Who Can Do Fire Risk Assessments in the UK?

Understanding who can do fire risk assessments is crucial for landlords, business owners, and property managers across Southern England. Whether you’re managing a commercial property in Bournemouth or overseeing residential buildings in Southampton, knowing your responsibilities regarding fire safety assessments is essential for legal compliance and protecting lives.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

Before we explore who can conduct these assessments, it’s important to understand what a fire risk assessment entails. A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and implement appropriate safety measures. This legal requirement forms the cornerstone of fire safety management in non-domestic premises across the UK.

The assessment involves examining all aspects of fire safety, from identifying ignition sources and combustible materials to evaluating escape routes and detection systems. It’s not merely a box-ticking exercise but a comprehensive review that could save lives and protect property.

The Responsible Person: Your Legal Duty

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises must have a designated ‘Responsible Person’ who ensures fire risk assessments are carried out. But who exactly falls into this category?

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The Responsible Person is typically:

• The employer (for workplace premises)
• The owner of the premises
• The landlord (for communal areas in residential buildings)
• An occupier with control over the premises
• Any person who has control of the premises in connection with their trade, business, or undertaking

If you’re a business owner operating from premises in Poole or Ferndown, you’re likely the Responsible Person for your workplace. For landlords managing properties across Dorset and Hampshire, this responsibility extends to all communal areas of residential buildings.

The Competent Person: Who Can Actually Conduct the Assessment?

While the Responsible Person holds legal responsibility, they don’t necessarily have to conduct the assessment themselves. This is where the concept of the ‘Competent Person’ becomes crucial.

Defining Competence

A Competent Person must have:

• Sufficient training and experience
• Knowledge of fire safety principles
• Understanding of relevant legislation
• Ability to identify fire hazards and people at risk
• Skills to evaluate findings and implement control measures

The level of competence required varies depending on the complexity of your premises. A simple office space has different requirements than a high-rise residential building or a manufacturing facility with hazardous processes.

Can You Do Your Own Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes, in many cases, business owners can conduct their own fire risk assessments, particularly for simple, low-risk premises. The government provides comprehensive guidance and checklists to help Responsible Persons complete assessments themselves.

However, conducting your own assessment requires:

• Thorough understanding of fire safety principles
• Knowledge of current regulations
• Time to properly evaluate all aspects of fire safety
• Confidence in identifying and addressing hazards

For many businesses across Christchurch, Ringwood, and surrounding areas, engaging professional assessors ensures compliance and provides peace of mind.

Legal Requirements and UK Regulations

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

This fundamental legislation applies to virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It places the duty on Responsible Persons to:

• Carry out fire risk assessments
• Implement and maintain adequate fire safety measures
• Provide staff training and information
• Review assessments regularly

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced additional requirements for high-rise residential buildings. These regulations require Responsible Persons of buildings over 18 metres to:

• Share building floor plans with local fire services
• Undertake monthly checks on fire doors
• Provide evacuation information to residents
• Conduct annual checks on flat entrance doors

Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 further strengthened fire safety requirements, particularly for high-rise residential buildings. It introduced the role of the Accountable Person for buildings over 18 metres, with additional duties regarding building safety management.

The Five Steps of Fire Risk Assessment

Understanding who can conduct assessments is just the beginning. The assessment itself follows a structured five-step process:

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

Look for sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen throughout your premises. This includes electrical equipment, heating systems, cooking facilities, and any flammable materials stored on-site.

Step 2: Identify People at Risk

Consider everyone who uses your building, including employees, visitors, contractors, and particularly vulnerable individuals such as disabled persons, elderly residents, or children.

Step 3: Evaluate and Act

Assess the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential consequences. Remove or reduce risks wherever possible, ensuring adequate fire detection, warning systems, and escape routes.

Step 4: Record, Plan, and Train

Document your findings if you have five or more employees, prepare an emergency plan, and ensure all staff receive appropriate training. This documentation becomes your fire risk assessment record.

Step 5: Review Regularly

Fire risk assessments aren’t static documents. Review yours annually and whenever significant changes occur to your premises, processes, or occupancy.

