What is included in a Fire Risk Assessment?

This Fire Risk Assessment template covers: the business’ policy statement and general information fire hazards identified at the premises control measures currently in place at the premises who is at risk fire safety procedures and training keeping fire safety records

Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?

The main purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment is to prevent fires, reduce risk, and ensure the safety of everybody who uses the premises or who is in its immediate vicinity. By carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment and implementing the steps identified in it, you not only comply with your legal obligations but also ensure the premises are safe. In England and Wales , Fire Risk Assessments need to be carried out for commercial premises and common parts of residential buildings . In Scotland , Fire Risk Assessments must be carried out for most non-domestic premises . For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment . Ask a lawyer if you need help making a fire risk assessment for a residential property.

What if I’ve already carried out a Fire Risk Assessment?

You should use this Fire Risk Assessment template to create a new risk assessment (ie even if you already have one in place) if: you haven’t updated your general risk assessments (including any Fire Risk Assessments) in a while and they may need reviewing you need to update your Fire Risk Assessments to comply with new fire safety laws Read Conducting a fire risk assessment for more information.

What happens if I don’t complete a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire Risk Assessments are compulsory for certain premises. Any non-compliance can result in significant penalties. For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment .

Who should carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment should be carried out by a ‘ responsible person ’. Responsible people can be employers, owners, landlords, occupiers, or anyone else who has control over a premise. If the responsible person is not confident in their ability to perform a Fire Risk Assessment competently, they can arrange for a suitably qualified or experienced person (eg a professional fire risk assessor) to complete the assessment on their behalf (ie a ‘ competent person ’). Where there is more than one responsible person, all responsible persons have to work together to meet their responsibilities.

How do I carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

The responsible person should follow certain key steps when using this template to perform a Fire Risk Assessment. These include identifying and controlling risks and regularly reviewing Risk Assessments. There are specific criteria for what needs to be taken into account when doing a Fire Risk Assessment (including which parts of premises must be analysed). For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment . Note that, if your business employs more than 5 peopl e, you must keep a written record of your Fire Risk Assessments.

What is a fire hazard?

A fire hazard is anything that could ignite a fire or assist/accelerate the spread of a fire. When assessing the severity of a fire hazard, you should consider: the likelihood of a fire occurring, and the significance of the consequences of that fire (eg do lots of people live in the building, in a high-density area? Or, is it an industrial warehouse building in an isolated area?) Risks can be reduced by various methods, including good housekeeping, property maintenance, specially designed machinery, strong emergency procedures and storage of equipment away from risks.

How often should Fire Risk Assessments be reviewed?

A Fire Risk Assessment must be regularly reviewed . It should be reviewed as soon as possible if there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid. A Fire Risk Assessment may no longer be valid if, for example: there are sufficient changes to the layout of a building there are sufficient changes to the number of people who use a space the assessment does not meet newly introduced legal requirements (read Conducting a fire risk assessment for more information)

MAKE YOUR FREE Fire Risk Assessment

Other Names: Fire Safety Risk Assessment Fire Assessment Property Fire Risk Assessment Fire Hazard Assessment Fire Safety Hazard Assessment

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a document that demonstrates compliance with the legal obligation, imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to identify fire safety risks and ensure that appropriate precautions are in place to prevent fires. Fire Risk Assessments are used to help prevent fires, reduce risks, and ensure the safety of everyone who uses (or is near) your premises.

When should I use a Fire Risk Assessment?

Use this Fire Risk Assessment if:

you are a business in control of a commercial property
you are a 'responsible person' for fire safety at the premises
the premises are in England, Wales or Scotland

For more information on the types of premises and the areas of multi-occupied premises that Fire Risk Assessments must be carried out for, read Conducting a fire risk assessment.

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FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

POLICY STATEMENT
Our policy is to protect all persons including employees, customers, contractors and members of the public from potential injury and damage which might arise from fire at our premises. We will provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees. We will provide all information, training and supervision required for this purpose. This policy has been signed by a director to demonstrate our commitment to fire safety and to compliance with all legal requirements. ________________________________ Signed by for and on behalf of Date: ___________________________

POLICY STATEMENT

Our policy is to protect all persons including employees, customers, contractors and members of the public from potential injury and damage which might arise from fire at our premises.

We will provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees. We will provide all information, training and supervision required for this purpose.

