[fire risk assessment](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/7-questions-to-ask-a-fire-risk-assessment-company) for [shop](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/do-i-need-a-fire-risk-assessment-for-a-small-shop)s: Evacuation & Peak Trading
Running a retail premises in the UK brings a unique set of fire safety challenges. Unlike offices or warehouse, the designated responsible person—whether that is the business owner, store manager, or premises landlord Order 2005**, a fire risk assessment is not a one-off exercise. It must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur. In retail, significant changes happen frequently. If you alter your shop layout, change your stock storage systems, or experience a notable increase in customer capacity during seasonal peaks, your assessment must reflect this.
If your current assessment is over a year old, or if it does not account for your busiest trading periods, it may no longer be suitable or sufficient. To ensure your retail premises remains compliant and your customers remain safe, book a [fire risk assessment](/book) with our NEBOSH-qualified assessors at HawkSwift Ltd. We provide thorough, plain-English reports within 48 hours, with assessments starting from £199 + VAT.
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Your duties under the RRO 2005 for shops and retail
- Peak-trading periods must not block escape routes with stock (Art. 14).
- Roller shutters and security grilles must allow free escape (guidance to Art. 14).
- Staff fire training is required (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.*
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What a competent fire risk assessment covers
A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:
- Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
- Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
- Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
- Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
- Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.
HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.