TL;DR
A fire risk assessment is a structured evaluation of your property that identifies fire hazards, assesses the risk to occupants, and sets out the actions needed to keep people safe. Under UK law, most non-domestic premises are legally required to have one carried out by a competent person. London City Fire provides professional, fully documented fire risk assessments for commercial and residential properties across London, helping responsible persons meet their legal obligations with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- The Fire Safety Act 2021 extended these duties to cover the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings.
- Assessments must be carried out by a competent, qualified person and reviewed regularly, or whenever significant changes occur on the premises.
- A written record of the assessment is required where five or more people are employed, or where the premises are licensed.
- Failing to comply can result in enforcement notices, prohibition orders, or prosecution by the relevant fire authority.
Contents
What are Fire Risk Assessments?
A fire risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying potential fire hazards within a building, evaluating the risk those hazards pose to the people who use or occupy the premises, and determining what measures need to be put in place to reduce or eliminate that risk. It is not simply a paper exercise. A thorough assessment examines ignition sources, fuel sources, means of escape, warning systems, firefighting equipment, and the vulnerability of occupants, among many other factors specific to your property.
In the UK, the legal framework governing fire risk assessments is primarily set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places a duty on the responsible person to carry out and regularly review a suitable and sufficient assessment. The Fire Safety Act 2021 built on this by clarifying the scope of those duties for multi-occupied residential buildings. For a detailed walkthrough of how compliance works in practice, our guide on Fire Risk Assessments in London: A Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance covers the process from start to finish. The outcome of every assessment is a prioritised action plan that gives responsible persons a clear picture of what needs to be addressed, and by when.
Why are Fire Risk Assessments Required?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary piece of legislation that makes fire risk assessments a legal requirement in England and Wales for virtually all non-domestic premises. The responsible person, typically an employer, building owner, or managing agent, is obliged to ensure the safety of employees, residents, and visitors by carrying out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Where five or more people are employed, or the premises are subject to a licence, the findings must be recorded in writing. Ignoring this duty is not a minor administrative oversight. The relevant fire and rescue authority has powers to issue enforcement notices requiring corrective action, prohibition notices restricting use of the premises, and, in serious cases, to pursue prosecution through the courts.
Beyond the legal obligation, there is a straightforward duty of care. A well-conducted fire risk assessment is one of the most practical steps any property owner or manager can take to protect occupants and reduce the risk of a devastating fire. It also forms the foundation for all other fire safety measures, from alarm systems through to fire door maintenance. Understanding who carries legal responsibility for different elements of fire safety is equally important, and our article on Who is Responsible for Fire Door Maintenance? Legal Duties for London Businesses explores how those duties are divided in practice.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Involve?
When London City Fire carries out a fire risk assessment, our IFSM-registered assessors conduct a thorough on-site inspection of your premises. This covers the identification of all potential ignition sources, the materials that could act as fuel, and the people most at risk, including those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities. We examine your existing fire precautions, including detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, signage, fire doors, extinguisher provision, and means of escape, to determine whether they are adequate and compliant with current standards. Every area of the building is considered, from plant rooms and storage areas to communal corridors and stairwells.
At the conclusion of the assessment, you receive a comprehensive written report documenting all findings, identified hazards, the level of risk associated with each, and a clear, prioritised action plan. This report is structured to be audit-ready and provides the documented evidence required to demonstrate compliance during any regulatory inspection. Where significant issues are identified, our assessors will advise on the most appropriate remedial measures. For those who want a broader understanding of the assessment process and best practice, our resource on Mastering Fire Safety Risk Assessments provides a thorough reference point.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service type | On-site fire risk assessment and written report |
| Applicable standards | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021 |
| Typical duration | Varies by site size and complexity, typically a few hours |
| Certificate/report issued | Yes, written fire risk assessment report with action plan |
| Renewal frequency | Reviewed regularly, or following significant changes to premises |
| Who carries it out | IFSM-registered fire safety assessors |
| Cost range | Varies by site size and scope, contact us for a quote |
Requirements and standards shown above reflect current UK fire safety legislation, always verify with a qualified engineer for your specific premises.