This policy has been signed by a director to demonstrate our commitment to fire safety and to compliance with all legal requirements.

________________________________

Signed by for and on behalf of

Date: ___________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION

Responsible person

Business name

Address

Assessment date

Date of review with Responsible Person

THE PREMISES
What are the Premises used for?
Approximate area in m²	m²
Number of floors
Number of floors below ground	N/A
Describe the Building's and construction	The Building comprises constructed in . The Premises comprise the whole of the Building.
Level of fire risk	The Premises are considered to be risk in the event of fire.
A PLAN OF THE PREMISES IS ATTACHED TO THIS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT (THE PLAN).

OCCUPIERS AND VISITORS
What times are the Premises in use on weekdays?	to
What times are the Premises in use at weekends?	N/A
Are there any occupiers out of working hours?	are likely to be at the Premises between and on the following days:
What is the maximum number of persons at the premises on weekdays?
What is the maximum number of persons at the premises during the weekend?	N/A
Do any of the occupiers have mobility issues? If so, describe them.	N/A

FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL MEASURES SOURCES OF IGNITION
Source of ignition	Location	Control measure(s)	Suitable? (Y/N)
Cooking facilities	N/A		Y/N
Heaters	Office(s)		Y/N
Electrical equipment (eg power sockets)	Office(s)		Y/N
Lighting equipment	Office(s)		Y/N
Smoking materials	N/A		Y/N
Arson	Bin Store		Y/N
Other sources			Y/N
If you have answered NO in respect of any existing control measures, complete the details below.
What needs to be done?	Who is responsible?	By when?	Sign and date when completed

SOURCES OF FUEL (WHAT MIGHT BURN?)
Source of fuel/oxygen	Location	Control measure(s)	Suitable? (Y/N)
Paper/cardboard etc	Office(s)	Paper is stored on shelving with no sources of ignition nearby.	Y/N
Furniture and fittings (eg curtains)	All	All soft furnishings are fire retardant.	Y/N
Electrical equipment	All	All electrical equipment PAT tested.	Y/N
Flammable liquids/gases (eg oils, solvents)	N/A	.	Y/N
Waste materials	All	Waste materials are stored in .	Y/N
If you have answered NO in respect of any existing control measures, complete the details below.
What needs to be done?	Who is responsible?	By when?	Sign and date when completed

WHO IS AT RISK?
What is the risk?	Location	Control measure(s)	Suitable? (Y/N)
People with disabilities (including mobility, hearing, vision impairment)	All		Y/N
Staff working alone	Office(s)	Flexible working arrangements means that staff may sometimes be working alone. All staff have been trained in procedures applicable in the event of fire.	Y/N
Visitors unfamiliar with the Building	All	Visitors must be accompanied at all times by a member of staff.	Y/N
Contractors	All	Contractors must provide a method statement, sign in and sign out and be given instructions on what to do in the event of a fire.	Y/N
If you have answered NO in respect of any existing control measures, complete the details below.
What needs to be done?	Who is responsible?	By when?	Sign and date when completed

FIRE FIGHTING AND DETECTION
Fire warning system
Emergency lighting	Non-maintained
Other fire preventing methods
Fire extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets	As shown on the Plan.
Fire resisting construction to secure the means of escape	As shown on the Plan.
Fire escape routes and exits	As shown on the Plan.

PROCEDURES AND TRAINING
How will people be warned if there is a fire?
What should staff do if they discover a fire?	Staff should raise the alarm by.
What is the evacuation procedure?	The fire warden(s) will direct evacuation
Who are the fire wardens?
Where should people assemble, and how will evacuation be checked?	The Assembly point is . The fire warden(s) will check names off on the staff register and visitors book
Have you provided instructions and training to staff?	Y/N
How often are fire drills carried out?

FIRE SAFETY RECORDS
Do you have records of fire drills, staff instruction and training?
Where are those records kept?	N/A
Who is responsible for maintaining them?	N/A

EVALUATE, REMOVE, REDUCE AND PROTECT Evaluate your fire safety precautions.
Are possible ignition sources kept separate from combustible materials?			Y/N
Are possible ignition sources controlled to minimise the risk of fire?			Y/N
Would a fire be discovered quickly?			Y/N
Will everybody be warned of the fire immediately?			Y/N
Is escape possible in more than one direction?			Y/N
Can everyone escape (with or without assistance)?			Y/N
Are the exits easy to identify and reach?			Y/N
Are escape routes free from obstruction?			Y/N
Do fire escape doors open outwards?			Y/N
Are fire escape doors easy to open?			Y/N
Is the alarm system tested and maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standard?			Y/N
Is the emergency lighting system tested and maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standard?			Y/N
Are fire extinguishers tested and maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standard?			Y/N
If you have answered NO in respect of any existing control measures, complete the details below.
What needs to be done?	Who is responsible?	By when?	Sign and date when completed

