Fire Risk Assessment for GP Surgeries: A Practical Guide

Why GP Surgeries Need a Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005), every non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. A GP surgery is no exception. Whether you operate from a purpose-built medical centre, a converted commercial unit, or a shared healthcare building, the law requires you to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and put appropriate measures in place.

The responsible person — typically the practice manager, lead GP, or building owner — must ensure the assessment is carried out by someone with adequate competence. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices, prohibition notices, and in serious cases criminal prosecution.

What Makes a GP Surgery Higher Risk?

GP surgeries present a combination of fire-safety challenges that differ from standard offices or retail premises:

• Vulnerable occupants: Patients may be elderly, mobility-impaired, visually impaired, or otherwise unable to evacuate quickly without assistance.
• High footfall: Waiting rooms often hold a mix of patients, carers, and staff at any one time, making safe evacuation planning essential.
• Clinical equipment and oxygen storage: Medical devices, compressed gas cylinders, and flammable substances such as alcohol-based hand gels introduce additional ignition and fuel sources.
• Restricted layouts: Narrow corridors, consulting rooms with limited exits, and shared tenancy arrangements can complicate escape routes.
• Out-of-hours access: Many surgeries operate extended hours or share buildings with other services, which can affect how fire safety is managed around the clock.

The Five-Step Fire Risk Assessment Process

A competent fire risk assessment follows the approach set out in HSE guidance and aligns with PAS 79, the published code of practice for fire risk assessment:

1. Identify fire hazards — Look at sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen across all areas, including consulting rooms, waiting areas, kitchens, server rooms, and storage cupboards. 2. Identify people at risk — Consider staff, patients, visitors, contractors, and anyone who may have difficulty evacuating. 3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risk — Assess the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential consequences. Where possible, eliminate hazards; where not, introduce controls such as fire detection, compartmentation, and safe storage. 4. Record, plan, and train — Document significant findings, prepare an emergency plan, and ensure staff receive regular fire-safety training and take part in fire drills. 5. Review regularly — The assessment should be reviewed whenever there are significant changes to the premises, layout, occupancy, or use — and at least annually.

Key Areas to Focus On

When assessing a GP surgery, particular attention should be paid to:

• Fire detection and alarm systems — Are they adequate for the size and layout of the premises? Are they tested weekly and serviced in line with BS 5839?
• Emergency lighting — Is it fitted along escape routes and in areas without natural light, and maintained in accordance with BS 5266?
• Fire doors and compartmentation — Are fire doors kept closed (or fitted with approved hold-open devices), self-closing, and in good condition?
• Escape routes — Are they kept clear, clearly signed, and sufficient for the number of occupants, including those who may need assistance?
• Staff training — Do all staff, including locums and temporary workers, know what to do in the event of a fire?
• Oxygen and flammable substance storage — Are cylinders stored securely, away from heat sources, and in well-ventilated areas?

Who Should Carry Out the Assessment?

The RRO 2005 does not prescribe a specific qualification, but it does require the assessor to be competent. The responsible person must be satisfied that the individual or organisation has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge of fire-safety principles and the relevant British Standards.

Using an assessor who holds a recognised qualification — such as a NEBOSH Fire Certificate or equivalent — provides a strong benchmark of competence and gives the responsible person greater confidence that the assessment meets the legal standard.

Keeping Your Surgery Compliant

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off exercise. It must be kept under review and updated whenever there are material changes — for example, a refurbishment, a change in patient capacity, or the introduction of new clinical equipment. Maintaining a clear record of the assessment, your emergency plan, and staff training logs will help demonstrate compliance during any inspection by the fire and rescue authority.

Book Your GP Surgery Fire Risk Assessment

HawkSwift Ltd provides competent, thorough fire risk assessments for GP surgeries and healthcare premises across the UK. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors deliver a detailed written report within 5 working days, starting from £199 + VAT. We help you meet your legal duties under the RRO 2005 and give you clear, practical recommendations tailored to your premises.

Book a fire risk assessment today to keep your surgery safe, compliant, and ready for inspection.