United Kingdom compartmentation surveys
Fire risk assessments in the United Kingdom
Statutory fire risk assessments for non-domestic premises across the United Kingdom.
About fire risk assessments
What the service covers
A fire risk assessment is a structured examination of a premises to identify what could cause a fire, who could be harmed and what measures are in place to reduce the risk. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient assessment in place, kept up to date and recorded in writing where five or more people are employed or where a licence applies. Scotland and Northern Ireland have equivalent duties under their own fire safety legislation.
The assessment covers ignition sources, fuel loads, means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment, staff training records and the arrangements for evacuating anyone who may need assistance. At the end of the visit the assessor produces a written report setting out the findings, a risk rating and an action plan listing any improvements required. A fire risk assessment should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change to the premises, its use or its occupants, and in any case at regular intervals. Book a date and a specialist assessor will attend the premises and provide a written report.
Key details at a glance
This page covers fire risk assessments across the United Kingdom, including what the assessment covers and who is required to have one.
Circumstances that point to booking a fire risk assessment
Does this situation apply to you?
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to your premises and no written assessment has been produced for the current layout.
- A previous assessment was carried out several years ago and the building has had a change of occupancy or use since then.
- A local authority or fire service inspection has noted that the existing assessment is out of date or insufficient.
- Staff numbers, shift patterns or the type of work carried out on site have changed and the assessment does not reflect that.
- A new tenancy agreement is being drawn up and the responsible person cannot produce a current assessment for the address.
- The last assessment recorded actions to be completed and there is no record of whether those actions were ever finished.
How it works
Steps for Fire risk assessments
Document review
The specialist examines any existing fire risk assessment, building plans, maintenance records and previous fire authority correspondence before the site visit.
Site walkthrough
The specialist moves through the premises systematically, identifying ignition sources, fuel loads, means of escape, detection equipment and the people who use each area.
Risk evaluation
Each hazard identified during the walkthrough is assessed against the likelihood of fire starting and the consequences for the occupants, with findings recorded as the visit progresses.
Assessment report
A written fire risk assessment report is issued, listing every finding, the risk level assigned to it and the actions required to meet the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
What you get
Surveyed and reported across the United Kingdom
- Pricing set out in writing. The cost is confirmed at booking, so you know the figure before the specialist arrives.
- A written survey report. The specialist produces a detailed written record of every compartmentation defect found.
- Specialists who know the area. Specialists across the UK have surveyed a wide range of building types and construction methods.
- Book at your own pace. Read the details, decide when you are ready, and book only when you are satisfied.
What's involved
What a fire risk assessment involves
The legal duty to have one
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person for most non-domestic premises in England and Wales to carry out or commission a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. In Scotland the equivalent duty sits under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. The responsible person is usually the employer, the owner or the person in control of the premises.
What the assessor examines
The assessor reviews ignition sources, fuel loads and oxygen sources, then checks how people would be alerted to a fire and how they would leave the building. Escape routes, emergency lighting, fire detection equipment, fire-fighting equipment and staff training records all form part of the assessment.
How often an assessment should be reviewed
There is no fixed interval set in law, but the assessment should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change to the premises, its use or the number of people present. A refurbishment, a change of occupancy or a fire incident are all reasons to carry out a fresh assessment rather than rely on an older one.
What the written report provides
The assessor produces a written record of the findings, the actions recommended and a suggested timescale for each action. The report names the responsible person and carries a date, so it is clear what conditions were present at the time of the visit. It can be produced for insurers, enforcement officers or prospective tenants on request.
Fire risk assessments across the United Kingdom
Specialists carry out fire risk assessments across Birmingham · Edinburgh · Glasgow · Leeds · Liverpool · London · Manchester · Sheffield and many more areas; give the address and building type and a specialist covering that county will be in touch.
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Tell us the building address and how it is used, and a specialist will carry out the survey and produce a written report at the set price.