Do I need a written fire risk assessment?

Who is the responsible person?

In a workplace under an employer's control, the employer — often the company rather than an individual manager — is the responsible person. Depending on ownership and control, an owner, landlord or occupier may also be a responsible person. A facilities manager, building manager or managing agent is not automatically the responsible person; any duty depends on the control they hold and the terms of the arrangement.

Shared premises can have more than one responsible person. They must cooperate, coordinate and record relevant identity, address, responsibility and fire-safety information, keep it updated, and pass relevant information to an incoming responsible person.

The five steps

1. Identify the fire hazards.
2. Identify people at risk.
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
4. Record the findings, prepare an emergency plan and train people.
5. Review and update the assessment regularly.

What must the written record cover?

The record must include the full assessment, fire-safety arrangements and any review. It must identify the name and, where applicable, the organisation of anyone engaged to make or review the assessment and, where the legislation requires it, record responsible persons' names, UK addresses and the extent of their responsibilities.

The assessment itself should explain the premises, activities and people; the ignition, fuel and oxygen sources; dangerous substances; escape routes, exits, warning systems, emergency lighting and firefighting measures; people who may be especially at risk; preventive and protective measures; action owners and dates; emergency arrangements; review triggers; and who carried out the assessment.

Consider all relevant persons, including anyone in the immediate vicinity who could be endangered by a fire. Pay particular attention to people who may need extra help: elderly people, young children, sleeping occupants, lone workers, young workers, contractors, visitors, people working out of normal hours, anyone unfamiliar with the building, and people with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments or who may be unable to evacuate unaided.

Can I do it myself?

A responsible person may assess small, straightforward premises only when they are competent and capable of doing so. If you lack the expertise or time, you need competent help, such as a professional fire risk assessor. The responsible person remains legally responsible for ensuring the assessment is suitable and sufficient.

A well-structured template may help collect evidence and record decisions. It cannot inspect the building, test the precautions or make its user competent.

Seek competent help where the premises, occupancy or fire risks are complex — for example sleeping accommodation, high-risk processes, vulnerable occupants, unusual construction, shared escape routes or uncertainty about the adequacy of existing measures.

Fire Risk Assessment Pack · quality revision

We have temporarily withdrawn the pack while the England and Wales edition is rebuilt and independently rechecked. It will return only after the editable files, PDFs and buyer instructions all pass the product, fire-safety and visual quality gates.

Not currently available for purchase

Official guidance

• GOV.UK — Workplace fire safety: your responsibilities
• GOV.UK — Fire risk assessments
• GOV.UK — Fire safety responsibilities under section 156
• GOV.UK — Residential PEEPs guidance for responsible persons