REVIEW

Date of next review:

About Fire Risk Assessments

Learn more about making your Fire Risk Assessments

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How to make a Fire Risk Assessments
Making a Fire Risk Assessments online is simple. Just answer a few questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. When you have all of the details prepared in advance, making your document is a quick and easy process.

To make your Fire Risk Assessments you will need the following information:

Party details
- The business’ details (including its legal structure, name and address). This should be an entity in control of the premises (eg an owner or occupier).
- The details of the person signing the Fire Risk Assessment on behalf of the business.
- The details of the person carrying out the Fire Risk Assessment (ie the ‘assessor’). For example, the responsible person or a ‘competent person’.
- The responsible person’s details.
Premises details
- What is the property used for?
- What is the area of the property in square metres?
- How many floors does the property have?
- Is the property’s risk level low, medium or high?
- What do the premises comprise? Is it a whole building or part of a building only?
- In what year was the property built?
- Does the property have internal stairways protected by fire-resisting walls, partitions and self-closing fire doors?
  - If so, how many internal stairways are there?
- Are there any floors below the ground level?
  - If so, how many floors are there below the ground level?
Use of the premises
- Between what times is the property in use on weekdays?
- Is the property used on weekends?
  - If so, between what times?
- Is there anyone at the property outside of working hours? If so:
  - Who is at the property outside of working hours (eg security personnel)?
  - Between what times are these people likely to be at the property?
  - On what days are these people likely to be at the property?
- What is the maximum number of people at the property on weekdays?
- What is the maximum number of people at the property on weekends?
- Do any of the occupiers have mobility issues?
  - If so, what are the mobility issues?
- Which control or assistance measures are in place for people with disabilities?
Sources of ignition
- Does the property have cooking facilities?
- Does the property have a designated smoking area?
- Are there any other sources of ignition?
  - If so, what are they?
Storage and testing
- Are paper or cardboard kept in store rooms?
- Is all electrical equipment Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) tested annually?
- How are waste materials stored?
- Are any flammable liquids or gases used on the property? If so:
  - Where are they stored?
  - Are they all kept in a locked storage cabinet and, if not, how are they stored?
Alarms and drills
- Are electric fire alarms and/or smoke detectors used on the property?
  - If electric fire alarms are used, do they meet BS 5839?
- Is the emergency lighting in the property maintained?
- Are other fire prevention methods used?
  - If so, what methods are used?
- How will people be warned if there is a fire?
- How often are fire drills carried out?
- In case of fire, where are people on the property required to assemble?
- Who is the fire warden?
- Are records of fire drills, staff instruction and training kept? If so:
  - Where are these records kept?
  - Has a person been appointed to maintain the records and, if so, what is their name?
Review
- What is the date of the next review of your Fire Risk Assessment?
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Common terms in a Fire Risk Assessment
By carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment you ensure the safety of everyone using your premises and work towards complying with your legal obligations. Fire Risk Assessments are used to structure and record the fire safety risks of your premises and how you plan to minimise and control them. To do this, Fire Risk Assessments typically include sections on:

A policy statement

This section outlines the business’ policy to protect everyone from injury and damage that might arise from a fire at the premises and briefly explains how this is done.

To demonstrate the business’ commitment to fire safety and to compliance with all legal requirements, this policy statement is signed by someone high-ranking within the business (eg a director).

General information

This outlines general details in relation to the business (ie its name), the premises (ie the address), the responsible person, the assessor (ie the person who will carry out the Fire Risk Assessment) and the assessment itself (ie the date of the assessment).

This section also includes a space to record the date on which the completed Fire Risk Assessment is reviewed together with the responsible person.

