Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment (also known as a fire safety assessment) determines what you need to do to prevent fire, as well as what you need to do in the event of a fire.

A fire risk assessment helps you to identify fire hazards, identify those at risk and determine what you need to do to reduce or remove any risks. It covers things like emergency routes and exits, fire detection systems, emergency evacuation plans, firefighting equipment and training.

If you do not have the time to carry out a fire risk assessment, a fire risk assessment provider can help. Hawkesworth can carry out an extensive fire risk assessment on your behalf, providing a written report with recommendations.

Why choose Hawkesworth for your fire risk assessment requirements?

There are several fire risk assessment companies out there, but here are some of the reasons you should book a fire risk assessment with Hawkesworth.

If you're asking the question 'where can I find a high-quality fire risk assessment near me?', here's how we can help.

  • We are fully experienced and accredited: All of our assessors are experienced in fire risk assessment, many with decades of experience in the industry
  • We provide the same exceptional service, no matter the size of your business: We have experience of supplying fire risk assessments to multi-site companies, through to small organisations and landlords
  • We offer a free reminder service: Don’t worry about forgetting to get your fire risk assessment reviewed as we provide a courtesy reminder service
  • We’re a one-stop-shop for your businesses safety requirements: As well as fire risk assessments; we provide a range of electrical compliance services
  • We provide expert advice, any time you need it: We keep all our customers up to date with the latest industry developments, so you are fully informed at all times

Book a fire risk assessment today

Frequently asked questions about fire risk assessments

How often should fire risk assessments be carried out/reviewed?

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed once a year.

You should also carry out a new fire assessment if the nature of your business changes, for example, the layout of your building changes or employee numbers increase or decrease. 

If you're unsure how often you need to review or carry out your fire assessment, get in touch with us and we'd be happy to help.

Who needs a fire risk assessment?

All business premises and rental properties need a fire risk assessment. A fire risk assessment identifies any hazards, meaning the people in your building stay safe in an emergency situation.

Do I have to carry out a fire risk assessment if I have less than five employees?

If you have less than five employees or less than five occupants in your building, you don't have to have a written fire risk assessment in place.

However, we'd still recommend carrying one out to ensure your building is safe.

Do I have to record the results of a fire risk assessment?

It is a legal requirement to have a written fire risk assessment if your business consists of more than five people, or if you rent out properties.

Even if your business doesn't need one, it still can be good practice to have a written fire risk assessment, to reassure staff, customers and suppliers.

Can anyone carry out a fire risk assessment?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that the person who carries out a fire risk assessment for a building must be ‘competent’.

By ‘competent’, the order means someone who knows enough about fire safety to ensure the fire risk assessment is carried out correctly.

Does this mean you can carry out a fire risk assessment yourself? Yes, if you feel you have the knowledge to do so. There are plenty of resources online if you need them, for example, this fire safety risk assessment checklist on the gov.uk website.

However, if you don’t have the time or expertise to complete a fire risk assessment, a company like Hawkesworth can help you. 

Our experienced fire risk assessors know what to look out for, providing you with a thorough fire risk assessment that you can implement straightaway.

What needs to be reviewed in a fire risk assessment?

This depends on the type, size and structure of a building. A fire risk assessment should include information about:

  • Fire alarms and fire detection systems
  • Fire safety training
  • Fire evacuation plan/fire escape routes and the identification of people at risk (for example, those with disabilities or limited mobility)
  • Fire extinguishers and fire blankets
  • Emergency lighting and emergency exits
  • The location of signage
  • Storage of flammable materials
  • Smoking areas
  • The condition of electrical equipment and installations
  • The condition and layout of the building
Who is responsible for a fire risk assessment?

In the case of a commercial property, the building owner is responsible. In the case of a rental property, the landlord is responsible.

What happens after a fire risk assessment has been created?

When a fire risk assessment has been created, you will need to identify where action is required, who is responsible and a target completion date.