Who Needs Fire Risk Assessments?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is required for virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes commercial offices, retail units, warehouses, hospitality venues, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. It also applies to the common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings, such as blocks of flats, with the Fire Safety Act 2021 further extending those requirements to include the building’s structure and flat entrance doors. In short, if you are a business owner, landlord, managing agent, or property developer with responsibility for a building that is used by people other than yourself, a fire risk assessment is almost certainly required.
The size of the business or building does not exempt a premises from the requirement. Small businesses operating from a single room must still comply, as must large multi-site organisations. The scope and complexity of the assessment will naturally scale with the size and nature of the premises, but the fundamental obligation remains consistent. London City Fire works across a wide range of sectors in London, including property developers, housing associations, commercial offices, retail outlets, and residential blocks, providing assessments tailored to the specific risk profile of each building.
Why Choose London City Fire in London?
London City Fire has been protecting properties across the capital for over 20 years. Our fire risk assessors are registered with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), which means every assessment we carry out is conducted to a recognised professional standard. We stay current with changes to UK fire safety legislation, including updates introduced by the Fire Safety Act 2021, so you can be confident that your assessment reflects the most up-to-date requirements. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every assessment is tailored to the unique risk profile of your premises, and our reports are written to be genuinely useful, not just a compliance formality.
Our experience spans a broad range of property types across London, from residential blocks and mixed-use developments to commercial offices, retail environments, and hospitality venues. That breadth of experience means our assessors understand the different challenges each sector presents and can provide practical, proportionate recommendations rather than generic advice. We also offer a full range of complementary fire safety services, so if your assessment identifies gaps in your alarm coverage, emergency lighting, or fire door compliance, we can help you address those issues through a single, trusted provider.
If you are ready to book a fire risk assessment or would like to discuss your property’s specific requirements, we would be happy to help. Contact London City Fire today on 0204 572 0661 or 0208 712 5232, email us at info@londoncityfire.co.uk, or visit www.londoncityfire.co.uk to request a quote. Our team is on hand to provide straightforward, professional guidance and a competitive, transparent price for your assessment.
Need a fire risk assessment for your London property?
London City Fire carries out fire risk assessments for commercial and residential properties across London — by competent assessors, fully documented and compliant with the FSO 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “How often does a fire risk assessment need to be carried out?”
A: There is no fixed interval specified in law, but the assessment must be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur, such as alterations to the building layout, a change in use, or an increase in the number of occupants. In practice, many responsible persons arrange an annual review to ensure the assessment remains current and reflects the actual risk profile of the premises. Your assessor will advise on an appropriate review frequency for your specific building.
Q: “Who is legally responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment?”
A: The legal duty falls on the responsible person, which is typically the employer, building owner, landlord, or managing agent depending on the type of premises and the occupancy arrangements. In some buildings, responsibility may be shared between multiple parties. It is important to establish clearly who holds this duty, as failure to comply can result in enforcement action being taken against the responsible person.
Q: “How long does a fire risk assessment take?”
A: The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the premises. A straightforward small commercial unit may take a couple of hours, while a large multi-storey residential block or complex commercial building will typically require considerably longer. Your assessor will be able to give you a realistic time estimate before the visit takes place.
Q: “What happens if I do not have a fire risk assessment?”
A: Operating a non-domestic premises without a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place is a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The local fire and rescue authority has the power to issue enforcement or prohibition notices, and in serious cases, prosecution may follow. Beyond the legal consequences, the absence of an assessment means hazards may go unidentified, placing occupants at genuine risk.
Q: “Do I need a fire risk assessment for a small business?”
A: Yes, in most cases the size of your business does not affect the legal obligation. If your premises are non-domestic and used by anyone other than yourself, a fire risk assessment is required. The scope of the assessment will naturally be proportionate to the size and risk level of the premises, but the duty itself applies equally to small businesses and large organisations. If you are unsure whether your premises are in scope, London City Fire can advise you.
Share This Article
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional fire safety advice. Fire safety legislation and best practice guidance is subject to change — always consult a competent fire safety professional for advice specific to your premises and circumstances.