Question 1

How often do I need a fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed legal interval, but the Fire Safety Order requires your assessment to be kept up to date. As a rule of thumb, review it annually and carry out a fresh assessment every 1–2 years, or sooner after significant changes to the building, its use, or its occupants.

Question 2

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person for almost any non-domestic premises — and the common parts of residential blocks — must carry out and maintain a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 4 fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

The types refer to how far the assessment looks into a building. Type 1 is the most common, non-destructive review of common parts. Types 2–4 go progressively further, including destructive inspection and sampling of individual flats, and are used where there is reason to look deeper.

Question 4

Do I need a fire strategy as well as a fire risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Not always. A fire risk assessment evaluates an existing building in use. A fire strategy is a design document for new builds, change-of-use, or complex buildings, setting out the fire safety principles to support planning and Building Regulations. We can advise which you need.

Question 5

Who is the 'Responsible Person'?

Accepted Answer

It is whoever has control of the premises — typically the employer, building owner, landlord, or managing agent. The Responsible Person carries the legal duty to manage fire safety and act on the assessment's findings.

Question 6

How quickly can you carry out an assessment?

Accepted Answer

We aim to be responsive and will agree a timescale with you up front, prioritising urgent or enforcement-driven work. Get in touch with your requirements and we'll confirm availability.

Question 7

Do you cover health & safety as well as fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside fire safety we provide general health & safety risk assessments, audits, RAMS, policies, and competent person support — so you can manage both through one consultancy.

Question 8

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We are based in London and work across every London borough for residential, commercial, and construction clients.

Fire safety questions, answered

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