Fire Risk Assessment

Fire risk assessment services

A fire risk assessment is a structured review of the fire hazards within a property, the people who may be at risk and the measures in place to support fire safety and safe evacuation.

Through MyConstructor, you can compare fire risk assessment services from available professionals across the UK, including prices, customer reviews and appointment options.

The correct assessment depends on the type of property, its layout, occupancy and use. A professional fire risk assessment should consider the individual premises rather than apply the same generic approach to every building.

Two properties of a similar size can present very different fire risks. Escape arrangements, shared areas, storage, equipment and day-to-day use can all affect what needs to be considered during the assessment.

What a fire risk assessment covers

The assessor will generally consider how a fire could start, who could be affected and whether the existing arrangements are suitable for the premises.

Depending on the property and the agreed scope, the assessment may include:

• potential ignition sources
• combustible or flammable materials
• people who may be at greater risk
• escape routes and final exits
• relevant fire doors and fire separation
• fire detection and warning arrangements
• emergency lighting and signage where relevant
• firefighting equipment
• housekeeping, storage and management arrangements

The assessment is not simply a check that individual fire safety items are present. The assessor should consider how the different features of the premises work together and whether the existing arrangements reflect the way the property is actually used.

For example, an ignition source may present a greater concern when it is close to combustible materials or an important escape route. A corridor may also become less effective if storage or changes in use restrict movement through the building.

A qualified fire risk assessor should consider the actual conditions within the premises and provide findings that are relevant to the property being assessed.

How the assessment works

The exact process can vary, but most assessments involve preparation, a site inspection and written findings.

Before the visit, the assessor will usually confirm the agreed scope and any practical details needed for the inspection.

During the inspection, the assessor will review the areas included within the agreed scope and consider the fire hazards, people at risk and existing fire safety arrangements.

The premises should be considered as an occupied and functioning environment. The way people move through the property, use shared areas, store materials or carry out normal activities can all influence the overall fire risk.

After the visit, the assessor will normally provide written findings or a fire risk assessment report relating to the areas that were inspected.

Preparing for a fire risk assessment

Preparing the property before the appointment can help the assessor understand the premises and complete the agreed inspection more effectively.

Useful information may include the property type, approximate size, number of floors, normal occupancy and any areas that may be difficult to access. Where available, details about previous assessments, recent alterations or significant changes in how the premises are used may also provide useful context.

Before the visit, consider whether the assessor will be able to access the areas included within the agreed scope. Locked rooms, restricted spaces or missing information can affect what can be reviewed during the appointment.

The aim is not to make the property appear different for the inspection. A fire risk assessment should reflect the premises as they are normally used, so accurate information and suitable access are more useful than temporary changes made only for the visit.

Who may need a fire risk assessment

Fire risk assessments are relevant to a wide range of residential and non-domestic premises. Depending on the property, the person arranging the assessment may be a landlord, freeholder, managing agent, property manager, business owner or employer.

The appropriate assessment depends on how the premises are occupied, managed and used. In some buildings, more than one person or organisation may have responsibilities relating to different areas.

Properties occupied as houses in multiple occupation can involve several households sharing facilities and escape routes. Where the premises are used as an HMO, the dedicated HMO fire risk assessment service provides information and booking options for this type of shared accommodation.

Where responsibility is unclear, appropriate professional or regulatory advice should be obtained. This page provides general information and is not legal advice.

Understanding the assessment report

Following the inspection, the assessor will normally provide a report explaining the main findings and any actions that may require attention.

The exact format can vary between fire risk assessment providers, but the report may include:

• details of the premises and assessment scope
• areas inspected and any access limitations
• identified fire hazards
• people who may be at risk
• observations about existing fire safety measures
• recommended actions
• priorities where appropriate

A useful report should help the person responsible for the premises understand what was identified, why it matters and what may require attention.

Not every finding will necessarily have the same level of importance. Priority can depend on the likelihood of a fire occurring, the possible consequences, the people who may be affected and whether an important escape route or safety measure is involved.

When the assessment should be reviewed

A fire risk assessment should continue to reflect the current layout, occupancy and use of the premises.

A review may be appropriate following significant changes such as:

• alterations or refurbishment
• changes in the use of the premises
• changes affecting escape routes
• significant changes in occupancy
• new equipment or activities
• changes to storage arrangements
• a significant fire safety incident

The assessment is based on the premises, information and access available at the time of inspection. Where relevant rooms or areas cannot be inspected, the assessor may need to record this as a limitation.

Residential buildings with shared common parts can require particular attention to communal corridors, stairways, entrances and other areas used by several residents. For flats, blocks of flats, rental properties and communal areas, visit our landlord fire risk assessment service.

Providing suitable access and accurate information can help the assessment reflect the premises more completely.

Fire risk assessment cost

The fire risk assessment cost can vary because there is no single assessment scope that is suitable for every property.

A straightforward premises may require less time than a large or complex building with multiple floors, shared areas, extensive storage or more complicated occupancy arrangements.

Comparing available options can help you understand the prices offered for the type of property you need assessed and choose a service that matches your requirements.

What affects the assessment cost

Property size can influence the price, but it is only one factor. Two buildings with a similar floor area can require different levels of work depending on their layout, use and complexity.

Factors that may affect the cost include:

• property type
• overall size and number of floors
• layout and complexity
• number of areas included in the assessment
• occupancy and use
• shared or communal areas
• access requirements
• location and assessor availability

When comparing prices, it is also important to consider the scope of the service and whether the assessor has suitable experience for the type of premises involved.

Getting a fire risk assessment quote

A fire risk assessment quote should be based on relevant information about the property.

Providing accurate details about the property type, approximate size, number of floors and location can help available professionals understand the likely scope of the work and provide a more relevant price.

Through MyConstructor, you can compare available prices and appointment options rather than contacting individual providers one by one.

Price is important, but relevant experience, customer feedback and availability can also help you decide which assessor is the best fit for your property.

Choosing a qualified fire risk assessor

The quality of an assessment depends heavily on the person carrying it out.

When choosing a fire risk assessor, consider whether the professional has suitable competence and experience for the type and complexity of premises being assessed.

Useful factors to compare can include:

• experience with the relevant property type
• professional background and competence
• the scope of the service
• customer reviews
• reporting arrangements
• price and appointment availability

A professional fire risk assessment should provide findings that are relevant to the actual premises rather than a generic document that could apply to almost any building.

The lowest price is therefore not automatically the best choice. The aim is to select a qualified fire risk assessor whose experience and service are suitable for the property.

Business and other non-domestic premises can involve employees, customers, equipment, stock, storage and operational activities. For offices, shops, warehouses and other workplaces, visit our commercial fire risk assessment service.

Comparing providers and booking

Contacting several fire risk assessment companies individually can take time. Using a comparison service allows you to review available fire risk assessment providers, prices, reviews and appointment options in one place.

The purpose of comparison is not simply to identify the lowest price. It gives you more information about the available professionals before making a decision.

To book a fire risk assessment, provide the relevant property details, compare the available options and choose the assessor and appointment that best match your requirements.

Through MyConstructor, you can compare available fire risk assessors, prices, customer reviews and appointment times before completing your booking.