“Why Can’t I Just Do My Own Fire Risk Assessment”

The answer to this question is technically, “Yes”. You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of relevant government guidance documents.

However, the law (The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005) states the fire risk assessment must be ‘suitable and sufficient’. This means it must be carried out by a competent person with sufficient training, qualifications, experience, and attitude, also known as ‘SKEB’ (Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviour). Therefore, the law doesn’t say a fire risk assessment must be carried out by a third party, but it does say it must be carried out by a competent person.

As the Responsible Person (RP), you are legally required to complete a Fire Risk Assessment but that certainly doesn’t mean you’re the right person to do it.

Basically, this means that if you don’t have the expertise or time to do the fire risk assessment yourself you need to appoint a ‘competent person’ to help, for example a professional risk assessor.

So, what does ‘competent’ actually mean?Competency certainly isn’t:

• downloading a template

• copying an old/previous fire risk assessment

• simply a walk around the premises ticking boxes

According to the new nationally recognised standard for competent fire risk assessors: BS 8674: 2025, a competent fire risk assessor must have:

• Understanding of fire behaviour and risk

• Sufficient knowledge of fire safety legislation

• Awareness of relevant British Standards and guidance

• The experience to identify real fire hazards

• The ability to produce a suitable and sufficient assessment

The enforcing authority is the Fire & Rescue Service. Your local fire officer has the authority to enter and inspect your premises at any time without prior notice. If they find your fire risk assessment is not suitable and sufficient, you could be subject to enforcement action, including fines and even imprisonment.

Do you still feel you are competent enough to carry your own fire risk assessment out on your own?

Bear in mind that since the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, expectations have increased significantly, particularly around:

• Fire doors

• Structure and external walls

• Documentation and evidence

• Ongoing review and management

If you had considered carrying out your own fire risk assessment report, but have now changed your mind, consider contacting Stellar Fire Consultants who provide guaranteed suitable and sufficient assessments, and who are registered under the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) Tiered Fire Risk Assessor Register.

Remember, it’s not about qualifications alone, it’s about knowledge, experience, and accountability. Fire risk assessments protect lives, businesses, and livelihoods.