Fire Risk Assessment Checklist – What to Look for and Why

A fire risk assessment checklist is the cornerstone of fire safety compliance for business owners, landlords, property managers, and other “responsible persons” in England & Wales. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“the Fire Safety Order”), you must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out for all non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings.

This legal duty is not optional. Fire and rescue authorities actively enforce compliance, and breaches can result in enforcement notices, unlimited fines, or imprisonment. Since January 2023, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have introduced additional duties for certain buildings, particularly high-rise residential blocks and those with communal areas.

This guide provides both a quick-reference fire risk assessment checklist for immediate use and a detailed breakdown explaining each requirement, its legal basis, and why it is critical for life safety and compliance.

Quick Fire Risk Assessment Checklist (Summary)

Step 1 – Identify Fire Hazards

Ignition sources (electrical, heating, smoking, hot works).

Fuel sources (paper, textiles, flammable liquids).

Oxygen sources (ventilation systems, oxygen cylinders).

Step 2 – Identify People at Risk

Occupants (staff, tenants, residents).

Visitors and contractors.

Vulnerable individuals (mobility, sensory, cognitive impairments).

Step 3 – Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks

Eliminate hazards where possible.

Control unavoidable risks with preventive measures.

Step 4 – Record Findings

Document hazards, risk levels, and controls.

Keep written evidence for legal compliance.

Step 5 – Plan for Emergencies

Evacuation strategy.

Fire drills and training.

Emergency equipment checks.

Step 6 – Provide Fire Safety Information

Display evacuation instructions.

Issue information to residents and staff.

Step 7 – Inspect Fire Safety Equipment

Alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers.

Emergency lighting.

Step 8 – Maintain Fire Doors

Check flat entrance doors annually (11m+ buildings).

Check communal fire doors every 3 months.

Step 9 – Review and Update Regularly

At least annually or after changes/incidents.

Detailed Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

Below is an expanded breakdown of each checklist point, with examples, legislation references, and best practice recommendations.

1. Identify Fire Hazards

Legal reference: Article 9(1) of the Fire Safety Order.

A hazard is anything that could start a fire. Identifying hazards means examining the premises in detail to spot:

Ignition sources – overloaded plug sockets, faulty wiring, portable heaters, kitchen appliances, hot works equipment.

Fuel sources – cardboard boxes, stock in storage areas, upholstered furniture, waste bins, paint, aerosols.

Oxygen sources – air conditioning systems, mechanical ventilation, medical oxygen, oxidising chemicals in cleaning cupboards.

Example: In a multi-let office building, faulty lighting ballasts in the basement plant room could be an ignition source. Cardboard boxes stored near them increase the fire load, making this a priority for remedial action.

2. Identify People at Risk

Legal reference: Article 9(2).

This step is about determining who might be in danger if a fire occurs, considering:

Building use patterns – Are there night shifts, events, or peak customer hours?

Vulnerable persons – Elderly residents in sheltered housing, wheelchair users in offices, young children in nurseries.

Contractors and visitors – Who may not know the building’s layout or fire procedures.

Example: In a care home, residents with dementia may not understand evacuation instructions, requiring additional staff training and refuge points.

3. Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks

Legal reference: Article 9(1)(b).

Once hazards are identified, you must take action to:

Remove – Replace combustible display materials with fire-retardant alternatives.

Reduce – Store flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets.

Control – Introduce hot works permits, PAT testing schedules, and regular electrical inspections.

Example: A retail store introduces self-closing fire doors to separate storage areas from sales floors, reducing fire spread risk.

4. Record Findings

Legal reference: Article 9(6).

If you employ five or more people, hold a licence, or your premises fall under the 2022 Regulations, you must record significant findings:

Hazards identified.

People at risk.

Control measures implemented.

Further action required.

Example: An office block records that fire extinguishers were found blocked by office chairs during inspection. The action plan requires all corridors to be kept clear, with monthly checks added.

5. Plan for Emergencies

Legal references: Articles 15 & 17; Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Regulations 9 & 10 for residential buildings with communal areas.

