What is a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment?

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment accurately reflects the premises, identifies all relevant hazards and people at risk, and specifies appropriate control measures. This is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

How much does a fire risk assessment cost?

Fire risk assessment costs vary depending on the size, complexity, and type of premises. A fire risk assessment for a small office typically starts from £300–£500, while larger or higher-risk premises such as care homes, HMOs, or multi-storey buildings may cost £800–£2,000+. Contact us for a tailored quote.

PAS 79 (PAS 79-1:2020) is the UK's recognised code of practice for fire risk assessment in non-housing premises. It provides a structured methodology for identifying fire hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing appropriate controls. All Arinite fire risk assessments follow PAS 79 to ensure legal compliance and professional standards.

What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?

The Fire Safety Act 2021 extended the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to include structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors in residential buildings. This followed the Grenfell Tower fire and introduced stricter fire safety requirements for HMOs and blocks of flats.

Do I need a fire risk assessment for a rented property or HMO?

Yes. Landlords and property owners are legally required to have a fire risk assessment for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), blocks of flats, and rented residential buildings. This is a requirement under the Fire Safety Order 2005 and Fire Safety Act 2021. For HMOs and flats, assessments must follow BS 9792:2025.

What is a fire risk assessment template and can I use one?

A fire risk assessment template is a generic checklist. While templates can be useful for simple premises, fire and rescue authorities frequently reject template-based assessments because they fail to address site-specific hazards and risks. Legally defensible fire risk assessments must be tailored to your premises.

What are the 5 steps of a fire risk assessment?

The 5 steps of a fire risk assessment are: 1) Identify fire hazards (ignition sources, fuel, oxygen), 2) Identify people at risk (including vulnerable persons), 3) Evaluate risks and implement control measures, 4) Record findings and create an action plan, 5) Review regularly and after any significant changes.

What is a fire door inspection?

A fire door inspection checks that fire doors are correctly installed, maintained, and functioning as intended. Fire doors are a critical part of passive fire protection and compartmentation. Faulty fire doors are a common reason for enforcement action. Arinite can carry out fire door inspections alongside fire risk assessments.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur, including changes to layout, occupancy, processes, staffing, or following a fire incident or near miss. Most fire risk assessments should be reviewed at least annually.

Can I do my own fire risk assessment?

Only if you are competent. Many enforcement actions arise from self-completed or template-based assessments that fail to meet legal standards. For most businesses, appointing a qualified fire risk assessor is the safest and most defensible approach.

Who enforces fire risk assessment requirements?

Fire and Rescue Authorities are responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation in most non-domestic premises. The HSE may also be involved in specific workplaces. Enforcement powers include improvement notices, prohibition notices (immediate closure), and prosecution.

What happens if my fire risk assessment is inadequate?

Authorities may issue an improvement notice under Article 30, a prohibition notice under Article 31 (immediate premises closure), or pursue prosecution under Article 32 depending on the severity of the risk. Penalties include unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment.

Does insurance require a fire risk assessment?

Yes. Most insurers require a valid, up-to-date fire risk assessment. Claims may be reduced or refused if fire safety compliance cannot be demonstrated.

What changed after the Grenfell fire?

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, the UK government introduced the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022. These laws expanded fire safety requirements for residential buildings, introduced stricter regulations for external walls and cladding, and created the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.

HSE inspections up 47% - HSE carried out over 13,200 workplace inspections in 2024/25.

Since 2011

Fire Risk Assessment Services
PAS 79 Compliant

Expert fire risk assessments for offices, HMOs, flats, care homes and commercial premises across London and the UK.

Compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021. Free consultation.

1,500+

Businesses Protected

50+

Countries

95%+

Retention

Book My Free Gap Analysis Call +44 (0)20 7947 9581

PAS 79 Compliant

Fire Safety Act 2021

London & Nationwide

IOSH Chartered

Free Consultation

30+ Years H&S Experience

Your Info

Choose Time

Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis

30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+

What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:

1.30-minute consultation
2.We review your current H&S arrangements
3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing

No Card Details Required

Free Arinite factsheet (tailored to your gaps)

Honest recommendation (audit needed or not)

Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS

PAS 79 Compliant Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for virtually all non-domestic premises in the UK. Following the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022, fire safety requirements have expanded significantly — particularly for residential buildings, HMOs, and blocks of flats.

Arinite's qualified fire risk assessors carry out PAS 79-compliant fire risk assessments across London and nationwide, delivering a site-specific, legally defensible assessment that satisfies fire and rescue authority inspectors.

All assessments follow the PAS 79-1:2020 methodology for non-housing premises. For housing premises including HMOs and blocks of flats, we follow the new BS 9792:2025 standard, which replaced PAS 79-2.

This ensures every fire risk assessment meets the expectations of fire and rescue authority inspectors and provides legally defensible documentation for the responsible person.

