FAQs
Fire safety compliance is a legal requirement for many businesses, property owners, and duty holders, but it can often feel complex and overwhelming. From fire risk assessments and emergency planning to ongoing maintenance and staff training, there are multiple responsibilities that must be met to remain compliant with current fire safety legislation.
This FAQ section has been created to answer some of the most common questions we receive about fire safety compliance. It is designed to help you better understand your legal obligations, what’s required for different types of premises, and how professional fire safety support can help you reduce risk, protect occupants, and avoid costly enforcement action.
If you have a specific question that isn’t covered below, or you need tailored advice for your premises, our team is always happy to help.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a building to identify potential fire hazards, assess the level of risk to people, and determine what measures are needed to reduce or remove those risks. It involves identifying sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen, evaluating who may be at risk, and reviewing existing fire safety measures such as alarms, emergency lighting, escape routes, and fire extinguishers.
Under UK fire safety legislation, the responsible person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and kept up to date. The findings should be documented, acted upon, and used to implement appropriate fire safety controls to protect occupants and property
How Often Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Done?
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain accurate and effective. While there is no fixed legal timeframe, best practice is to review them at least annually.
They must also be reviewed whenever there are significant changes to the premises or its use, such as:
- Alterations to the building layout or structure
- Changes in occupancy levels or the type of occupants
- Introduction of new equipment, materials, or processes
- After a fire, near miss, or fire safety incident
Keeping fire risk assessments up to date helps ensure ongoing compliance, reduces the risk of fire, and demonstrates that reasonable steps are being taken to protect people and property.