If you run a business or manage property in the UK, you’ll already know that fire safety is a legal responsibility. Central to this responsibility is the requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment. But do you need to hire a professional to conduct one, or can you do it yourself?
The short answer is: Yes, you can do your own fire risk assessment—but it depends on the complexity of your premises and whether you have the knowledge and competence to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of DIY fire risk assessments, the legal requirements, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a structured review of your premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate risks to people, and determine what measures are needed to prevent fires and ensure safe evacuation.
The key objectives of a fire risk assessment are to:
- Identify fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen)
- Evaluate the risks and who may be harmed
- Implement measures to remove or reduce those risks
- Ensure there are adequate fire protection measures, such as alarms, extinguishers, and escape routes
- Record significant findings (if you have five or more employees)
- Review and update the assessment regularly or after significant changes
What the Law Says (UK Fire Safety Legislation)
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often called the Fire Safety Order), a responsible person must:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment
- Implement appropriate fire safety measures
- Keep the assessment up to date
If you are the responsible person—whether as a business owner, employer, landlord, or property manager—you have a legal duty to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment, particularly if people are injured as a result of negligence.
Can You Do Your Own Fire Risk Assessment?
The Fire Safety Order does not specify that a professional must carry out the assessment. If you have the necessary knowledge and understanding, you can do it yourself.
However, you must be confident that you can:
- Identify all fire hazards and risks
- Understand how fires start and spread
- Recognise who is at risk, including vulnerable people
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety measures
- Recommend and implement further actions if required
- Stay up to date with fire safety laws and best practices
If your building is simple, such as a small shop or office with low fire risk and few employees, it may be reasonable to do the fire risk assessment yourself using guidance from the government or fire services.
But if your premises are complex, high-risk, or have multiple occupancies, you are unlikely to have the expertise to meet legal requirements without professional help.
The Pros of Doing Your Own Fire Risk Assessment
1. Cost Savings
DIY fire risk assessments can save money, especially for small businesses with straightforward premises. Professional services come at a cost, and smaller operations may not have the budget.
2. Familiarity with Your Premises
As the responsible person, you are often the most familiar with how the premises are used and where potential hazards exist. This can help you spot day-to-day risks that a third-party assessor might miss.
3. Control and Flexibility
Doing it yourself means you can schedule assessments and reviews at times that suit you, without relying on external consultants.
The Cons of Doing Your Own Fire Risk Assessment
1. Lack of Expertise
Fire risk assessment isn’t just about spotting obvious hazards like overloaded sockets. It involves understanding compartmentation, fire spread, escape route design, and regulatory compliance. Without the right expertise, you risk missing critical issues.
2. Legal Risks
If your assessment is found to be insufficient, you could face legal action, fines, or even imprisonment in the event of an incident. A competent person must carry out the assessment. If you lack the skills or experience, you are unlikely to be seen as competent under the law.
3. Insurance Implications
An inadequate risk assessment could invalidate your business insurance if a fire occurs. Insurers may expect evidence that your fire risk assessment was carried out by a qualified person.
4. Missed Opportunities for Improvement
Professionals don’t just point out hazards—they offer practical, cost-effective solutions that you may not be aware of. Missing out on their advice could lead to inefficient or non-compliant fire safety measures.
When Should You Call in a Professional?
You should always consider using a professional fire risk assessor if your premises are:
- Large or complex (multi-storey buildings, multiple units, or unusual layouts)
- High risk (factories, warehouses, sites storing flammable substances, or premises with high footfall)
- Shared spaces, such as multi-occupancy buildings
- Occupied by vulnerable people, such as care homes, hospitals, or residential buildings requiring PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)
- Subject to specific regulations, such as licensed premises, high-rise buildings, or buildings covered by the Building Safety Act 2022
You should also consider professional help if:
- You are uncertain about legal requirements
- You have limited knowledge of fire safety
- You don’t have the time to conduct a thorough assessment
- Your previous fire risk assessment was carried out a long time ago, and your business has since changed significantly
What Makes a Competent Person?
The Fire Safety Order requires the assessment to be done by a competent person. This means someone with:
- Adequate knowledge of fire safety principles
- Understanding of fire safety legislation
- Experience in carrying out fire risk assessments
- Ability to identify hazards and recommend appropriate actions
Many professional assessors hold industry-recognised qualifications or certifications, such as:
- Fire Risk Assessor Certification (IFSM or IFE)
- Registration with third-party accredited schemes (such as BAFE SP205)
What Are the Legal Consequences of Getting It Wrong?
If your fire risk assessment is deemed inadequate, you could face:
- Enforcement notices from the Fire and Rescue Authority
- Prohibition notices closing part or all of your premises until remedial work is done
- Prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fines or imprisonment in severe cases (recent fines for fire safety breaches in the UK can reach £100,000+)
Non-compliance could also result in:
- Increased insurance premiums
- Invalidated policies
- Damage to reputation, particularly if lives are endangered or lost
Should You Do Your Own Fire Risk Assessment?
DIY Fire Risk Assessments May Be Suitable If:
- Your premises are small, simple, and low-risk
- You have basic knowledge of fire safety
- You follow official guidance, such as the government’s “Fire safety risk assessment” series
- You’re confident you can meet the legal requirements
Professional Fire Risk Assessments Are Advised If:
- You manage a complex or high-risk building
- You’re unsure about fire safety regulations
- Your insurance or regulatory body requires third-party validation
- You want peace of mind knowing your assessment is robust and compliant
At Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy, we offer professional fire prevention and protection advice. Contact us today on 07585 896648