By law, all business premises and blocks of flats must have a Fire Risk Assessment—yet many property owners and managers remain unaware of this essential fire safety requirement.
At Oltec, we regularly hear the question: "What is a Fire Risk Assessment?"
The answer is simple—it's the foundation of your fire safety strategy. Without it, you risk leaving your building and its occupants in Dutch Village vulnerable to potential fire hazards, regulatory penalties, and even loss of life.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic review of your building’s fire safety risks. It identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates who might be at risk, and outlines steps to reduce or eliminate these risks.
While assessments may not need to be documented if a building has fewer than five regular occupants, we strongly recommend recording all findings in writing to ensure transparency and accountability.
Legal Requirements for Fire Risk Assessments
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out key guidelines:
Annual reviews
Annual reviews are recommended, even if no changes have occurred.
Full reassessments
Full reassessments should be conducted at least every five years.
New assessments are essential if:
The building layout or structure changes
The building’s use or occupancy changes
The nature of the occupants changes significantly
If there are five or more regular occupants, or if your premises require a licence, a written Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement.
Why Regular Fire Risk Assessments Matter in Dutch Village
Changes in building design, occupancy, or usage can greatly impact your fire risk profile. A current, documented assessment ensures you are prepared and compliant—and helps safeguard lives and property.
Responsibilities: Who Must Arrange a Fire Risk Assessment?
Every building must have a designated Responsible Person who is legally accountable for fire safety.
This could be:
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A business owner
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A facilities or building manager
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A landlord or managing agent (for residential flats)
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A Residents’ Association member (in some cases)
In residential buildings, the Responsible Person is typically accountable only for common areas such as hallways and stairwells.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Fire Risk Assessment
As a tenant or occupant, you are entitled to access your building’s Fire Risk Assessment. Contact your Responsible Person, landlord, or facilities department for a copy.
If no valid assessment exists, request one immediately. If your concerns are ignored, contact your local fire brigade’s general enquiry line—but avoid using emergency services for non-urgent issues.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment in Dutch Village Include?
A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment should examine:
✔️ Arson prevention measures
✔️ Building structure, use, and layout
✔️ Electrical equipment risks
✔️ Emergency lighting systems
✔️ Escape routes and exits
✔️ Fire compartmentation
✔️ Fire detection and alarm systems
✔️ Fire extinguishers and their placement
✔️ Fire safety management protocols & signage
✔️ Heating sources (portable and installed)
✔️ History of fire incidents
✔️ Housekeeping and combustible materials
✔️ Lightning protection systems
✔️ Maintenance of fire safety systems
✔️ Number and type of occupants (including vulnerable individuals)
✔️ Record-keeping of all fire safety activities
✔️ Risks from construction or contractors
✔️ Smoking areas and related controls
✔️ Sprinklers and other fire suppression systems
✔️ Storage of hazardous substances
✔️ Training and evacuation procedures
Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
The law requires a “competent person” to conduct the assessment in Dutch Village. While this doesn’t necessarily mean a certified assessor, they must:
Understand fire safety regulations
Be able to identify risks and recommend appropriate actions
Record all findings clearly
Create and implement an action plan
Maintain and review the assessment regularly
For anything beyond the most basic buildings, we strongly recommend hiring a professional Fire Risk Assessor. They have the expertise to evaluate risks thoroughly and ensure your building in Dutch Village complies with current fire safety laws.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to conduct or document a Fire Risk Assessment can result in hefty fines or criminal prosecution. In severe cases, it may lead to imprisonment for the Responsible Person.
Book Your Fire Risk Assessment Today
Ensure your premises in Dutch Village are safe, compliant, and protected. Our experienced team provides thorough, fully compliant Fire Risk Assessments for commercial properties, office buildings, industrial sites, and residential blocks.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment or to speak with one of our fire safety experts.
📞 0800 038 9786
📧 info@oltecgroup.co.uk