Fire Risk Assessments on Commercial Property

Fire risk assessments (FRA) are a legal requirement for any business. In this blog, we’ll explore what fire assessments are, who is responsible for completing them and how often they should be reviewed.

What is a fire risk assessment? 

Fire risk assessments for commercial property are step-by-step processes that assess risks and fire hazards within your business and on-site activities. Actions will be planned to reduce the chances of fire risks occurring.

Fire assessments can:

• Identify fire hazards.
• Determine who could be at risk from hazards.
• Help you create a fire action plan that evaluates how to remove or reduce risks using fire safety measures.

When a fire risk assessment for commercial property is undertaken, a report with all the findings will be provided, allowing you to complete the recommendations in the document.

Why should a fire risk assessment be performed​?

Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement that keeps businesses and their customers safe. Without one, you can be subject to fines and potentially manslaughter charges in the event of someone dying in a fire when a fire risk assessment hasn’t taken place.

Who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment​?

The person responsible for a fire risk assessment can also be referred to as the ‘responsible person’ or the ‘competent person’. Their role is to regularly review and carry out fire risk assessments. 

The responsible person in your business could be:

• The employer (if the premises is a workplace).
• The managing agent or owner for shared parts of the premises or fire safety equipment. This could include fire warning systems or sprinklers. 
• The occupier - if they have any control over the building. This could include self-employed people or voluntary organisations. 
• Any other people with control over a part of the premises.

While you can complete your own fire risk assessment, you can hire professionals to complete one instead. This can guarantee that it’s completed properly and complies with legal requirements. For further legal advice regarding commercial properties and fire risk assessments, get in touch with our commercial property solicitors today.