Skip to content

 Fire Risk Assessment — Expert, Nationwide Compliance for UK Businesses

If you’re responsible for a workplace, rented building, or public space, a Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. But beyond compliance, it’s about protecting people and reducing the risk of costly, avoidable incidents.

At York Green, our assessments are carried out by qualified, competent assessors listed on recognised professional registers. Every report is clear, practical, and tailored to your building and operations, with a prioritised action plan so you know exactly what to do next. 

Fire exit, fire extinguishers, fire alarm call point and emergency lighting

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment identifies fire hazards in your premises, the people at risk, and the steps needed to reduce the likelihood and impact of a fire. It’s a legal duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for employers, landlords and property managers, and responsible persons for public and commercial buildings.

Following updated legislation, residential blocks and small businesses are under greater scrutiny. If your premises also store flammable liquids, gases, or combustible dusts, you may additionally need a DSEAR Risk Assessment — we can advise whether both apply and carry out both in a single site visit. 

What’s included in a Fire Risk Assessment?

Our competent fire assessors will:

  • Identify sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen

  • Assess people at risk, including vulnerable occupants

  • Review fire detection and alarm systems

  • Check emergency routes, signage, and lighting

  • Evaluate fire-fighting equipment and maintenance

  • Provide a written Fire Risk Assessment with a clear action plan

We’ll explain the findings in plain language and help you prioritise what needs to be done.

All assessments are carried out by competent fire risk assessors holding NFRAR registration, with experience across commercial, industrial, residential and public buildings. 

 

Flammable gas storage oxygen and acetylene with combustibles in a yard

Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

You do, if any of these apply:

  • Run a business or commercial premises

    Shops, factories, offices, and warehouses all need a documented Fire Risk Assessment, even if you're a small team.

  • Manage a rented property or HMO

    Landlords and managing agents have a legal duty to assess and control fire risks in communal areas and shared accommodation.

  • Operate public or community buildings

    Whether it’s a school, care home, church, or village hall, if people gather, you need to make sure they’re safe.

  • Employ five or more people

    The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires your assessment to be written down. It also becomes a key document for insurance or enforcement visits.

  • Whenever anything changes

    You’ll also need a fresh Fire Risk Assessment whenever something changes, like a new layout, staff, process, or use of the building, as those changes can introduce new risks.

  • Common premises types we assess:

    • Offices, retail units, and commercial premises
    • Warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics hubs
    • Industrial and manufacturing sites
    • HMOs, residential blocks, and shared accommodation
    • Schools, colleges, and universities
    • Care homes and assisted living facilities
    • Hotels, pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues
    • Churches, village halls, and community buildings
    • Construction sites and temporary structures
    • Any premises with sleeping accommodation 

  • Not sure if it applies to you?

    We’re happy to talk it through and give honest, practical advice.

Why Choose York Green for Your Fire Risk Assessment?  

Fire risk assessment is a competitive market and choosing the wrong assessor can leave you exposed. A poorly written report may miss critical hazards, recommend disproportionate measures, or fail to satisfy the Fire Service during an inspection.

York Green’s team combines fire safety expertise with practical, commercial awareness. We don’t just find problems, we give you a clear, prioritised plan to fix them, tailored to your type of premises.

What sets us apart:

  • Competent assessors registered on the National Fire Risk Assessment Register (NFRAR) and listed with recognised professional bodies
  • Reports follow PAS 79 methodology — the industry standard for fire risk assessment
  • Our team has assessed everything from single-storey offices to complex multi-occupancy residential blocks and high-hazard industrial sites
  • Practical, proportionate recommendations — not a generic checklist that costs a fortune to implement
  • We carry out both Fire Risk Assessments and DSEAR Risk Assessments, meaning one visit can cover both obligations where dangerous substances are present
  • UK-wide service with fixed, transparent pricing — no day-rate surprises
  • Post-assessment support included — we walk you through the findings and help you prioritise

Our consultants hold: CMIOSH | MCIEH | MIFSM | NFRAR

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost? 

From £450

Pricing depends on premises size, building type, complexity, and whether sleeping accommodation is involved. Multi-site discounts are available.

Every assessment includes: fire risk assessment report (PAS 79 compliant), prioritised action plan with recommended timescales, and post-assessment support. To get a fixed quote for your premises, use the “Enquire Now” button or call directly. 

  • Our fee covers the complete assessment — not a template-based tick-box exercise. 
  • It includes a full written PAS 79 report, a prioritised action plan, and a debrief call to walk you through the findings. 
  • There are no hidden extras. 
Enquire now

See what people are saying

“Working with York Green was straightforward from start to finish. They were well-prepared and clearly understood the challenges of running an EfW facility and carried out the Fire and DSEAR assessments efficiently. The reports were clear, well-structured and easy to act on. What really stood out was how practical their recommendations were — they made sense for our people and our plant. We came away with a real sense of confidence that we’re managing fire and explosion risks in the right way.”

Nick Cooke, Health and Safety Manager - Enfinium

Fire Safety FAQs

What is a fire risk assessment, and do I need one?

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.

Who is responsible for fire safety in my building?

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

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed or redone?

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.

What fire safety measures am I legally required to have?

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)

What does “competent fire risk assessor” mean?

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.

Who can legally carry out a fire risk assessment?

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.

What qualifications should a competent fire risk assessor have?

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.

Why does assessor competence matter?

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.

How do I check if my fire risk assessor is competent?

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.

What happens if my fire risk assessment is carried out by someone not competent?

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.

How often should fire drills be held?

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. 

What is “process fire safety” and when does it come into play?

 In workplaces where industrial or chemical processes involve flammable liquids, gases, or combustible dusts, there are additional fire precautions required — including safe storage, ventilation, ignition source control, and explosion risk mitigation. These are regulated by DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations). York Green can carry out both your Fire Risk Assessment and your DSEAR assessment in a single site visit, saving time and cost.