An Assessment That Follows The Building
An office above a shop presents different escape arrangements from a warehouse with loading bays and a mezzanine. The assessment needs to reflect the actual use, layout, occupancy and management of the premises, including contractors and visitors who may be unfamiliar with the building. It should explain its scope and any areas that could not be accessed.
The site visit considers ignition sources, combustible materials, escape routes, detection, warning and firefighting equipment. It also considers people who may need assistance to leave. A written report should connect the findings to achievable actions rather than present a list of generic observations.
When To Arrange A Review
Arrange an assessment when taking responsibility for premises, where no suitable assessment exists, or where you cannot establish whether the existing report describes the current building. A change of tenant, new production process, altered storage or a revised layout can make an older assessment unreliable.
Review after a fire or near miss and when there is reason to suspect the assessment is no longer valid. There is no single review date that makes every workplace suitable. Set the review arrangements using the risks, changes and advice recorded for your premises.
Your Duties Under The Fire Safety Order
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 provides the main framework for general fire safety in commercial premises in England. The responsible person remains accountable for their duties when an assessor helps them. Appointment of an assessor is a support arrangement, not a transfer of responsibility.
Keep the assessment and the fire safety arrangements in writing. Where several organisations share a building, exchange information about risks and responsibilities. Landlord and tenant boundaries need particular care around common escape routes, alarm systems and access to safety equipment.
What The Report Should Explain
Expect a description of the premises, the significant findings and an action plan that explains priority and responsibility. Limitations matter, including locked rooms, unavailable drawings or concealed construction. A general assessment is not an intrusive compartmentation survey or a test certificate for individual systems.
An action to investigate a damaged fire door needs a defined follow-up. An observation about an alarm should identify whether specialist examination is needed. Keep completed actions alongside the assessment so that a future reviewer can follow what changed and what remains outstanding.
Pricing A Leicester Fire Risk Assessment
Floor area is only part of the scope. The number of buildings, floors, occupiers, activities and existing records affects the time needed to inspect and report. Complex production hazards or a phased evacuation strategy may call for a specialist assessor with relevant experience.
Tell us whether you need a new assessment or a review of an existing one. Share the previous report, plans, occupancy information and outstanding enforcement correspondence where available. A quotation should identify the agreed scope, site access requirements, reporting format and any separate surveys.
Preparing The People And Records
Nominate someone who knows how the premises actually operate to accompany the assessor. They should be able to explain opening hours, lone working, goods handling and any assistance arrangements for people who cannot use the normal escape route without support. Discuss unusual activities rather than presenting only the usual office routine.
Have alarm, lighting and extinguisher records available, along with details of building alterations. If a previous action was marked complete, provide the evidence of what was done. Where ownership of an issue is uncertain, record that uncertainty and resolve it with the relevant landlord, occupier or contractor instead of allowing the action to disappear between organisations.
How The Work Progresses
Share The Premises Details
Describe the use of the building, approximate size, occupancy and reason for the assessment. Mention shared areas and any recent changes.
Inspect And Discuss
Review accessible areas and speak with the person who manages fire safety. Existing records help distinguish equipment defects from management gaps.
Receive The Action Plan
Read the findings and agree who will own each action. Obtain separate quotations for corrective work where needed.
Review And Record
Keep evidence of completed actions and revisit the assessment when risks or building arrangements change.
Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
Is A Fire Risk Assessment A Legal Requirement?
A fire risk assessment is a duty for the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order for relevant commercial premises. It must reflect the risks in the actual building and be reviewed regularly. Keep a written record and act on the findings, including any need for further specialist investigation.
Can Our Own Manager Carry Out The Assessment?
Your manager can carry out a fire risk assessment if they have the competence to assess the building and its risks. Complex layouts, hazardous processes or uncertain fire separation can require specialist help. Choose support based on the premises, and ask the assessor to explain their experience and the limits of the proposed inspection.