Evidence Matters

Fire authorities assess evidence, not intent. Your assessment must be suitable, sufficient, and defensible.

Get Your Fire Risk Assessment

WHY FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS MATTER

Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter

Fire risk assessments are the foundation of fire safety compliance.

They are a legal requirement designed to:

Identify fire hazards

Protect people at risk

Reduce the likelihood of fire

Limit harm if a fire occurs

Demonstrate compliance during inspection

The Real Trigger for Enforcement

Most enforcement action does not follow a fire.

It follows a missing, outdated, or inadequate assessment.

ALL PREMISES TYPES

Fire Risk Assessments for All Premises Types

Fire risk assessment requirements apply to almost all non-domestic premises, but the risks and the controls inspectors expect vary significantly by building type and use.

Arinite carries out fire risk assessments for:

Fire risk assessment for offices and corporate premises

Fire risk assessment for HMOs, blocks of flats, and residential buildings

Fire risk assessment for care homes, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities

Fire risk assessment for warehouses and distribution centres

Fire risk assessment for schools, colleges, and educational buildings

Fire risk assessment for hotels, hospitality, and leisure premises

Fire risk assessment for retail premises and shopping centres

Fire risk assessment for factories and manufacturing sites

Fire risk assessment for construction sites

Fire risk assessment for commercial and mixed-use buildings

Each assessment is site-specific.

Generic fire risk assessment templates are not legally defensible.

WHAT INSPECTORS LOOK FOR

What Inspectors Look For

Inspectors assess whether your fire risk assessment is:

Assessment Must Be:

Suitable

accurate to your premises and activities

Sufficient

identifies all relevant hazards and people at risk

Implemented

controls are in place and working

Maintained

reviewed and updated when required

Common failings include:

No fire risk assessment

Assessments older than 12 months with no review

Inadequate escape routes

Faulty fire detection or emergency lighting

Missing staff training or fire drills

Poor record keeping

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

What a Fire Risk Assessment Must Include

A legally compliant fire risk assessment follows a structured process:

Identify fire hazards (ignition, fuel, oxygen)

Identify people at risk (including vulnerable persons)

Evaluate risks and implement controls

Record findings and actions

Review regularly and after change

Failure at any stage can invalidate the assessment.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The Responsible Person is typically:

The employer

The building owner

The landlord or managing agent

Anyone with control over the premises

In some buildings, multiple Responsible Persons may exist.

Legal responsibility cannot be delegated away.

COMPETENCE REQUIRED

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?

A competent person must carry out fire risk assessments.

This means someone with:

Appropriate training

Relevant experience

Knowledge of fire safety law

Understanding of building design and use

DIY assessments and unqualified assessors are a common cause of enforcement action.

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE

What Our Fire Risk Assessments Cover

Arinite fire risk assessments include:

Means of escape and evacuation

Fire detection and alarm systems

Emergency lighting

Fire-fighting equipment

Compartmentation and passive fire protection

Fire safety signage and notices

Maintenance and testing regimes

Fire safety training and drills

Emergency procedures

All findings are documented clearly and supported by evidence.

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

Fire Marshal Training, Fire Warden Training & Fire Safety Training

As part of your fire risk assessment, we can also deliver fire marshal training, fire warden training, and fire safety awareness training for all staff — ensuring your team knows how to prevent fires and evacuate safely.

Our fire safety training includes:

Fire marshal and fire warden training

Fire safety awareness for all employees

Evacuation procedures and fire drills

Fire extinguisher training (practical)

Emergency evacuation planning

Fire door inspection training

Training can be delivered on-site or virtually across the UK.

LONDON & NATIONWIDE

Fire Risk Assessments in London and Nationwide

Arinite is headquartered in London and provides fire risk assessment services to businesses across the UK. Whether you need a fire risk assessment in London or nationwide support across multiple sites, our qualified fire risk assessors deliver PAS 79-compliant assessments with fast turnaround times.

Why businesses choose Arinite for fire risk assessments:

London-based fire risk assessors with nationwide coverage

PAS 79-1:2020 and BS 9792:2025 compliant methodology

Same-week site visits across London and the UK

Fire Safety Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Building Safety Act 2022 compliance

Fire risk assessments for HMOs, flats, offices, care homes, and all commercial premises

Free fire safety consultation

Fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs

Fire door inspections, compartmentation surveys, and passive fire protection audits available

Need a fire risk assessment near you? We provide fast, professional fire risk assessments across London and the UK.

OUR PROVEN SYSTEM

The Arinite Transformation™

From Reactive Firefighting to Proactive Health & Safety Compliance

STAGE 1

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

What It Looks Like:

No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.

Why It's Dangerous:

✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
✗One accident away from director prosecution

This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.

STAGE 1

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

What It Looks Like:

No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.

