Fire Safety Knowledge Base

A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and determine what fire safety measures are needed. It's a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, with similar legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The assessment examines fire hazards, people at risk, existing safety measures, and recommends improvements to reduce fire risk to an acceptable level.

Any person who has control over premises that are not purely domestic dwellings needs a fire risk assessment. This includes: business owners and employers, landlords of rental properties (especially HMOs), managing agents of blocks of flats, owners of commercial buildings, operators of hotels and B&Bs, managers of care homes and hospitals, educational establishments, places of worship, and any shared or communal areas of residential buildings. If you're the 'responsible person' for any non-domestic premises, you're legally required to have a current fire risk assessment.

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly - at least annually for most premises, though higher-risk environments may require more frequent reviews (every 6 months for HMOs, care homes, etc.). You must also review your assessment whenever there are significant changes such as: building alterations or extensions, change of use or occupancy, after a fire or near miss, following enforcement action, when new hazards are introduced, or when fire safety legislation changes. The key principle is that your assessment must remain current and reflect the actual state of your premises.

In England and Wales, the fire authority can issue enforcement, alteration or prohibition notices, and failing a fire safety duty in a way that puts people at risk of death or serious injury is a criminal offence. Penalties can include unlimited fines and, on indictment, up to 2 years' imprisonment. Directors and managers can be personally prosecuted, and a fire may also lead to civil claims or questions from your insurer. The Fire and Rescue Service regularly conducts inspections and can take immediate enforcement action for serious deficiencies.

Yes, the responsible person can conduct their own fire risk assessment if they have sufficient competence, training, and experience to do so. Our DIY assessment platform is designed to guide you through the process with step-by-step questions based on the Fire Safety Order and GOV.UK's five-step approach. However, for complex premises, high-risk environments (HMOs, care homes, large commercial buildings), or if you're unsure about fire safety requirements, we recommend using our professional assessor service. The key is ensuring whoever conducts the assessment is competent to identify hazards and evaluate risks.

The online DIY assessment is a structured, self-guided questionnaire that you complete yourself. It walks you through every area of fire safety — detection, escape routes, equipment, management procedures — and generates a PDF report with a prioritised action plan instantly. The law doesn't require a particular format or provider, and it is suitable for straightforward premises where you are familiar with the building. A professional assessor visit means an experienced fire risk assessor attends your property in person. They conduct a physical survey, identify hazards that may not be obvious from a questionnaire, take photographic evidence, test equipment, and produce a detailed report based on first-hand observation. This is recommended for complex buildings, HMOs, premises where you are uncertain about specific hazards, or where a lender, insurer, or fire authority has specified that a 'competent person' assessment is required.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO or FSO) is the primary fire safety legislation for England and Wales. It places the responsibility for fire safety on the 'responsible person' (typically the employer, owner, or occupier) rather than the fire authority. Key requirements include: conducting a suitable fire risk assessment, implementing appropriate fire precautions, maintaining fire safety measures, providing fire safety training, and keeping the assessment under review. Similar legislation applies in Scotland (Fire (Scotland) Act 2005) and Northern Ireland (Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010).

How long the DIY online fire risk assessment takes depends on the size and complexity of your premises and how familiar you are with them. The questionnaire is divided into clear sections covering: premises information, fire hazards, people at risk, fire detection and warning, escape routes, fire fighting equipment, and management procedures. Your answers are kept in your browser tab while you work, so keep the tab open until you finish. Your PDF report is generated instantly upon completion.

To complete your fire risk assessment, you'll need: basic premises information (address, floor area, number of floors, building age), details about occupancy (number of occupants, working hours, visitors), information about your fire safety equipment (alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting), knowledge of escape routes and fire doors, details of any hazardous materials or processes, previous fire risk assessments or fire authority correspondence, and your current fire safety procedures and training records.

Each answer earns points (for example, a mains-wired interlinked alarm scores higher than battery alarms, which score higher than none). Questions you mark as not applicable, or that don't apply to your premises, are left out of the calculation. Each section is weighted and combined into an overall score and a risk rating of Low, Medium, High or Critical. Your report outcome (No significant actions identified, Actions required, or Urgent actions required) is driven by the findings, not just the score, and every finding triggers a prioritised recommendation. The score is an indicator based on your answers, not a legal judgement.

