- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
A fire risk assessment is not just a compliance exercise. It protects people, supports legal compliance and strengthens business continuity. This guide explains why it matters — factually, without fear-based messaging. The duty arises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Protecting people
The primary purpose of a fire risk assessment is to protect the people who use your premises — employees, visitors, residents and contractors — by identifying hazards and ensuring adequate precautions are in place.
Legal compliance
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Recording duties apply in full following the October 2023 changes under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Business continuity
Fire can disrupt or destroy a business. A proportionate assessment identifies risks to continuity — fire loading, compartmentation, detection — and supports practical mitigation that keeps the business running.
Insurance and procurement
Insurers and procurement teams increasingly expect evidence of a current, competent fire risk assessment. A documented, prioritised assessment supports both — and demonstrates due diligence.
Cited Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a business need a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment protects people, fulfils the legal duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, supports business continuity by identifying risks to operations, and provides evidence for insurers and procurement teams.
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement for businesses?
Yes. In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out for premises within scope. Recording in full is required regardless of employee count.
Do insurers require a fire risk assessment?
Most insurers expect evidence of a current, competent fire risk assessment as part of their underwriting and claims process. A documented, prioritised assessment demonstrates due diligence and supports cover.
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.