The premises

This table sets out details of the premises, including but not limited to:
- what they are used for
- the approximate area in m2
- the number of floors
- the risk level of the property (low, medium or high) in case of a fire
Occupiers and visitors

This table sets out details in relation to any occupiers and visitors to the premises. This includes, but is not limited to:
- the times the premises are used during the week
- the times, if any, that the premises are used on weekends
- the maximum number of people at the premises during the week
- if applicable, the maximum number of people at the premises on weekends
Fire hazards, control measures and sources of ignition

This table sets out various sources of ignition (eg cooking facilities, heaters and arson) and where they are located (eg in kitchens or offices). When the assessment of the premises is carried out, this table must be completed with the control measures for each source of ignition (ie what steps are currently taken to minimise the risk of fire from the source of ignition in question). The table must also record whether the control measures are suitable or not.

If any control measures aren’t suitable, this table should also set out:
- what further steps must be taken (ie what additional measures must be implemented to control the risk from the source of ignition)
- who is responsible for these further steps
- by when the further steps must be taken
Once further steps have been taken, the person responsible for the further steps must sign and date the relevant section.

Sources of fuel (what might burn?)

This table sets out various sources of fuel (eg paper, furniture and electrical equipment), where they are located (eg in offices or throughout the premises) and the control measures currently used for each fuel source (eg that paper is stored on shelving with no sources of ignition nearby and that all soft furniture is fire retardant).

The table must also record whether the control measures are suitable or not. If any control measures aren’t suitable, this table should also set out:
- what further steps must be taken (ie what additional measures must be implemented to control the risk from the fuel source)
- who is responsible for these further steps
- by when the further steps must be taken
Once further steps have been taken, the person responsible for the further steps must sign and date the relevant section.

Who is at risk?

This table sets out various types of people who are at risk if there is a fire on the premises (eg people with disabilities, staff working alone and contractors) and where they are located (eg in offices or throughout the premises).

The table also sets out the control measures currently used to reduce the risk of fire to each type of person on the premises (eg all exits are provided with suitable ramps for wheelchair users and all staff are trained in procedures applicable in the event of fire). It must then be determined and recorded whether or not each control measure is suitable.

If any control measures aren’t suitable, this table should also set out:
- what further steps must be taken (ie what additional measures must be implemented to control the risks posed to the relevant category of people)
- who is responsible for these further steps
- by when the further steps must be taken
Once further steps have been taken, the person responsible for the further steps must sign and date the relevant section.

Firefighting and detection

This table sets out details relating to firefighting and fire detection. This includes, but is not limited to:
- the types of fire alarms used throughout the premises
- whether emergency lighting is maintained
- if other fire prevention methods are in place
Procedures and training

This table sets out details relating to fire safety procedures and fire safety training. This includes, but is not limited to:
- how people will be warned in the event of a fire
- who the fire wardens are
- how often fire drills are carried out
- evacuation procedures
Fire safety records

This table sets out details relating to the keeping of fire safety records, including:
- whether records of fire drills, staff instruction and training are kept
- if so, where those records are kept and who is responsible for maintaining them
Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect

This table is used to evaluate the fire safety precautions. The person completing the Fire Risk Assessment should consider the questions asked in the table (eg whether possible ignition sources are kept separate from combustible materials, whether fire escape doors are easy to open, and whether a fire would be discovered quickly) and determine whether the answer is ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

If the answer to any question is ‘no’, the table needs to set out what needs to be done, by whom and by what date to remedy this. Once such further steps have been taken, the person responsible for them must sign and date the relevant section.
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Legal tips for making a Fire Risk Assessment
Understand the fire risks related to your specific business type

Depending on your business type and industry, you may be subject to additional fire safety risks. Before completing your Fire Risk Assessment, you should familiarise yourself with the relevant Government guidance. The Government has guides available for the following types of businesses:
- offices and shops
- factories and warehouses
- sleeping accommodation
- residential care premises
- educational premises
- small and medium places of assembly (holding less than 300 people)
- large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)
- theatres, cinemas and similar premises
- open-air events and venues
- healthcare premises
- animal premises and stables
- transport premises and facilities
Remember that assessing the risk level of premises is an ongoing process

Identifying and dealing with risk is an ongoing process, so remember to keep your Fire Risk Assessment up to date. It is not wrong or unlawful to answer ‘no’ to the questions asked during the step by step interview. However, if answers reveal a hazard or a risk that should be addressed, you must decide on, record and carry out the necessary steps. Similarly, you should ensure that you regularly review your Fire Risk Assessment at reasonable intervals.

