Everything you needed to know about Fire Risk Assessments for Commercial Properties

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a formatted compliance review of your commercial property to identify fire hazards, assess risks, and recommend measures to reduce the risk of fire. It is a legal requirement and a vital step in protecting people, property, and business continuity. 

Why is a Fire Risk Assessment Important?

Fire risk assessments help ensure:

• Compliance with UK fire safety legislation
• Protection of occupants, visitors, and staff
• Reduced risk of fire-related damage and disruption
• Clear evidence of due diligence as the Responsible Person

What Does a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment Involve?

Our commercial fire risk assessments follow a clear, professional process designed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and minimal disruption.

Stage 1: Pre-Assessment

We gather key information about your premises to ensure the assessment is appropriate and efficient.

• Initial enquiry via phone, email, or website
• Understanding your premises, usage, and responsibilities
• Confirming the assessment scope
• Issuing a quotation and booking confirmation
• Pre-visit questionnaire to collect essential documents

Stage 2: On-Site Fire Risk Assessment

A competent fire risk assessor carries out a detailed inspection of your commercial premises.

• Review of fire safety documentation
• Visual inspection of all relevant areas
• Inspection of escape routes, fire doors, and high-risk areas
• Opportunities to ask questions during the visit

Stage 3: Fire Risk Assessment Report

Following the inspection, we produce a comprehensive and compliant report.

• Clear identification of fire hazards and risks
• Practical, prioritised recommendations
• Quality-checked and validated report
• Issued within 7–10 working days 
• Includes a logbook and supporting templates where required

Stage 4: Review and Renewal

To support ongoing compliance:

• Annual reminders to review or renew your fire risk assessment
• Option for an internal review or a new assessment

How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Take?

The time required depends on the size, layout, and complexity of your commercial property.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

UK fire safety law requires the Responsible Person to carry out and maintain a suitable fire risk assessment, including:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales)
• Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety Regulations 2006

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

• Annually is best practice for most commercial premises
• Low-risk premises may review less frequently, but no later than every three years
• Reviews are required sooner if there are changes to the building, occupancy, or use

What Will the Fire Risk Assessment Report Include?

• Identified fire hazards
• Risk evaluation
• Legal compliance status
• Clear, actionable recommendations

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Fire Risk Assessment?

Without a valid fire risk assessment, you may face:

• Legal penalties and enforcement notices
• Increased risk to life and property
• Invalidated insurance cover

Call Vital today on 0345 777 1100 and ensure peace of mind for your commercial rental property compliance in this arena.

NB: this is NOT an EWS1 survey which looks at the external wall structure of the building.