Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire Risk Assessments are required for virtually all non-domestic properties in the UK to keep people safe and ensure that buildings are protected from the devastating effects of fire. They are part of a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What does a Fire Risk Assessment cover?

A Fire Risk Assessment carried out by a competent person will:

• Identify fire hazards in a property.

• Aim to reduce the risks of those hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practical.

• To inform the responsible person(s) what physical fire precautions and fire safety management arrangements are required to ensure the safety of occupiers in the event a fire does start.

Can I complete a Fire Risk Assessment myself?

This is a commonly asked question by building owners, landlords and responsible person(s). The short answer is ‘yes’, you could in theory download a Fire Risk Assessment template online and complete it to the best your ability. However, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a ‘suitable and sufficient’ Fire Risk Assessment to be carried out for virtually all non-domestic premises. In order for a Fire Risk Assessment to be classified as ‘suitable and sufficient’ it must be carried out by somebody who is ‘competent’, meaning they have sufficient training, qualifications and experience.

Staysafe Compliance Fire Risk Assessors are accredited by the IFSM (Institute of Fire Safety Managers) and have therefore had specific training with regards to Fire Risk Assessments, hold the appropriate qualifications, have experience in assessing specific building types and are able to communicate the findings effectively.

We also advise responsible person(s) to check their insurance policies for detail pertaining to Fire Risk Assessments, some policies insist on a professional Fire Risk Assessment in order for the insurance to be valid.

How often should I get a Fire Risk Assessment?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 doesn’t state a specific time frame, but it does make it clear that your Fire Risk Assessments should be kept up to date.

We would advise a Fire Risk Assessment is reviewed every year, or when there have been changes made to the property (which comes first) to ensure that it is still relevant and accurate.

It is important to remember that even changes that some may consider as subtle, may have a significant impact on the risk to life at the property. Residential properties such as Holiday Lets also see a lot of usage throughout the year, and the subsequent wear and tear could have an impact on the risk of a fire starting, or the consequences if a fire did start.