Your comprehensive fire risk assessment report includes: executive summary with overall risk rating and outcome, a record of the premises, who completed the assessment, the date, people especially at risk and the next review date, section-by-section findings and observations, colour-coded risk ratings for each area, prioritised action plan with timescales (immediate, short-term, medium-term), specific recommendations tailored to your answers, relevant regulatory references and guidance on implementing recommendations. The report is a working document that records your findings and guides your fire safety improvements.

Yes, you can access your dashboard at any time to view previous assessments. If significant changes occur to your premises, we recommend completing a new assessment so your fire risk assessment stays current. Your previous reports remain accessible for records. Regular reviews are essential - we recommend reassessing annually at minimum, or whenever changes occur such as building modifications, change of use, or after any fire-related incident.

PAS 79-1:2020 is a BSI code of practice for fire risk assessment of premises other than housing; BS 9792:2025 covers housing and replaced PAS 79-2:2020. They are not law. Our questions draw on the same topics (hazards, people at risk, fire precautions and management) and GOV.UK guidance, but our tool has not been certified against either standard.

Yes – the law doesn't require a particular format or provider. What matters is that your assessment is suitable and sufficient for your premises, recorded, acted on and reviewed. Our questions follow the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales) and GOV.UK's five steps; for complex premises use a competent assessor. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different fire safety laws.

Our assessments are designed to produce comprehensive documentation that meets fire authority expectations. However, passing a fire inspection depends not just on having an assessment, but on implementing its recommendations and maintaining ongoing fire safety management. Fire authorities look for: a suitable and sufficient written assessment, evidence of action on recommendations, maintained fire safety equipment, trained staff, and an effective fire safety management system. Our reports provide the foundation, but you must act on the findings.

For the majority of buy-to-let properties, standard commercial premises, and smaller HMOs, a well-documented self-assessment completed by a competent responsible person is legally valid. However, requirements vary: some mortgage lenders — particularly for commercial property financing, HMO licensing, or portfolio landlord applications — may specify that the assessment must be carried out by a 'suitably qualified' or third-party assessor. Similarly, some insurers may require a professional assessment for larger, higher-risk, or complex buildings as a condition of cover. If your lender or insurer has a specific requirement, check their exact wording before choosing your service. Where there is any doubt, our Professional Assessor Visit (£250 + VAT) provides a report based on an on-site visit by an experienced assessor.

As the responsible person, you must: carry out a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire precautions, provide and maintain firefighting equipment, ensure emergency routes are maintained, install fire detection and warning systems as needed, make arrangements for emergency action, provide information and training to employees, cooperate with other responsible persons in shared buildings, and review the assessment regularly. You can delegate tasks but remain legally responsible for fire safety.

You should maintain records of: your current fire risk assessment and previous versions, fire drill records (at least twice yearly), fire alarm testing logs (weekly), emergency lighting tests (monthly and annual), fire extinguisher maintenance records, fire door inspections, staff fire safety training records, fire safety equipment maintenance, any fire incidents or near misses, and fire authority correspondence. Keep records for at least 3 years - indefinitely for the assessment itself.

Yes, the responsible person must ensure that employees receive adequate fire safety training appropriate to their role. This includes: fire safety induction for all new staff, awareness of fire hazards and precautions, emergency evacuation procedures, fire extinguisher familiarisation (if expected to use), specific training for fire wardens/marshals, and refresher training at regular intervals (typically annually). Training must be provided during working hours and at no cost to employees.

LACORS housing fire safety guidance recommends levels of protection depending on the type, size and layout of the HMO – for example: an interlinked mains-powered fire alarm system (the grade depends on the HMO), fire doors to all rooms opening onto escape routes, emergency escape lighting, fire blankets in kitchens, fire extinguishers at each floor level, clear unobstructed escape routes, protected stairways, fire-resisting construction between units, and regular fire risk assessment reviews. Councils may set their own licence conditions. Our HMO assessment asks about these areas and flags gaps.

We offer three service tiers: DIY Assessment (£25 + VAT) - ideal for straightforward premises where you can confidently assess your own fire risks with our guided questionnaire. HMO Assessment (£80 + VAT) - specialist assessment tailored to Houses in Multiple Occupation with enhanced requirements. Professional Assessor Visit (£250 + VAT) - a qualified fire safety professional visits your premises to conduct a comprehensive in-person assessment. All prices include your detailed PDF report and ongoing dashboard access.

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure Stripe payment gateway, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and UK debit cards. Payment is processed securely and you'll receive an instant receipt by email along with your invoice. All payments are processed in GBP with VAT clearly itemised.

