Fire Risk Assessments: Your Legal Requirements as a Business Owner
If you own or run a business, you are legally responsible for making sure a fire risk assessment is carried out. This guide explains who the responsible person is, the five steps to follow and what can happen if you do not comply.
To ensure optimal fire safety at work, every organisation must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). Fire risk assessments are essential for three key reasons:
- They identify how likely it is that a fire could occur.
- They highlight ways to reduce fire risk.
- They show how to protect people, property, and business continuity.
Understanding Your Role
The first step to operating compliantly is understanding your legal responsibility. By law, it is the duty of the “responsible person” to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out. You are considered the responsible person if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You run or own the business.
- You are in charge of a family-run business.
- You are self-employed and control the premises.
As the responsible person, you must ensure an FRA is undertaken — but it doesn’t have to be done personally. Many businesses choose to outsource this task to a qualified professional for peace of mind and full compliance.
If you decide to conduct the assessment yourself, you must follow the five core steps outlined by the UK Government:
Step 1: Locate Hazards
Identify potential fire risks in your workplace and determine where or how a fire could start. Understanding this helps target prevention efforts effectively.
Step 2: Know Who’s at Risk
Consider who might be most affected by a fire, such as employees working near ignition sources. This helps ensure the right people receive fire safety training.
Step 3: Consider How to Reduce Risk
Evaluate your current fire protection and detection systems. You may need to add or upgrade equipment such as alarms, sprinkler systems, or dry & wet risers based on your building’s risk level.
Step 4: Record Outcomes
It’s recommended to keep a written record of your assessment — and if you employ five or more people, this is a legal requirement. Store it somewhere accessible to all relevant staff.
Step 5: Review & Adapt
Fire risks and workplaces evolve over time. Review your FRA regularly — especially after changes to layout, staff, or equipment — to keep it current and effective.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
It’s easy to postpone your fire risk assessment when things are busy. Fires are uncommon, after all — but the consequences of neglect can be severe. Without an FRA, you risk endangering lives and property, as well as facing legal action. For the figures, see how common fires are in England.
If a fire service inspection finds you non-compliant, penalties can include fines or imprisonment. Fire safety officers can visit your premises — often with notice, but sometimes unannounced — to ensure compliance. Don’t get caught out. Stay proactive and prepared.
Help & Advice from Eversafe
At Eversafe Fire Protection, we’re dedicated to helping businesses protect their people and property. Visit our blog for practical fire safety advice, or contact our team for guidance on fire protection systems and compliance support.
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