Fire Risk Assessment: DIY or Professional?

If you're responsible for fire safety in a building, you need a fire risk assessment. But should you do it yourself or hire a professional? This decision depends on the complexity of your premises, the risks involved, and your own competence.

This guide explains when DIY is appropriate, when professional assessment is essential, and what both approaches should cover.

Your legal obligation

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" (usually the employer, landlord, or building owner) must:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment
• Implement and maintain appropriate fire safety measures
• Keep the assessment under review

The law doesn't specify who must conduct the assessment, only that it must be carried out by a "competent person" — someone with adequate training, experience, and knowledge.

The DIY vs professional decision

The fundamental question is: do you have the competence to identify fire hazards and evaluate risks in your specific premises?

When DIY is appropriate

You may be able to conduct your own fire risk assessment if:

• The premises are straightforward (single-occupancy office, shop, workshop, light industrial unit)
• There's no sleeping accommodation
• The building is not large or complex
• You don't have vulnerable occupants (children, elderly, disabled people needing assistance)
• The layout is simple with clear escape routes
• Fire risks are low to moderate
• You have time to do it properly using government guidance
• You're willing to review it regularly and seek professional advice when needed

When professional assessment is essential

You should use a qualified fire risk assessor if your premises include:

Sleeping accommodation:

• Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs
• Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
• Care homes and nursing homes
• Hostels and student accommodation
• Staff residential facilities

Vulnerable occupants:

• Care homes and day centres
• Schools and nurseries
• Healthcare premises
• Sheltered housing

Complex buildings:

• Buildings over 18 metres (approximately 6 storeys) tall
• Large multi-occupancy buildings
• Complex layouts with multiple escape routes
• Historic or listed buildings
• Buildings with mixed uses
• Shopping centres and entertainment venues
• Premises with basements used for public access

High fire risk activities:

• Manufacturing involving flammable materials
• Warehouses storing hazardous substances
• Premises with hot work or industrial processes
• Entertainment venues with special effects

DIY assessment guide for simple premises

If you've determined that DIY is appropriate for your premises, follow this structured approach.

Before you start

Gather information:

• Building plans (if available)
• Previous fire risk assessments
• Records of fire safety equipment
• Staff numbers and working patterns
• Details of any vulnerable people

Get the right guidance:

• Download the appropriate government guide for your premises type from gov.uk
• Examples: "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Offices and Shops" or "Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Factories and Warehouses"

Step 1: Identify fire hazards

Walk through every area of your premises, including less-used spaces. Look for:

Ignition sources (heat):

• Electrical equipment, especially portable heaters, kettles, phone chargers
• Cooking appliances
• Faulty wiring, damaged cables, overloaded sockets
• Machinery that generates heat or friction
• Smoking materials (even if smoking is prohibited, check for evidence)
• Hot work activities (welding, cutting, grinding)
• Arson risks (external rubbish storage, accessible entry points)

Fuel sources:

• Paper, cardboard, packaging
• Furniture, soft furnishings, curtains
• Flammable liquids (cleaning products, paints, solvents)
• Waste storage
• Wood, timber, pallets
• Plastics and foam materials

Oxygen sources:

• Generally just normal air
• Oxygen cylinders (medical/industrial)
• Oxidising chemicals
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems

Step 2: Identify people at risk

Consider who is in your building and when:

• Employees: How many? Working patterns? Anyone working alone or in isolated areas?
• Visitors: Customers, clients, members of the public — people unfamiliar with the building
• Contractors: Delivery drivers, maintenance staff, cleaners (often outside normal hours)
• People who may need assistance:
  • Those with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments
  • Anyone who might be unfamiliar with escape routes
  • People working in basement or upper floors
  • Anyone who might be isolated or unable to hear alarm

Step 3: Evaluate risks and existing measures

For each hazard, ask:

1. Can I eliminate it? (Remove the hazard entirely)
2. Can I reduce it? (Use safer alternatives, separate ignition from fuel, implement controls)
3. Are my existing protections adequate?

Review your existing fire safety measures:

Detection and warning:

• Do you have appropriate smoke/heat detection?
• Does your fire alarm cover all areas?
• Is it tested weekly?
• Can everyone hear it, including those with hearing impairments?

Means of escape:

• Can everyone reach a place of safety quickly?
• Are there at least two escape routes from most areas?
• Are escape routes clear, unobstructed, and at least 1m wide?
• Do fire doors close properly and have working seals and hinges?
• Are escape routes lit (including emergency lighting if needed)?
• Are fire exit signs clear and visible?
• Can final exit doors be opened easily from the inside without a key?

Fire fighting equipment:

• Do you have appropriate fire extinguishers for the types of fire that could occur?
• Are they located on escape routes, near high-risk areas?
• Are they serviced annually by a competent person?
• Have staff received basic fire extinguisher training?

