What Is A Fire Risk Assessment And Why Is It Needed?

By law, all business premises and the common parts of residential buildings, such as blocks of flats, must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place. Despite this, fire risk assessments are still widely misunderstood or overlooked, leaving people and property unnecessarily exposed to fire risk.

People often ask, “What is a fire risk assessment, and do I really need one?”

A fire risk assessment is not a paperwork exercise — it sits at the centre of your fire safety arrangements and is fundamental to protecting life.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a building to identify fire hazards, assess the level of risk, and determine what measures are needed to reduce that risk to an acceptable level.

It considers:

• how a fire could start
• who could be harmed
• how a fire could spread
• how people would escape
• what fire safety measures are already in place
• what additional actions are required

The outcome is a set of significant findings and a prioritised action plan designed to improve fire safety.

Does a Fire Risk Assessment Have to Be Written Down?

Under UK fire safety law, a written fire risk assessment is required where:

• five or more people are employed, or
• the premises are licensed, or
• an enforcing authority requires it

However, in practice, almost all non-domestic premises and blocks of flats require a written fire risk assessment, regardless of size. Residential buildings and common parts will always require written records.

Current government guidance expects fire risk assessments for non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings to be recorded in writing in almost all cases, regardless of occupant numbers, with written records now regarded as standard practice rather than an exception.

Even where the law does not strictly require a written document, we strongly recommend that all fire risk assessments are recorded in writing. This ensures:

• findings are clearly communicated
• actions are tracked and completed
• compliance can be demonstrated if challenged

What Are the Legal Requirements for Fire Risk Assessments?

Fire risk assessments are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, with further clarification provided by the Fire Safety Act.

A fire risk assessment must be:

• suitable and sufficient
• kept up to date
• reviewed regularly

A review should be carried out:

• if the building’s use changes
• if the layout or structure is altered
• if there is a significant change in occupants
• following a fire or near miss
• at regular intervals appropriate to the level of risk

Many organisations operate on a review cycle of 12 months, with a more thorough reassessment periodically or when significant change occurs.

Who Is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment?

Every premises must have a Responsible Person.

The Responsible Person is legally responsible for:

• ensuring a fire risk assessment is carried out
• implementing fire safety measures
• acting on findings and recommendations
• keeping the assessment up to date

For businesses, this is often:

• the employer
• the business owner
• a senior manager

For blocks of flats, this is typically:

• the landlord
• the managing agent
• a residents’ management company

In residential buildings, the Responsible Person is responsible for common areas only (e.g. stairwells, corridors, plant rooms). Individual residents remain responsible for fire safety within their own flats.

Can Occupants See the Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes. Occupants have the right to request access to the fire risk assessment for the premises they occupy.

Requests should be made to the Responsible Person, such as:

• the employer
• the managing agent
• the landlord
• the facilities or estates team

If no valid fire risk assessment exists, the Responsible Person must arrange for one to be carried out without delay.

Where serious concerns are ignored, the local Fire and Rescue Service may be contacted via their non-emergency channels.

What Is Reviewed During a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment examines a wide range of factors. The depth of assessment depends on the size, use, and complexity of the building.

Typically, this includes:

• Building construction, layout, and use
• Number and type of occupants, including vulnerable persons
• Sources of ignition (e.g. electrical systems, heating equipment)
• Fire load and combustible materials
• Measures to reduce the risk of arson
• Smoking controls
• Housekeeping standards
• Escape routes and final exits
• Emergency lighting and signage
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Compartmentation and fire-resisting construction
• Fire doors and their condition
• Firefighting equipment (e.g. extinguishers, sprinklers where fitted)
• Fire safety management arrangements
• Testing, inspection, and maintenance regimes
• Fire safety training and evacuation procedures
• Record-keeping and documentation

The assessor will then determine the overall level of fire risk and produce a prioritised action plan.

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment must be completed by a competent person.

• Competence means having:
• sufficient training
• relevant knowledge
• practical experience
• an understanding of current guidance and standards

While it is legally possible for some low-risk premises to be assessed internally, many buildings — particularly blocks of flats and complex premises — require a professional fire risk assessor.

A professional assessor is trained to:

• apply current standards (such as PAS 79-1 or BS 9792)
• assess complex risk scenarios
• produce clear, defensible reports
• prioritise actions proportionately

What Standards Apply to Fire Risk Assessments?

Different standards apply depending on the type of premises:

• PAS 79-1:2020 – for premises other than housing (e.g. offices, retail, schools)
• BS 9792:2025 – for housing (e.g. blocks of flats, HMOs)

Using the correct current standard is essential to ensure the assessment reflects the actual risks and expectations for the building type.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Fire Risk Assessment?

Failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is a criminal offence.

Enforcement action may include:

• prohibition or enforcement notices
• significant fines
• prosecution
• imprisonment in cases of serious negligence

Beyond legal consequences, the absence of a proper fire risk assessment significantly increases the risk of injury or loss of life.

Our Experience With Fire Risk Assessments

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we work with Responsible Persons across the UK to carry out and review fire risk assessments for business premises and residential buildings, including blocks of flats and HMOs.

In practice, we regularly encounter fire risk assessments that:

• are outdated or based on withdrawn guidance
• do not reflect how the building is actually used
• lack clear justification for risk ratings or priorities
• have recommendations that are impractical or not proportionate

Our approach focuses on applying current standards and guidance, such as PAS 79-1:2020 for non-housing premises and BS 9792:2025 for housing, while taking into account the specific layout, occupancy, and management arrangements of each building.

We treat fire risk assessments as a risk management tool, not a tick-box exercise. This means producing clear, structured reports with prioritised actions that Responsible Persons can realistically implement and maintain over time, and that remain defensible if reviewed by enforcing authorities or other stakeholders.

Fire Risk Assessments – What to Do Next

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off task. It is a living part of your fire safety management system and must be reviewed and acted upon.

If you are responsible for a business premises or residential building and need:

• a new fire risk assessment
• a review of an existing assessment
• confirmation that the correct standard is being applied

Professional advice can help ensure your obligations are met and risks are properly managed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessments

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. Fire risk assessments are required under UK fire safety legislation for all non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings.

Does every building need a written fire risk assessment?

In most cases, yes. Residential buildings and the majority of business premises require a written fire risk assessment to demonstrate compliance and manage fire safety effectively.

Who is responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment?

The Responsible Person or duty holder is legally responsible for ensuring that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place and kept up to date.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes to the building, its use, or occupancy, or following a fire or near miss.

Can I carry out my own fire risk assessment?

In some low-risk premises this may be possible, but many buildings — especially blocks of flats and complex premises — require a competent professional assessor.

What standard should a fire risk assessment follow?

For non-housing premises, PAS 79-1:2020 is commonly used. For housing, fire risk assessments should now follow BS 9792:2025.