Fire Risk Assessment in Leeds: What Businesses Need to Know

If you operate a business in Leeds, you have specific duties under UK fire safety law. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) places the responsibility for general fire precautions firmly on the responsible person. For most companies, this is the employer, owner, or anyone with control over the premises. Meeting these duties starts with a thorough fire risk assessment.

Who is the Responsible Person in Leeds?

Under Article 3 of the RRO 2005, the responsible person for a Leeds workplace is usually the employer. If the premises are multi-occupied—such as a converted office building in Leeds city centre or a shared industrial unit on the outskirts—the responsibility may be shared among multiple dutyholders.

The responsible person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Article 9 of the RRO 2005 states that this assessment must review the general fire precautions in place and identify whether they are adequate, or if additional measures are needed to protect relevant persons from fire.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cover?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic look at your premises, the activities carried out there, and the potential for a fire to start and cause harm. The guidance in PAS 79 (Publicly Available Specification for fire risk assessments) provides a widely recognised framework for structuring these assessments.

The assessment must identify:

• Fire hazards: Sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
• People at risk: Everyone on the premises, including staff, visitors, contractors, and particularly vulnerable individuals.
• Existing controls: The current fire detection, warning systems, escape routes, and firefighting equipment.
• Further action needed: A documented plan to address any deficiencies.

Legal Duties Under UK Law

Your fire safety obligations are underpinned by several pieces of legislation. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) sets the broad duty for employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees so far as is reasonably practicable.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require employers to make suitable assessments of risks to the health and safety of their employees. While general health and safety risk assessments cover a wide range of workplace hazards, fire risks are specifically addressed under the RRO 2005.

Under Article 9 of the RRO, if you employ five or more people, or if your premises are licensed, you must record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment. However, even if you have fewer than five employees, keeping a written record is strongly recommended to demonstrate compliance to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Maintaining Fire Safety Standards

Completing an assessment is only part of the process. Article 9 of the RRO requires the responsible person to keep the assessment under regular review. You must revise it whenever changes occur that could affect fire safety.

Common triggers for a review include:

• Changes to the layout of the premises or the use of rooms.
• An increase in the number of people on-site.
• The introduction of new equipment, machinery, or hazardous materials.
• Following a near-miss or an actual fire incident.

Additionally, your physical fire safety measures must meet relevant British Standards. For example, emergency lighting should align with BS 5266, and fire alarm systems should be designed and maintained in accordance with BS 5839. These standards ensure that the equipment you rely on will function correctly in an emergency.

How HawkSwift Supports Leeds Businesses

Navigating the requirements of the RRO 2005 can be complex, particularly for businesses operating in older or multi-use buildings common in Leeds. HawkSwift provides professional fire risk assessments to help you meet your statutory duties.

Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors conduct thorough, on-site evaluations of your premises. We follow the structured approach outlined in PAS 79 to ensure your assessment is suitable and sufficient. Following the site visit, we deliver detailed 48-hour reports that clearly outline any necessary actions. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT, providing a straightforward way to secure compliance for your business.

To arrange an assessment for your premises, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

*This article provides general guidance and is not formal legal advice.*