Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?

In England and Wales, a fire risk assessment is required for workplaces, commercial premises, premises open to the public and the common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings. The duty normally falls to the Responsible Person, who may be the employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control of the premises.The assessment must be suitable and sufficient and reviewed regularly, especially after significant changes.You must keep a written record of the Fire Risk Assessment.Different fire safety legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

How often should a Fire Risk Assessment be reviewed?

The assessment must be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid.A review may be required following:Changes to the buildingChanges in occupancyNew machinery or processesThe introduction of dangerous substancesChanges to escape arrangementsA fire or significant near missProblems identified during a drillSignificant changes to the people at riskChanges in fire safety guidance or legal requirements Many organisations choose to complete a documented annual review as part of their fire safety management arrangements.

Does a Small Business Need a Written Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes.Since 1 October 2023, Responsible Persons in England and Wales must record the fire risk assessment in full, regardless of the number of employees or the size of the business. The previous threshold relating to five or more employees no longer applies.

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation with legal responsibility for fire safety within the premises.Depending on the arrangements, this may be:The employerThe building ownerThe landlordThe occupierA managing agentA facilities or building managerAnother person with control of the premises There may be more than one Responsible Person. Where responsibilities are shared, the relevant parties must cooperate and coordinate with one another.

How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take?

The time required depends on the size, layout, use and complexity of the premises.A small and straightforward premises may require a relatively short site visit, while a larger, higher-risk or multi-building site may require considerably more time.We will confirm the likely assessment duration when providing the quotation.

How Quickly Will I Receive the Report?

For small, straightforward premises, the completed report will normally be provided within three working days following the site visit.

Does the Fire Risk Assessment Include a Fire Door Inspection?

The assessment includes a general visual review of fire doors where they form part of the fire precautions.However, it is not the same as a detailed fire door inspection or survey. Where a more detailed inspection is required, this will be identified within the report.

Does the Assessment Include Testing the Fire Alarm?

The assessment reviews the general fire alarm arrangements and available testing and servicing records.It does not replace the specialist inspection, testing, design, commissioning or maintenance of the fire alarm system.

Can You Assess Several Business Locations?

Yes.We can undertake individual assessments across several premises and provide a consistent reporting and action-priority system.This can be particularly useful for retail organisations, care providers, landlords and other multi-site businesses.Locations we support.

Fire Risk Assessments for Commercial & Residential Premises

Independent, site-specific fire risk assessments carried out by qualified assessors. Based in Sheffield we work with businesses, landlords and organisations across Yorkshire and throughout the UK.

Request a Fire Risk Assessment Quote

Offices I Retail I Residential Buildings I Care & Supported Living I Commercial Premises

Qualified Assessors

5-Star Rated

Prompt Turnaround

A Fire Risk Assessment looks at the premises, the people who use it and the fire safety arrangements already in place. It considers the main fire hazards, escape routes, warning systems and other precautions to determine whether anything needs to be improved and to support compliance with fire safety legislation.

DuoDynamic Safety Solutions carries out practical, site-specific fire risk assessments with clear findings and prioritised actions where required. Based in Sheffield and serving the wider Yorkshire region, we also support organisations throughout the UK, including London and businesses operating across multiple locations.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

How We Carry Out Your Fire Risk Assessment

Before the Assessment

We confirm the premises, scope of the assessment and any relevant information that will be helpful to have available before our visit.

Where available, this may include:

Previous Fire Risk Assessment

Maintenance & Testing Records

Evacuation Arrangements

During the Site Assessment

We carry out a non-intrusive inspection of the premises, considering fire hazards, means of escape, fire protection measures, occupants and the management of fire safety. Our assessment approach is outlined below.

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

We identify fire hazards within your premises.

Combustible materials stored close to ignition sources;
Overloaded sockets or damaged cables;
Flammable liquids stored incorrectly.

After the Assessment

Example Contents Commercial FRA

Following the site visit, we review the findings and prepare your fire risk assessment using the methodology appropriate to the premises. Assessments for commercial and other non-housing premises are structured in line with

PAS 79-1:2020, while assessments for housing premises follow BS 9792:2025, where applicable.

The report will set out the significant findings, the fire safety measures already in place and any further actions required, with recommendations prioritised so it is clear what needs to be addressed.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

In England and Wales, fire safety responsibilities for most workplaces and non-domestic premises are set out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The person responsible for fire safety is known as the Responsible Person. This may include:

An employer;
A building owner;
A landlord;
An occupier;
A facilities or building manager;
A managing agent...