Emergency procedures:

• Does everyone know what to do if the alarm sounds?
• Do you have an assembly point?
• Have you practiced evacuation (fire drill)?
• Do you have a system for accounting for visitors?

Maintenance:

• Is fire safety equipment tested and maintained regularly?
• Are records kept?
• Is someone designated to manage fire safety?

Step 4: Record significant findings

Your written fire risk assessment should include:

Premises information:

• Address and description
• Number of floors, approximate size
• Use of premises
• Maximum occupancy
• Vulnerable people present

Assessment details:

• Date of assessment
• Your name and role
• Date for next review

Significant fire hazards:

• What you found
• Where they are
• Why they're significant

People at risk:

• How many people typically present
• Any especially at risk
• When premises are occupied

Existing fire safety measures:

• What you have in place
• Are they adequate?

Action plan:

• What improvements are needed
• Priority (high/medium/low)
• Who's responsible
• Target date
• Completion date (filled in when done)

Step 5: Implement your action plan

A fire risk assessment is pointless without action. Prioritise improvements:

High priority (immediate action):

• Blocked fire exits or escape routes
• Malfunctioning fire doors
• Non-working fire alarm or emergency lighting
• Missing or expired fire extinguishers
• Significant fire hazards near ignition sources

Medium priority (within weeks):

• Improving signage
• Staff fire safety training
• Reviewing emergency procedures
• Servicing fire equipment
• Reducing combustible storage

Low priority (plan and implement):

• Improvements to management procedures
• Better housekeeping practices
• Longer-term building modifications

Step 6: Review regularly

Your assessment must be reviewed:

• At least annually (good practice)
• After any changes: new equipment, altered layout, different use, changed occupancy
• After any incident: fire, near miss, or false alarm
• If you think it's no longer valid

When professional assessment is essential

Some premises are simply too complex or high-risk for DIY assessment, regardless of your diligence.

Legal and practical considerations

While the law doesn't explicitly require professional assessment for specific premises types, using an unqualified person for complex premises could:

• Leave you unable to demonstrate "competence" if challenged
• Result in inadequate assessment that misses serious risks
• Expose you to prosecution if a fire occurs
• Invalidate insurance coverage
• Put lives at risk

Premises that require professional assessment

Sleeping accommodation (highest priority):

Any premises where people sleep need professional assessment because:

• People are most vulnerable when asleep
• Discovery of fire is delayed
• Evacuation is slower
• Risks are significantly higher

This includes:

• Hotels, B&Bs, guest houses
• HMOs, hostels, boarding houses
• Care homes and nursing homes
• Student accommodation with sleeping
• Staff residential facilities

Buildings over 18 metres:

Since the Grenfell Tower fire, buildings over 18m (approximately 6 storeys) face enhanced scrutiny:

• Complex evacuation challenges
• External wall system considerations
• Simultaneous evacuation vs stay-put strategies
• Building Safety Act requirements

Professional assessment by someone with high-rise experience is essential.

Vulnerable occupants:

Premises with people who can't easily evacuate need expert assessment:

• Care homes, day centres
• Schools, nurseries
• Healthcare facilities
• Sheltered housing

Professional assessors will consider Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), staff training needs, and appropriate detection/alarm systems.

Complex buildings:

Professional assessment is strongly recommended for:

• Multi-occupancy buildings (shops with flats above, business parks)
• Large premises (over 500m²)
• Multiple floors with complex layouts
• Heritage or listed buildings with building regulation challenges
• Premises with significant basement areas
• Shopping centres and entertainment venues

Choosing a professional fire risk assessor

There's no single required qualification for fire risk assessors, which means quality varies significantly. Here's how to choose competently.

What to look for

Professional registration or certification:

Look for assessors registered with or certified by:

• BAFE SP205: Third-party certification scheme for fire risk assessors
• Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE): Professional body for fire safety professionals
• Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (FPA): Membership demonstrates commitment to professional standards
• Register of Fire Risk Assessors (RoFRA): Competency register

Relevant qualifications:

While no single qualification is required, look for:

• Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Risk Assessment)
• Membership of IFE or similar professional body
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Insurance:

Professional indemnity insurance is essential. Ask for evidence and check:

• Coverage amount (at least £2 million)
• That it's current
• That it specifically covers fire risk assessment

Experience:

• How long have they been conducting assessments?
• Do they have experience with your type of premises?
• Can they provide references from similar clients?
• Are they familiar with relevant industry-specific guidance?

