Fire risk assessment cost guide

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement that identifies the potential risks your premises has in the event of a fire. It’s a legal requirement for non-domestic premises as outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2006. Its purpose is to keep you and anyone using your premises safe.

It is the law to arrange regular fire safety surveys if you own business premises. This includes detached premises or premises as part of a larger building. An assessment is also necessary for the communal areas of houses or flats with multiple occupancies.

There are several costs involved in fire risk survey depending on the type of building you have and the size of it. It is important to use a professional to ensure the regulations are met.

How much does a fire risk assessment cost?

Every assessment is unique due to the factors involved in each building. For instance, the premises could be single or multi-storey, there could be several interconnected buildings, and the arrangement of the rooms in similar properties could be different. How each building is used can affect the hazards involved, such as the storage of flammable materials. The risks to residents who live in houses with multiple occupancies are also assessed.

The cost of an assessment often varies between £200 and £1,200. Premises such as a cafe, shop or hairdressing salon are relatively straightforward to assess and might cost an average of £300.

A fire risk survey should be carried out regularly. For example, three-storey blocks of flats should be reviewed and assessed every two to four years.

Health and safety risk assessment cost

A health and safety risk assessment can be carried out as part of an overall risk assessment or a separate exercise to a fire risk assessment. The costs will be dependant on the size and use of your building.

It is important to hire a trusted health and safety risk assessor that has been vetted by Checkatrade. A survey that’s unusually low in cost may not provide the level of experience necessary in identifying potential hazards.

Types of fire risk assessments

A fire assessment survey identifies the potential hazards on the premises and evaluates how risks can be reduced. The survey advises on how to prepare for an emergency and the type of training you should provide.

Workplace assessments check the risks regarding the accessibility of escape routes, the installation of alarms, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. They also include advice on providing fire safety training for employees.

Landlords who rent out houses for multiple occupancies (HMO) have to ensure that vulnerable tenants such as children or the elderly are not at risk.

It is possible to carry out a fire risk survey yourself. However, if you don’t have the relevant expertise you risk a hefty fine or two years in prison. Professional assessors are qualified with all the latest updates.

Appointing a professional fire risk assessor who is aware of the regulations is more important than trying to find a cheap service.

Generally, a fire risk assessment happens in five steps:

• Identify fire hazards.
• Identify people at risk.
• Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
• Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
• Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

Key takeaways

• Be aware of your responsibilities as a building owner.
• Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to health and safety.
• Use a professional assessor who will be aware of all of the latest regulations.
• Ensure your assessment is updated as frequently as possible.