Who can do a fire risk assessment?
Under fire safety legislation, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises.
However, what often causes confusion is who is actually allowed to carry out the assessment.
The Legal Position
Technically, anyone can carry out a fire risk assessment of their premises. The law does not explicitly require the person conducting the assessment to hold formal qualifications or professional certifications. What the legislation does require, however, is that the fire risk assessment must be deemed "suitable and sufficient."
This means that while you are legally allowed to perform your own assessment, it is your responsibility to ensure that the assessment is carried out competently and thoroughly enough to meet legal standards.
Competence is Key
Although there are no strict legal requirements on who can perform a fire risk assessment, the person conducting it must be competent. In this context, competence means having:
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A good understanding of the principles of fire safety,
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Sufficient knowledge of the premises being assessed,
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The ability to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and suggest appropriate mitigation measures,
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The skills to document findings and create an effective action plan.
For small and straightforward premises (like a small office, cafe, or shop), a responsible person with basic fire safety knowledge and access to the right guidance may well be able to complete a compliant risk assessment.
However, in larger or more complex buildings—such as multi-use facilities, care homes, blocks of flats, industrial units, or sites with hazardous materials—the risks are greater, and the assessment becomes more technical. In such cases, it's strongly recommended (and often standard practice) to appoint a qualified external fire risk assessor.
Why Consider a Professional Fire Risk Assessor?
Hiring an experienced fire risk assessor offers several key benefits:
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Expertise in identifying not only obvious hazards but also less visible or technical fire safety issues,
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Knowledge of current fire safety legislation, building regulations, and best practices,
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Ability to provide detailed documentation that stands up to scrutiny in the event of an inspection or incident,
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Peace of mind that your premises, staff, and visitors are protected—and that you’re complying with the law.
Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can lead to severe consequences, including:
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Enforcement notices,
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Hefty fines,
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Business disruption or closure,
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Legal liability in the event of an incident,
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In serious cases, criminal prosecution.
Thinking of Doing It Yourself?
If you're considering undertaking your own fire risk assessment, we recommend reading our "Fire Safety Checks for Your Business" Guide. This resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of the risk assessment process, including:
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Identifying fire hazards,
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Evaluating risks to people,
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Recording findings,
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Creating an emergency plan,
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Reviewing and updating your assessment regularly.
Remember, fire safety is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one too. If you feel unsure, it’s always better to seek help than risk overlooking a critical hazard.
Need Help or a Quick Quote?
If you'd like more information or support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you have a quick question or would like a free, no-obligation quote for professional fire risk assessment services, we’re here to help.
You can even get an instant online quote here.
Check out our related article "5 steps to choosing a competent fire risk assessor"