Fire Risk Assessment Plan Template for England and Wales
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What is a Fire Risk Assessment Plan?
The Fire Risk Assessment Plan is a mandatory requirement under English and Welsh legislation for virtually all non-domestic premises. This document is essential for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be regularly reviewed and updated. It serves as both a risk assessment tool and an action plan, identifying potential fire hazards, evaluating the level of risk, and specifying necessary control measures. The plan must be prepared by a competent person and should reflect the specific characteristics and uses of the premises being assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Fire Risk Assessment Plan legally required in England and Wales?
Yes, Fire Risk Assessment Plans are legally mandatory under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment conducted by a competent person, with the findings recorded if you employ five or more people or the premises are licensed.
Can I be prosecuted if my Fire Risk Assessment Plan is missing or incomplete in England and Wales?
Yes, failing to have a suitable fire risk assessment can result in criminal prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Penalties can include unlimited fines and up to two years imprisonment for serious breaches. The fire authority can also issue enforcement notices requiring immediate compliance.
How often must I review my Fire Risk Assessment Plan under England and Wales law?
The law doesn't specify exact timeframes, but Fire Risk Assessment Plans must be reviewed regularly and updated when circumstances change. Most experts recommend annual reviews as a minimum, with immediate updates required after any significant changes to the premises, occupancy, or following any fire incidents.
How is a Fire Risk Assessment Plan different from a Fire Safety Policy?
A Fire Risk Assessment Plan evaluates specific fire hazards and safety measures for your premises, while a Fire Safety Policy outlines your organization's general approach to fire safety management. The assessment is building-specific and legally required, whereas the policy covers broader fire safety procedures and responsibilities across your organization.
How long does it typically take to complete a Fire Risk Assessment Plan?
The time varies significantly based on premises size and complexity. A small office might take 2-4 hours, while large or complex buildings could require several days. Simple assessments can often be completed and documented within a day, but comprehensive assessments for high-risk premises may take weeks including follow-up recommendations.
Can I use a generic Fire Risk Assessment template for my England and Wales premises?
While templates can provide a useful starting framework, your Fire Risk Assessment must be specific to your actual premises and circumstances. Generic templates often miss critical site-specific hazards and may not comply with the 'suitable and sufficient' requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Who is the 'responsible person' required to ensure Fire Risk Assessment compliance?
The responsible person is typically the employer, building owner, occupier, or anyone with control over the premises. In shared buildings, there may be multiple responsible persons. This person has legal duties under the Fire Safety Order to ensure fire risk assessments are conducted and fire safety measures are implemented and maintained.
About the Fire Risk Assessment Plan
A Fire Risk Assessment Plan is a comprehensive document that evaluates fire hazards and establishes safety protocols for your premises. Under England and Wales law, this assessment is not optional—it's a legal requirement that helps protect lives and property while ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
When do you need this document?
You need a Fire Risk Assessment Plan if you're responsible for any non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes offices, shops, factories, schools, hospitals, care homes, and places of worship. As the responsible person—typically the employer, building owner, or occupier—you must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and regularly reviewed. The assessment is also required when there are significant changes to the premises, occupancy, or fire safety arrangements.
Key legal considerations
Your fire risk assessment must be systematic and thorough, covering five key steps: identifying fire hazards, identifying people at risk, evaluating and removing or reducing risks, recording findings and preparing an emergency plan, and regularly reviewing the assessment. The plan must identify vulnerable individuals such as disabled persons, children, or those unfamiliar with the premises. You're legally required to implement appropriate fire safety measures based on the assessment findings, including fire detection systems, emergency lighting, fire exits, and staff training. The assessment must be recorded if you employ five or more people or if the premises require a license. Failure to comply can result in prohibition notices, enforcement action, or criminal prosecution with unlimited fines.
Legal requirements in England and Wales
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legislation governing fire safety requirements in England and Wales. This order places duties on the responsible person to carry out fire risk assessments and implement necessary safety measures. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 provides the overarching framework, while the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandate risk assessment procedures. Building Regulations 2010, particularly Approved Document B, set construction standards for fire safety. Your assessment must comply with British Standards and industry guidance, with competent persons conducting the evaluation. The responsible person must ensure staff receive adequate fire safety training and that emergency procedures are clearly established and practiced. Regular reviews are mandatory, typically annually or when significant changes occur to the premises or its use.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Fire Risk Assessment Plan is drafted to comply with England and Wales law. Key legislation includes:
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