A compliant emergency plan should cover:

Evacuation strategy – Simultaneous, phased, or “stay put” (for certain residential designs).

Escape routes – Clear, signed, and adequately lit.

Assembly points – Safe locations outside the building.

Training and drills – Conduct at least once a year, recording attendance and feedback.

Example: In a warehouse, drills identify that forklift trucks block escape doors during busy shifts. Management introduces a revised storage plan and disciplinary measures for obstructions.

6. Provide Fire Safety Information

Legal reference: Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Regulation 9.

The responsible person must:

Display evacuation instructions in communal areas.

Provide a copy to new residents or staff.

Update annually or after material changes.

Example: A block of flats posts fire instructions in the lobby and emails them to residents after a change to the evacuation strategy.

7. Inspect Fire Safety Equipment

Legal references: Article 17; Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Regulation 7 for monthly checks in high-rise residential buildings.

Essential checks include:

Fire alarms – Weekly user tests, annual engineer servicing.

Extinguishers – Monthly in-house checks, annual service.

Emergency lighting – Monthly functional tests, annual 3-hour duration test.

Sprinklers/water mist – Regular inspection to manufacturer’s schedule.

Example: A hotel discovers during monthly checks that a kitchen suppression system has a faulty nozzle. It is immediately taken out of service and the fire and rescue authority informed until repairs are complete.

8. Maintain Fire Doors

Legal reference: Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Regulation 10.

Flat entrance doors (11m+ residential buildings) – Best endeavours to check annually.

Communal fire doors – Check at least every 3 months.

Checks must include self-closing device operation and integrity of seals.

Example: In a student accommodation block, quarterly checks reveal that several fire doors don’t latch due to wear. Repairs are prioritised to maintain compartmentation.

9. Review and Update Regularly

Legal reference: Article 9(3).

Review the assessment:

After a building alteration or change in use.

After a fire incident or near miss.

Annually as best practice.

Example: After converting part of a warehouse into offices, the responsible person updates the fire risk assessment to account for increased occupancy and different evacuation needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating it as a box-ticking exercise – Risk assessments must be site-specific.

Not involving competent persons – Especially for complex buildings.

Failing to act on findings – Recording risks without implementing controls.

Neglecting updates – Letting documents go years without review.

FAQs – Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

Q1: Who is responsible for the fire risk assessment?
The “responsible person” as defined in Article 3 of the Fire Safety Order — typically the employer, landlord, or building manager.

Q2: Do I need a professional assessor?
For small, simple premises you may complete it yourself if competent, but complex or high-risk buildings require professional assessment.

Q3: How often should I review it?
At least annually or after significant change.

Q4: What if I fail to comply?
Fire authorities can issue enforcement notices, fines, or prosecute.

Conclusion & Next Steps

A thorough fire risk assessment checklist is more than a compliance exercise — it’s an ongoing commitment to life safety and legal protection. By systematically following each step, recording your actions, and reviewing regularly, you protect people, property, and your legal standing.

Anstey Horne’s Fire Risk Assessment service offers expert, fully compliant assessments tailored to your building type and usage. We also provide Fire Door Surveys and Retrospective Fire Strategy services to ensure your safety measures meet both current legislation and best practice.

Book a Compliant Fire Risk Assessment

Anstey Horne delivers thorough, legally compliant fire risk assessments across England & Wales. We reference the Fire Safety Order, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and Section 156 changes to give you clear actions, practical timelines, and full documentation for audits and insurers.

To commission a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) or a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls survey (FRAEW) please call 020 4534 3130.

For further information on FRA, FRAEW Surveys, PAS9980 or EWS1 forms please call one of our assessors for expert advice.

If you need more advice in respect of your obligations as a building owner, developer or manager, please contact us. For more information on all aspects of this service see the collection of articles in our blog.

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To commission a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) or a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls survey (FRAEW) please call 020 4534 3130.

For further information on Fire Risk Assessments or advice in respect of your obligations as a building owner, developer or manager, please contact :