A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a structured review of a building to identify fire hazards, people at risk, and existing fire precautions—and to decide what further action is needed so risks are reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies in England and Wales, the responsible person for most workplaces and many multi-occupied residential buildings must carry out (or arrange) an assessment and keep it up to date. That duty applies whether your premises are in the West Midlands or East Midlands (for example Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham or Leicester) or in Greater London.
What does an assessor typically look at?
Depending on the building, an assessment may cover means of escape, signage, fire doors, detection and warning, firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, procedures, training, vulnerable occupants, and coordination with other duty holders where buildings are shared.
Risk evaluation
Many assessments record how hazards are judged using likelihood (how likely harm from fire is) and consequence (how serious the outcome could be). Each is often scored from 1 (lower) to 5 (higher). The grid below is a simple illustration: likelihood 1–5 runs across the top; consequence 1–5 runs down the right. Shading shows combined priority (illustrative only—your organisation or assessor may use different scales or bands).
| Likelihood | Consequence | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 | |||||
Why it matters
A suitable and sufficient assessment supports compliance, helps protect residents, staff and visitors, and provides a clear record of hazards and remedial actions. Many insurers and auditors also expect to see up-to-date fire risk documentation.
If you need an independent assessment for premises in the Midlands or London, contact Fire Safety Specialist for a discussion.