If you’re responsible for a business premises, rental property, or any kind of non-domestic building, you’ve probably heard that you need a Fire Risk Assessment. But what exactly are the legal requirements—and what happens if you don’t have one?
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s expected (and how to stay compliant without the stress).
What Does the Law Say?
The main piece of legislation you need to know is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005—usually just called the Fire Safety Order.
It applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including:
- Offices and shops
- Warehouses and factories
- Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways
- Communal areas in blocks of flats
- Shared buildings with multiple businesses
- Holiday lets and short-term rental properties
- Schools, nurseries, and care homes
- Places of worship and community centres
In short: If people work in, visit, or live in your building (and it’s not a single private home), this law likely applies to you.
So, What’s the Actual Requirement?
Here’s the key bit: You must carry out (and regularly review) a Fire Risk Assessment of your premises.
It’s your responsibility as the “Responsible Person”—a legal term that usually refers to the business owner, employer, landlord, or managing agent.
You must:
- Identify fire hazards
- Assess who could be at risk
- Evaluate, remove, or reduce risks
- Record your findings (if you employ 5 or more people or have a license)
- Prepare an emergency plan
- Review and update your assessment regularly
Important note: As of October 2023, all fire risk assessments must now be recorded in writing—even if you have fewer than 5 employees. This is a major change that’s caught some people off guard.
Does It Need to Be Done by a Professional?
The law says the Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out by someone who is competent. That means they must have the training, knowledge, and experience to properly assess the risks and suggest sensible solutions.
If you’re managing a small office or low-risk premises, you might feel confident doing it yourself with the right templates and guidance. But for most businesses—especially if you have staff, customers, equipment, or complex layouts—it’s safer (and smarter) to get a qualified professional.
Here at ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we’ve seen too many assessments done by people who didn’t really know what to look for—or worse, copied and pasted something generic. That won’t hold up if there’s a fire or an inspection.
How Often Should It Be Reviewed?
There’s no fixed timeframe in the law, but it must be regularly reviewed—and definitely if:
- There’s been a fire or near-miss
- You’ve made changes to the building or layout
- You’ve added new equipment or materials
- Your staff or occupancy has changed
- You haven’t reviewed it in the last 12 months
A good rule of thumb? Review it at least once a year. If nothing’s changed, great—but if something has, you’ll need to update your assessment to reflect it.
What Happens If I Don’t Have One?
Skipping your Fire Risk Assessment isn’t just risky—it’s illegal.
Fire and Rescue Authorities can issue:
- Enforcement notices if they find problems
- Prohibition notices if the risk is serious (they can stop you using part or all of the premises)
- Fines or prosecution if you’re found to be neglecting your duties
Penalties can be severe: unlimited fines or even a prison sentence in extreme cases. More importantly, if a fire does occur and you haven’t taken the proper steps, you could be putting lives at risk.
Why It’s More Than Just a Legal Box-Tick
Some people see the Fire Risk Assessment as just another bit of red tape. But at its heart, it’s about keeping people safe—your team, your customers, your tenants, and you.
By spotting risks early and making small changes (like moving a heater, clearing escape routes, or updating signage), you’re preventing fires and making sure that—if one did break out—everyone knows what to do.
That’s peace of mind that’s worth a lot more than a fine.
How We Can Help
At ESI, we make Fire Risk Assessments simple. No scare tactics. No confusing jargon. Just clear, practical advice and a professional assessment that helps you:
✅ Meet your legal obligations
✅ Protect your people and your premises
✅ Avoid costly enforcement action
✅ Sleep better at night
We work with businesses, landlords, and organisations across Camberley, Farnborough, Aldershot, Guildford, Reading, and the surrounding areas of Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the legal requirement for Fire Risk Assessments?
Simple: You must have one, keep it up to date, and take action on any issues it raises.
And now, with the new rules in place, you’ve got to have it written down, even if you run a tiny team or a small premises.
Need help getting it done properly? Just give us a shout.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment for your premises?
📞 Call ESI today or book online for expert support. We’ll make sure you’re safe, legal, and fully protected.
