Fire Risk Assessment: Legal Requirements, Responsibilities & Costs (2026 Guide)
Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises in the UK and form a critical part of effective fire safety management. Whether you are an employer, landlord or managing agent, understanding your responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is essential to protect lives, property and your organisation from prosecution. This guide explains what a fire risk assessment involves, who is responsible, how often it should be reviewed, and what it may cost.
What is a fire risk assessment?
Put simply, a fire risk assessment is a mandatory, organised inspection of premises to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate risks and implement safety measures to protect people.
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes, a fire risk assessment is a strict legal requirement in the UK, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, for almost all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, commercial buildings and common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings (blocks of flats).
Who is responsible for carrying out a fire risk assessment?
The “Responsible Person” is legally required to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out for non-domestic premises.
The Responsible Person is typically:
- The employer
- The building owner
- The landlord (or its managing agent)
They must ensure the assessment is “suitable and sufficient” and that the necessary safety measures are implemented (this can be delegated to a competent person or specialist).
What does a fire risk assessment involve?
A fire risk assessment includes:
- Identification of ignition/fuel sources
- Assessment of risks to people (especially the vulnerable),
- Review of emergency procedures
- Checking fire safety equipment
- Creation of an actionable recorded plan.
The fire risk assessment will ultimately inform you as to the areas where improvement is required, allowing you to prioritise and implement corrective actions efficiently.
How often should the fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains valid and fit for purpose. Although there is no specific legal timeframe, regular reviews are required by law. However, immediate reviews are necessary if there are significant changes to building layout, occupancy, work activities, or fire safety measures.
Can I carry out my own fire risk assessment?
Yes, providing you are the “responsible person” (owner, occupier, employer) of a small, low risk, and straightforward premises and have sufficient knowledge, training and experience to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement safety measures you can perform your own fire risk assessment. However, it must be of a standard that is “suitable and sufficient” to ensure compliance against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
What are the consequences of not having a fire risk assessment?
Not having a fire risk assessment is a criminal offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carrying severe consequences including unlimited fines, closure of premises, and up to two years in prison.
Furthermore, the lack of a fire risk assessment could invalidate your insurance policy.
How much does a fire risk assessment cost?
The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary, depending on the following factors:
- Size and complexity of the building;
- Operations being carried out within the premises;
- The number of findings identified during the inspection which require further investigation / detailed explanation;
- The competency of the individual carrying out the fire risk assessment; and
- Any follow-up meetings to discuss the findings.
If you would like to know more about how much a fire risk assessment would cost for your premises, please email us at info@universal-safety.co.uk or call us on 01903 942996.
Why use a competent fire risk assessor?
Using a competent fire risk assessor is crucial to ensure full fire safety legislation compliance, protect lives and safeguard property. A specialist provides expert, unbiased identification of hazards, ensures thoroughness in complex environments, and keeps assessments updated with current legislation, reducing the risk of fire and potential prosecution.
Fire risk assessment services from Universal Safety Practitioners
We have completed fire risk assessments and emergency procedures for clients, running into the hundreds, across numerous industries, including public entertainment/ exhibition arenas, multi-disciplined businesses and the construction industry.
Our fire risk assessments are clear, concise and give prioritised advice on management of fire risks and key governance strategies for continued levels of fire safety.
We complement our fire risk assessment services with developed emergency procedures, fire safety and fire warden training.
This complete package of fire safety services helps ensure clients comply with their duties under the RRO as the “Responsible Person” for safety.
Want to know more? Contact Universal Safety Practitioners today for a no-obligation quote and expert guidance on meeting your legal fire safety duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fire risk assessment need to be written?
Yes, if you employ five or more people, the findings of the fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing.
Will the fire service ask to see my fire risk assessment?
Yes. Fire authorities can request to see your fire risk assessment during inspections or following an incident.