2026-01-01 · HawkSwift Ltd

can-i-do-my-own-fire-risk-assessment-uk-guidance

--- title: Can I Do My Own fire risk, this responsibility falls to the responsible person—usually the employer, landlord.

Reviewing regularly: Updating the assessment when circumstances change or at regular intervals.

When Can I Do My Own fire risk assessment?

You might consider doing your own fire risk assessment if your premises are small, straightforward, and low-risk. For example, a small office and local fire authorities provide guidance documents to help you understand what is required. Following established guidance, such as PAS 79, can help structure your assessment.

When Do You Need a Qualified Assessor?

While the law allows you to do your own assessment, you must be realistic about your competence. The RRO requires the responsible person to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in preventative and protective measures. A competent person is someone with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to implement those measures safely.

You should strongly consider hiring a qualified assessor if your premises fall into any of the following categories:

Complex layouts: Large buildings, multi-storey premises, or those with shared or complicated escape routes.
High-risk occupants: care homes, hospitals, schools, or buildings where people may sleep.
High-risk activities: Industrial sites, kitchens, or premises storing hazardous and highly flammable materials.
Public assembly: Theatres, retail venues, or hospitality venues where large crowds gather.

If a fire occurs and your assessment is found to be inadequate, you could face enforcement notices, prosecution, or imprisonment. When in doubt, staying general and seeking professional help is the safest approach to ensure compliance and the RRO.

The Risks of DIY fire risk assessments

Completing a fire risk assessment requires more than just a quick walk-through. You need to evaluate structural fire protection, emergency lighting, fire doors, alarm systems, and evacuations-evacuation procedures. Without the right experience, it is very easy to miss subtle hazards or overestimate the adequacy of your current safety measures.

fire safety authorities expect assessments to be thorough. If you lack the time, resources, or confidence to evaluate your premises properly, taking a DIY approach leaves your business and its occupants vulnerable. An incomplete or poorly executed assessment provides a false sense of security and fails to meet your legal duties.

How HawkSwift Can Help

At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough, practical, and accurate fire risk assessments tailored to your premises. We help you navigate the complexities of UK fire safety law, ensuring your compliance with the RRO and HSE guidance.

We offer professional fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, delivering clear, actionable 48-hour reports so you can quickly address any hazards and maintain a safe environment. We do not over-promise; we simply provide the high-quality, reliable compliance support your business needs to stay safe and legally protected.

If you are unsure whether you have the competence to evaluate your premises safely, do not take the risk. To ensure your business meets its legal duties, book a fire risk assessment with our expert team today.

Related fire safety guides

Get a Fire Risk Assessment Quote