Fire Risk Assessment for GP Surgeries Explained

Why GP Surgeries Need a Fire Risk Assessment

If you run or manage a GP surgery in the UK, you have a legal duty to ensure the safety of patients, staff, visitors and contractors from fire. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" — typically the practice manager, lead GP or premises owner — must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it up to date.

GP surgeries present particular challenges: vulnerable patients, clinical equipment, stored medications, restricted mobility access, and often older or shared buildings. A generic template will not be enough. Your assessment must reflect the actual layout, occupancy and risks of your premises.

What the Law Requires

The RRO 2005 applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including healthcare settings such as GP practices. The responsible person must:

• Carry out (or commission) a fire risk assessment
• Identify people at risk, including those with disabilities or limited mobility
• Evaluate, remove or reduce fire risks
• Provide adequate fire detection and warning systems
• Ensure safe means of escape
• Maintain fire-fighting equipment and emergency lighting
• Provide information, instruction and training to staff
• Review the assessment regularly and after any significant change

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also apply, requiring you to manage risks proportionately and competently.

Specific Risks in a GP Surgery

GP surgeries are not high-risk in the traditional sense, but they do have features that demand careful assessment:

• Vulnerable occupants: elderly patients, young children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities or reduced mobility may need more time and assistance to evacuate.
• Clinical and electrical equipment: oxygen storage, sterilizers, fridges for vaccines, and IT systems all introduce potential ignition sources or special hazards.
• Storage areas: paper records, cleaning chemicals, and medical supplies can increase fire loading.
• Shared or leased premises: many surgeries operate within larger buildings or managed estates, creating shared responsibilities with landlords and other tenants.
• Pharmacy and oxygen: if your practice stores or administers oxygen, this introduces additional fire and explosion risks that must be assessed and controlled.

What a Competent Fire Risk Assessment Covers

A thorough fire risk assessment for a GP surgery should follow a structured approach, broadly aligned with PAS 79 and HSE guidance. It will typically include:

• A physical inspection of the premises, including all consulting rooms, waiting areas, corridors, storage rooms, plant rooms and external escape routes
• Review of fire detection and alarm systems, including testing and maintenance records
• Assessment of emergency lighting and fire exit signage
• Evaluation of fire doors, compartmentation and passive fire protection
• Review of fire-fighting equipment (extinguishers, blankets) and their servicing
• Identification of people at risk, including those who may need personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)
• Assessment of staff fire safety training and evacuation procedures
• A clear, prioritised action plan with timescales

The assessment should be documented in writing if you have five or more employees, but best practice is to record it regardless of staff numbers.

How Often Should You Review It?

There is no fixed statutory review period, but the RRO 2005 requires the assessment to be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes. For a GP surgery, this means reviewing at least annually, and sooner if you:

• Alter the layout or use of rooms
• Introduce new equipment or clinical services
• Change staffing levels or patient demographics
• Carry out building work or refurbishment
• Experience a fire, near-miss or enforcement action

Choosing a Competent Assessor

The law requires the fire risk assessment to be carried out by a competent person. For a GP surgery, this means someone with a solid understanding of healthcare premises, current fire safety legislation and relevant British Standards.

HawkSwift's assessors hold NEBOSH fire safety qualifications and have experience across a range of healthcare settings. We provide a clear, jargon-free report within 48 hours of the visit, with practical recommendations you can act on.

Take the Next Step

If your GP surgery's fire risk assessment is out of date, incomplete, or you are unsure whether it meets current standards, we can help. HawkSwift offers fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, tailored to the specific needs of your practice.

Book a fire risk assessment today and make sure your surgery is compliant, your patients are protected, and your responsible person duties are met.