Do You Need a Fire Risk Assessment? Here's What You Need to Know

20th August 2025

A fire risk assessment is an essential process for every business, property owner, or landlord. Whether you run a small office, a large factory, or a residential building, understanding the fire risks in your property and addressing them can make the difference between keeping your people safe and facing severe legal or financial consequences. But do you really need a fire risk assessment? The answer is yes… and here's why.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a building or facility's fire safety measures, identifying potential hazards, risks, and weaknesses. The assessment provides insights into how fire could start, spread, and affect the building's occupants. It also outlines steps to avoid those risks, ensuring the safety of people and property. In short, it's about being proactive, ensuring that in the event of a fire, your property and its occupants are prepared and protected.

Legal Requirements: Why You Can't Ignore It

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for businesses, landlords, and property owners to carry out a fire risk assessment. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic properties must have a fire risk assessment, regardless of size.

If you’re responsible for a business, you must:

Identify fire hazards.
Identify the people at risk, including employees and visitors.
Evaluate the risks and implement preventative measures.
Record the findings if you employ five or more people.

For landlords, fire risk assessments are a key part of your duty of care. Whether you're managing a single property or a portfolio, you are legally required to ensure that your tenants are safe from fire risks.

Protecting Lives and Property

While fire safety is a legal obligation, it’s also about the safety of those within your property. A fire can cause devastating consequences to lives and property. By carrying out a fire risk assessment, you reduce the chance of a fire and its impact, ensuring that the right preventive and protective measures are in place. A properly conducted fire risk assessment helps:

Identify unsafe fire practices and potential hazards.
Ensure escape routes are clear and accessible.
Ensure that fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting is working effectively.
Minimise the damage caused by fire, should the worst happen.

When Should You Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?

Even if you already have a fire risk assessment in place, it's important to review it regularly. There are several instances when a fire risk assessment should be updated:

When you move into a new premises: A new building or site will need an assessment to identify potential fire hazards specific to the structure and operations.
When you make any changes: Any structural changes, such as renovations or new equipment installations, should trigger a reassessment to account for new risks.
When your business or building occupancy changes: A change in the number of employees, tenants, or visitors can affect how people evacuate in the event of a fire, and it should be reflected in your assessment.
After an incident or near miss: If there's been a fire incident or a near miss in or around your property, it’s time for a reassessment to address any gaps or flaws.

The Benefits of a Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a valuable tool that offers several benefits for your property and business:

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your property is properly assessed and that fire safety measures are in place provides peace of mind for both owners and tenants.
Avoiding Legal Issues: Conducting regular fire risk assessments ensures compliance with fire safety regulations, helping you avoid fines, penalties, or even criminal liability.
Insurance: Many insurance policies require proof of a fire risk assessment before covering potential fire-related losses. Having an up-to-date assessment can ensure your insurance remains valid.
Business Continuity: A fire risk assessment helps you create a fire safety plan that minimises damage and ensures the quickest possible recovery in case of a fire.

How to Get a Fire Risk Assessment

The process of conducting a fire risk assessment can be complex, especially for large buildings or businesses. While it’s possible to do the assessment yourself, it's recommended that you seek the expertise of a qualified professional. A trained fire risk assessor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property and ensure you meet all the legal requirements, as well as help you implement any necessary improvements.

Why Choose Fire Stoppers for Your Fire Risk Assessment?

At Fire Stoppers, we provide comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored to your business and property’s unique needs. Our experts are fully trained and accredited to assess your premises thoroughly and deliver clear, actionable recommendations.

We’ll help you:

Identify fire hazards.
Implement effective fire prevention and safety measures.
Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Keep your business and property safe, reducing the risk of fire and its consequences.

Book Your Fire Risk Assessment Today!

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your property, employees, and tenants by conducting a fire risk assessment today. Whether you own a single building or manage a large facility, Fire Stoppers is here to provide the expert guidance you need to ensure your premises are safe and compliant.