What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Identify?

This guide is for business owners, landlords, duty holders, and anyone responsible for fire safety in non-domestic premises. Understanding what a fire risk assessment identifies is essential for legal compliance and for protecting lives and property. A fire risk assessment helps identify potential fire-related risks on the premises.

A fire risk assessment is an audit of a building’s current fire safety measures and a structured evaluation of a building’s premises and activities to determine the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential harm it could cause. For business owners, landlords, and duty holders, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement and a critical step in protecting people, property, and operations. It provides a structured review of fire risks and sets out practical actions to reduce them.

Below, we explain exactly what a fire risk assessment identifies and why each element is essential for maintaining fire safety.

The Five Key Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment

1. Identify fire hazards
2. Identify people at risk
3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risks
4. Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train
5. Regularly review the assessment

This overview provides foundational context for readers unfamiliar with the process.

Identifying Potential Fire Hazards

One of the primary purposes of a fire risk assessment is to identify potential fire hazards within the premises. This involves examining anything that could start a fire or allow it to spread.

Common fire hazards include:

• Electrical equipment and faulty wiring
• Heating systems and portable heaters
• Lighting and overloaded power sources
• Smoking materials
• Hot works such as welding or cutting
• Poor housekeeping and the build-up of combustible materials

A competent fire risk assessor will inspect the premises thoroughly to identify ignition sources, combustible materials, and conditions that could increase the likelihood of a fire. Where risks are identified, practical control measures are recommended to reduce or eliminate them.

Evaluating Fire Detection and Warning Systems

A fire risk assessment also evaluates the effectiveness of fire detection and warning systems. Early detection is critical in allowing occupants to react quickly and evacuate safely.

This assessment includes reviewing:

• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Fire alarm systems
• Emergency lighting

The assessor will check that systems are appropriate for the building, correctly installed, regularly maintained, and fully operational. Any deficiencies, such as poor coverage or faulty alarms, are identified and recorded so corrective action can be taken.

Reliable detection systems significantly reduce response times and can prevent minor incidents from becoming major fires.

Assessing Escape Routes and Emergency Lighting

Safe evacuation depends on clear, accessible escape routes. A fire risk assessment identifies whether escape routes are adequate for the number of occupants and the type of building.

This includes checking:

• Fire exit routes are unobstructed
• Fire exit signage is clearly visible
• Doors open easily and in the correct direction
• Escape routes lead to a place of safety

Emergency lighting is also assessed, particularly in areas without natural light. The assessor ensures emergency lighting will function in the event of a power failure and that it is tested regularly.

In some buildings, compartmentation may also be reviewed to limit the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.

Reviewing Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment plays a key role in controlling and limiting fire risks. A fire risk assessment reviews whether suitable equipment is in place and properly maintained.

This typically includes:

• Fire extinguishers (correct type, location, and condition)
• Fire blankets, particularly in kitchens or high-risk areas
• Sprinkler systems or other fixed suppression systems

The assessment confirms that equipment is appropriate for the risks present and that inspection and maintenance schedules are being followed. Poorly maintained or incorrectly specified equipment is flagged for corrective action.

Examining Structural Fire Protection Measures

Structural fire protection features are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke. A fire risk assessment identifies whether these features are present and functioning as intended.

This includes reviewing:

• Fire-resistant walls and floors
• Fire stopping around service penetrations
• Fire doors, including seals, closers, and signage

Fire doors, in particular, are critical and must be regularly inspected to ensure they remain effective. Any defects or non-compliance issues are recorded as part of the assessment findings.

Identifying People at Risk

A crucial part of any fire risk assessment is identifying people who may be especially vulnerable in the event of a fire.

This includes:

• Children
• Elderly individuals
• People with disabilities or reduced mobility
• Lone workers or staff working in isolated areas

The assessment considers how these individuals would evacuate safely and whether additional control measures or personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) are required. This ensures fire safety arrangements are inclusive and suitable for everyone on the premises.

Recording Findings and Creating an Action Plan

A fire risk assessment must record its significant findings. This documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance and managing fire safety effectively.

The recorded findings typically include:

• Identified fire hazards
• People at risk
• Existing control measures
• Recommended actions and timescales

An action plan is produced to prioritise improvements, ensuring higher-risk issues are addressed first. The Responsible Person is legally required to ensure these actions are implemented and reviewed.

Ensuring Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations

Fire risk assessments help ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and other applicable legislation. Adhering to these requirements is essential, as failure to comply can lead to enforcement actions, substantial fines, or even prosecution. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.

An up-to-date fire risk assessment demonstrates that reasonable steps are being taken to protect occupants and property. It also provides a clear framework for ongoing fire safety management.

Importance of Regular Reviews

Fire risk assessments are not one-off documents. They must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are changes to:

• The building layout
• Occupancy levels
• Work processes
• Fire safety equipment

In most cases, an annual review is recommended, with additional reviews following significant changes or incidents. Regular reviews ensure fire safety measures remain effective and legally compliant.

Providing Fire Safety Training

Fire safety training is a vital part of managing fire risk. A fire risk assessment identifies whether suitable training is in place and whether staff understand emergency procedures.

Effective training covers:

• Fire prevention measures
• Fire alarm response
• Evacuation procedures
• Use of basic fire-fighting equipment (where appropriate)

Regular training and fire drills ensure everyone knows how to respond quickly and safely in an emergency.

Summary

A fire risk assessment helps identify potential fire-related risks on the premises. It identifies fire hazards, evaluates fire safety measures, and highlights actions needed to reduce risk and maintain compliance. Assessing detection systems, escape routes, equipment, and people at risk provides a clear, structured approach to fire safety.

Regular reviews, proper documentation, and effective training are essential to keeping premises safe and compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions