Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?

As a business owner, landlord, or ‘Responsible Person’, you know that a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). However, one of the most common questions we are asked is: "Am I allowed to do it myself, or do I need to hire a professional?"

The law is designed to be flexible, but it places a heavy burden on the individual to ensure the assessment is adequate. Understanding the difference between a simple checklist and a comprehensive, compliant safety review is crucial for staying on the right side of the law and protecting your premises.

The Legal Requirement for a Competent Person

Under Article 9 of the RRO, the Responsible Person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed. Crucially, the Order does not explicitly state that you must hire an external consultant. Instead, it requires that the person carrying out the assessment be "competent" to do so.

Competence is not defined by a specific certificate alone, but by a combination of knowledge, training, and experience. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) reinforce this principle. You must have the necessary skills to identify hazards, evaluate the risks, and implement appropriate control measures.

If you or a member of your staff have a good understanding of fire safety principles, the layout of the building, and the nature of the occupants, you may be legally permitted to conduct the assessment in-house.

When Can You Do It Yourself?

For small, low-risk premises—such as a small office, a shop with a simple layout, or a self-contained rental property—completing the assessment yourself is often feasible. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledges that in many low-risk environments, a Responsible Person can handle this task without external help.

You might consider a DIY approach if:

• The premises are simple in design (e.g., single floor, open plan).
• There are no high-risk activities (such as cooking with large quantities of flammable oil or storing hazardous chemicals).
• The number of occupants is low and they are all able-bodied (e.g., an office with no sleeping risk).
• You have the time to thoroughly research fire safety guidance relevant to your specific type of premises.

In these scenarios, you can use standard HSE guidance to identify risks like faulty electrics, blocked fire exits, or missing extinguishers.

When You Need a Professional Fire Risk Assessor

While the law allows for self-assessment, the complexity of many buildings often demands specialist knowledge. If your premises are complex, high-risk, or house vulnerable people, a DIY assessment is unlikely to be "suitable and sufficient."

You should engage a professional if:

• The building is complex: Multi-storey offices, mixed-use buildings, or sites with complicated escape routes require a deep understanding of fire dynamics and building regulations.
• High-risk occupancy: Care homes, hospitals, and schools house people who may need assistance evacuating. The assessment must account for detailed evacuation procedures and PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans).
• Specific hazards are present: If your business involves storing flammable materials, complex machinery, or high-temperature processes, you need an assessor who understands specific fire suppression and control measures.
• You lack confidence: If you are unsure about current British Standards (such as BS 9999 or BS 5839) or how to apply PAS 79 (the methodology for fire risk assessment), it is safer to bring in an expert.

Defining a "Competent" Assessor

According to HSE guidance, a competent person should have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to identify the measures you need to take to comply with your duties under the RRO.

When looking for an external provider, or vetting an internal staff member, look for evidence of:

• Training: Membership of professional bodies (such as IFE or IFSM) or third-party certification.
• Experience: A track record of assessing buildings similar to yours.
• Up-to-date knowledge: Understanding of current best practices, amendments to legislation, and relevant British Standards.

A competent assessor does not just tick boxes; they provide a prioritised action plan that is practical and specific to your building.

The Consequences of Getting It Wrong

The Fire and Rescue Authorities have the power to audit your premises at any time. If they find that your fire risk assessment is not suitable or sufficient—perhaps because it missed obvious hazards, failed to account for vulnerable people, or was written by someone without the necessary competence—they can issue Enforcement Notices.

In severe cases, where there is a serious risk to life, this can lead to prohibition notices (closing parts of your business down) or even prosecution under the RRO. An inadequate assessment is often one of the first things inspectors look for when investigating an incident.

How HawkSwift Can Help

Ensuring your assessment is carried out by a competent professional removes the administrative burden and the worry of non-compliance. At HawkSwift, we provide clarity and peace of mind through our expert services.

All of our fire risk assessments are conducted by NEBOSH-qualified assessors who have the experience and knowledge to handle premises of various complexities. We pride ourselves on a plain-English approach, providing you with a clear, actionable report rather than confusing jargon.

We understand that speed is often of the essence. Our service includes a 48-hour turnaround on reports, ensuring you are not left waiting for your compliance documentation. With assessments starting from £199 + VAT, we make professional fire safety accessible and affordable for UK businesses.

If you are unsure whether your building requires a professional review, or if you simply want to ensure your current assessment is up to standard, get in touch with us today. To secure your compliance and protect your people, book a fire risk assessment with our qualified team.