Fire Risk Assessment for GP Surgeries

Why GP Surgeries Need a Fire Risk Assessment

Every GP surgery in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). If you are the employer, building owner or practice manager, you are likely the responsible person under the Order. Failing to carry out a proper assessment can lead to enforcement notices, prohibition notices and, in serious cases, prosecution.

A GP surgery presents a specific mix of fire risks. You have members of the public who may be unwell, mobility-impaired or unfamiliar with the building. You store clinical waste, pharmaceuticals, oxygen cylinders and electrical medical equipment. Staff may work alone or outside normal hours. All of these factors must be considered in your assessment.

What the Law Requires

The RRO requires the responsible person to:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment and review it regularly
• Put in place and maintain appropriate fire safety measures
• Provide staff with information, instruction and training
• Record the findings of the assessment (mandatory where five or more people are employed)
• Nominate competent persons to help implement fire safety measures

GP surgeries are also covered by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which place broader duties on employers to manage risks to staff and non-employees. HSE guidance and PAS 79 (the code of practice for fire risk assessment) set out how to approach the assessment in a structured, auditable way.

Key Risk Areas in a GP Practice

A thorough fire risk assessment for a GP surgery will examine the following areas:

• Means of escape – Are escape routes clear, well signposted and suitable for patients with limited mobility? Are final exits unlocked and usable during operating hours?
• Fire detection and warning – Is the alarm system appropriate for the size and layout of the premises? Are smoke detectors fitted in all necessary locations, including plant rooms and storage areas?
• Fire-fighting equipment – Are extinguishers correctly sited, maintained and appropriate for the types of fire risk present (for example, CO₂ extinguishers near electrical equipment)?
• Storage of hazardous materials – Oxygen cylinders, clinical waste, alcohol-based hand gels and pharmaceutical products all need to be stored and managed safely.
• Electrical safety – Portable appliance testing (PAT), fixed wiring inspections and management of trailing cables reduce ignition risks.
• Staff training and drills – All staff, including locum GPs, receptionists and cleaners, should know what to do in the event of a fire. Fire drills should be carried out at least annually.
• Vulnerable occupants – Patients who are elderly, disabled, pregnant or otherwise vulnerable need to be considered in your evacuation plan.

How Often Should You Review Your Assessment

There is no fixed statutory review period, but the assessment should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change to the premises, its use, or the occupants. Common triggers for a review include:

• Building alterations or refurbishment
• Changes to the layout of rooms or escape routes
• Introduction of new equipment or substances
• An increase in patient numbers or staffing levels
• Following a fire incident or near-miss

Most responsible persons arrange a formal review at least annually, with interim checks carried out by a nominated competent person.

Who Can Carry Out the Assessment

The responsible person may carry out the assessment themselves if they are competent to do so. However, GP surgeries often involve complex layouts, mixed-use areas and specialist equipment. HSE and fire authority guidance recommends using a competent fire risk assessor — someone with sufficient knowledge, training and experience.

HawkSwift Ltd provides fire risk assessments for GP surgeries across the UK. Our assessors hold NEBOSH fire safety qualifications and follow PAS 79 methodology. Reports are delivered within 5 working days of the site visit, with clear, prioritised actions. Assessments start from £199 + VAT.

Take the Next Step

If your GP surgery needs a fire risk assessment or an existing one is overdue for review, HawkSwift can help. Book a fire risk assessment today and make sure your practice meets its legal obligations.