Do I need a fire safety risk assessment?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) applies to virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. If you're the employer, building owner, or occupier, you are the 'responsible person' and you must:

1. Carry out a fire risk assessment This means identifying fire hazards, the people at risk, and what you're doing to control those hazards. You can do it yourself if you're competent, or you can appoint a competent person.

2. Keep it up to date You must review the assessment regularly and whenever there's a significant change — new staff, new equipment, building alterations, or following a fire or near-miss.

3. Write it down (if you have 5+ employees) If you employ 5 or more people, the significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded in writing. In practice, it's best to write it down regardless.

4. Implement and maintain fire safety measures This includes: fire detection and alarms, firefighting equipment, emergency routes and exits, signs and notices, and a fire evacuation plan.

5. Train your staff All staff must receive adequate fire safety training, including what to do in an emergency and how to raise the alarm.

Recent changes: The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced additional requirements for buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises (e.g. HMOs, residential blocks).

What happens if you don't? The Fire and Rescue Authority can issue enforcement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecute. Fines are unlimited and custodial sentences are possible in serious cases.