Every workplace, residential building, school, or factory is at risk of fire, but how prepared are you? A fire risk assessment is not just a legal requirement; it’s a life-saving process that could mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. In this article, we’ll explore what fire risk assessment is, why it matters, and how it’s properly carried out, using real-world examples and practical tips from a Fire Safety Consultant’s point of view.
What Is Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a detailed review conducted to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk of those hazards causing harm, and implement measures to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.
Put simply, it answers these questions:
-
What could start a fire?
-
Who could be at risk?
-
What are we doing to prevent or reduce the fire risk?
-
What improvements are needed?
According to the UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and global safety standards like NFPA 551, a fire risk assessment is mandatory for most premises, especially where people work, sleep, or gather in numbers.
Why Is Fire Risk Assessment Important?
1. Legal Compliance: Failure to carry out a fire risk assessment can result in hefty fines or legal action. For instance, in the UK, businesses can be fined up to £400,000 or face imprisonment for breaches.
2. Life and Property Protection: Fires cause thousands of deaths and billions in damages annually. The U.S. Fire Administration reports over 1.2 million fires in 2023 alone. A proper risk assessment can help avoid being part of that statistic.
3. Business Continuity: A fire can close your business overnight. Mitigating fire risks ensures continuity and protects your brand and employees.
Who Should Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?
A competent person should carry out the fire risk assessment. While small businesses may opt for trained internal staff, larger or complex premises should engage a certified Fire Risk Assessor or Consultant.
Qualities of a Competent Person:
-
Knowledge of fire hazards and preventive measures
-
Experience in fire safety legislation and building use
-
Ability to assess risk objectively and suggest control measures
In my consultancy work, I often see businesses assign this task to maintenance staff with little fire safety training. This can lead to missed hazards and ineffective controls.
How Is Fire Risk Assessment Done? (Step-by-Step Process)
Let’s break it down into 5 core steps. These are aligned with both UK and international standards like NFPA 551, PAS 79, and BS 9999.
Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards
This involves detecting:
-
Sources of ignition: Heaters, open flames, electrical equipment, hot work
-
Fuel sources: Paper, flammable liquids, plastics, fabric
-
Oxygen sources: Natural ventilation, oxygen cylinders, air conditioning
Real-life example: In a textile factory I visited, old electrical wiring near fabric storage posed a major hazard. This was an ignition source next to a high fuel load — a deadly combination.
Step 2: Identify People at Risk
This includes:
-
Employees and visitors
-
Vulnerable persons (e.g., elderly, disabled, children)
-
People working in isolated areas or high-risk zones
Practical tip: Use floor plans to map where people spend the most time and cross-reference with hazard zones.
Scenario: In a warehouse, night-shift workers often use a break room near a boiler. A fire starting there at night could trap them due to limited escape routes. This risk must be recorded and addressed.
Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Fire Risks
After identifying the hazards and people at risk, assess:
-
Can the hazard be removed?
-
If not, how can the risk be reduced?
Key Risk Reduction Measures:
-
Replace or repair faulty equipment
-
Store flammables safely
-
Enforce smoking policies
-
Install or upgrade fire alarms and extinguishers
-
Apply fire-resistant coatings or fire doors
Case Study: In a restaurant, the kitchen was fitted with a non-rated extractor hood over gas stoves. We recommended a fire-rated hood and CO2 suppression system, reducing both ignition and spread risk.
Step 4: Record Findings and Prepare an Emergency Plan
Fire regulations often require that assessments be documented if there are five or more employees. The report should include:
-
A summary of identified hazards
-
Who is at risk
-
Actions taken and to be taken
-
Assigned responsibilities
-
Emergency procedures and evacuation plans
Note: Keep your records updated and make them available during inspections. Use diagrams, photos, and floor layouts to strengthen your documentation.
Step 5: Review and Update the Assessment Regularly
Risk assessments are not one-off tasks.
Update your assessment:
-
Annually (minimum)
-
After structural changes or renovations
-
Following a fire or near-miss
-
When new equipment or processes are introduced
Consultant’s Tip: Set calendar reminders and assign responsibility to a specific team member or Fire Safety Officer.
Tools and Templates for Fire Risk Assessment
While professional consultants may use advanced software, you can start with:
-
Fire risk assessment forms (HSE or NFPA templates)
-
PAS 79 compliant checklists
-
Mobile inspection apps like iAuditor or Safesite
Sample form fields include:
-
Premises details
-
Fire detection/alarm status
-
Means of escape
-
Firefighting equipment
-
Training records
-
Maintenance schedules
Common Mistakes in Fire Risk Assessments
Avoid these common errors:
-
Copy-paste assessments: Using generic templates without tailoring to the site.
-
Ignoring hidden hazards: E.g., overloaded plug sockets, poorly maintained fire exits.
-
Failure to act on recommendations: An ignored risk is as bad as no assessment at all.
-
No staff training: The best plan fails if staff don’t know what to do in a fire.
Fire Risk Assessment in Different Settings
Let’s explore how it varies by environment:
Offices
-
Focus on electrical safety, paper clutter, and kitchen areas
-
Ensure accessible exits and staff awareness
Industrial Facilities
-
Emphasis on flammable materials, hot work permits, and equipment isolation
-
Implement fire watch and zone control
Residential Buildings (HMOs or Flats)
-
Escape route integrity is critical
-
Detection systems in communal areas
-
Smoking control and fire door maintenance
Schools
-
Child safety and evacuation drills are key
-
Secure science labs and cooking rooms
-
Staff must be trained as fire marshals
Legal Frameworks and Standards
Depending on your location, regulations may vary. Common fire legislation includes:
-
UK – Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
-
USA – OSHA 1910 Subpart E, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
-
Canada – National Fire Code
-
EU – Directive 89/391/EEC and national transpositions
Fire Safety Consultants often reference:
-
NFPA 551: Guide for the Evaluation of Fire Risk Assessments
-
PAS 79-2: Fire risk assessment methodology
-
BS 9999: Code of practice for fire safety in design and management
Training and Competency in Fire Risk Assessment
While having a fire extinguisher is good, knowing when and how to use it is better. Similarly, a fire risk assessment is only effective when the people responsible for implementing it are trained.
Recommended training:
-
Fire marshal/fire warden training
-
Basic fire safety awareness
-
Fire risk assessor certification (e.g., NEBOSH Fire Safety)
Fire Risk Assessment and Insurance
Did you know that incomplete or outdated fire risk assessments can invalidate your insurance?
Most insurers require up-to-date assessments and evidence that corrective actions were taken. This helps them evaluate your level of risk and reduces premium costs.
Tip: Share your risk assessment and action log with your insurer to demonstrate proactive safety management.
Conclusion
To recap, a fire risk assessment is more than paperwork—it’s a systematic safety check that protects people, property, and business operations. Done right, it helps:
-
Prevent fires before they start
-
Reduce injury or loss if one occurs
-
Fulfill legal and insurance requirements
-
Build a culture of safety in the workplace
As a Fire Safety Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how regular, thorough assessments save lives. Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Start your fire risk assessment today—or bring in a professional who knows how to do it right.
Related Posts
6 Methods of Risk Assessment You Should Know
Working at height risk assessment
All Fire Extinguisher Regulations You Need to Know
Fire Extinguisher Recharge: 9 Simple Steps to Recharge