Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment (also known as a fire safety assessment) determines what you need to do to prevent fire, as well as what you need to do in the event of a fire.

A fire risk assessment helps you to identify fire hazards, identify those at risk, and determine what you need to do to reduce or remove any risks. It covers things like emergency routes and exits, fire detection systems, emergency evacuation plans, firefighting equipment, and training.

If you do not have the time to carry out a fire risk assessment, a fire risk assessment provider can help.

Hawkesworth can carry out an extensive fire risk assessment on your behalf, providing a written report with recommendations.

Fire risk assessments all across the UK

We have a network of experienced fire risk assessors all across the UK, as well as Ireland and the Channel Islands.

No matter where you are, we have a highly, skilled-locally based assessor available who will ensure your rental or commercial property is safe and compliant.

What should you look for in a fire risk assessment company near you?

There are several fire risk assessment companies out there, but here are some of the reasons you should book a fire risk assessment with Hawkesworth.

If you’re asking the question ‘where can I find a high-quality fire risk assessment near me?’, here’s how we can help.

We are fully experienced and accredited: All of our assessors are experienced in fire risk assessment, many with decades of experience in the industry
We provide the same exceptional service, no matter the size of your business: We have experience supplying fire risk assessments to multi-site companies, small organisations, and landlords
We offer a free reminder service: Don’t worry about forgetting to get your fire risk assessment reviewed as we provide a courtesy reminder service
We’re a one-stop-shop for your businesses safety requirements: As well as fire risk assessments; we provide a range of electrical compliance services
We provide expert advice, any time you need it: We keep all our customers up to date with the latest industry developments, so you are fully informed at all times

Book a fire risk assessment today

Request your no-obligation quote today
Call 01845 524498

Frequently asked questions about fire risk assessments

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?
It depends on the type of building. Commercial buildings must have a fire risk assessment by law, and this fire risk assessment should be written down if there are more than five employees.Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for large HMOs and residential flats, but not for single private dwellings (i.e. a private property rented by a single family unit).Find out more about whether a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement

How often should fire risk assessments be carried out/reviewed?
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed once a year.You should also carry out a new fire assessment if the nature of your business changes, for example, the layout of your building changes or employee numbers significantly increase or decrease.How often should fire risk assessments be reviewed?

Who needs a fire risk assessment?
All business premises need a fire risk assessment. A fire risk assessment identifies any hazards, meaning the people in your building stay safe in an emergency situation.All HMO properties need a fire risk assessment, as well as rental properties that aren’t classed as single private dwellings.

Do I have to carry out a fire risk assessment if I have less than five employees?
Yes, but if you have fewer than five employees or five occupants in your building, it doesn’t have to be written down.

Do I have to record the results of a fire risk assessment?
It is a legal requirement to have a written fire risk assessment if your business consists of more than five people or if you have more than five occupants in your rental property.Even if your business doesn’t need one, it still can be good practice to have a written fire risk assessment, to reassure staff, customers and suppliers.

Can anyone carry out a fire risk assessment?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that the person who carries out a fire risk assessment for a building must be ‘competent’.By ‘competent’, the order means someone who knows enough about fire safety to ensure the fire risk assessment is carried out correctly.

Does this mean you can carry out a fire risk assessment yourself?
Yes, if you feel you have the knowledge to do so. There are plenty of resources online if you need them, for example, this fire safety risk assessment checklist on the gov.uk website.However, if you don’t have the time or expertise to complete a fire risk assessment, a company like Hawkesworth can help you.Our experienced fire risk assessors know what to look out for, providing you with a thorough fire risk assessment that you can implement straight away.

What needs to be reviewed in a fire risk assessment?
This depends on the type, size and structure of a building. A fire risk assessment should include information about:

Fire alarms and fire detection systems
Fire safety training
Fire evacuation plan/fire escape routes and the identification of people at risk (for example, those with disabilities or limited mobility)
Fire extinguishers and fire blankets
Emergency lighting and emergency exits
The location of signage
Storage of flammable materials
Smoking areas
The condition of electrical equipment and installations
The condition and layout of the building

Who is responsible for a fire risk assessment?
In the case of a commercial property, the building owner is responsible. In the case of a rental property, the landlord is responsible.

What happens after a fire risk assessment has been created?
When a fire risk assessment has been created, you will need to identify where action is required, who is responsible, and a target completion date.