If you own a business, run a shop, manage a rental property, or look after a block of flats in Surrey, you already know you need a Fire Risk Assessment.
But here’s where most people get stuck — who can actually do it?
Do you need a qualified assessor?
Can you just fill in a checklist yourself?
What does “competent person” really mean?
Let’s make sense of it, without the jargon.
What the Law Says
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business or building with people working or living in it must have a “suitable and sufficient” Fire Risk Assessment.
The law says it must be carried out by a competent person.
Now, the problem is — the Fire Safety Order never clearly defines what competent means. It doesn’t say “must hold XYZ qualification.” Instead, it puts the responsibility on you, the Responsible Person, to make sure whoever carries it out knows what they’re doing.
That means you can’t just hand it to anyone with a clipboard and a hard hat.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Technically, yes — if you have the right knowledge and experience.
If you run a very small, low-risk premises (say a one-room office, or a small village shop), you could do your own Fire Risk Assessment using the free guides available from GOV.UK or Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.
But — and it’s a big but — if your building has multiple floors, shared areas, or complex fire systems (like alarms, emergency lighting or smoke control), then it’s time to bring in a professional.
DIY assessments are a bit like DIY dentistry.
You might save money now, but you’ll pay for it later.
What Makes a “Competent Person”?
A competent person is someone with the right mix of training, experience, and understanding of fire safety legislation and building standards.
That includes knowing:
- The Fire Safety Order 2005 and its updates.
- The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
- The relevant British Standards (BS 9999, BS 5839, BS 5266).
- Building design, occupancy risk, and evacuation planning.
They should also understand the specific type of building they’re assessing — an office isn’t the same as a care home, and a shop isn’t the same as a factory.
That’s why professional assessors often hold qualifications from recognised bodies such as:
- The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE)
- The Institute of Fire Safety Managers
- The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council (FRACC)
- The Fire Sector Federation Competence Register
These are the people who’ve spent years learning how to identify risks that most people wouldn’t even notice.
Why It’s Worth Using a Professional
There are three good reasons to get your assessment done by a qualified expert.
1. Accuracy and depth.
A professional will spot problems before they become expensive — or dangerous. They’ll check your alarms, lighting, fire doors, and evacuation routes with trained eyes.
2. Credibility and insurance.
Insurers love paperwork. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to prove you did everything you could to stay compliant. A report from a qualified assessor is hard to argue with.
3. Peace of mind.
Let’s be honest — you’ve already got enough on your plate. Having someone else handle it means you can get back to running your business.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong
If you hire someone who isn’t qualified — or worse, skip the assessment altogether — you’re still the one legally responsible.
Surrey Fire & Rescue can issue enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecute. And saying “I didn’t know” won’t get you off the hook.
So before you hire anyone, check their credentials. Ask for proof of qualification, examples of reports, and references. A genuine assessor won’t hesitate to show you.
Local, Qualified and Trusted
At Fire Risk Assessment Surrey, we help local businesses, landlords, and property managers across Guildford, Woking, Camberley, Farnham, and Epsom stay fully compliant.
Our assessors are qualified, accredited, and insured — and our reports meet every British Standard and legal requirement.
If you’re not sure whether your last Fire Risk Assessment was done by someone competent, we’ll review it and tell you the truth — in plain English.
Book your Fire Risk Assessment in Surrey today and make sure it’s done right the first time.
