Fire Risk Assessment for Office Buildings in Edinburgh

Office buildings across Edinburgh, whether in the Exchange District, Edinburgh Park or converted New Town properties, all need a fire risk assessment. Under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, the person responsible for a non-domestic building must arrange a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. 

Hawkesworth’s accredited fire risk assessors work with Edinburgh’s office landlords, managing agents and business tenants to get this right.

What Makes Office Buildings Different From a Fire Risk Perspective

Office environments carry specific fire risks that are easy to overlook when a building looks tidy and well managed. Overloaded socket outlets, blocked escape routes, poor storage of flammable materials in print rooms or kitchens, and fire doors that have been propped open are all common findings. 

In Edinburgh, many office buildings are older properties that have been converted or refurbished over time. Original layouts, narrow stairwells and shared escape routes can create challenges that a modern purpose-built office would not have. A fire risk assessment needs to account for the building as it is today, not how it was originally designed.

What a Fire Risk Assessment Covers in an Edinburgh Office 

Our assessors carry out a thorough review of your building, looking at: 

• Sources of ignition and flammable materials 
• Who is in the building and who might be at particular risk, such as visitors unfamiliar with the layout or anyone with limited mobility 
• Escape routes, signage and emergency exits 
• Fire detection and alarm systems 
• Existing fire safety measures and whether they are being properly maintained 

You receive a written report with clear findings, actions required, who is responsible and a recommended timeline for completion.

Scottish Fire Safety Legislation for Office Buildings

Scotland operates under different fire safety legislation to England and Wales. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on employers and anyone with control of non-domestic premises to carry out a fire risk assessment. If your building has five or more employees, the findings must be recorded in writing. 

There is no fixed legal frequency for reviews, but we recommend reviewing your fire risk assessment at least once a year, or whenever your premises or operations change.

Fire Risk Assessments for Multi-Tenancy Office Buildings in Edinburgh 

In shared office buildings, fire safety can become complicated. Escape routes pass through communal areas. Fire doors separate different tenancies. Responsibility is split between landlords, managing agents and individual tenants. 

We work with all parties to produce a fire risk assessment that covers the full building, including communal areas, shared escape routes and individual tenancy spaces. For landlords and property managers overseeing several Edinburgh office buildings, we track review dates and send reminders when each assessment is due.

Book a Fire Risk Assessment for Your Edinburgh Office 

Hawkesworth has experienced, accredited fire risk assessors covering Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland. We provide detailed written reports with practical, actionable recommendations tailored to your building. Request your fire risk assessment quote 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement for offices in Scotland?  

Yes, under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, all commercial properties including offices must have a fire risk assessment in place. 

How often should an office fire risk assessment be reviewed in Edinburgh?  

We recommend reviewing it at least once a year, or whenever your building layout, occupancy or operations change. 

Who is responsible for the fire risk assessment in a shared office building?  

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord or managing agent, though individual tenants may also have obligations under their lease. 

Does the fire risk assessment need to be written down?  

Yes, if your building has five or more employees, the significant findings must be recorded in writing under Scottish legislation.