You can cancel for a full refund within 14 days of purchase, as long as you haven't started the assessment or opened your report. If you've encountered technical issues preventing you from completing your assessment, please contact our support team and we'll resolve the issue or process a refund. For professional assessor visits, cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.

Prices displayed are exclusive of VAT. VAT at 20% is added at checkout and clearly itemised on your invoice. For example, our DIY assessment is £25 + £5 VAT = £30 total. Your invoice will show the net amount, VAT amount, and total for your accounting records. We are VAT registered and provide valid VAT invoices.

DIY Assessment (£25 + VAT): Guided online questionnaire, instant risk score calculation, comprehensive PDF report, prioritised action plan, 12-month dashboard access. HMO Assessment (£80 + VAT): All DIY features plus HMO-specific questions, fire detection checks based on LACORS guidance, and HMO-specific recommendations. Professional Visit (£250 + VAT): In-person visit by an experienced fire risk assessor, physical survey, photographic evidence, recommendations and follow-up support.

Our assessments cover a wide range of non-domestic premises including: offices and commercial buildings, retail shops and shopping centres, restaurants, cafés and pubs, hotels, B&Bs and guest houses, warehouses and storage facilities, factories and industrial premises, care homes and healthcare facilities, educational buildings and schools, places of worship, community centres and halls, blocks of flats (common areas), HMOs and rental properties, mixed-use buildings, and historic/listed buildings. If your property type isn't listed, contact us for guidance.

Yes, our assessment can cover the common areas of blocks of flats (communal hallways, stairways, bin stores, plant rooms, etc.). The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order applies to these shared areas while individual flats fall under the Housing Act. Following the Grenfell tragedy, fire safety in residential buildings has enhanced requirements including external wall assessments and more frequent reviews. For buildings over 18 metres, additional requirements under the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 may apply.

Yes, our assessment can be used for listed buildings, though these present unique challenges. Historic buildings often require balancing fire safety with conservation requirements - you may need Listed Building Consent for certain fire safety improvements. Our assessment identifies the fire risks, and recommendations can be discussed with your local conservation officer and fire authority to find acceptable solutions that protect both the building's heritage and its occupants.

Each premises requires its own fire risk assessment, as fire hazards and risks are specific to each location. You can complete multiple assessments through your dashboard account, keeping all your fire safety documentation in one place. For businesses with numerous sites, we offer volume discounts - contact us for enterprise pricing. Each assessment will be tailored to that specific building's characteristics and use.

Yes, premises where people sleep (hotels, B&Bs, hostels, care homes, HMOs) have enhanced fire safety requirements because occupants may be asleep when a fire starts and take longer to evacuate. Requirements typically include: higher-grade fire detection systems (Grade A for HMOs/hotels), protected escape routes, emergency lighting throughout, enhanced compartmentation, fire-resisting doors with self-closers, and robust management procedures including night-time evacuation plans. Our HMO and Professional assessments specifically address sleeping accommodation requirements.

Fire detection requirements depend on your premises type and risk level. Options range from: Grade F (standalone battery-operated detectors) for very low-risk premises, Grade D (interlinked mains-powered) for most domestic situations, to Grade A (fully addressable commercial system with monitoring) for high-risk premises like HMOs, hotels, and care homes. The right system depends on building size, occupancy, sleeping accommodation, and fire risk level. Our assessment will identify what's appropriate for your premises.

The general rule is one 13A-rated extinguisher (typically a 6L water or 2kg CO2) per 200 square metres of floor space, with a minimum of 2 extinguishers per floor. However, specific hazards require appropriate extinguisher types: CO2 for electrical equipment, foam or powder for flammable liquids, wet chemical for cooking oils. Extinguishers should be located on escape routes near final exits, near specific hazards, and at consistent locations throughout the building. A competent person should advise on your specific requirements.

Emergency lighting is required where artificial lighting would fail and people would be at risk - typically in premises with significant floor areas, internal rooms, or complex layouts. Requirements include: illumination of all escape routes, exit signs at final exits and changes of direction, and adequate duration (typically 1-3 hours depending on premises type). Emergency lighting must be tested monthly (brief operation) and annually (full duration test). Most commercial and HMO premises will require emergency lighting.

Fire doors are required to protect escape routes and compartmentalise buildings. They must: be FD30 (30 minutes fire resistance) minimum for most applications, FD60 for high-risk areas, have intumescent strips and smoke seals, be fitted with self-closing devices (except in dwellings), close fully into the frame, not be propped open (unless connected to fire alarm), have appropriate signage, and be regularly inspected (at least quarterly). Fire doors on escape routes should also have appropriate hardware - push bars or lever handles, never locks that could trap occupants.

