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Fire Safety Audits & Risk Assessments Explained
Fire Safety Guide #25 | A guide to fire risk assessments and audits — what they involve, who needs them, and why compliance saves lives.
Fire safety isn’t just about installing alarms or sprinklers — it begins with understanding the risks. That’s why fire safety audits and fire risk assessments sit at the heart of UK fire
safety law.
For landlords, property managers, and business owners, these assessments are not optional. They are a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and form the foundation of every fire safety strategy.
safety law.
For landlords, property managers, and business owners, these assessments are not optional. They are a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and form the foundation of every fire safety strategy.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Are Required
A fire risk assessment serves several critical purposes. Legally, the Fire Safety Order requires a “Responsible Person” to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all non-domestic premises and the communal areas of residential buildings.
Beyond compliance, assessments protect people by identifying hazards and ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place. They also help prevent financial losses by reducing the likelihood of fire and limiting damage if one occurs. Importantly, fire authorities have the power to issue notices, fines, or prosecutions for non-compliance.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is required for all business premises, the communal areas of flats, HMOs, and multi-occupied buildings, public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, and essentially any premises where people are employed or visit as part of their work.
Fire Doors in Risk Assessments
As part of a fire risk assessment, fire doors must be inspected regularly. Above is a quick-reference checklist to guide Responsible Persons through the essential points to look for. This does not replace a professional fire door inspection, but it supports ongoing compliance.
A fire risk assessment serves several critical purposes. Legally, the Fire Safety Order requires a “Responsible Person” to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all non-domestic premises and the communal areas of residential buildings.
Beyond compliance, assessments protect people by identifying hazards and ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place. They also help prevent financial losses by reducing the likelihood of fire and limiting damage if one occurs. Importantly, fire authorities have the power to issue notices, fines, or prosecutions for non-compliance.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is required for all business premises, the communal areas of flats, HMOs, and multi-occupied buildings, public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, and essentially any premises where people are employed or visit as part of their work.
Fire Doors in Risk Assessments
As part of a fire risk assessment, fire doors must be inspected regularly. Above is a quick-reference checklist to guide Responsible Persons through the essential points to look for. This does not replace a professional fire door inspection, but it supports ongoing compliance.
Fire Risk Assessments vs. Fire Safety Audits
A fire risk assessment is carried out by the Responsible Person (or by a competent fire safety professional on their behalf). This is a legal requirement, focusing on identifying risks, hazards, and necessary precautions.
A fire safety audit, by contrast, is conducted by the local fire and rescue authority. It is an inspection to determine whether a building is compliant with the law and whether the fire risk assessment in place is suitable and sufficient.
| How a Fire Risk Assessment Is Carried Out A competent person will usually follow a structured approach, such as the UK Government’s five-step model:
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What Fire Safety Auditors Look For
When fire officers conduct a fire safety audit, they typically review the suitability of your fire risk assessment, inspect escape routes, fire doors, and signage, and test alarm systems and emergency lighting. They may also examine staff fire safety training and drills, as well as maintenance records.
If deficiencies are found, fire authorities can issue enforcement action, including:
When fire officers conduct a fire safety audit, they typically review the suitability of your fire risk assessment, inspect escape routes, fire doors, and signage, and test alarm systems and emergency lighting. They may also examine staff fire safety training and drills, as well as maintenance records.
If deficiencies are found, fire authorities can issue enforcement action, including:
Alteration notices requiring safety improvements.
Enforcement notices legally obliging deficiencies to be rectified.
Prohibition notices restricting or stopping building use until issues are resolved.
Conclusion
Fire risk assessments and audits are not just paperwork exercises — they are life-saving processes. A thorough, up-to-date assessment ensures that risks are identified, safety systems are effective, and evacuation procedures are clear. For landlords, property managers, and business owners, compliance brings peace of mind while demonstrating a commitment to protecting both people and property.
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