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Knowledge Centre Fire Safety Guides

Who Can Conduct a Fire-Risk Assessment?

The person assessing fire risk must have the knowledge and experience needed for your particular premises and produce a suitable and sufficient assessment. If you appoint help, the responsible person still retains responsibility for the assessment and actions, so agree both the inspection brief and how findings will be followed up.

Black & White Property Services2 min read
who can conduct a fire-risk assessment?
who can conduct a fire-risk assessment?

What to check

  • Describe the building’s use and occupants, including vulnerable people.
  • Identify known fire hazards and existing precautions.
  • Provide details of escape, warning and emergency arrangements.
  • Ask for significant findings and clear actions to address them.

Plan the next decision

Check that the assessor’s competence fits the building’s complexity. Appointing someone to help does not transfer the responsible person’s responsibility for the assessment or its actions.

Agree who instructs the work, how access is provided and what report is needed. Safety, security and compliance issues require competent assessment using the property’s actual information.

Records and follow-up

Save the brief and findings with records of action taken. Give uncompleted recommendations a person responsible for arranging them and a follow-up date.

Related work

Explore the relevant commercial route and maintenance, or contact the responsible business with the property details and the work arising from your assessment.

Source

Read current official guidance to understand the responsibility framework. Check the rules for your jurisdiction and premises and verify that time-sensitive advice is current.

Frequently asked questions

How should I choose a fire risk assessor?

Check that the person has suitable competence for the type and complexity of your premises. Ask about relevant experience and how findings and limitations will be explained.

What happens after the assessment?

The responsible person needs to act on findings, maintain appropriate measures and review the assessment as needed. Agree who owns each action and its priority.