A detailed guide to fire risk assessments under UK legislation — what they are, the legal duty to carry them out, the standards used, what is assessed, and when to review.
A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a premises to identify fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and determine the fire safety measures needed to keep occupants safe. It is a legal requirement for virtually all non-domestic premises and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This guide explains what a fire risk assessment involves, the standards used, and what to expect — for information only.
A fire risk assessment is the foundation of fire safety management. It identifies the fire hazards present, the people at risk, and the measures needed to remove, reduce or protect from that risk. The assessment must be carried out by a competent person and must be reviewed regularly.
Sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen that could cause a fire or allow it to spread.
Assess who is at risk and put measures in place to protect occupants and relevant persons.
Document findings, create an emergency plan, and train staff. Keep records available for inspection.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every workplace must have a fire risk assessment carried out by a 'competent person.' For commercial premises with more than 5 employees, a written record must be kept.
Many insurance companies require a fire risk assessment as a condition of coverage. A current assessment can help keep premiums reasonable.
Most importantly, an assessment helps protect lives by identifying dangers and ensuring safe evacuation procedures are in place.
Fire risk assessments are required across all property types — from small commercial units to large multi-occupied residential buildings. Below are the most common premises types covered by the legislation.
All businesses and landlords have a legal duty to carry out and maintain a fire risk assessment. The key pieces of legislation that apply are:
The primary UK fire safety legislation. Places a legal duty on the "responsible person" to carry out and maintain a fire risk assessment for all non-domestic premises and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings.
Extended the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to include the structure, external walls and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings. Clarified that these must be considered within the fire risk assessment.
Introduced enhanced regulations for higher-risk residential buildings (18m+ or 7+ storeys). Mandatory registration, safety case reports, resident engagement and a new duty holder regime for building safety.
The methodology recommended by the Home Office and fire safety guidance follows five clear steps. Each step builds on the last to produce a complete assessment and action plan.
Identify fire hazards
Sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen. Look for electrical equipment, smoking areas, cooking, heating, arson risk, and stored flammable materials.
Identify people at risk
Employees, visitors, contractors, sleeping occupants, vulnerable people, and anyone unfamiliar with the premises. Consider those with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments.
Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk
Assess the hazards and the people at risk. Remove hazards where possible, reduce those that remain, and apply fire safety measures proportionate to the risk.
Record, plan, inform, instruct and train
Document your findings and the measures taken. Create an emergency plan. Communicate fire safety information to staff and relevant persons. Provide training.
Review and update
Reassess regularly — at least annually — and after any significant change to the building, its use, or the people within it. Keep the assessment up to date.
PAS 79-1:2020 is the widely used methodology for fire risk assessments in non-domestic (commercial) premises. A full PAS 79-1 assessment systematically reviews the following 16 sections to ensure the premises is compliant and occupants are protected.
The Premises
Occupancy
Fire Loss Experience
Other Relevant Information
Relevant Fire Safety Legislation
Fire Hazards and Ignition Sources
Means of Escape & Compartmentation
Fire Alarm System
Emergency Lighting
Signs and Notices
Fixed Installations and Firefighting Equipment
Management of Fire Safety and Training Arrangements
Access and Firefighter Safety
Fire Risk Rating Summary
Recommended Action Summary
Audit Photographs
BS 9792:2025 is the British Standard for fire risk assessments in residential premises — HMOs, blocks of flats, care homes, supported living and similar. Every residential assessment follows the full framework below, grouped into seven sections that are systematically reviewed to ensure the premises is fully compliant and occupants are protected.
The assessment report will typically include recommendations in three priority categories:
Critical safety issues that should be addressed immediately, often within weeks. These pose significant risk.
Significant improvements that should be made, typically within 3-6 months. These enhance safety substantially.
Long-term improvements and maintenance recommendations that can be implemented over a year.
A fire risk assessment is a living document. The responsible person must review it regularly and whenever circumstances change. The following triggers require a review:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the fire risk assessment to be carried out by a competent person. Competency is not defined by a single qualification but by a combination of knowledge, training, experience and understanding. A competent assessor should:
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