Do Self-Employed People Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

If you’re self-employed and working hard to run your business, fire safety might not be the first thing on your mind. But sooner or later, you’ll probably ask:

“Do I need a fire risk assessment if I’m self-employed?”

The short answer is: yes—if you operate from a premises where people work or visit, fire safety law still applies to you.

Whether you’re a freelance designer in a co-working space, a hairdresser with a salon chair, a personal trainer in a converted garage, or running a small shop in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, or Guildford — understanding your fire safety responsibilities is essential.

Let’s walk you through what you need to know.

The Law: What It Says About Self-Employed People

Fire safety in England and Wales is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to non-domestic premises.

This includes:

• Shops, offices, studios, salons
• Shared buildings or units
• Premises open to the public
• Parts of your home used for work or where clients visit

Even if you’re the only person working there, the law says you must carry out a “suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment” if:

✅ You operate from a workplace
✅ Members of the public or clients come onto the premises
✅ You’re responsible for part of a building that others use
✅ You store equipment, stock, or materials that may be hazardous

So yes—even if you’re self-employed and working alone, you may still have legal duties under fire safety law.

But I Don’t Have Any Staff—Does It Still Apply?

Yes. Fire safety isn’t just about protecting employees—it’s about protecting anyone who might be affected by a fire in your premises. That includes:

• Customers
• Clients
• Delivery drivers
• Cleaners
• Contractors
• Neighbours in shared buildings

If a fire starts in your workspace and affects someone else—even if you’re a one-person business—you could be held responsible if you haven’t taken the right precautions.

What If I Work from Home?

If you work from home and never have visitors or clients, the rules are more relaxed. But if your home doubles as a workplace—say, a treatment room, photography studio, therapy space, or hairdressing area—you should still carry out a basic fire risk assessment.

You’re responsible for ensuring that people who come into your home for work purposes are safe from fire risks while they’re there.

We regularly help self-employed professionals in Camberley, Reading, and Guildford assess these kinds of setups. Whether it’s a converted outbuilding, a spare room studio, or a salon in your garden cabin, we’ll help you stay safe and compliant.

Do You Need to Write It Down?

As of October 2023, all fire risk assessments must now be recorded in writing—regardless of business size or number of employees.

So even if you’re a sole trader with no staff, you still need to have a written fire risk assessment on file.

This can be especially important when:

• Renting a commercial unit
• Applying for public liability insurance
• Leasing a chair or space in a shared venue
• Working in local authority or healthcare settings
• Hosting workshops or classes from your premises

Can I Do It Myself?

If your premises are small and low-risk, and you’re confident in your understanding of fire safety, you can carry out your own assessment using official government guidance.

But many self-employed professionals choose to get help from a qualified assessor—especially if:

• You’re not sure what’s required
• You’re in a shared building or unusual setup
• Your work involves heat, flammables, or electrical equipment
• You want to avoid legal or insurance issues

At ESI, our fire risk assessors are fully qualified (Level 3 and above, many at Level 6), members of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers, and experienced in working with sole traders across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.

Final Thoughts

If you’re self-employed and operate from any kind of commercial or public-facing premises, a fire risk assessment isn’t optional—it’s a legal responsibility and a smart business move.

It shows that you’re serious about safety, care about your clients, and are doing things properly.

Need help getting your fire risk assessment in place?

Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections today. We offer straightforward, cost-effective fire risk assessments for self-employed professionals, freelancers, and sole traders in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and beyond.