Fire Risk Assessments

An FRA should give you confidence, not just a certificate.

We tell you what’s actually going on. Our detailed fire risk assessments help identify potential issues, highlight areas of non-compliance, and suggest ways to reduce the risk of fire hazards in your building.

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What is an FRA?

Fire risk assessments (FRAs) are designed to give building owners, managers, and responsible persons a clear understanding of their building’s fire safety condition — not just a document to file away. We assess key areas including means of escape, ignition risks, and fire detection measures.

Our qualified fire safety professionals conduct thorough inspections of your premises, covering all key fire safety areas:

Ignition sources and fire hazards: We identify potential fire starters such as electrical systems, heating equipment, cooking areas, and flammable materials.
Means of escape: We assess escape routes, fire exits, signage, and emergency lighting to ensure that occupants can evacuate quickly and safely.
Fire detection and warning systems: We check for adequate smoke alarms, heat detectors, and fire alarm systems, and ensure they are installed, tested, and maintained correctly.
Firefighting equipment: We verify the presence, type, and condition of extinguishers, sprinklers, and hose reels across your premises.
Emergency plans and training: We review existing fire evacuation plans and assess whether your staff are trained and aware of emergency procedures.

Why do they matter?

A fire risk assessment is not just a legal requirement — it’s a crucial step in protecting the people who use your building.

Since October 2006, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all responsible persons, including employers, landlords, and building managers, are required by law to carry out a fire risk assessment of their premises to ensure the safety of employees and other relevant persons.

Beyond meeting legal obligations, thorough assessments protect your business or institution from the potentially devastating consequences of fire — operational downtime, damage to property, and loss of reputation.

To reduce these risks, it is strongly recommended that you consider proactive fire safety measures that go beyond the minimum legal requirements.

The 5 steps to an FRA

Fire risk assessments (FRAs) are designed to give building owners, managers, and responsible persons a clear understanding of their building’s fire safety condition. We assess key areas including means of escape, ignition risks, and fire detection measures.

Our qualified fire safety professionals conduct thorough inspections of your premises, covering all key fire safety areas:

Step 1: Identify fire hazards and those at risk
Begin by spotting potential fire hazards – sources of ignition (e.g. electrical equipment, heaters), fuel (e.g. paper, flammable liquids), and oxygen. At the same time, identify individuals at risk, including employees, visitors, and vulnerable occupants like the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Step 2: Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect
Assess the level of risk posed by the identified hazards. Take steps to eliminate or reduce these risks where possible. This may involve upgrading fire doors, removing combustible materials, improving storage, or installing fire-resistant barriers. Protective measures like alarms, extinguishers, and escape signage should also be reviewed.
Step 3: Record the findings
Document the key findings of your assessment, including hazards identified, actions taken, and safety measures in place. For commercial, if you have five or more employees, this is a legal requirement – but recording is good practice for all premises. Keep records clear, concise, and accessible.
Step 4: Prepare an emergency plan and provide training
Create a clear, practical emergency plan that outlines how occupants should respond in the event of a fire. Assign fire marshals, identify escape routes, and ensure all staff receive appropriate fire safety training. Regular drills are essential to test and reinforce preparedness.
Step 5: Review and update regularly
Fire risk assessments are not a one-off task. They should be reviewed regularly, especially if there are changes to the building, occupancy, layout, or processes. Schedule periodic checks to ensure your fire safety measures remain effective and compliant.

You shouldn’t have to wait for a problem to find out where you stand.

Schedule a thorough fire risk assessment to ensure your premises meet legal standards and safety best practices.

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FAQs

What is a fire risk assessment (FRA)?

A fire risk assessment is a structured review of a building to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate existing fire precautions, and determine whether they are adequate. It also recommends actions to reduce fire risk and ensure the safety of occupants.

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises and for the communal areas of residential buildings with multiple dwellings. It must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly.

Who is responsible for ensuring an FRA is carried out?

The Responsible Person, typically the building owner, landlord, managing agent, or employer, is legally responsible for ensuring a suitable and sufficient FRA is completed and that any significant findings are acted upon.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

There’s no set timeframe in law, but FRAs should be reviewed at regular intervals (usually every 12 months), with a full reassessment every 3–5 years, after significant changes to the building, occupancy, or layout, and following a fire incident or updated legislation.

What does a fire risk assessment involve?

Identification of fire hazards; assessment of who is at risk; evaluation of fire detection, alarms, escape routes, and firefighting measures; review of fire safety management procedures; and a written report with clear, prioritised recommendations.

Who is qualified to carry out a fire risk assessment?

While anyone can technically perform an FRA, it must be suitable and sufficient — in most cases carried out by a competent person with appropriate knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Our fire safety assessors are fully accredited and experienced across a wide range of buildings.

What types of buildings require a fire risk assessment?

Offices and workplaces; residential blocks with shared areas (hallways, stairwells); shops and commercial units; schools, hospitals, and care homes; industrial premises. Essentially, any non-single-family dwelling or workplace.

What happens if I don’t have a valid fire risk assessment?

Consequences can include fines or prosecution, enforcement notices from the fire authority, increased insurance premiums or invalidated policies, and — most importantly — risk to life and property in the event of a fire.

Carrying out an FRA is not just a legal duty; it’s a vital safety measure.

What do I receive after the assessment?

A detailed Fire Risk Assessment report, including observations and risk ratings, photographic evidence, a prioritised action plan, and recommendations for remedial actions. We can also assist with implementing any necessary improvements.

How do I arrange a fire risk assessment with Buildtech Consultancy?

Contact our team to discuss your building type and requirements. We’ll arrange a convenient site visit, carry out a thorough assessment, and provide a comprehensive report to help you meet your legal obligations and keep your property safe.