Do I need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you are responsible for any non-domestic premises in England or Wales: a business, a shop, an office, a club, a church hall, or the common parts of a block of flats or an HMO. Single private homes are not covered.
Who is the Responsible Person?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person is the employer for a workplace, or otherwise the person who has control of the premises: often the owner, landlord, managing agent or occupier. In a shared building there can be several Responsible Persons, and they must cooperate.
Does it have to be written down?
Yes. Since 1 October 2023 every Responsible Person must record all the findings, the fire safety arrangements, and who carried out the assessment (Building Safety Act 2022, section 156). The old exemption for businesses with fewer than five employees no longer applies.
Can I do it myself?
For straightforward premises, yes. Gov.uk says you can follow a guide, and should appoint a competent person if you lack the expertise or time. Anyone you appoint must have sufficient training and experience or knowledge.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Different laws apply: the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 with their own regulations. FireRiskKit is written for England and Wales.
Checked against gov.uk and fire and rescue service guidance, October 2026.
Ready to do it? The free template walks you through the five steps and builds your action plan.
Start your fire risk assessment