Fire Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A fire safety risk assessment is a legal requirement for most premises in Wales and England, mandated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person, usually the business owner, employer or building manager, must systematically evaluate fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and put appropriate fire safety measures in place. The assessment identifies ignition sources, fuel sources, and people at risk, then records the fire safety arrangements, fire alarm and detection provision, and emergency procedures for the site.

What is a fire risk assessment in Wales?

In Wales, fire safety in non-domestic and shared residential premises is governed by the same Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that applies across England and Wales. The local fire and rescue service (for example South Wales Fire and Rescue Service or Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service) is the enforcing authority. A suitable and sufficient assessment gives them, and you, a clear record of the fire hazards on site, who is at risk, and how people will reach a place of safety. The document's legal basis is not jurisdiction-specific, but naming your Welsh premises and the responsible fire service keeps your records accurate for any inspection.

When do you need this document?

You need a fire safety risk assessment if you are the responsible person for any non-domestic premises in Wales or England. This includes offices, shops, factories, warehouses, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings with common areas. The assessment is required before opening new premises, when making significant changes to an existing building, or when occupancy patterns change. You must also review it regularly, typically annually or whenever circumstances change that could affect fire safety. Multi-occupied and commercial buildings need particularly detailed assessments covering every area, fire alarm zone, and escape route.

What does a fire safety risk assessment cover?

A thorough assessment works through a consistent set of steps for the premises:

• Identify fire hazards, including ignition sources such as electrical equipment, heating and cooking, and fuel sources such as flammable storage.
• Identify people at risk, including staff, visitors, and anyone who may need help to reach safety.
• Evaluate the risk and record the fire safety measures in place, such as fire alarms, detection, emergency lighting, signage, and firefighting equipment.
• Record your findings, your emergency evacuation plan, and the action plan for any improvements needed.
• Review and update the assessment when the building, its use, or occupancy changes.

The assessment must be suitable and sufficient, proportionate to the fire risk and complexity of your premises. It should be recorded if you employ five or more people or hold a licence for the site. For related records, a general risk assessment form covers wider workplace hazards alongside fire.

Fire doors, extinguishers and physical fire safety measures

Physical measures are a core part of any assessment and should be checked and recorded alongside the hazards. Each fire door should be inspected for correct fitting, intact seals, self-closing devices, and clear signage, since a compromised fire door lets fire and smoke spread through escape routes. Every fire extinguisher should be the correct type for the risk (water, foam, CO2, powder or wet chemical), located where staff can reach it, and kept in service. Record the location, type, and last inspection date of each fire door and fire extinguisher, along with fire alarm zones, detection, and emergency lighting, so the fire and rescue service can review a complete picture on inspection.

Who is responsible for fire safety?

The responsible person carries the legal duty for fire safety compliance. In a workplace this is the employer; in other premises it may be the owner, landlord, or occupier who has control of the building. Where several businesses share a site, each responsible person must cooperate and the assessment should reflect shared escape routes and alarm systems. The responsible person must appoint a competent person to complete the assessment, keep it under review, and act on its findings. It also falls to them to inform staff of the emergency plan, name a fire warden or fire safety team, and keep an emergency contact list current. Records of fire safety training, drills, and equipment maintenance should be kept and available to the fire and rescue service on request.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure a fire safety risk assessment is completed by a competent person and kept under regular review. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 reinforces your duty to protect employees and visitors from fire risks. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require you to assess risks and implement control measures systematically. Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B sets standards for fire safety in building design and construction that may affect your assessment. Fire authorities have powers to inspect your premises and review your assessment, with enforcement action possible for non-compliance. Regular updates are mandatory when you make material changes to premises, processes, or occupancy levels.