There may be more than one Responsible Person where responsibility for a building is shared between different organisations, occupiers, landlords or managing agents. The Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed and reviewed regularly. They must also ensure that appropriate fire safety precautions, emergency arrangements, information and training are in place. Since 1 October 2023, the fire risk assessment must be recorded in full in all circumstances. Regardless of how many people the organisation employs.

When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Carried Out or Reviewed?

You may need a fire risk assessment where:

You have moved into new business premises;
A new building or unit is being opened;
There is no current written fire risk assessment;
The existing assessment is no longer suitable or up to date;
The building layout has changed;
Alterations or refurbishment work has been completed;
New machinery, processes or dangerous substances have been introduced;
Occupancy levels or working arrangements have changed;
People who may require assistance during evacuation are now present;
The premises has changed ownership or management;
A fire, evacuation issue or significant near miss has occurred;
An enforcing authority, landlord, insurer or client has requested an updated assessment;
A previous assessment identified the need for further review.

A fire risk assessment should not be treated as a document that is completed once and then forgotten. It must remain suitable for the premises and should be reviewed whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid.

Benefits of a Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Hazard Identification

A fire risk assessment helps identify hazards early, allowing fire risks to be dealt with before they become serious.

Protecting People on Site

The assessment considers who may be at risk in the event of a fire, including employees, visitors, contractors and anyone who may need help to evacuate.

Practical Fire Safety Improvements

A good assessment should provide clear, practical actions where improvements are needed. This may include escape routes, fire doors, alarms, signage, lighting, housekeeping or training.

Legal Compliance

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for workplaces and most non-domestic premises.

Emergency Preparedness

The assessment helps confirm that suitable emergency arrangements are in place, including evacuation procedures, fire drills and staff responsibilities.

Evidence

A clear, well-recorded assessment can help show that fire safety duties are being taken seriously if requested by clients or enforcing authorities.

Why Choose DuoDynamic for Your Fire Risk Assessment?

✔️ Competent Fire Risk Assessors

Assessments are undertaken by suitably qualified fire risk assessors holding recognised, Ofqual-regulated fire risk assessment qualifications, supported by relevant experience and professional health and safety backgrounds.

✔️ Clear Reports

Straightforward reports that set out the significant findings, existing controls and any areas requiring improvement.

✔️ Practical Action Plans

Clear recommendations with priority ratings, so you know what needs to be addressed and how urgent each action is.

✔️ Tailored to Your Premises

Assessments based on your premises, activities, occupancy and fire safety arrangements.

✔️ Support with Legal Duties

Our assessments are designed to help you meet your duties under fire safety legislation and keep your fire safety arrangements under review.

✔️ No-Obligation Quotes

Clear, upfront pricing with no obligation to proceed.

✔️ Ongoing Support

We can help you understand the findings, prioritise actions and close out improvements after the assessment.

✔️ Prompt Report Turnaround

✔️ 5-Star Client Rating

Our aim is to make fire safety clear, practical and manageable, giving you a suitable assessment and a clear understanding of what needs to be done next.

Fire Safety in the Workplace: Your Legal Responsibilities Explained

Every year, workplace fires cause injuries, destroy businesses and, in the worst cases, cost lives. Most of them are preventable. Getting fire safety right is about protecting the people who walk through your doors every day and keeping your business running. If you own, manage or occupy a commercial premises in England or Wales, the law places clear fire safety duties on your shoulders. This guide explains what those duties are, who holds them, how the law has changed in rec

Fire Escape Routes: How Often Should You Check Them?

When it comes to workplace safety, fire escape routes represent one of the most critical elements of your emergency preparedness plan. Whether you're responsible for a commercial building, residential property or industrial facility, understanding the proper maintenance and inspection schedule for your fire escape can mean the difference between safe evacuation and catastrophic consequences. Understanding Fire Escape Requirements in the UK A fire escape serves as a designated

Fire Risk Assessment: UK Legal Requirements Step-by-Step

Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of managing any business premises. Whether you're running an office, retail space or warehouse, conducting a comprehensive fire risk assessment is a legal requirement that can save lives. In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about fire risk assessments in the UK. What is a Fire Risk Assessment? A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, asse

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cover?

The exact scope will depend on the type, size and complexity of the premises.