Understand when to seek advice from a lawyer

Ask a lawyer for advice if you:
- have received an enforcement notice from the fire and rescue authority
- aren’t sure whether you need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment
- aren’t sure if your Fire Risk Assessments are up to date with recent legal developments
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Fire Risk Assessment FAQs

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What is included in a Fire Risk Assessment?
This Fire Risk Assessment template covers:
- the business’ policy statement and general information
- fire hazards identified at the premises
- control measures currently in place at the premises
- who is at risk
- fire safety procedures and training
- keeping fire safety records
Why do I need a Fire Risk Assessment?

The main purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment is to prevent fires, reduce risk, and ensure the safety of everybody who uses the premises or who is in its immediate vicinity. By carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment and implementing the steps identified in it, you not only comply with your legal obligations but also ensure the premises are safe.

In England and Wales, Fire Risk Assessments need to be carried out for commercial premises and common parts of residential buildings. In Scotland, Fire Risk Assessments must be carried out for most non-domestic premises. For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment. Ask a lawyer if you need help making a fire risk assessment for a residential property.
What if I’ve already carried out a Fire Risk Assessment?
You should use this Fire Risk Assessment template to create a new risk assessment (ie even if you already have one in place) if:
- you haven’t updated your general risk assessments (including any Fire Risk Assessments) in a while and they may need reviewing
- you need to update your Fire Risk Assessments to comply with new fire safety laws
Read Conducting a fire risk assessment for more information.
What happens if I don’t complete a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire Risk Assessments are compulsory for certain premises. Any non-compliance can result in significant penalties. For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment.
Who should carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment should be carried out by a ‘responsible person’. Responsible people can be employers, owners, landlords, occupiers, or anyone else who has control over a premise.

If the responsible person is not confident in their ability to perform a Fire Risk Assessment competently, they can arrange for a suitably qualified or experienced person (eg a professional fire risk assessor) to complete the assessment on their behalf (ie a ‘competent person’).

Where there is more than one responsible person, all responsible persons have to work together to meet their responsibilities.
How do I carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

The responsible person should follow certain key steps when using this template to perform a Fire Risk Assessment. These include identifying and controlling risks and regularly reviewing Risk Assessments.

There are specific criteria for what needs to be taken into account when doing a Fire Risk Assessment (including which parts of premises must be analysed).

For more information, read Conducting a fire risk assessment.

Note that, if your business employs more than 5 people, you must keep a written record of your Fire Risk Assessments.
What is a fire hazard?
A fire hazard is anything that could ignite a fire or assist/accelerate the spread of a fire. When assessing the severity of a fire hazard, you should consider:
- the likelihood of a fire occurring, and
- the significance of the consequences of that fire (eg do lots of people live in the building, in a high-density area? Or, is it an industrial warehouse building in an isolated area?)
Risks can be reduced by various methods, including good housekeeping, property maintenance, specially designed machinery, strong emergency procedures and storage of equipment away from risks.
How often should Fire Risk Assessments be reviewed?
A Fire Risk Assessment must be regularly reviewed. It should be reviewed as soon as possible if there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid. A Fire Risk Assessment may no longer be valid if, for example:
- there are sufficient changes to the layout of a building
- there are sufficient changes to the number of people who use a space
- the assessment does not meet newly introduced legal requirements (read Conducting a fire risk assessment for more information)

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Check and agree

Read your Fire Risk Assessment to make sure it meets your needs. Remember that if you have any questions you can easily Ask a lawyer.
Sign

The Fire Risk Assessment should be signed by someone on behalf of the business. Due to the nature of the Fire Risk Assessment (ie it should be downloaded and completed), it should be wet signed (ie physically signed on paper).
Publish

Make the Fire Risk Assessment available to employees by, for example including it in induction packs, providing it in hard copy, sending it out by email or putting it on notice boards or an intranet site, or other easily accessible company computer systems.
Important details
- Undertaking a Fire Risk Assessment doesn’t mean you’ve complied with your legal obligations. Make a plan for the implementation of solutions for the issues highlighted by the Fire Risk Assessment. Make sure you read the Government guide applicable to your business type.
- If your business has 5 or more employees, you will need to keep a written copy of your Fire Risk Assessment.
- Remember that carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment is an ongoing process, and you should continuously review and re-assess the risk level of your premises.
- A Fire Risk Assessment is not a contract and does not need to be signed or agreed to by employees. You can ask employees to sign an acknowledgement to show that they’ve received it, but it’s not legally required.

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