How to Choose a Fire Risk Assessor

Choosing a fire risk assessor means finding someone who understands your premises and can explain what needs to be done to improve fire safety. Their assessment should give you a clear picture of the risks, supported by practical recommendations you can act on.

For business owners and property managers, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Qualifications, relevant experience and the quality of the report all deserve consideration before you book.

At The HSRA, we provide professional fire risk assessments for businesses and property managers across the UK. Here, we explain the questions worth asking when choosing an assessor.

What Makes a Competent Fire Risk Assessor?

A competent fire risk assessor needs the knowledge and practical experience to assess the premises they are taking on. They should understand how fires can start and spread, how people might be affected and whether the existing precautions are appropriate.

Competence also means recognising the limits of their expertise. If a building needs specialist investigation, the assessor should explain this rather than make assumptions about something they cannot verify.

A qualified fire risk assessor should be able to discuss their training and show how their experience relates to your building. A certificate is useful evidence, but it should be considered alongside the work they have carried out.

Ask About Experience With Your Type of Premises

Different buildings present different challenges. A small office, a busy restaurant and a property providing sleeping accommodation require different considerations, even where their floor areas are similar.

Ask whether the assessor has worked with premises like yours. Explain how the building is used, who occupies it and whether anyone may need assistance to evacuate.

For example, assessing a restaurant involves understanding the risks associated with cooking and the movement of customers and staff. A care setting requires particular attention to the occupants and how evacuation would work in practice.

The assessor’s experience should be relevant to these circumstances. If they need more information before confirming suitability, that is a sensible part of establishing the scope.

Check Qualifications and Professional Credentials

Ask what fire risk assessment qualifications and relevant training the assessor holds. They should be able to explain what these cover and how they support the work being offered.

If a provider mentions professional registration or third-party certification, check the details with the organisation concerned. Establish whether the credential applies to the individual assessor, the company or a particular service.

Professional credentials can help you evaluate a provider, but they still need to match the proposed work. Avoid assuming that membership of an organisation means someone is suitable for every type of building.

At The HSRA, we match assessors to the premises and type of assessment required. Our assessors hold recognised qualifications appropriate to the work they undertake.

Confirm What the Assessment Will Cover

Before booking, agree which parts of the property will be assessed. This is particularly important in shared buildings where your business occupies one unit and other areas are managed by a landlord or managing agent.

The provider should explain what access is needed and which records will help them carry out the assessment. These may include previous reports, floor plans and records relating to fire safety equipment and procedures.

Ask how any inaccessible areas or missing information will be handled. The report should make limitations clear so that an incomplete picture is not mistaken for a complete assessment.

It is also worth confirming whether specialist surveys or investigations are included. A general fire risk assessment does not automatically include detailed fire door inspections, equipment servicing or intrusive checks of concealed construction.

Ask to See a Sample Report

An anonymised sample report can help you understand what you will receive. Look for clear findings that relate to the premises, with recommendations explaining the action needed.

The action plan should make priorities understandable. You should be able to identify where an issue is located, why it matters and what needs to happen next.

For example, “review fire doors” provides limited direction on its own. A finding that identifies the affected door and explains the observed problem gives the person managing the building a better starting point.

Technical detail may be necessary, but the report should still be usable by the people responsible for implementing its recommendations.

Check Insurance and the Basis of the Advice

Ask whether the provider holds appropriate insurance for the work, including professional indemnity insurance. Confirm that the cover relates to fire risk assessment services and the type of premises involved.

It is also useful to understand whether the provider sells or installs the equipment they may recommend. Where assessment and remedial services are offered together, ask how recommendations are justified and whether you can use another contractor.

You should be able to understand why an improvement is needed before deciding how to arrange it. Clear explanations help you make informed decisions about the work identified.

Understand What Happens After the Visit

Ask when you will receive the report and who to contact if you need clarification. An assessment is more useful when you can understand its findings and the next steps.

Confirm whether explanations of the report are included in the fee. Return visits, reassessments and specialist advice may be separate services, so it helps to establish this before booking.

Your provider should also explain how urgent concerns identified during the visit will be communicated. Significant issues should receive appropriate attention without waiting for routine administration to be completed.

Compare the Service Alongside the Price

When comparing quotes, give each provider the same information about your premises. This makes it easier to establish whether they are offering comparable work.

Look at the agreed scope, relevant experience, reporting and support as well as the cost. A cheaper assessment may be suitable for straightforward premises, provided it covers what you need.

Be cautious about promises that booking an assessment will automatically make your building compliant. The findings may identify actions that you still need to complete, and fire safety requires ongoing management.

Your Responsibilities Continue After the Assessment

Appointing a professional fire risk assessor provides specialist help, but it does not transfer all responsibility for fire safety to them. The people responsible for the premises still need to consider the findings and arrange appropriate action.

Keep track of recommendations, record completed work and maintain the relevant fire safety arrangements. Changes to the premises or how they are used may also mean the assessment needs reviewing.

A useful report supports this process by making the findings and priorities clear. It should be a document you can work from when managing the building.

Arrange a Fire Risk Assessment With The HSRA

At The HSRA, we provide fire risk assessments with detailed reports and practical action plans. Our team offers nationwide coverage and flexible appointments to help you arrange an assessment around your premises.

Contact The HSRA for a no-obligation quotation for one site or a nationwide property portfolio.

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