Guide
What Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment?
By Fire Risk Experts editorial team. Reviewed by Fire safety editorial reviewer. Last reviewed: 19 July 2026. Last updated: 19 July 2026. Next review: 19 January 2027.
What an assessor typically looks at during a fire risk assessment visit.
Direct answer
A fire risk assessment usually reviews hazards, people at risk, fire precautions, escape routes, maintenance records, management procedures and actions needed to reduce risk.
Key takeaways
- Assessors consider hazards, people at risk and precautions.
- Records and management arrangements matter.
- The output should help the responsible person manage actions.
Fire Risk Assessments pillar
This guide is part of the Fire Risk Assessments pillar. Use it alongside related guidance and property-specific pages when preparing an enquiry.
What to prepare
- Property address, postcode, use and occupancy details.
- Existing fire risk assessment and action plan, if available.
- Fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguisher and fire-door records where held.
- Information about sleeping accommodation, vulnerable occupants or unusual risks.
Sources
- Fire safety in the workplace, GOV.UK. Accessed 2026-07-19. Responsibilities for employers, owners, landlords, occupiers and others with control of non-domestic premises.
- Fire safety: guidance for those with legal duties, Home Office. Accessed 2026-07-19. Collection of fire safety law and guidance for responsible persons.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 2026-07-19. Primary legislation for general fire safety duties in England and Wales.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need technical details before requesting a quote?
No. Start with property type, address, use, occupancy, floors, sleeping accommodation and timescale.
Should I provide my existing fire risk assessment?
Provide it if available, but do not delay making an enquiry if you cannot find it.
Need a quote?
Send the practical details and we will review the enquiry for suitable provider matching.
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A plain-English preparation checklist before arranging a fire risk assessment.
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Fire Risk Assessment Cost
What affects the cost of a UK fire risk assessment and what information helps an assessor quote accurately.
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Means of Escape in Fire Risk Assessments
A practical guide to escape routes, exits, travel distances and management controls.
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Fire Risk Assessments
Arrange a fire risk assessment enquiry for review and provider matching.
service
Find an Assessor
Submit practical premises details and consent for provider matching.
Next step
Need help arranging an assessment?
Book online when the scope, price and fulfilment route are clear, or request a tailored quote where professional scoping is needed.
An assessor is not treated as appointed until they accept the assignment.