Questions to ask potential assessors

1. What are your qualifications and professional memberships?
2. Do you have professional indemnity insurance? Can I see evidence?
3. How much experience do you have with [my type of premises]?
4. Will you conduct the assessment personally, or will someone else?
5. What will the assessment include? (site visit duration, written report, action plan)
6. How long will the written report take?
7. Will you explain the findings and answer questions?
8. What does your fee include? (initial assessment, report, follow-up support)
9. Can you provide references from similar clients?

What professional assessment should include

A professional fire risk assessment should provide:

Site visit:

• Thorough inspection of all areas, including voids, roof spaces, plant rooms
• Photography of significant hazards and deficiencies
• Discussion with you about building use and occupancy

Written report including:

• Executive summary
• Premises description and occupancy details
• Methodology used
• Significant fire hazards identified
• People at risk
• Existing fire safety measures
• Evaluation of adequacy
• Prioritised action plan with recommendations
• Review date
• Floor plans showing escape routes, fire safety equipment locations

Follow-up:

• Explanation of findings
• Answers to your questions
• Advice on implementing recommendations
• Indication of when review is needed

What to expect to pay

Fire risk assessment costs vary based on premises complexity, size, and location:

Typical ranges:

• Small office or shop (under 200m²): £200-£400
• Medium office or retail (200-500m²): £350-£600
• Large premises or warehouse: £500-£1,200+
• HMO or small care home: £300-£600
• Hotel or large care facility: £800-£2,000+
• High-rise or complex building: £1,500+

Recording and maintaining your assessment

Whether DIY or professional, your fire risk assessment must be documented and maintained.

Recording requirements

If you employ 5 or more people: You MUST record in writing:

• The significant findings of your assessment
• Any group of people identified as especially at risk
• The fire safety measures you have in place

If you employ fewer than 5 people: There's no legal requirement to record the assessment in writing, but it's strongly recommended because:

• It demonstrates you've taken fire safety seriously
• It provides evidence of compliance if challenged
• It creates a baseline for future reviews
• It helps ensure findings aren't forgotten

Keep supporting documentation

Alongside your fire risk assessment, maintain:

• Fire safety equipment records: service dates for extinguishers, alarm, emergency lighting
• Fire alarm test log: weekly tests recorded
• Fire drill records: when held, evacuation time, issues identified
• Staff training records: who's been trained, when, in what
• Changes log: significant changes that might affect the assessment

Review schedule

Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed:

Annually: Good practice baseline — review at least once per year

After changes:

• Building alterations or extensions
• Change of use or occupancy
• New or different processes or equipment
• Increase in occupancy numbers
• Introduction of vulnerable occupants

After incidents:

• Any fire or near miss
• False alarms if they indicate a problem
• Enforcement action by fire authority

If inadequate:

• You identify new hazards
• You have reason to think it's no longer valid
• Regulations or guidance change

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistakes to avoid

Using generic templates blindly: Templates can help structure your assessment, but they must be completed based on actual inspection of YOUR premises. Every building is different.

Focusing on paperwork rather than safety: The purpose is protecting people, not creating a document to file away. If you identify hazards, you must act on them.

Overestimating your competence: If you're uncertain about complex fire safety issues, that's a sign you need professional help. Getting it wrong has serious consequences.

Not involving others: Staff often know about hazards that aren't obvious during inspection. Involve them in identifying risks and planning improvements.

Treating it as one-off: Fire risk assessment is an ongoing process. Buildings change, uses change, people change. Your assessment must keep up.

Ignoring the action plan: If your assessment identifies improvements, implement them. A list of unfulfiled actions is evidence of negligence.

Not keeping records: If you can't demonstrate what you've done, you may struggle to prove compliance. Keep dated records of assessments, reviews, tests, and training.

Hybrid approach: DIY with professional review

For some premises, a sensible middle ground is:

1. Conduct your own assessment using government guidance
2. Engage a professional to review your assessment

This approach:

• Reduces cost compared to full professional assessment
• Helps you understand your premises better
• Provides expert validation of your findings
• Identifies anything you've missed
• Gives you confidence in your assessment

Many fire risk assessors offer desktop review services for £100-£250, where they review your DIY assessment and provide feedback.

Get Your Template

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

Determine your approach:

• Use our Fire Safety Checker to understand your specific requirements
• Check whether you're the Responsible Person
• Read our guide on What is a Fire Risk Assessment for more detail

If going DIY:

• Download the relevant government guide for your premises type from gov.uk
• Set aside adequate time to do it properly
• Consider professional review of your completed assessment

If using a professional:

• Get quotes from at least 2-3 qualified assessors
• Check credentials, insurance, and references
• Ensure they have experience with your type of premises

Related articles:

• What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
• What is a Responsible Person?
• Fire Safety Order 2005 Explained

Useful tools:

• Fire Safety Self-Check
• Responsibility Checker