Fire Risk Assessments in South London and Surrey
Professional Fire Risk Assessments from IFSM and IFE Accredited Assessors | Helping Businesses and Organisations Meet Their Legal Obligations Under the Fire Safety Order 2005
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess risks to people, and determine what fire safety measures are needed. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to ensure that everyone in your building can escape safely in the event of a fire. It examines potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen (the fire triangle), identifies who might be at risk, and evaluates whether existing fire safety measures are adequate.
At Eon Fire and Safety, we provide thorough fire risk assessments for businesses and organisations across South London and Surrey. Our IFSM and IFE accredited assessors deliver detailed reports with clear, prioritised recommendations to help you protect your people, premises, and property.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Include?
Our fire risk assessments follow a systematic approach in line with PAS 79-1:2020 guidance.
We examine:
Fire hazards
Sources of ignition (electrical equipment, heating, cooking), fuel sources (paper, textiles, flammable liquids), and oxygen sources.
People at risk
Employees, visitors, contractors, and vulnerable people who may need assistance evacuating.
Fire detection and warning systems:
Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and their maintenance.
Escape routes
Emergency exits, corridors, stairways, and external routes.
Fire doors
Their condition, certification, and proper operation.
Emergency lighting
Functionality and coverage.
Firefighting equipment
Fire extinguishers, blankets, and sprinkler systems.
Signage
Fire exit signs, fire action notices, and assembly point signs.
Staff training
Fire safety awareness and evacuation procedures.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
Under UK law, almost all premises other than single private dwellings require a fire risk assessment. If you are the ‘responsible person’ for any of the following, you need a fire risk assessment:
Commercial Premises
- Offices and managed workspaces
- Retail shops and shopping centres
- Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and hotels
- Industrial units, factories, and warehouses
Residential Buildings
- Blocks of flats (communal areas)
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- Care homes and nursing homes
- Hotels and B&Bs
Non-Profit and Community Organisations
- Churches, mosques, and places of worship
- Charities and community centres
- Village halls and sports clubs
Public and Educational Buildings
- Schools, colleges, and nurseries
- Healthcare premises (GP surgeries, dental practices)
- Any premises employing staff
Supporting Subheading
The 5 Steps of Fire Risk Assessment
Our assessments follow the government’s official 5-step approach to fire risk assessment:
1. Identify Fire Hazards
We identify sources of ignition (heaters, electrical equipment, cooking appliances), fuel (paper, textiles, flammable substances), and oxygen. We consider all work processes and activities that could contribute to fire risk.
2. Identify People at Risk
We consider everyone who may be affected: employees, visitors, contractors, and particularly vulnerable people including those with disabilities, elderly persons, children, or those unfamiliar with the premises.
3. Evaluate, Remove, and Reduce Risks
We assess whether existing fire safety measures are adequate. Where possible, we recommend removing or reducing hazards. Where risks remain, we identify additional controls needed to protect people.
4. Record, Plan, and Train
We record all significant findings in a comprehensive written report. This includes recommendations for emergency evacuation plans and staff fire safety training.
5. Review Regularly
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed annually or whenever there are significant changes to your premises, a fire incident, or near miss. We recommend a review date in every report.
What You Receive
Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report including:
- Executive summary of key findings
- Detailed description of your premises and its use
- Identification of fire hazards found
- Assessment of persons at risk
- Evaluation of existing fire safety measures
- Overall fire risk rating for your premises
- Prioritised action plan with clear recommendations
- Suggested review date
Our reports are written in plain English, making it easy for you to understand your fire risks and take action. We are always happy to discuss our findings with you and answer any questions.
Who is the Responsible Person?
The ‘responsible person’ is the individual legally responsible for fire safety in premises. Under the Fire Safety Order, this is typically:
- The employer if the premises are a workplace
- The owner if the premises are not a workplace (e.g., residential block common areas)
- The landlord or freeholder for rented properties
- The managing agent if they have control of the premises
- The occupier if they have control (e.g., tenant of commercial property)
- Trustees or committee members for churches, charities, and community organisations
In many buildings, there may be more than one responsible person. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, all responsible persons must cooperate and coordinate their fire safety measures.
