Guide
Who Can Carry Out 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.
How to think about competence, independence and evidence when selecting a fire risk assessor.
Direct answer
A fire risk assessment should be carried out by someone competent for the premises and risk profile, with suitable knowledge, experience and evidence of capability.
Key takeaways
- Competence should fit the premises risk.
- Higher-risk buildings may need more specialist expertise.
- Evidence matters more than vague claims.
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.
Competence evidence to request
Ask about relevant qualifications, memberships, insurance, comparable premises experience, report methodology and whether specialist review is needed for higher-risk features.
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Relevant training, qualifications or memberships
- Experience with the building type
- A clear scope and written report process
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
Who is the responsible person?
It is commonly an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control.
Do I need technical details before requesting a quote?
No. Start with property type, address, use, occupancy, floors, sleeping accommodation and timescale.
Need a quote?
Send the practical details and we will review the enquiry for suitable provider matching.
Related content
guide
Who Is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment?
How to think about responsible person duties across employers, landlords, managing agents and shared premises.
guide
Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
A plain-English preparation checklist before arranging a fire risk assessment.
guide
Fire Risk Assessment Legal Requirements
A practical overview of fire risk assessment duties for UK non-domestic and common-part premises.
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.