A fire risk assessment (FRA) evaluates a property’s preparedness and ability to mitigate the risk of fire accidents. It identifies hazards, determines risks, and implements measures for keeping people safe.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires establishments and non-domestic premises, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), offices, warehouses, shops, schools, hospitals, and hotels, to conduct an FRA. These fire risk assessments for commercial spaces are vital.
Non-compliance can result in legal action, loss of insurance claims, civil penalties, and hefty fines. If the violation is serious, failure may even result in prison time.
For those responsible for conducting the FRA in their respective businesses or organisations for the first time, you may wonder how much the assessment costs. Here’s everything you need to know.
Average Fire Risk Assessment Cost in the UK
How much a fire assessment costs is a common consideration for landlords and those who’ve just started managing properties. While there’s no single figure to answer this question, the amount you pay will depend on several factors, including the size, complexity, and purpose of the building.
A small office or store, on average, one that’s under 200m², typically costs anywhere from £200 to £400. From there, the bigger and more complex the property gets, the more expenses you can expect.
Fire risk assessment for healthcare facilities, for instance, would be much higher because they handle products and deliver services that directly impact human life.
Care homes, clinics, and hospitals usually pay between £700 and £3,000 (or more) to have their facility professionally evaluated for fire safety.
For rental properties, such as HMOs, the average FRA cost will usually be based on the number of rooms and tenants.
Factors Affecting Fire Risk Assessment Cost
Several variables influence how much you can expect to pay for an FRA. The primary driver professional assessors look at is the size.
Larger buildings, typically those with multiple floors, generally require extensive safety planning. The layout’s complexity can also add to the time and, therefore, cost.
Besides the size, the FRA cost is also impacted by:
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Degree of risk: Small offices are often considered lower-risk than, say, warehouses where potentially hazardous equipment and goods are stored.
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Level of assessment needed: Some buildings need only visual inspections, while others demand a more intrusive approach (opening ceilings, checking fire-resistant walls, etc.), which requires a specialist.
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Conditions of fire safety measures: Too many faulty detectors, exposed wiring, or blocked exits can slow down a professional assessor. Missing documentation can further delay evaluation.
Certain sectors have additional regulatory requirements. In healthcare facilities, for instance, evacuation plans must always consider those who can’t physically move. This adds another layer of detail, expertise, and time to the FRA, ramping up cost.
How Many Times Do You Need To Conduct FRA?
Another thing worth considering when estimating cost is the number of times you’ll be required to carry out fire risk assessments in your property’s premises.
While there’s no legal expiration date for an FRA, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does say it must be kept up to date. This means it must be reviewed regularly and revised if necessary to ensure it remains relevant, suitable, and sufficient.
A review must always be carried out whenever changes occur within the premises covered in the previous fire risk assessment. These changes include layout alterations, fluctuations in occupancy, and modifications that alter the property’s initial purpose. The assessment must also be updated if a fire—even a minor one—has erupted in the vicinity.
In practice, many businesses and establishments adopt a yearly FRA review to ensure compliance. This is considered best practice because it keeps records current and shows that the responsible individual is proactive in fire safety.
Are You Allowed to Do Your Own Fire Risk Assessment?
According to the law, the individual tasked with carrying out fire risk assessments is the “responsible person.” Depending on the situation, this person can be the owner, landlord, or employer.
An occupier may carry out an FRA if they have sufficient knowledge and training. Someone who has some form of control over the premises, such as a manager, is also allowed.
In cases where there’s more than one responsible individual, they must work together to fulfil their obligations. These obligations are as follows:
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Carry out and review the fire risk assessment regularly
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Distribute crucial fire safety information to staff and occupants
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Set up fire safety measures (alarms, detectors, evacuation plans, etc.)
Responsible individuals must provide their staff with the necessary instruction and training in case of emergencies. Professional fire safety professionals, like Barbon Fire Protection, offer these training sessions.
When Should You Hire Professional Fire Safety Assessors?
While you can technically conduct a fire risk assessment of your property, finding a professional can be the smarter choice and a worthwhile investment.
This is especially true in situations like:
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When the building is complex or consists of multiple storeys
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High-risk properties, such as warehouses, factories, and healthcare sites
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Evaluating shared spaces, including HMOs
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Buildings subjected to special regulations (e.g., high-rise buildings)
Those new to fire safety should consider hiring a specialist to avoid unintentional lapses in the assessment. It’s always safer to work with an expert if you have limited knowledge of fire hazards and risks.
FAQs
What happens in a fire risk assessment?
There are five steps in a fire risk assessment: recognising hazards, identifying the people at risk, setting up measures, recording the findings, and reviewing and updating the FRA.
Is there a way to reduce the cost of fire risk assessment?
Without compromising safety, you can reduce the cost of an FRA through proactive preparation, such as organising documentation, having an updated floor plan, and conducting pre-assessment inspections.
Do I need to install fire alarms and smoke detectors?
Yes, the responsible person is obligated to ensure that the risk of fire accidents is reduced. This includes setting up fire alarms and smoke detectors.
Bottom Line
The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary based on several factors. Depending on the size, complexity, and purpose of a property, you can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £3,000 or more.
Sufficient preparation can help reduce expenses. Working with a professional ensures legal compliance while simultaneously significantly mitigating the risks to life and property.
