do-care-homes-need-a-specific-fire-risk-assessment
--- title: Do care homes Need a Specific fire risk assessment? reading_time: 5 canonical: "https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/do-care-homes-need-a-specific-fire-risk-assessment" description: "Running a care home comes with a unique set of responsibilities. As the fire risk and relevant British Standards require you to account for the specific vulnerabilities of the people on your premises. A tailored care home fire risk assessment looks beyond basic fire doors and extinguishers to evaluate how a real responsible person and fire safety guidance recommend reviewing your assessment at least annually. Additionally, you must conduct an immediate review whenever circumstances change.
Significant changes that trigger a review include:
- Structural alterations or internal refurbishments.
- A change in the building's layout or the introduction of new fire hazards.
- A significant change in the type or dependency level of residents being cared for.
- An increase or decrease in staff numbers that affects evacuation capabilities.
- Following a near miss or actual fire incident on the premises.
Choosing the Right Assessor
Because care homes present such complex fire safety challenges, it is highly recommended to use a competent, professional assessor. NEBOSH-qualified assessors understand the nuances of UK fire safety law and have the training to evaluate progressive horizontal evacuation strategies and complex compartmentation requirements accurately. Attempting to manage this in-house without specialist knowledge can lead to critical oversights, putting lives at risk and leaving you legally exposed.
At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough, practical evaluations tailored specifically to the complexities of care homes. We deliver detailed fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, with comprehensive reports returned within 48 hours to help you stay compliant and keep your residents safe. To ensure your premises meet the highest standards of safety, please book a fire risk assessment with our team today.
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Your duties under the RRO 2005 for care homes
- care homes must plan for residents who cannot self-evacuate — 'stay put' or assisted evacuation must be documented.
- CQC regulates care; fire safety is a CQC line of enquiry and must evidence RRO 2005 compliance.
- fire doors, detection and staff fire training are inspected routinely (Art. 17, Art. 21).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.
*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*