Who is Responsible For Completing a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire safety is paramount in any non-domestic setting, from bustling offices to serene holiday lets. But as a business owner, employer, or even a landlord, you might find yourself asking: who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment? It’s a crucial question with significant legal and safety implications, and understanding the answer is the first step towards ensuring the well-being of everyone on your premises.

At SAMS Ltd, we specialise in helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of fire safety. With a combined experience of almost 40 years, our highly qualified Fire Risk Assessment team, holding NEBOSH Fire and FPA qualifications, are experts in identifying hazards and providing relevant, up-to-date fire safety advice. We work across Kent and London, offering comprehensive assessments designed for minimal disruption and maximum results.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) is the cornerstone of fire safety legislation in England and Wales. This vital piece of legislation consolidated over 70 previous fire safety laws, placing a clear responsibility on specific individuals to ensure fire safety. So, to reiterate, who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment under this order?

The “Responsible Person” – A Key Definition

The FSO designates a “Responsible Person” as the individual or entity legally obligated to ensure fire safety within a non-domestic premise. This includes carrying out a fire safety risk assessment and implementing and maintaining appropriate fire safety measures.

You are likely to be considered the “Responsible Person” if you are:

Responsible for business premises: This covers a wide range of properties, from shops and offices to factories and warehouses.
An employer or self-employed person with business premises: Even if you rent your premises, the responsibility for fire safety often falls to you.
A charity or voluntary organisation: These organisations also have a duty of care for their premises and those within them.
A contractor with a degree of control over any premises: If your work gives you control over a site, even temporarily, you may have responsibilities.
Managing a construction site or outside event: These dynamic environments require diligent fire safety planning.
An owner of a holiday let: The FSO specifically requires fire risk assessments for holiday let properties, a legal requirement reinforced by new fire regulations coming into force on 1st October 2023.

Essentially, if you have any degree of control over a non-domestic premises, or are an employer, you are likely the “Responsible Person” and therefore, you need to understand who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Entail?

While the ultimate responsibility lies with the “Responsible Person,” conducting a thorough and legally compliant fire risk assessment is a complex task best left to qualified professionals. At SAMS, our process involves:

Identifying and Analysing Hazards: We meticulously identify all potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen, ensuring the premises meet all legal requirements. This includes evaluating existing controls and their effectiveness.
Identifying People at Risk: This goes beyond just employees and includes visitors, members of the public, and anyone who might be on the premises.
Evaluating Existing Controls and Planning Action: We assess your current fire safety policies and measures, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting how to rectify any hazards or gaps. This includes reviewing structural features that could impact fire spread.
Recording Findings and Implementing Actions: We provide a clear record of our findings, outlining actions taken to reduce fire risk and those that still need to be implemented. This “Record, Plan, Inform, Train and Review” approach ensures ongoing safety. We’ll help you inform managers, supervisors, and workers of any new instructions and ensure compliance.

Why Professional Expertise Matters

While you, as the “Responsible Person,” are ultimately accountable, attempting to conduct a fire risk assessment without the necessary expertise can lead to oversights and, potentially, severe consequences. This is precisely who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment to a professional standard. Our NEBOSH and FPA qualified assessors have the latest knowledge to identify hidden risks and provide robust, cost-effective recommendations that allow your business to meet the requirements of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Staying Compliant and Safe

Maintaining fire safety is an ongoing commitment. Alongside regular professional assessments, it’s crucial to keep comprehensive records, including previous fire risk assessments, fire logbooks, maintenance records for electrical equipment, and worker training records. These documents provide a clear picture of your fire safety efforts and are essential for demonstrating compliance.

So, when you next ask yourself who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment, remember that while the legal onus is on the “Responsible Person,” partnering with experienced professionals like SAMS Ltd is the smartest way to ensure thoroughness, compliance, and, most importantly, the safety of everyone in your premises.

Interested in booking a Fire Risk Assessment, or want more information about our services? Get in touch via our contact page, or check out our consultancy membership packages for ongoing support!