When Must Assessments Be Updated?

Regular review ensures your fire risk assessment remains valid and effective. You must update your assessment when:

• Building layout changes occur
• New equipment or processes are introduced
• Occupancy levels or types change significantly
• After any fire incident or near-miss
• Following updates to fire safety legislation
• If your previous assessment is no longer valid

We recommend annual reviews as standard practice, even if no significant changes have occurred. This ensures ongoing compliance and maintains high safety standards.

Recording and Documentation Requirements

When Must Assessments Be Written?

You must record your fire risk assessment in writing if:

• You employ five or more people
• Your premises require a licence
• An alterations notice requires it

Even when not legally required, we strongly recommend documenting all assessments. Written records provide evidence of compliance, help track improvements, and ensure consistency in your fire safety management.

What to Include in Your Records

Your documented assessment should include:

• Significant findings and hazards identified
• Actions taken to reduce or remove risks
• Persons particularly at risk
• Fire safety measures in place
• Emergency and evacuation procedures
• Staff training requirements and records

Residential Buildings and HMOs: Special Considerations

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Landlords of HMOs face specific requirements under both fire safety and housing legislation. Fire risk assessments for HMOs must consider:

• Individual tenant behaviors and vulnerabilities
• Shared escape routes and communal areas
• Fire separation between units
• Provision of fire detection in all units
• Emergency lighting requirements

High-Rise Residential Buildings

Following recent regulatory changes, high-rise residential buildings (those 18 metres or taller) have enhanced requirements. Responsible Persons must ensure:

• Regular fire door inspections
• Wayfinding signage installation
• Resident engagement strategies
• Building information sharing with fire services
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) where required

The Role of Fire Wardens and Marshals

While not directly conducting assessments, fire wardens and marshals play crucial supporting roles in maintaining fire safety. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Assisting with evacuations
• Conducting regular fire safety checks
• Reporting hazards or concerns
• Supporting fire drill procedures
• Helping maintain fire safety standards

Training competent fire wardens strengthens your overall fire safety management system and demonstrates commitment to protecting building occupants.

Benefits of Professional Fire Risk Assessments

While self-assessment is possible, engaging professional assessors offers significant advantages:

Expertise and Experience

Professional assessors bring extensive knowledge of fire safety legislation, building regulations, and best practices. They can identify hazards that untrained eyes might miss and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions.

Compliance Assurance

With regulations becoming increasingly complex, particularly following the Fire Safety Act 2021 and subsequent amendments, professional assessments ensure full compliance with current legislation.

Insurance and Liability

Many insurance providers prefer or require professional fire risk assessments. A thorough professional assessment can also provide crucial evidence of due diligence if incidents occur.

Time and Resource Efficiency

Conducting thorough assessments takes considerable time and expertise. For businesses focusing on their core operations, professional assessment represents efficient resource allocation.

Objective Evaluation

External assessors provide unbiased evaluation of your fire safety measures, offering fresh perspectives on familiar environments.

Choosing the Right Fire Risk Assessor

When selecting a professional assessor, consider:

• Relevant qualifications and accreditations
• Experience with similar premises types
• Knowledge of local requirements
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Clear reporting and actionable recommendations
• Ongoing support and guidance

Moving Forward with Your Fire Risk Assessment

Understanding who can do fire risk assessments empowers you to make informed decisions about your fire safety management. Whether you’re managing commercial electrical installations in Portsmouth or overseeing domestic electrical safety in Wimborne, proper fire risk assessment is non-negotiable.

The question isn’t just who can do fire risk assessments, but who should conduct yours to ensure optimal safety and compliance. While the law permits self-assessment in many situations, the complexity of modern fire safety regulations and the serious consequences of non-compliance make professional assessment increasingly valuable.

We at TJC Fire & Electrical understand the unique fire safety challenges facing businesses and property owners across Southern England. Our comprehensive fire risk assessments combine local knowledge with professional expertise, ensuring your premises meet all legal requirements while protecting what matters most.

Ready to ensure your property’s fire safety compliance? Book a professional fire risk assessment with TJC Fire & Electrical today. Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.