Competent person guidance
Who Can Do a Fire Risk Assessment?
A responsible person can carry out a fire risk assessment if they have enough knowledge, time and confidence. If not, GOV.UK says they need to appoint a competent person, such as a professional risk assessor.
When a professional assessor makes sense
- The building has sleeping risk, vulnerable occupants, public access or multiple tenants.
- The premises is large, industrial, high-risk, old, converted or operationally complex.
- The assessment is needed for an insurer, landlord, audit, lease, sale, enforcement issue or board-level assurance.
- The responsible person does not have the expertise or time to do it properly.
What to check before appointing someone
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Relevant premises experience | An office, care home, HMO, warehouse and factory do not carry the same risk profile. |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Commercial clients should know the assessor is insured for professional advice. |
| Report quality | The report should give clear findings, prioritised actions and practical next steps. |
| Independence on remedials | If remedial work is also being sold, buyers should understand the assessor's role clearly. |
What fire authorities do not do
GOV.UK says local fire and rescue authorities may give advice if you are unsure whether an assessment has been carried out properly, but they cannot carry out risk assessments for you.
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