Why It's Dangerous:

✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
✗One accident away from director prosecution

This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.

STAGE 2

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

What It Looks Like:

Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.

Why It's Better (But Not Enough):

✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
✓Pass basic client audits
✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
✗Systems don't run themselves

Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.

STAGE 2

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

What It Looks Like:

Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.

Why It's Better (But Not Enough):

✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
✓Pass basic client audits
✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
✗Systems don't run themselves

Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.

STAGE 3

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.

Why It's Transformational:

✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance

That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.

STAGE 3

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.

Why It's Transformational:

✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance

That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.

The Arinite Difference:

Other consultants get you to Stage 2 (Compliant) and disappear.
We get you to Stage 3 (Proactive) and keep you there.

That's why we call it transformation, not just compliance.

"We work with you to deliver peace of mind. We tailor our service provision to your business to provide proactive, pragmatic health and safety advice and that helps reduce costs by ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation."

Robert Winsloe

Managing Director

HOW IT WORKS

From Hidden Gaps to Compliance

Our proven 3-step system has helped over 1,000 businesses eliminate enforcement risk, pass inspections, and protect directors from personal liability.

No guesswork. No generic templates. No box-ticking.

Free Health and Safety Gap Analysis Call

Identify what's missing before an inspector does.

A focused 30-minute health and safety assessment to expose weaknesses in your current arrangements.

As Brendan Tuite, our Operations Director, puts it: "A clear understanding of your business and your requirements with regard to health and safety is absolutely essential."

What you get:

✓A full review of your existing HSE arrangements (or confirmation if none exist)

✓Clear identification of compliance gaps that inspectors commonly enforce

✓A structured risk exposure assessment (fines, enforcement, director liability)

✓Straight answers on where you stand legally, no scare tactics

✓A clear recommendation on whether action is required

✓A tailored pack of free Arinite Factsheets covering your specific gaps

→ You leave knowing exactly where you're exposed and what to do about it.

Health and Safety Audit

Turn risk into documented compliance, fast.

We conduct a comprehensive health and safety audit of your workplace and ensure everything inspectors expect to see is in place. This covers risk assessments, workplace safety inspections, health and safety policy documentation, and every gap identified in Step 1.

What's included:

✓On-site or virtual compliance audit of all activities and areas

✓Complete, suitable & sufficient risk assessments

✓A comprehensive audit report (typically 40–80 pages)

✓A prioritised action plan with clear timelines

✓All required assessments completed, not just identified

✓Delivered within 5 business days.

→ You move from exposed to defensible with evidence to prove it.

Outsource Your Health & Safety - The Arinite Partnership

We become your health and safety department. Your competent person. Your compliance team.

No chasing updates. No need to worry about changes in health and safety laws. No need to wonder if you've missed something. You focus on your core day-to-day business, Arinite handle the rest.

What we take ownership of:

✓Legal appointment as your health and safety competent person

✓Creation and maintenance of all required health and safety policies, procedures, and records

✓Implementation of health and safety management systems and compliance software

✓Health and safety training — inductions, fire marshals, first aiders at work, manual handling, DSE

✓Regular site visits, workplace risk assessments, and ongoing compliance monitoring

✓All regulatory updates handled automatically as health and safety regulations change

✓Tender and client audit support

✓24/7 expert health and safety advice line (real people, real answers)

→ Compliance handled. Risk controlled. Directors protected.

Why This Works

Most enforcement actions arise from systems being assumed rather than proven.

We don't advise. We don't hand over templates.

We build, implement, and maintain end-to-end health and safety compliance, and when we identify an action item, we proactively pursue and resolve it. That's the difference.

Ready to Remove the Risk?

No obligation. No pressure. Just clarity.

Book My Free Gap Analysis Call →

OUR TRACK RECORD

The Numbers That Matter

Since 2011, we've helped businesses eliminate risk, win contracts, and sleep easy:

3,000

Arinite Factsheets

Created for clients needing global H&S Manual addendums

1,500+

Protected Businesses

Across 50 countries. 95%+ retention in 2025

500+

Years of Combined Experience

IOSH Chartered specialists

95%+

Client Retention

50+

Countries Across 6 Continents

100%

Compliance Delivery

WHY OUTSOURCE TO ARINITE

The Health & Safety Partner That Pays for Itself

Many of our clients come to us to outsource their health and safety. They want to focus on their core day-to-day business, not chase compliance paperwork.

We cost less than hiring a full-time health and safety officer.

And we prevent more than we cost.

"Many Arinite clients come to us looking to outsource their health and safety. We help them understand their challenges, where their concerns are, and what support they need so they can focus on their core business."

Brendan Tuite

Operations Director

How We Become Your Health & Safety Department:

Your H&S Team - Not Just Your Paperwork

We don't hand over documents and disappear. We become your outsourced health and safety support, your competent person, your compliance team, your first call when something happens.

