If you run a small business, staying compliant with fire safety regulations isn’t just a box to tick, it’s essential for protecting your people, your property, and your livelihood. One of the most common questions we hear from business owners is: "Do I need a fire risk assessment?" In this guide, we’ll break down the legal requirements, what’s involved, and how to stay on the right side of the law.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a structured review of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess who could be at risk, and decide on precautions to reduce the likelihood of a fire and its consequences.
The goal is to:
- Spot fire risks (e.g. faulty wiring, flammable materials)
- Identify people at risk (staff, customers, visitors)
- Evaluate existing fire safety measures
- Recommend actions to improve safety
Do Small Businesses Legally Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business in England and Wales, regardless of size, must carry out an FRA if they:
- Employ five or more people
- Are a licensed premises (e.g. pub, bar, club)
- Provide accommodation or sleeping facilities
- Welcome members of the public into the premises
Even if you don’t meet these criteria, you are still legally responsible for fire safety in your workplace.
🔥 Key Point: If you're self-employed and work from commercial premises—or you have a shop, salon, office, or warehouse—you need an FRA.
🧯 Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
You can do it yourself only if you are competent, meaning you understand fire safety law, know how to identify hazards, and can produce a written report. However, most small businesses choose to hire a qualified fire risk assessor, like us at Red Peak, to make sure nothing is missed.
📝 What Should Be Included in a Fire Risk Assessment?
A proper assessment should cover:
- 🔌 Electrical equipment and wiring
- 🚪 Escape routes and emergency exits
- 🚒 Fire detection and alarm systems
- 🔥 Flammable materials and substances
- 👥 Staff training and fire drills
- 📋 Emergency plans and signage
A written record is required if you have five or more employees, but we recommend always keeping a copy, regardless of your business size.
🔄 How Often Should You Review Your Fire Risk Assessment?
FRAs aren’t a one-and-done task. You should review it at least annually or if:
- You change the layout or structure of the building
- You introduce new processes, machinery, or materials
- There’s been a fire, near miss, or safety concern
- Staffing levels or usage of the premises changes
Regular reviews ensure you're staying compliant and keeping everyone safe.
📍 Fire Risk Assessments in Essex & London
At Red Peak Compliance, we specialise in fire risk assessments for small businesses across Essex and London - including shops, offices, salons, warehouses, and hospitality venues.
We make it simple:
✔️ No jargon
✔️ Clear, actionable reports
✔️ Competitive pricing
✔️ Fast turnaround
💬 Need to book your FRA? Contact us today to get started.
🔗 Useful Resources
📞 Stay Compliant. Stay Protected.
Fire safety isn't optional. A professional fire risk assessment gives you peace of mind, protects your business, and helps you meet your legal duties. Whether you’re a sole trader or run a growing team, we’re here to help!
📅 Book your fire risk assessment today and keep your business safe and compliant.