Fire Risk Assessments: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Fire doesn’t just destroy buildings—it disrupts operations, endangers lives, and can cripple businesses financially and legally. If you own, manage, or lease a commercial property, you have a legal duty to assess and manage fire risks effectively.

A thorough fire risk assessment is the foundation of workplace fire safety—and for commercial premises, it’s not optional.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of your premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate risks to people, and implement measures to reduce or eliminate those risks.

It’s required by law and forms the basis for all fire safety planning in commercial environments—whether you’re operating a:

• Office
• Retail store
• Restaurant or café
• Warehouse or industrial unit
• Healthcare facility
• Hotel or venue space

Your Legal Responsibilities

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business or non-domestic property must:

1. Carry out a fire risk assessment
2. Identify and reduce fire risks
3. Put fire safety measures in place
4. Maintain firefighting equipment and alarms
5. Train staff and test emergency procedures

The duty falls on the “Responsible Person”—typically the employer, owner, facilities manager, or managing agent.

What Should a Fire Risk Assessment Include?

A commercial fire risk assessment should follow five key steps:

1. Identify Fire Hazards

Look for ignition sources (e.g., electrical equipment, machinery), fuels (paper, packaging, chemicals), and oxygen sources (airflows, vents).

2. Identify People at Risk

Include employees, customers, contractors, and visitors—especially those unfamiliar with the layout or with limited mobility.

3. Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks

Are escape routes clear and signed? Are fire doors compliant? Do staff know what to do in an emergency?

4. Record Your Findings

If you employ five or more people, you must document the assessment and any actions taken. Store this securely and make it available for inspection.

5. Review Regularly

Assessments should be reviewed at least annually, or whenever changes are made to the premises, workforce, or layout.

Common Fire Safety Pitfalls in Commercial Settings

🚫 Blocked or poorly lit escape routes
🚫 Overloaded power sockets or untested appliances
🚫 Lack of trained fire marshals
🚫 Poor maintenance of alarms and extinguishers
🚫 No written emergency plan or evacuation drill

Any of these could result in serious consequences during a fire—and leave you liable for failing to meet your obligations.

Why You Should Use a Professional Fire Risk Assessor

While small offices may carry out a basic assessment in-house, commercial premises often require expert input due to their complexity and legal risks.

A certified fire risk assessor can:

✅ Identify hidden or overlooked hazards
✅ Recommend cost-effective safety upgrades
✅ Provide a compliant, audit-ready report
✅ Help you create staff training and evacuation plans
✅ Reduce liability in the event of an incident

Make sure any assessor you use is competent, with relevant qualifications and third-party accreditation.

How Often Should You Review Your Assessment?

• Annually (Minimum)
• After major changes to layout, occupancy, or equipment
• After a fire or near miss
• If regulations change or risks are newly identified

Final Thoughts

For commercial properties, fire safety is a business-critical responsibility. A fire risk assessment isn’t just a compliance task—it’s a proactive measure to protect people, property, and profitability.

Don’t wait for an inspection—or worse, an incident—to realise what’s missing.

Need help conducting a fire risk assessment for your commercial premises? Our certified experts offer tailored inspections, reports, and action plans to keep your business safe and compliant. Contact the team today on 0203 617 910 or visit us at http://https//www.firelux.io