In the UK, a fire risk assessment is a legal duty in lots of premises and it is there to help to identify fire hazards and reduce their risks, to keep people as safe as possible in a building.

According to data FRSs attended 642,170 incidents in the year ending September 2025. Of these incidents, there were 177,219 fires showing why a fire risk assessment matters.

When the law says it’s needed

Under fire safety legislation, almost every non domestic building must have a fire risk assessment: this includes workplaces, schools and public buildings, as well as other places like offices. The responsible person, who is usually the owner or employer, must make sure it’s carried out and kept up to date.

In residential settings, it also applies to shared areas, such as hallways and stairwells in blocks of flats.

In some cases, enforcement action can be taken if a proper assessment isn’t in place.

What counts as responsible

The responsible person has a duty to check for risks, record findings and act on anything that could cause harm. Examples of things to address are blocked exits and faulty alarms. It’s important that the assessment isn’t just done once and forgotten as it needs reviewing regularly, especially if anything changes in the building.

For more guidance, a fire risk assessment Cheltenham can be arranged through professionals such as those from https://www.apmfireandsecurity.com/fire-risk-assessment/cheltenham/.

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement in most shared or public spaces and a key part of keeping people safe.