- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Home Office Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guides
This checklist provides a practical overview of the areas a fire risk assessment covers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is for awareness only and does not replace a competent, site-specific assessment. The Home Office fire safety risk assessment guides provide the official guidance.
1. Identify fire hazards
- Sources of ignition — electrical, cooking, hot work, smoking
- Sources of fuel — combustibles, storage, flammable liquids
- Sources of oxygen — ventilation, oxidising materials
2. Identify people at risk
- Employees, visitors, contractors
- Vulnerable occupants — mobility, cognition, sensory
- People in remote or isolated areas
- Sleeping occupants — residential, care
3. Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect
- Detection and warning systems
- Escape routes and final exits
- Emergency lighting
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Signage
4. Record, plan and train
- Record the significant findings (mandatory under Section 156)
- Emergency plan
- Staff training and drills
- Maintenance and testing records
5. Review
- Regular review and on change triggers
- Not a blanket annual expiry
Cited Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a checklist instead of a fire risk assessment?
No. A checklist is for awareness only and does not replace a competent, site-specific fire risk assessment. The Responsible Person must ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out by a competent person.
What does a fire risk assessment cover?
A fire risk assessment covers fire hazards, people at risk, existing controls, detection and warning, escape routes, emergency lighting, fire doors, compartmentation, fire-fighting equipment, signage, management arrangements, training and review.
Where can I find official fire safety risk assessment guidance?
The Home Office publishes official fire safety risk assessment guides for different premises types on GOV.UK. These complement the legal duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
About Louanne Lanahan
Founder & Director · CMIOSH · OSHCR · MIFSM · AIFireE · NFRAR
Chartered Safety Practitioner (CMIOSH), registered on OSHCR, MIFSM, AIFireE, and NFRAR. Founder and Director of Lanahan Risk Management Services Ltd.