If you’re responsible for a business premises, one of the questions you may be asking is: How much does a fire risk assessment cost?
The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all price. The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary depending on the size of your premises, the complexity of your building and the level of risk involved.
While it’s understandable to look for the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that a fire risk assessment is not simply a box-ticking exercise. A thorough assessment can help protect your employees, customers and business from the potentially devastating consequences of a fire.
Do I Legally Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in England and Wales are legally required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
This includes:
- Offices
- Shops and retail premises
- Warehouses
- Factories and manufacturing facilities
- Schools and educational settings
- Care homes
- Restaurants and hospitality venues
- Communal areas of residential buildings
As the ‘Responsible Person’, it is your duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and regularly reviewed.
What Affects the Cost of a Fire Risk Assessment?
Several factors influence the price of a fire risk assessment.
The Size of Your Premises
Generally, larger premises take longer to assess and therefore cost more.
For example:
- A small office with a handful of employees will usually require less time than a large warehouse or manufacturing facility.
- Multi-storey buildings often involve more complex assessments due to escape routes and fire compartmentation requirements.
The Complexity of the Building
Some premises present greater challenges than others.
Factors that can increase complexity include:
- Multiple floors
- Basement areas
- High occupancy levels
- Complex layouts
- Multiple escape routes
- Older buildings
- Buildings with sleeping accommodation
The more complex the premises, the more detailed the assessment is likely to be.
The Type of Business
Different industries carry different levels of fire risk.
For example:
- Warehouses storing combustible materials
- Manufacturing sites using machinery and chemicals
- Care homes with vulnerable residents
- Hospitality venues with commercial kitchens
Higher-risk environments often require more detailed assessments and recommendations.
Number of Occupants
A building with a large number of employees, visitors or members of the public may require additional consideration regarding:
- Evacuation procedures
- Emergency exits
- Fire safety management systems
- Staff training requirements
Existing Fire Safety Measures
If your premises already have robust fire safety arrangements in place, the assessment process may be more straightforward.
However, if significant shortcomings are identified, additional recommendations and follow-up support may be required.
Why Are Some Fire Risk Assessments So Cheap?
When comparing providers, you may come across extremely low prices. While cost is an important factor, choosing a provider based solely on price can be a false economy.
A poor-quality assessment may:
- Miss significant hazards
- Provide generic recommendations
- Fail to identify compliance issues
- Leave your business exposed to risk
- Create issues in the event of an inspection or incident
A fire risk assessment should provide meaningful guidance that helps you improve safety and remain compliant.
What’s Included in a Professional Fire Risk Assessment?
A competent fire risk assessment should typically include:
Identification of Fire Hazards
Assessing potential ignition sources, combustible materials and factors that could contribute to a fire.
Identification of People at Risk
Considering employees, visitors, contractors and vulnerable individuals who may require additional support during an evacuation.
Evaluation of Existing Fire Safety Measures
Reviewing:
- Fire alarms
- Emergency lighting
- Fire extinguishers
- Signage
- Means of escape
- Fire doors
- Evacuation procedures
Recommendations and Actions
Providing practical recommendations to reduce risk and improve compliance.
A Detailed Report
A written report outlining findings, actions and areas requiring attention.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should not be completed once and forgotten about.
Reviews should take place:
- Following significant changes to the premises
- After changes to staffing levels or occupancy
- Following a fire or near miss
- When new equipment or processes are introduced
- Periodically to ensure the assessment remains suitable and sufficient
Regular reviews help ensure your fire safety arrangements continue to protect your business.
Why Investing in Fire Safety Makes Good Business Sense
The cost of a fire can be devastating.
Beyond the immediate damage to property, businesses may face:
- Operational downtime
- Loss of income
- Insurance complications
- Reputational damage
- Enforcement action
- Potential prosecution
Investing in a professional fire risk assessment can help identify issues before they become serious problems and provide reassurance that your fire safety arrangements are fit for purpose.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we provide professional, practical and comprehensive fire risk assessments for businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Our experienced consultants take the time to understand your premises, identify potential risks and provide practical recommendations that help you protect your people and remain compliant.
If you’re unsure whether your current fire risk assessment is up to date or need advice on your legal responsibilities, our team is here to help.
