· Mandy Evans
A fire risk assessment is far more than a legal requirement. When carried out properly, it helps identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people and recommend practical measures to reduce the likelihood and consequences of a fire.
The quality of a fire risk assessment depends almost entirely on the competence of the person carrying it out. While many people advertise fire risk assessment services, there is currently no single licence that someone must hold before calling themselves a fire risk assessor. This makes it particularly important to understand what to look for when choosing one.
Why competence matters
A poor-quality fire risk assessment can overlook significant fire hazards or recommend unnecessary and costly work. In the event of a fire, an inadequate assessment may also make it difficult to demonstrate that the Responsible Person has met their legal duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Choosing a competent assessor provides confidence that the assessment is suitable and sufficient, proportionate to the premises and based on current legislation, recognised guidance and relevant British Standards.
What qualifications should a fire risk assessor have?
There is no single qualification that automatically makes someone competent. Competence is generally based on a combination of:
- Appropriate fire safety qualifications.
- Practical experience of fire risk assessment.
- Knowledge of current legislation and guidance.
- Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- An understanding of the type of premises being assessed.
Different premises require different levels of expertise. An assessor experienced in offices may not necessarily be competent to assess complex HMOs, heritage buildings or specialised housing.
What is third-party accreditation?
Third-party accreditation is one of the strongest indicators of competence.
It means an independent certification body has assessed the fire risk assessor against recognised competency standards. To maintain certification, assessors are normally subject to regular surveillance, periodic reassessment and continuing professional development requirements.
Choosing a third-party accredited assessor gives clients greater confidence that their competence has been independently verified rather than simply self-declared.
What is the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR)?
The National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR) is a register of fire risk assessors whose competence has been independently assessed through recognised certification schemes.
Registration demonstrates that an assessor has successfully met the requirements of their certification body and continues to maintain their competence through ongoing assessment and professional development.
When appointing a fire risk assessor, checking whether they are listed on a recognised professional register is a sensible step.
Experience matters
Fire safety is rarely straightforward.
Every building presents different risks, construction methods and occupancy arrangements. Practical experience enables an assessor to recognise common deficiencies, understand how buildings are used in reality and recommend proportionate solutions.
Previous experience in housing enforcement, building safety, fire safety management or fire engineering can all contribute to an assessor's competence when combined with appropriate qualifications and ongoing professional development.
Does the assessor understand your type of property?
A competent assessor should have experience of the type of premises they are assessing.
Examples include:
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- Blocks of flats
- Holiday accommodation
- Offices
- Shops
- Small commercial premises
If an assessor has limited experience of a particular building type, they should be open about those limitations.
Recognising the boundaries of one's competence is itself an important aspect of professionalism.
Will the report provide practical recommendations?
A good fire risk assessment should do more than simply identify deficiencies.
It should:
- Clearly explain the fire hazards identified.
- Evaluate the level of risk.
- Recommend practical and proportionate improvements.
- Prioritise actions according to risk.
- Help the Responsible Person understand what needs to be done and why.
Recommendations should be realistic and based on current guidance rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Questions to ask before appointing a fire risk assessor
Before instructing an assessor, consider asking:
- Are you third-party accredited?
- Are you registered on a recognised fire risk assessor register?
- What qualifications do you hold?
- How much experience do you have with properties like mine?
- Do you hold Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance?
- Will I receive a prioritised action plan?
- What guidance and standards do you follow?
- Can you provide recent client testimonials or reviews?
A professional assessor should be happy to answer these questions.
Choosing the right assessor
Price should never be the only deciding factor.
A thorough, well-considered fire risk assessment can help protect lives, reduce fire risk, support legal compliance and avoid unnecessary expenditure on inappropriate fire safety measures.
Selecting a competent assessor ensures that the advice you receive is proportionate, practical and based on recognised good practice.
About Property Assessments for Landlords Services Ltd (PALS)
Property Assessments for Landlords Services Ltd (PALS) provides fire risk assessments throughout Cornwall for HMOs, blocks of flats, holiday accommodation and small commercial premises.
Our assessors are Third-Party Accredited Intermediate Fire Risk Assessors and are registered with the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR). Between us, we have over 20 years' experience as former Local Authority Housing Enforcement Officers, giving us extensive knowledge of housing legislation, fire safety and practical compliance.
We believe that fire risk assessments should not simply identify problems, they should provide clear, proportionate and practical solutions that help Responsible Persons understand their duties and improve the safety of their buildings.