Peace of Mind - Guaranteed

Health and safety is important. And when you do health and safety well, it's fantastic for business. We deliver the peace of mind that comes from knowing every base is covered.

Protection - Prevent Fines, Pass Audits, Perform Better

Proactive, pragmatic health and safety advice that helps reduce costs by ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation. Not just documentation, but actual risk reduction.

Proof - Proven Results Since 2011

Our 1- to 3-year contract retention rates are closer to 100% than 90%. That's not a marketing claim, it's an operational fact built on trust, integrity, and keeping promises.

Ready to Partner With the Health & Safety Team That Pays for Itself?

Join 1,500+ businesses who've turned health and safety compliance into a competitive advantage, winning contracts, reducing costs, and eliminating risk.

Start My Free Gap Analysis Call Call: +44 (0)20 7947 9581

GLOBAL LOCATIONS

Find an Arinite Consultant Near You

50+ Countries. Global Safety. Local Trust.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

What 1,500+ Businesses Say About Their Health & Safety Consultants

5.0· 1,500+ reviews

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Trusted by Industry Leaders

Join 1,500+ organisations that trust Arinite as their health and safety consultants.

5.0 Rating

Join 1,500+ organisations that trust Arinite as their health and safety consultants.

Become a Client Today

Featured Resource

Free Fire Safety - Responsible Person Factsheet

Understand your legal obligations with our comprehensive Fire Safety Factsheet.

Download Free PDF Guide

FAQ

Fire Risk Assessment FAQs

Common questions about fire risk assessments

Still Have Questions About Health & Safety Compliance?

Our IOSH Chartered health and safety consultants are here to help with any queries about workplace safety, compliance, or our services.

Get in Touch Call: +44 (0)20 7947 9581

Get in Touch

Have a question or need expert advice? We're here to help.

30+ Years H&S Experience

Your Info

Choose Time

Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis

30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+

What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:

1.30-minute consultation
2.We review your current H&S arrangements
3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing

No Card Details Required

Free Arinite factsheet (tailored to your gaps)

Honest recommendation (audit needed or not)

Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.

Call Us

Monday - Friday: 9AM - 6PM GMT

+44 (0)20 7947 9581

Email Us

We'll respond within 24/48 hours

[email protected]

Visit Us

Headquarters

29 Throgmorton St
London EC2N 2AT

Quick Response Guarantee

24-hour response time
Free consultation included
No obligation quote

Fire Risk Assessment ServicesPAS 79 Compliant

Expert fire risk assessments for offices, HMOs, flats, care homes and commercial premises across London and the UK.

Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis

PAS 79 Compliant Fire Risk Assessments

Evidence Matters

Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter

They are a legal requirement designed to:

The Real Trigger for Enforcement

Fire Risk Assessments for All Premises Types

Arinite carries out fire risk assessments for:

What Inspectors Look For

Assessment Must Be:

Suitable

Sufficient

Implemented

Maintained

Common failings include:

What a Fire Risk Assessment Must Include

Who Is the Responsible Person?

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?

This means someone with:

What Our Fire Risk Assessments Cover

Fire Marshal Training, Fire Warden Training & Fire Safety Training

Our fire safety training includes:

Fire Risk Assessments in London and Nationwide

Why businesses choose Arinite for fire risk assessments:

The Arinite Transformation™

REACTIVE(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Dangerous:

REACTIVE(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Dangerous:

COMPLIANCE(Where Most Businesses Stop)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Better (But Not Enough):

COMPLIANCE(Where Most Businesses Stop)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Better (But Not Enough):

PROACTIVE(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Transformational:

PROACTIVE(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Transformational:

The Arinite Difference:

From Hidden Gaps to Compliance

Free Health and Safety Gap Analysis Call

Health and Safety Audit

Outsource Your Health & Safety - The Arinite Partnership

Why This Works

Ready to Remove the Risk?

The Numbers That Matter

Arinite Factsheets

Protected Businesses

Years of Combined Experience

The Health & Safety Partner That Pays for Itself

How We Become Your Health & Safety Department:

Your H&S Team - Not Just Your Paperwork

Peace of Mind - Guaranteed

Protection - Prevent Fines, Pass Audits, Perform Better

Proof - Proven Results Since 2011

Ready to Partner With the Health & Safety Team That Pays for Itself?

Find an Arinite Consultant Near You

Don't see your location?

What 1,500+ Businesses Say About Their Health & Safety Consultants

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Free Fire Safety - Responsible Person Factsheet

Fire Risk Assessment FAQs

Still Have Questions About Health & Safety Compliance?

Get in Touch

Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis

Call Us

Email Us

Visit Us

Quick Response Guarantee

The Arinite Transformation™

REACTIVE(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

What It Looks Like:

Why It's Dangerous:

Fire Risk Assessment Services
PAS 79 Compliant

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)

PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)