What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a systematic evaluation of fire hazards, fire protection measures and life safety risks within a building. It identifies deficiencies, assesses risk, and sets out proportionate actions to reduce the likelihood of fire and the potential consequences should one occur.
For residential buildings, particularly blocks of flats and higher-risk buildings, a robust fire risk assessment is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act, and the Building Safety Act. Poor-quality or inappropriate FRAs routinely fail enforcement tests and expose duty holders to regulatory, legal and reputational risk.
Who Our Fire Risk Assessments Are For
We deliver Fire Risk Assessments for:
- Social housing registered providers
- Local authorities
- Managing agents and freeholders
- Accountable Persons and Principal Accountable Persons
- Developers and building owners
Covering:
- Individual dwellings and HMOs
- Low-, mid- and high-rise residential blocks
- Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)
- Mixed-use developments
The Four Levels of Fire Risk Assessment
Not all Fire Risk Assessments are the same. Selecting the wrong level is one of the most common and costly failures in building fire safety management.
We provide all four recognised levels of Fire Risk Assessment, aligned with PAS 79 guidance and current industry practice.
Level 1 – Non-Intrusive Fire Risk Assessment
A Level 1 FRA is a visual, non-intrusive assessment of accessible areas.
Typically includes:
- Inspection of common parts only
- Review of fire doors, compartmentation (visually), escape routes
- Assessment of fire detection, alarms and emergency lighting
- Review of fire safety management arrangements
Limitations:
Level 1 assessments rely heavily on assumptions about hidden construction. They are often insufficient for older buildings, high-rise blocks or buildings with unknown construction types.
Level 2 – Fire Risk Assessment with Destructive Inspection
A Level 2 FRA includes limited intrusive inspections to verify fire-resisting construction.
Typically includes:
- Opening up walls, ceilings or service risers (by agreement)
- Verification of compartmentation and fire stopping
- Confirmation of construction materials and fire resistance
Use where:
There is uncertainty about compartmentation, historic alterations, or where a Level 1 assessment cannot reliably assess risk.
Level 3 – Fire Risk Assessment with Intrusive Inspection and Fire Engineering Input
A Level 3 FRA combines intrusive inspection with fire engineering analysis.
Typically includes:
- Detailed investigation of construction and fire strategy
- Fire modelling or engineering judgement
- Assessment of complex layouts, tall buildings or unusual designs
- Review of evacuation strategy and fire performance
Use where:
Buildings are complex, high-risk or where prescriptive guidance is inadequate. This level is often required for higher-risk residential buildings.
Level 4 – Fire Risk Assessment Including Occupied Dwellings
A Level 4 FRA extends assessment into individual flats or units.
Typically includes:
- Inspection of fire separation between dwellings
- Assessment of flat entrance doors
- Identification of resident-driven risks
- Verification of compartmentation at dwelling level
Reality check:
Level 4 FRAs are disruptive, costly and difficult to deliver at scale. However, they are sometimes the only way to gain assurance in buildings with known or suspected systemic defects.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
Our approach is evidence-led and proportionate:
- Scoping and Level Selection – matching the assessment level to the building risk
- Document Review – drawings, O&Ms, fire strategies, previous FRAs
- On-Site Inspection – by competent, experienced fire risk assessors
- Risk Evaluation – realistic, not theoretical risk ratings
- Clear Action Plan – prioritised, cost-aware recommendations
We do not default to the lowest level to reduce fees, nor escalate unnecessarily. Both approaches fail in the long term.
Fire Risk Assessments for Building Safety Compliance
Our FRAs support:
- Building Safety Case Reports
- Accountable Person duties
- Fire Authority engagement and audits
- Golden Thread information requirements
- Enforcement defence and audit trails
Reports are written to withstand scrutiny from regulators, insurers and enforcing authorities.
Expected Outputs & Deliverables
You will receive:
- A compliant Fire Risk Assessment report
- Clear identification of fire hazards and deficiencies
- Risk-based, prioritised recommendations
- Defined responsibilities and review periods
- Photographic evidence and supporting commentary
- Advice on the appropriate level of future assessment
Why Choose Us?
- Competent assessors with real-world experience of residential fire risk
- Strong understanding of high-rise and higher-risk buildings
- Honest advice on what level of FRA is actually required
- Clear, defensible reports – not generic templates
- Focus on risk reduction, not box-ticking