Do I need a fire risk assessment?

It is the duty of the responsible person to carry out, keep a written record and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe. These requirements apply to all non-domestic premises, such as where people work, visit or stay, including workplaces, and the non-domestic parts of multi-occupied residential buildings (e.g. communal corridors, stairways, plant rooms). The requirements do not apply within individual domestic premises.

• Fire Risk Assessment Template

Carrying out the Assessment

Follow our easy five step process:

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.

The Fire Safety Risk Assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

• Emergency routes and exits
• Fire detection and warning systems
• Fire fighting equipment
• The removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
• An emergency fire evacuation plan
• The needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
• Providing information to employees and other people on the premises
• Staff fire safety training

Help with the Assessment

You can complete the Fire Risk Assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides. The Fire Risk Assessment booklet can be used as a template for recording your Fire Risk Assessment.

If you don’t have the expertise or time to complete the Fire Risk Assessment yourself you need to appoint a ‘competent’ fire risk assessor to help. For guidance choosing a competent fire risk assessor please refer to the guide below.

• A Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor

Further Advice

You can download the following guides from our advice, documents and downloads section.

• Offices and shops
• Factories and warehouses
• Sleeping accommodation
• Residential care premises
• Educational premises
• Small and medium places of assembly (holding 300 people or less)
• Large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)
• Theatres, cinemas and similar premises
• Open air events and venues
• Healthcare premises
• Animal premises and stables
• Transport premises and facilities

You can also find guidance on:

• Risk assessments if you work in construction