16/07/2026
What Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Transparent Guide to Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
When you book a Fire Risk Assessment with National Fire Risk Assessments, you deserve to know exactly what to expect.
Many businesses worry that an assessment will be disruptive, overly technical or simply another compliance exercise. Our approach is different. We believe every client should understand the process, the findings and, most importantly, how those findings help protect people, property and your legal responsibilities.
Our experienced fire risk assessors carry out professional, methodical assessments that comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and current UK fire safety guidance. The assessment follows the recognised five-step process used across England and Wales.
Before We Arrive
Before visiting your premises, we gather as much information as possible, including:
Building type and use
Number of occupants
Previous Fire Risk Assessments
Any recent building alterations
Existing fire safety arrangements
Special risks or vulnerable occupants
This preparation allows us to make the assessment efficient and focused on your specific premises.
Step 1 – Understanding Your Building
Every building is unique.
Our assessor begins with a walkthrough of the premises to understand:
How the building is used
Daily operations
Occupancy levels
Areas with higher fire risk
Existing fire safety measures
Whether we are assessing:
Offices
Warehouses
Schools
Retail premises
Hotels
Care Homes
Industrial buildings
Apartment Blocks
Mixed-use developments
the assessment is tailored to your specific risks rather than using a generic checklist.
Step 2 – Identifying Fire Hazards
We carefully inspect the premises for potential fire hazards, including:
Sources of ignition
Electrical installations
Portable electrical equipment
Heating appliances
Commercial kitchens
Hot works
Smoking areas
Sources of fuel
Paper storage
Packaging
Waste materials
Chemicals
Flammable liquids
Furniture
Textiles
Sources of oxygen
Medical oxygen
Gas cylinders
Ventilation systems
Compressed gases
Our aim is to identify where a fire could start and how it could spread.
Step 3 – Assessing Who Could Be At Risk
Fire safety is about protecting people.
We consider everyone who may use the building, including:
Employees
Visitors
Contractors
Customers
Residents
Disabled persons
Elderly occupants
Young people
Lone workers
We also consider whether anyone may require additional assistance during an evacuation.
Step 4 – Reviewing Fire Protection Measures
One of the largest parts of the assessment involves examining the existing fire safety arrangements.
This includes reviewing:
Fire Detection
Smoke alarms
Fire alarm systems
Manual call points
Alarm coverage
Means of Escape
Escape routes
Exit doors
Final exits
Emergency lighting
Exit signage
Fire Fighting Equipment
Fire extinguishers
Fire blankets
Hose reels (where applicable)
Passive Fire Protection
Fire doors
Compartmentation
Fire stopping
Structural protection
Fire Safety Management
Staff training
Fire drills
Emergency procedures
Maintenance records
Fire log books
The purpose is not simply to identify deficiencies but to determine whether your current precautions are appropriate for your building and the level of risk.
Step 5 – Evaluating the Risks
Having gathered all the information, the assessor evaluates:
The likelihood of fire occurring
The potential consequences
The adequacy of existing precautions
Any additional measures required
Every recommendation is prioritised according to risk, helping clients address the most important issues first.
We avoid unnecessary recommendations and only advise improvements that genuinely enhance fire safety and legal compliance.
Your Fire Risk Assessment Report
Following the inspection, you receive a comprehensive written report.
This typically includes:
Executive Summary
Description of the premises
Significant findings
Fire hazards identified
Persons at risk
Existing fire precautions
Risk rating
Photographic evidence (where appropriate)
Prioritised action plan
Recommendations for compliance
Our reports are written in clear, straightforward language, making them easy to understand without compromising technical accuracy.
Discussing the Findings
Unlike some providers who simply email a report, we are happy to explain our findings and answer your questions.
Many clients appreciate having the opportunity to discuss:
Why recommendations have been made
Which actions are legally required
Which improvements should be prioritised
Timescales for completing works
Future review dates
We believe informed clients make better decisions about fire safety.
Will the Assessment Disrupt My Business?
In most cases, disruption is minimal.
Our assessors work around your business wherever possible.
Most assessments involve:
Visual inspections
Discussions with responsible persons
Examination of documentation
Observation of fire safety measures
There is normally no need to interrupt your day-to-day operations.
Why Clients Choose National Fire Risk Assessments
Clients across England trust us because we provide:
Experienced and competent assessors
Clear, practical advice
Comprehensive reports
Transparent recommendations
Nationwide coverage
Professional customer service
Assessments tailored to each building
Ongoing support after the assessment
Our objective is not simply to produce paperwork—it is to help organisations create safer premises while meeting their legal responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Fire Risk Assessment take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the building. Smaller premises may take around an hour, while larger or more complex sites can take several hours.
Will I receive a report?
Yes. Every assessment includes a detailed written report outlining findings, risk levels and recommended actions.
Can you assess multiple sites?
Absolutely. We regularly carry out Fire Risk Assessments for organisations with multiple locations across England.
Do you help after the assessment?
Yes. We are available to explain recommendations, answer questions and provide guidance on implementing improvements.
Book Your Fire Risk Assessment
Whether you manage a single office, a school, warehouse, care home, retail premises or a national property portfolio, National Fire Risk Assessments provides professional, independent Fire Risk Assessments designed to keep people safe and help your organisation remain compliant.
Our commitment is simple:
Professional assessments. Practical advice. Trusted expertise.
