North West Fire Risk Assessments
40+ Years Protecting North West Businesses
Fire Risk Assessments for North West Businesses
Every business premises in England needs a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. It’s the foundation of your fire safety, the first thing a fire safety inspector will ask to see, and a legal duty for whoever is responsible for the building.
Full Circuit Fire & Security carries out commercial fire risk assessments for businesses across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cumbria. You get a clear written report and a practical, prioritised action plan, from a team that can also put the recommended fire safety measures in place.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a careful look at your premises and the people who use it. It identifies what could start a fire, who would be at risk and whether your existing fire safety measures are good enough. It then sets out what you need to do to reduce the risk and keep people safe.
It covers far more than fire extinguishers. A proper assessment looks at your building, your processes, your people and your procedures.
Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Yes. Under British fire safety law, mainly the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for a non-domestic premises must carry out a fire risk assessment, put the findings into action and review it regularly.
The law applies to almost every building other than a single private home, including:
- Offices, shops and warehouses
- Factories and workshops
- Hotels, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues
- Schools, nurseries and colleges
- Care homes and healthcare premises
- Private medical and dental practices
- Community buildings and places of worship
- The common areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation
Failing to comply can lead to enforcement notices, prohibition notices, unlimited fines and, in serious cases, prison.
The Law Changed in October 2023
Since October 2023, the rules have been tougher. Every responsible person must now:
- Record the full fire risk assessment in writing, whatever the size of the business
- Record the name of the person or organisation who carried it out
- Record the fire safety arrangements in place
- Share fire safety information with other responsible persons in shared buildings
- Provide relevant fire safety information to residents in buildings with two or more homes
In the past, only businesses with five or more employees had to keep a written record. That exemption has gone. If your written record of your fire risk assessment is missing or out of date, now is the time to put it right.
Who Is the Responsible Person?
The responsible person is usually the employer, the business owner, the landlord, the managing agent or whoever has control of the premises. In shared or multi-occupied buildings, there may be more than one responsible person, and each must work together.
If you’re not sure who is responsible for fire safety in your building, we can help you work it out.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
We follow the structure of PAS 79-1, the recognised method for fire risk assessments in non-domestic premises, and the five steps set out in government guidance.
- Identify fire hazards. We look for sources of ignition such as electrical equipment, heaters, cooking and hot works, sources of fuel such as stock, waste and flammable liquids, and anything that could increase oxygen supply.
- Identify people at risk. We consider staff, visitors, contractors, residents and anyone who may need help to escape, such as young children, older people or people with disabilities.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks. We check the measures already in place, including fire detection and alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire doors, compartmentation, escape routes and signage, and assess whether they’re adequate.
- Record, plan and inform. We record our findings, your emergency plan and the actions needed, and highlight what staff need to know.
- Review. We recommend when your assessment should be reviewed and what changes would trigger a new one.
What Your Fire Risk Assessment Covers
- Fire hazards and sources of ignition
- Electrical safety risks
- Storage of flammable materials and waste
- Means of escape, travel distances and exits
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Fire detection and fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting and signage
- Fire fighting equipment
- Emergency plans and evacuation procedures
- Arrangements for people who need help to evacuate
- Staff fire safety awareness and records
- Maintenance and testing records
Your Written Report and Action Plan
After the assessment, you’ll receive a clear written report that sets out:
- A summary of the fire risk level for your premises
- What we found, area by area
- Which fire safety measures are working well
- What needs improving, in priority order
- Recommended timescales for each action
The report is written in plain English for the responsible person, not filled with jargon. It gives you a clear plan, and the evidence you need for fire safety inspectors, insurers and auditors.
From Report to Action
Most fire risk assessors hand you a report and leave. You’re then left to find contractors for every recommendation.
Because we also install and maintain fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers, we can quote for the recommended improvements and carry them out. One team, from assessment to a fully compliant building.
Fire Safety Specialists You Can Trust
Your fire risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person, someone with the right training, knowledge and experience. Our assessments are carried out by an experienced professional with a background in fire safety, backed by a company that has worked in fire and security since 1981.
You can carry out your own assessment if you’re competent to do so, but a specialist helps make sure nothing is missed. That’s especially important for larger, complex or higher-risk premises.
Every report is a tailored solution for your premises.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
The law says your fire risk assessment must be reviewed regularly. We recommend an annual review for most businesses.
You’ll also need a review or a new assessment after:
- Refurbishments, extensions or changes to the layout
- A change in how the building is used
- A change of ownership or occupier
- Storing new materials or introducing new processes
- A fire or a near miss
- Significant changes in the number or type of people using the building
Fire Risk Assessments for Every Sector
We carry out fire risk assessments for offices, manufacturing sites, warehouses, retail, hospitality, schools, care homes, private medical practices, managed residential blocks and houses in multiple occupation.
Care homes and residential blocks need particular attention. Care homes must plan for residents who can’t evacuate without help. Residential blocks must consider communal areas, flat entrance doors and, under the Fire Safety Act 2021, the building’s structure and external walls.
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
The cost depends on:
- The size of your premises
- How the building is used
- How complex the layout is
- The number of floors and occupants
- Whether you need a new assessment or a review of an existing one
We’ll give you a clear, fixed quotation before any work starts.
Why North West Businesses Choose Full Circuit
- Clear, practical reports written for the responsible person
- Assessments following the structure of PAS 79-1
- Improvements delivered by our own BAFE accredited engineers
- One team for assessment, installation and maintenance
- SSAIB certified and CHAS approved
- Over 40 years’ experience, based in Blackburn
Fire Risk Assessments Across the North West
We carry out fire risk assessments for businesses across the North West, including:
- Lancashire: Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Darwen, Preston, Blackpool, Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Chorley and Skelmersdale
- Greater Manchester: Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Heywood, Salford and Wigan
- Cumbria: Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick
Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement? Yes. The responsible person for almost every non-domestic premises must carry out a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Does every business need a written fire risk assessment? Yes. Since October 2023, all businesses in England must record their full fire risk assessment in writing.
Who is the responsible person? Usually the employer, owner, landlord, managing agent or whoever has control of the premises.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed? Regularly, and whenever something significant changes. We recommend an annual review for most businesses.
Can I do my own fire risk assessment? You can if you’re competent, but a specialist helps make sure nothing is missed, especially in larger or higher-risk premises.
How long does a fire risk assessment take? It depends on the size and use of your premises. Most small and medium premises can be assessed in a single visit. We’ll give you a timescale with your quote.
What happens if I don’t have a fire risk assessment? You could face enforcement action, unlimited fines and, in serious cases, prison. Your insurance could also be affected.
Can you carry out the work the assessment recommends? Yes. We install and maintain fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers, so we can quote for the improvements.
Get Your Free Fire Risk Assessment Quote
Tell us about your premises and we’ll send a clear, no-obligation quotation. Call 01254 665 766 or get your free quote online.
