Fire Safety FAQs

Yes. In almost every non-domestic premises (workplaces, public buildings, multi-occupied blocks, etc.) a fire risk assessment must be carried out, documented, regularly reviewed, and acted upon.

Under UK law (e.g. the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for England & Wales), a “responsible person” must be appointed. That might be the employer, building owner, landlord, occupier, facilities manager, or someone else who controls the premises.
If more than one “responsible person” exists, they must cooperate to meet fire safety duties. For more see: www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities

There’s no one-size-fits-all interval in the legislation. It should be reviewed when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid (e.g. changes in building layout, use, occupancy, new processes) or at regular intervals as good practice.

Depending on your premises:

• Suitable means of detection and warning (fire alarms)

• Escape routes and exits that are clearly marked, kept free, and easy to use

• Emergency lighting where required

• Firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers, blankets, etc.) and maintenance of it

• Fire safety training and regular drills

• A plan for evacuation (including provisions for those with disabilities or mobility needs)

A competent fire risk assessor is someone who has the right knowledge, training, and experience to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Competence isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about having a solid understanding of:

• Fire safety principles and building use

• Applicable legislation and guidance (e.g. PAS 79, BS 9999, Approved Document B)

• The specific risks in your type of premises

• How to recommend proportionate, practical measures

In short: a competent assessor knows both the theory and the reality of how fire safety works in your building.

The law doesn’t specify a licence or accreditation — but it does say the assessment must be done by a competent person.
In practice, that means the Responsible Person (employer, landlord, or duty holder) must choose someone with proven competence.

For low-risk premises (like small offices), a trained in-house person may be competent.
For complex sites — such as industrial plants, residential blocks, or buildings with sleeping accommodation — a qualified professional assessor is essential.

There’s no single mandated qualification, but recognised indicators of competence include:

• Fire safety or fire engineering qualifications (e.g. Level 4 Fire Safety, CFPA Diploma, or IFE qualifications)

• Membership of professional bodies such as:

  • The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE)

  • The Fire Protection Association (FPA)

  • The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)

  • The Institute of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO)

• Registration on a third-party Competent Persons Register, such as the FRACS, NFRAR, or IFE Register of Fire Risk Assessors and Auditors

At York Green, all our assessors meet recognised professional standards and undergo peer review to ensure the quality and consistency of every report.

Because a poor fire risk assessments can put lives and businesses at risk.
Incompetent or generic reports often miss critical hazards, recommend disproportionate actions, or fail to meet legal duties, leaving the Responsible Person exposed to enforcement action.

A competent assessor will:

• Identify realistic fire risks specific to your building

• Recommend balanced, proportionate control measures

• Reference appropriate guidance and standards

• Provide clear, defensible evidence of compliance

Choosing a competent fire risk assessor means your report stands up to scrutiny, whether from the Fire Service, insurers, or Building Safety Regulators.

Before hiring an assessor, ask:

• Are they qualified and experienced in assessing your type of building?

• Are they listed on a recognised third-party register (FRACS, IFE, IFSM, NFRAR, etc.)?

• Can they provide examples or references of similar work?

• Do they have Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance?

• Do they provide reports that follow PAS 79 or other recognised methodologies?

If they can’t clearly answer those questions, keep looking.

If the assessment is inadequate, the Responsible Person remains liable.
That could mean:

• Enforcement notices or prosecution by the Fire and Rescue Authority

• Invalidated insurance policies

• Increased risk of injury, loss, or fatality

Competence protects more than compliance, it protects lives, reputations, and livelihoods.

The law doesn’t mandate a fixed number, but guidance suggests at least once a year, with many organisations aiming for two per year to cover different conditions/occupancies. New staff should be familiarised with the drill or evacuation procedure when they start. 

In workplaces where industrial or chemical processes are happening (e.g. handling flammable liquids, gases, dusts), there are additional fire precautions required — including safe storage, ventilation, ignition source control, and explosion risk mitigation.
These are regulated, among others, by DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations).