Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
The responsible person may carry out a straightforward assessment if competent. When external help is needed, the appointment should test the named assessor’s knowledge, experience and ability against the premises rather than relying on a company claim.
Check my situationMatch competence to premises complexity
A small office, sleeping-risk building, care setting, industrial process and high-rise residential building require different experience. Government guidance tells responsible persons to keep records of the steps taken when selecting an assessor.
- Ask for the named assessor, current registration or certification and relevant experience.
- Request a redacted report for a comparable premises type and complexity.
- Verify professional indemnity, public liability, quality review and complaint arrangements.
What to do next: Keep the selection evidence with the fire-safety records. Verify register or certification claims with the issuing body and confirm who takes responsibility for specialist matters outside the assessor’s competence.
Competence evidence
Relevant training, practical experience, continuing development, third-party registration or company certification and access to technical support can support the appointment.
No single badge proves competence for every building. Check the current entry, scope and named person against the work being commissioned.
Comparable report
A sample report should show the premises boundary, people at risk, hazards, evaluation of precautions, significant findings, priorities, actions, limitations and review information.
- Premises-specific findings
- Evidence behind conclusions
- Prioritised action plan
- Visible limitations
- Review and record requirements
Commercial independence
Some assessors also sell alarms, doors, extinguishers, servicing or remedial work. That can be practical, but the assessment evidence and priority should not depend on buying the same provider’s products.
Ask how recommendations are quality checked and obtain comparable remedial quotations where cost or design is material.