The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Explained
What a competent fire risk assessment covers A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology: - Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments. - Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas. - Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance. - Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate. - Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date. HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice. <!-- expanded-by-hawkswift-bot --> ## Your duties under the RRO 2005 - Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it current (Art. 9, RRO 2005). - Identify people at risk, including those who need assistance to evacuate. - Put general fire precautions in place — detection, warning, escape routes, fighting equipment (Art. 11). - Maintain those measures in efficient working order (Art. 17). - Provide staff with fire-safety instruction and training (Art. 21). ## Frequently asked questions Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice. *General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.* <!-- cta-block --> ## Book your assessment HawkSwift delivers NEBOSH-qualified, court-defensible fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT with a 5 working days. A written report, an action plan you can hand to an inspector, and no jargon. Book your FRA or talk to the team today.