Do Airbnb Properties Need a Fire Risk Assessment? 

Airbnb properties may require a Fire Risk Assessment depending on how they are used and the applicable fire safety legislation. Hosts should ensure suitable fire precautions are in place and comply with all relevant legal requirements.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments in the NHS? 

Within NHS premises, the Responsible Person — typically the NHS Trust or appointed duty holder — is responsible for ensuring Fire Risk Assessments are completed, reviewed, and kept up to date in accordance with healthcare fire safety guidance such as HTM 05-01.

Which Regulation Requires Fire Risk Assessments in Healthcare? 

Healthcare premises must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, supported by NHS fire safety guidance such as HTM 05-01. These documents require suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessments to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment in Scotland? 

In Scotland, a Fire Risk Assessment should be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience. The legal duties are set out under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and related fire safety regulations.