When people hear “assessment,” they often picture a pass or fail—like an exam. So it’s no surprise we’re frequently asked:
“Can you fail a fire risk assessment?”
It’s a fair question—especially if you’re a landlord, shop owner, or property manager in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, or Guildford, trying to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
The answer? Technically, you don’t ‘fail’ a fire risk assessment in the same way you might fail a test—but if serious issues are found and not addressed, there can be serious consequences.
Let’s explain what actually happens during an assessment, what’s expected of you, and what the real risks are if things aren’t up to standard.
Fire Risk Assessments Don’t Come With a Pass or Fail Stamp
A fire risk assessment isn’t about getting a score or certificate—it’s a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, designed to help you identify:
- Fire hazards in the building
- Who may be at risk
- Whether current measures are sufficient
- What you need to do to improve safety
It’s not about catching you out—it’s about making the premises as safe as reasonably possible for everyone who lives, works, or visits there.
Your fire risk assessor will provide a written report that outlines:
✅ What’s working well
⚠️ What needs improvement
❌ Any serious breaches or missing legal requirements
So What Happens If There Are Problems?
If your assessor identifies major issues—like blocked escape routes, no fire alarm system, or faulty emergency lighting—they’ll flag them clearly in the report, usually categorised by priority level (e.g. High, Medium, Low).
It’s then up to the Responsible Person (that’s likely you) to take action. If you don’t, and the Fire and Rescue Service inspects your property, that’s when enforcement action can happen.
What Can Go Wrong?
Here are some common reasons why a property might raise serious concerns during a fire risk assessment:
🚫 No working fire alarm system
🚫 Fire doors wedged open or damaged
🚫 Escape routes blocked or locked
🚫 Lack of emergency lighting in stairwells
🚫 Inadequate fire extinguisher provision or servicing
🚫 No staff fire safety training
🚫 Missing signage or unclear evacuation plans
If any of these issues are found, your assessor will not issue a “pass” or “fail”, but they will advise you to act quickly—and may even recommend you notify your local Fire and Rescue Service if the risks are critical.
Can the Fire Brigade “Fail” You?
Yes—in a way.
While your fire risk assessor doesn’t issue penalties, your local Fire and Rescue Authority can.
They have the power to:
- Conduct inspections
- Review your fire risk assessment and safety measures
- Issue enforcement notices
- Issue prohibition notices (which could shut all or part of your premises)
- Take legal action for serious or repeated breaches
In short, failing to act on the findings of your fire risk assessment is what gets you into trouble—not the assessment itself.
What Should You Do If Your Assessment Highlights Problems?
✅ Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.
✅ Work through the recommendations, starting with the high-priority items.
✅ Get expert help if needed (for alarms, extinguishers, signage, etc.).
✅ Keep records of any action taken.
✅ Book a follow-up assessment if major changes are made.
At ESI, we don’t just leave you with a list of problems—we help you understand what’s required, prioritise actions, and support you in getting your building up to standard.
How ESI Helps You Stay on the Right Side of Fire Safety Law
We’ve worked with small businesses, landlords, letting agents, and housing providers across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford, providing:
- Clear, jargon-free fire risk assessments
- Action-focused reports prioritised by risk level
- Advice on what’s legally required vs. what’s recommended
- Friendly support and follow-ups when needed
- Qualified assessors with Level 3 to Level 6 qualifications and membership of the Institute of Fire Engineers
Final Thoughts
You don’t technically “fail” a fire risk assessment—but if serious issues are identified and not fixed, it can lead to enforcement notices, legal consequences, or—far worse—injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.
A fire risk assessment is your early warning system. It helps you fix problems before they become disasters.
Need help getting your premises assessed—or unsure what to do after a previous report?
📞 Contact ESI today. We offer clear, professional fire risk assessments across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire, designed to keep you compliant, protected, and confident in your safety responsibilities.
