How to Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment
A step-by-step guide to conducting a fire risk assessment for your premises, as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
If you're responsible for a building or premises (other than a single private dwelling), you are the "responsible person" and must carry out a fire risk assessment. This includes:
- Landlords of residential blocks
- Business owners and employers
- Managers of commercial premises
- HMO property owners
- Care home operators
- Schools and educational facilities
The 5 Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment
Follow these five steps as outlined by the UK Government and Fire Service to complete your assessment.
Walk through your premises and identify anything that could start a fire or help it spread, including ignition sources, fuel, oxygen and storage.
- Sources of ignition (heaters, electrical equipment, cooking appliances)
- Sources of fuel (paper, cardboard, textiles, flammable liquids)
- Sources of oxygen (air conditioning, oxidising chemicals)
- Storage areas and how materials are kept
Consider who might be at risk if a fire occurs, especially employees, visitors, contractors and vulnerable individuals.
- Employees, visitors, and contractors
- People with disabilities or mobility issues
- Lone workers or those in isolated areas
- Young people, elderly, or those unfamiliar with the premises
Assess the risks and take action to eliminate or reduce them, including keeping ignition sources away from fuel and implementing safe procedures.
- Remove or reduce hazards where possible
- Keep ignition sources away from fuel
- Replace dangerous substances with safer alternatives
- Implement safe working procedures
Document significant findings, prepare an emergency evacuation plan and ensure people know what to do in an emergency.
- Record your findings, actions and anyone especially at risk (required for every responsible person in England and Wales since 1 October 2023)
- Prepare an emergency evacuation plan
- Train staff on fire safety procedures
- Install and maintain fire detection and warning systems
Review the assessment at least annually and whenever premises, work processes or fire safety risks change.
- Review annually as a minimum
- Update when premises change
- Review after any fire incidents
- Update when work processes change
Your Options
Choose the approach that best suits your needs and expertise level.
The UK Government provides free guidance on fire safety. These resources can help you understand your legal obligations and how to conduct a thorough assessment.