Regular testing is essential: Fire alarms - weekly test of a different call point each week. Emergency lighting - monthly brief test, annual 3-hour duration test. Fire extinguishers - monthly visual check, annual service by competent person, extended service at 5 years. Fire doors - monthly check that they close properly, quarterly detailed inspection. Sprinklers - weekly visual check, quarterly full test, annual service. All tests should be recorded in a fire safety log book, and defects remedied promptly.

Sprinkler systems are not universally required but may be necessary or beneficial in: buildings over 30 metres in height, large warehouse/storage buildings, certain care homes and hospitals, buildings with poor access for fire services, historic buildings where other measures are impractical, and as a compensatory feature where other fire safety measures can't be achieved. Building Regulations may require sprinklers for new buildings in certain categories. Our assessment considers whether sprinklers might be appropriate for your premises.

Fire drills should be conducted at least twice per year, though more frequent drills are recommended for: premises with sleeping accommodation (quarterly), premises with high staff turnover, buildings with complex layouts or multiple tenants, and after any significant changes to the building or procedures. Drills should be held at different times and simulate different scenarios. All drills must be recorded, including the date, participants, evacuation time, and any issues identified.

A fire emergency plan should include: actions on discovering a fire (raise alarm, call 999), actions on hearing the alarm, escape routes and assembly points, who calls the fire service and meets them, arrangements for assisting vulnerable persons, procedures for specific hazards (isolating gas/electricity), roll call procedures at assembly point, arrangements for accounting for visitors, duties of fire wardens, and post-incident procedures. The plan should be communicated to all occupants and reviewed regularly.

Fire wardens (or fire marshals) are recommended for most non-domestic premises and may be required depending on premises complexity and occupancy. They assist with evacuation, search their designated areas, and liaise with fire services. You should have enough wardens to cover all areas during all operating hours, typically 1 warden per 50 occupants or per floor/zone. Fire wardens need enhanced training covering their specific duties, communication equipment, and regular refresher training.

You must make arrangements for evacuating disabled and vulnerable people. This includes: identifying who needs assistance (employees, regular visitors), developing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for individuals, providing refuge points if immediate evacuation isn't possible, ensuring adequate trained assistance, considering equipment like evacuation chairs, communicating with emergency services about vulnerable persons, and testing arrangements in drills. Never assume someone doesn't need assistance - ask and plan accordingly.

Fire drill records should include: date and time of drill, whether announced or unannounced, all staff/areas participating, time taken to evacuate, assembly point used, any persons unaccounted for initially, any issues encountered, actions taken to resolve issues, name of person conducting drill, and signatures of fire wardens. These records demonstrate compliance and identify areas for improvement. Keep drill records for at least 3 years and store them with your fire safety documentation.

You can reach our support team by email at hello@fireriskassessmentonline.co.uk. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days. For urgent fire safety concerns, we recommend contacting your local fire and rescue service directly - they offer free fire safety guidance visits for businesses. Our support team can help with technical issues, assessment questions, report interpretation, and general fire safety guidance.

Yes, if you're unsure about any questions during your DIY assessment, you can contact us for guidance (keep the assessment tab open so your answers aren't lost). Alternatively, our HMO or Professional Assessor services provide more hands-on assistance. For complex premises or if you're uncertain about fire safety requirements, we recommend booking a professional assessor visit where an experienced assessor will conduct the assessment for you and answer all your questions.

Your risk score is calculated based on your answers, so first review your responses to ensure they accurately reflect your premises. If you believe an answer was misinterpreted or you have additional context, you can complete a new assessment with corrected information. The score is an indicator based on your answers, not a legal judgement - a lower score isn't a failure, it simply indicates areas needing attention. Contact support if you need clarification on how specific answers affected your score.

Log in to your dashboard using the magic link sent to your email address during purchase. Your dashboard displays all completed assessments, their risk scores, and allows you to download PDF reports. If you've lost access or can't find your login email, use the 'Login' button on our website and enter the email address you used for your purchase - we'll send a new magic link. Your assessments are stored securely and accessible whenever you need them.

Yes, in addition to our online assessments, we offer: professional assessor visits for comprehensive in-person assessments, fire safety consultancy for complex projects, fire safety training for staff and fire wardens, fire door surveys and inspections, emergency lighting and fire alarm surveys, and ongoing fire safety management support. Contact us at hello@fireriskassessmentonline.co.uk to discuss your specific requirements and receive a tailored quote.