However, the assessment may include a review of the following:

Fire Hazards

Sources of ignition
Combustible materials
Flammable liquids and gases
Dangerous substances
Waste management
Smoking controls
Arson and deliberate fire-setting risks
Electrical and process-related fire risks

Means of Escape

Number and suitability of escape routes
Travel distances
Escape route widths
Stairways and corridors
Final exit doors
Security arrangements on escape doors
External escape routes
Obstructions and storage
Arrangements for areas where only one direction of escape is available

Fire Doors and Compartmentation

General condition of fire doors
Door closers
Intumescent strips and smoke seals
Gaps and visible damage
Fire door signage
Doors being wedged or held open
Service penetrations
Separation of higher-risk areas

Fire Detection and Warning

Fire alarm coverage
Manual call points
Automatic detection
Audible and visual warning arrangements
Testing and servicing records
Arrangements for people who may not hear or understand the alarm

Fire Safety Signs, Notices and Emergency Lighting

Coverage of escape routes
Testing arrangements
Servicing and maintenance records
Escape direction signs
Fire action notices
Equipment identification

Firefighting Equipment

Provision of portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets
Location and accessibility
Signage
Inspection and servicing
Staff awareness
Other firefighting systems, where present

Emergency and Evacuation Arrangements

Fire evacuation procedures
Responsibilities of employees and fire wardens
Assembly arrangements
Lone-working arrangements
Phased, progressive or simultaneous evacuation, where applicable
Arrangements for people requiring assistance

Fire Safety Management

Fire safety responsibilities
Testing and inspection arrangements
Fire drills
Staff information and training
Record keeping
Follow-up and closure of previous actions

What Will You Receive?

Following the assessment, you will receive a clear fire risk assessment report, including:

Details of the premises, occupancy and people at risk
Identification of significant fire hazards
Review of fire precautions and management arrangements
Photographic evidence where appropriate
An overall fire risk rating
Clear findings and recommendations
A prioritised action plan with suggested timescales
A suggested review date
A PDF copy for your fire safety records

The report also clearly explains the assessment scope and identifies where further specialist assessment may be required. Significant concerns will be raised with the relevant site representative during the visit wherever possible. We also remain available after the assessment to explain the findings and actions required.

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Sectors We Work With

Community Spaces

Fire risk assessments for community centres, halls and shared public spaces.

Education

Helping schools and education settings maintain safe learning environments.

Landlords

Fire risk assessments for landlords, including HMOs and shared residential premises.

Retail

Fire risk assessments for shops, retail units and customer-facing premises..

Care & Supported Living

Fire risk assessments for care settings and supported living premises.

Offices

Helping office-based businesses manage fire safety and meet their legal duties.

Residential Buildings

Fire risk assessments for residential buildings and communal areas.

Industrial

Fire safety support for industrial premises, warehouses and manufacturing sites.

Hospitality

Fire risk assessments for hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars and other hospitality premises.

Qualified Fire Risk Assessors I Ofqual-Regulated FRA Qualifications I Independent Advice

I Clear Prioritised Action Plans I 5-Star Client Rating

UK-Wide Fire Risk Assessment Support

Although we are based in Sheffield, our services are not limited to Yorkshire.

We support organisations throughout the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and other towns and cities.

UK-wide support may be particularly suitable for:

Multi-site businesses
Retail organisations
Property and facilities management companies
Care providers

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Frequently asked questions

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A fire risk assessment is a structured examination of a premises, the activities carried out and the people who may be affected by fire.It identifies significant fire hazards, considers the likelihood and potential consequences of a fire and reviews whether appropriate precautions are in place.The assessment should record the findings and identify any further action needed to prevent fire and protect people if a fire occurs.
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In England and Wales, a fire risk assessment is required for workplaces, commercial premises, premises open to the public and the common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings. The duty normally falls to the Responsible Person, who may be the employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control of the premises.The assessment must be suitable and sufficient and reviewed regularly, especially after significant changes.You must keep a written record of the Fire Risk Assessment.Different fire safety legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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The assessment must be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid.A review may be required following:Changes to the buildingChanges in occupancyNew machinery or processesThe introduction of dangerous substancesChanges to escape arrangementsA fire or significant near missProblems identified during a drillSignificant changes to the people at riskChanges in fire safety guidance or legal requirements Many organisations choose to complete a documented annual review as part of their fire safety management arrangements.
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The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation with legal responsibility for fire safety within the premises.Depending on the arrangements, this may be:The employerThe building ownerThe landlordThe occupierA managing agentA facilities or building managerAnother person with control of the premises There may be more than one Responsible Person. Where responsibilities are shared, the relevant parties must cooperate and coordinate with one another.
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Contact us for further questions

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