Who Can Legally Carry Out a [fire risk assessment](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/7-questions-to-ask-a-fire-risk-assessment-company) in the UK?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), every non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. If you are the employer, owner, landlord, or occupier of a business premises, you are legally designated as the responsible person.

One of the most common questions asked by business owners is whether they can carry out this assessment themselves or if they must hire a professional. The short answer is that the law does not strictly require you to use an external consultant. However, the law does require the assessment to be conducted by a competent person. Understanding what this means is vital, as an inadequate assessment can lead to enforcement action, prosecution, or severe risks to life.

What Does the Law Say About Competence?

Under the RRO 2005, the Responsible Person must appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking preventive and protective measures, which includes completing the fire risk assessment.

The legislation does not mandate specific qualifications or certifications for the person carrying out the assessment. It does not state that you must have a NEBOSH certificate or be registered with a particular body to legally conduct one. Instead, the law defines a competent person as someone who has sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and ability to properly implement the preventive and protective measures required in their workplace.

If you, as the business owner, genuinely possess the necessary understanding of fire safety principles, structural fire precautions, and the specific hazards present in your premises, you can legally carry out the assessment yourself. However, if you do not have this expertise, you must appoint someone else who does.

Can You Do It Yourself?

You are legally permitted to carry out your own fire risk assessment, provided you have the right level of competence. For very small, low-risk environments—such as a small, open-plan office with a few employees, standard electrical equipment, and clear exit routes—a knowledgeable business owner might successfully complete a basic assessment using official government guidance.

However, you must honestly evaluate your own capabilities. To conduct a legally compliant assessment, you must be able to:

• Identify all potential fire hazards in the premises.
• Identify all people at risk, including vulnerable individuals, staff, and visitors.
• Evaluate the risk of a fire starting and the risk to people if one occurs.
• Implement appropriate fire safety measures, including detection, warning systems, and firefighting equipment.
• Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan, and provide staff training.
• Review and update the assessment regularly or when significant changes occur to the premises.

If reading that list makes you hesitant, or if your premises feature complex layouts, multiple floors, sleeping accommodation, or high-risk industrial processes, you should strongly consider outsourcing the task to a professional.

When Should You Hire a Professional?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local Fire and Rescue Services strongly advise using a professional assessor if your premises are complex or if you lack the time, resources, or expertise to do the job properly.

Many business owners find that keeping the fire risk assessment in-house is a false economy. An incomplete or inaccurate assessment leaves the Responsible Person legally liable. Common scenarios where professional assistance is highly recommended include:

• Premises used for sleeping accommodation, such as hotels, guest houses, or residential care homes.
• Large or multi-occupied buildings with complex escape routes.
• Industrial premises storing highly flammable materials or chemicals.
• Buildings with complex fire alarm systems, sprinklers, or smoke control systems.
• Situations where a previous assessment has been challenged by the local Fire and Rescue Service or an insurance provider.

How to Choose a Fire Risk Assessor

Currently, there is no single, central government regulator for fire risk assessors in the UK. This means anyone can technically offer fire risk assessment services, making it crucial to do your due diligence before hiring someone.

To ensure you are getting a reliable and legally defensible assessment, look for an assessor who holds recognised qualifications, such as a NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management. You should also check that they have relevant experience with your specific type of building and that they carry adequate professional indemnity insurance.

Using a qualified third party does not transfer your legal responsibilities as the Responsible Person, but it ensures you have fulfilled your duty to appoint a competent person to help you meet those obligations.

How HawkSwift Ltd Can Help

At HawkSwift Ltd, we specialise in helping UK businesses navigate their fire safety obligations with confidence. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors have the experience and technical knowledge to evaluate your premises accurately and identify practical, compliant solutions.

We pride ourselves on delivering clear, actionable reports without unnecessary jargon, and we ensure our comprehensive 48-hour reports are delivered promptly so you can implement any required changes without delay. With our straightforward pricing, our professional fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT, offering exceptional value for a legally robust service.

If you are unsure whether you have the competence to assess your own premises, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes from a professional evaluation, we are here to help. To ensure your business is fully compliant and your occupants are protected, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.