Fire Risk Assessment for GP Surgeries | UK Guide

Why GP Surgeries Need a Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 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 building, or a shared facility, the law places a clear duty on the responsible person — typically the practice manager, lead GP, or building owner — to identify fire hazards, evaluate who might be at risk, and put appropriate safety measures in place.

GP surgeries present a unique set of challenges. You have vulnerable patients, including elderly visitors, people with mobility impairments, and individuals who may be unwell or sedated. You also store clinical waste, pharmaceuticals, oxygen cylinders, and electrical medical equipment. All of these factors must be considered in your assessment.

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The RRO 2005 defines the responsible person as the employer (if the workplace is under their control), the person in control of the premises, or the owner. In a GP surgery, this is often the practice manager or a designated partner. If the building is leased, responsibilities may be shared with the landlord or managing agent, but the duty to ensure a current fire risk assessment exists cannot be delegated away entirely.

The responsible person must:

• Carry out (or commission) a fire risk assessment and review it regularly
• Implement fire safety measures based on the findings
• Provide staff with adequate fire safety information, instruction, and training
• Plan for emergencies, including safe evacuation

Key Fire Hazards in a GP Surgery

A thorough fire risk assessment examines the specific hazards present. In a typical GP surgery, these commonly include:

• Clinical waste storage — paper, cardboard, and clinical waste bins can provide fuel for a fire
• Pharmaceuticals and oxygen cylinders — some substances are flammable or support combustion
• Electrical equipment — medical devices, IT systems, and overloaded sockets
• Kitchen and staff areas — toasters, kettles, and mic ignition sources
• Waiting rooms and corridors — areas where large numbers of people, including vulnerable patients, may be present at any time
• Poor housekeeping — blocked fire exits, wedged-open fire doors, or combustible materials stored near heat sources

The assessment should also consider means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment, and the adequacy of compartmentation within the building.

Evacuation Planning for Vulnerable Patients

One of the most critical aspects of a GP surgery fire risk assessment is the evacuation strategy. Unlike an office, you cannot assume that everyone can walk out quickly and independently. Some patients may use wheelchairs, frames, or may be in a distressed or confused state. Others may be in consultation rooms or treatment areas when an alarm sounds.

Your assessment should address whether a simultaneous evacuation (everyone leaves at once) or a progressive horizontal evacuation (moving people to a fire-safe compartment on the same floor first) is the most appropriate strategy. The choice depends on the building layout, the number of staff available, and the level of patient dependency.

Staff must be trained in their roles during an evacuation, and personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) should be considered for regular patients with known mobility or cognitive needs.

How Often Should You Review Your Assessment?

The law does not prescribe a fixed review interval, but best practice — consistent with HSE guidance and PAS 79 — is to review your fire risk assessment at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes. Triggers for an earlier review include:

• A change in building layout or use of rooms
• An increase in patient numbers or staffing levels
• Alterations to fire safety equipment or alarm systems
• Following a fire, near miss, or enforcement notice

Keeping Your Surgery Compliant

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off exercise. It is a living document that should inform your day-to-day fire safety management. Staff fire safety training, regular fire drills, weekly alarm tests, and routine checks of fire doors and extinguishers all form part of your ongoing compliance.

If your assessment identifies deficiencies — such as missing emergency lighting, inadequate signage, or a lack of staff training — these must be addressed promptly. Failure to comply with the RRO 2005 can result in enforcement notices, prohibition notices, and in serious cases, prosecution.

Get Expert Help with Your GP Surgery Fire Risk Assessment

HawkSwift Ltd provides thorough, legally compliant fire risk assessments for GP surgeries across the UK. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors understand the specific risks healthcare premises face, and we deliver clear, actionable reports within 5 working days. With assessments starting from £199 + VAT, we make it straightforward for your practice to stay safe and compliant.

Book a fire risk assessment today and let HawkSwift take the complexity out of your fire safety obligations.