UK Fire Safety Legislation
Fire risk assessments are governed by several pieces of legislation. Understanding these helps you meet your legal obligations:
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The foundation of UK fire safety law. Requires the 'responsible person' to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. Applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
Building Safety Act 2022
Required full written fire risk assessments for all buildings with two or more domestic premises. Enhanced recording requirements, UK contact details for responsible persons, and cooperation duties between multiple responsible persons.
Fire Safety Act 2021
Clarified that the Fire Safety Order applies to the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings. Post-Grenfell legislation addressing cladding and external wall fire risks.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Introduced quarterly fire door checks for buildings over 11 metres, information boxes with floor plans for buildings over 18 metres, and monthly firefighting equipment checks for high-rise buildings.
Penalties for Not Having a Fire Risk Assessment
Failure to comply with fire safety legislation is a criminal offence. Penalties include:
- Unlimited fines for failing to comply with fire safety duties
- Up to 2 years imprisonment for serious breaches
- Enforcement notices requiring you to take specific action
- Prohibition notices that can immediately close your premises
- Alterations notices requiring approval before making changes
In many buildings, there may be more than one responsible person. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, all responsible persons must cooperate and coordinate their fire safety measures.
Why Choose Eon Fire and Safety?
Accredited and Qualified
Our assessors hold IFSM (Institute of Fire Safety Managers) and IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers) accreditation. This gives you confidence that your assessment meets industry standards and will be accepted by enforcement authorities and insurers.
Practical Recommendations
We provide realistic, prioritised action plans that consider your budget and operational constraints. Our goal is to help you achieve compliance efficiently, not to overwhelm you with unnecessary work or unrealistic expectations.
Clear Communication
We explain our findings in plain English and take the time to discuss your report with you. Fire safety should be accessible and understandable, not hidden behind jargon.
Competitive Pricing
We offer fair, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your premises.
Local Knowledge
Based in South London, we understand the specific needs of businesses and organisations in our area. We serve clients across South London boroughs including Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Merton, and Kingston upon Thames. We also cover Surrey towns including Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Leatherhead, Dorking, Reigate, Redhill, Camberley, Farnham, Staines, Walton-on-Thames, and Weybridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement that identifies fire hazards in premises, evaluates risks to people, and determines what fire safety measures are needed. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have one.
There is no fixed legal timeframe, but fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly — at least annually as best practice. You must also review after significant changes to your premises, after a fire incident or near miss, when new legislation comes into force, or if the occupancy or use of the building changes. Higher-risk premises such as care homes may need more frequent reviews.
Failure to comply with the Fire Safety Order can result in enforcement action from your local fire and rescue authority. This can include enforcement notices, prohibition notices (which can close your premises), and prosecution. Fines are unlimited, and in serious cases, responsible persons can face up to 2 years imprisonment.
The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a ‘competent person’. For very small, simple premises, the responsible person may be able to carry out their own assessment using government guidance. However, for most premises — especially those with higher risks, vulnerable occupants, or complex layouts — appointing a qualified fire risk assessor is strongly recommended.
The time required depends on the size and complexity of your premises. A small office or retail unit might take 1-2 hours on site, while larger or more complex premises such as care homes, hotels, or industrial facilities may require a full day or longer. We will give you an estimated timeframe when you request a quote.
Yes, if you employ 5 or more people, or if your premises has 2 or more domestic units (under the Building Safety Act 2022). Even if not legally required to be written, documenting your assessment is strongly recommended as evidence of compliance.
Look for assessors with professional body membership such as IFSM (Institute of Fire Safety Managers) or IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers), relevant qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, and experience with your building type. Our assessors hold both IFSM and IFE accreditation.
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to fire safety legislation. It requires written fire risk assessments for all buildings with two or more domestic premises. If you are responsible for a residential building, these requirements apply to you. For other premises, the core requirements of the Fire Safety Order remain, but the Act reinforces the importance of competent fire risk assessment and proper documentation.
Our pricing depends on the size, type, and complexity of your premises. We offer competitive rates and provide free, no-obligation quotes. Contact us with details of your premises and we will give you a clear price before any work begins.
We provide fire risk assessments across South London and Surrey. This includes South London boroughs such as Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Lambeth, Southwark, and Lewisham, and Surrey towns including Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate, and Camberley.
Ready to protect your premises?
Contact us today to book your fire risk assessment or to discuss your fire safety requirements.