Fire Risk Assessment & Fire Safety Training

A fire risk assessment is a structured assessment of a premises that identifies fire hazards, people who may be at risk and the fire safety measures already in place. It also determines whether additional controls are needed to reduce the likelihood of fire and protect people if a fire occurs.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment considers areas such as fire detection and warning systems, escape routes, emergency procedures, fire-fighting equipment, vulnerable people and staff training. The findings should be recorded where required and the assessment reviewed when circumstances change.

The Responsible Person has responsibility for fire safety in non-domestic premises and must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and regularly reviewed.

The Responsible Person is typically the employer, building owner or occupier, although responsibility can be shared between multiple people or organisations depending on the premises. Where there is more than one Responsible Person, they must work together to meet their fire safety duties.
The Responsible Person can complete the assessment themselves if they have the necessary competence. Where they do not, they should appoint a competent fire risk assessor with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience.

Read more about the role of the Responsible Person in workplace fire safety.

A fire risk assessment should be completed by a person with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience for the premises and the risks being assessed. The level of competence required depends on factors such as the building, its use, occupancy and the complexity of its fire risks.

The Responsible Person remains responsible for ensuring the assessment is suitable and sufficient, even when an external fire risk assessor is appointed. It is therefore important to consider an assessor’s qualifications, practical experience, professional competence and relevant professional memberships.

Vita Safety only undertakes fire risk assessment work where the individual completing the assessment is appropriately qualified and can evidence their competence.

A competent fire risk assessor has the knowledge, skills and experience needed to assess the specific premises and its fire risks. Competence should therefore be considered in relation to the complexity of the building and the work being undertaken, rather than based on qualifications alone.

When appointing a fire risk assessor, organisations should consider relevant qualifications, practical experience, knowledge of the type of premises being assessed and evidence of ongoing professional development. Membership or registration with a recognised professional body can provide additional assurance.

Vita Safety takes a competency-led approach to consultancy. Its consultants combine industry knowledge with practical experience, and the organisation states that it only undertakes work it can competently deliver.

A fire risk assessment does not have one fixed review period that applies to every organisation. The assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever it may no longer be valid or there has been a significant change that could affect fire safety.

Changes that may require a review include alterations to the building, changes in how premises are used, changes to occupancy, new processes or equipment, or changes to the people who may be at risk.

Vita Safety recommends reviewing fire risk assessments when building or operational changes occur, helping organisations keep their fire safety arrangements aligned with their current risks.

A fire risk assessment does not have a fixed expiry date. It remains appropriate while it accurately reflects the premises, its activities, the people at risk and the fire safety measures in place.

The Responsible Person should therefore review the assessment regularly and whenever significant changes could affect the findings. A change to the building, occupancy, use or fire safety arrangements may require the assessment to be updated sooner.

The important question is not simply when the assessment was completed, but whether it remains suitable and sufficient for the risks that exist today.

A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards and evaluates the effectiveness of existing fire safety controls. Where the assessment identifies weaknesses, the findings should lead to practical actions that remove or reduce the risks identified.

Depending on the assessment, actions could include improving escape routes, fire detection, emergency procedures, signage, fire-fighting equipment or staff training. Actions should be prioritised according to the level of risk and followed through to completion.

Vita Safety takes a practical approach to health and safety consultancy, providing tailored recommendations based on an organisation’s circumstances rather than applying a generic package.