Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, virtually every non-domestic building in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. It isn't guidance — it's the law.
The short answer
If your premises are anything other than a single private home, you almost certainly need one. That includes workplaces, shops, hospitality, care settings, schools, community buildings, and the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Article 9: the responsible person must make a "suitable and sufficient" assessment of the risk from fire, and keep it up to date.
Which buildings are covered
- Offices, shops, warehouses and other commercial premises
- Pubs, restaurants, hotels and guest houses
- Care homes, hospitals and other places people sleep or receive care
- Schools, colleges and community buildings
- The common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs
The main exception is a single private dwelling occupied by one household — but as soon as a building is shared, let as an HMO, or used for work or the public, the duty applies.
Who is responsible?
The Order places the duty on the responsible person — usually the employer, owner, landlord or whoever has control of the premises. If that's you, the duty sits with you personally. You can appoint a competent assessor to carry out the assessment, but you cannot delegate away the responsibility for having one.
What happens if you don't have one
Fire and rescue authorities enforce the Order. Where a building is unsafe they can issue enforcement or prohibition notices — and in serious cases the penalties are unlimited fines and, at their most severe, imprisonment. Beyond the law, your insurance can be void without a valid assessment.
How often does it need reviewing?
A fire risk assessment must be kept current. Review it regularly, and always after a material change — a refit, a change of use, a near-miss, or new occupants. Many responsible persons review annually as a matter of good practice.
Getting it done
A competent assessor will walk the building, identify the hazards and the people at risk, and give you a written report with a prioritised action plan. We carry out assessments across Dorset — book one here.