A fire risk assessment is an inspection of a building to identify potential fire hazards, risks to occupants, and whether suitable fire safety measures are in place.

It helps ensure that the building is safe for the people who live, work, or visit there, and highlights any improvements that may be needed to reduce the risk of fire or limit its spread.

In the UK, fire risk assessments are a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 for most non domestic premises and residential buildings with common areas, such as blocks of flats.

The responsible person, such as a business owner, landlord, managing agent, or building manager, must ensure that a suitable fire risk assessment is carried out and kept under review.

The Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and kept under review.

The Responsible Person is usually the employer, building owner, landlord, managing agent, or anyone who has control of the premises.

This duty is set out in the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, which requires the Responsible Person to ensure that fire risks are assessed and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to protect occupants.

A fire risk assessment should be kept under regular review to ensure it remains accurate and reflects the current conditions within the building.

It should be reviewed whenever there are significant changes, such as alterations to the building, changes in occupancy, layout, or fire safety systems.

Even where no major changes have occurred, many organisations choose to review their fire risk assessment annually as good practice to ensure fire safety measures remain suitable and effective.

During a fire risk assessment, the building is inspected to understand how it is constructed, how it is used, and how fire safety is currently managed.

The assessment typically includes reviewing:

• The construction of the building and its fire resisting elements.

• Fire detection and warning systems, such as alarms and detectors.

• The means of escape, including stairwells, corridors, and exit routes.

• The condition and operation of fire doors.

• Emergency lighting provided along escape routes.

• The effectiveness of compartmentation and fire stopping.

• Potential electrical fire risks.

• General housekeeping and storage of combustible materials.

• How fire safety is managed, including maintenance, testing, and procedures.

The aim is to identify any areas where improvements may be needed and provide clear guidance on maintaining a safe environment for occupants.

The time required depends on the size, layout, and complexity of the building, as well as how it is used.

Smaller premises may take a few hours, while larger or more complex buildings may require a full day or, in some cases, multiple visits.

At SLB Compliance, the focus is always on carrying out a thorough and careful assessment rather than rushing the process. The aim is to properly understand the building, identify any risks, and provide clear and practical advice to help maintain safe premises.

Yes. The report will clearly identify any issues that were found during the assessment and provide practical and proportionate recommendations to help address them.

Our aim is to explain what the issue is, why it matters, and what action may be appropriate, so you have a clear understanding of what steps may be needed to improve fire safety and maintain compliance.

We are also available after the report is issued to discuss the findings and provide further guidance if required.

Yes. SLB Compliance carries out fire risk assessments for a wide range of residential buildings.

This includes general needs blocks of flats, converted buildings, supported living accommodation, and specialised housing schemes.

Residential fire risk assessments focus on the common parts of the building, such as stairwells, corridors, plant areas, and external risks, as well as reviewing key elements such as fire doors, compartmentation, fire detection systems, and escape routes.

Our assessments follow recognised guidance, including PAS 79 and BS 7972 for residential premises, helping ensure buildings are assessed in line with current best practice.

Fire risk assessments are carried out carefully and with minimal disruption to the building and its occupants.

In most cases, the inspection is limited to the communal areas, such as corridors, stairwells, plant rooms, and external areas. Access to individual flats or private areas is not normally required unless previously agreed or necessary for the scope of the assessment.

Our aim is always to carry out the inspection efficiently and respectfully, ensuring the building can continue to operate as normal while the assessment is completed.

Existing fire safety measures will be reviewed as part of the assessment to confirm they are suitable, correctly installed, and being properly maintained.

This may include systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, and other fire safety provisions within the building.

The aim is not to replace what is already working, but to ensure that the existing measures remain effective and are consistent with current guidance and good practice. Where improvements may be needed, clear and practical advice will be provided.

Yes. Support does not end once the report has been issued.

SLB Compliance can provide ongoing assistance, including re inspections, technical advice, reviewing completed fire safety works, and providing clarification on the findings within the report.

Where required, we can also assist with liaison with contractors or enforcing authorities, helping ensure that any recommended actions are understood and addressed appropriately.

The focus is on providing clear and practical fire safety advice that supports compliance while remaining proportionate to the risk profile and use of the building.

SLB Compliance provides independent compliance assessments only. We do not carry out installation or contracting work. This means the advice provided is impartial and based solely on the findings of the assessment, without any commercial interest in recommending unnecessary works.

This approach helps ensure that recommendations are reasonable, proportionate, and focused on genuine fire safety improvements rather than generating additional work.

Clients therefore receive honest, straightforward guidance on what is required to maintain safe and compliant buildings.