what-happens-if-i-dont-have-a-fire-risk-assessment-2026-08-07
--- title: What happens if I don't have a RRO 2005 when processing claims.
The Risk to Life and Liability
Beyond the legal and financial penalties, the most significant consequence is the risk to human life. A fire risk assessment identifies hazards such as blocked escape routes, faulty electrical equipment, or flammable materials. Without this review, these hazards may go unnoticed until it is too late.
If a fire results in injury or death, the lack of a risk assessment will be a major aggravating factor in any investigation. The authorities will look at whether you followed relevant British Standards, such as BS 5839 for fire detection and BS 5266 for emergency lighting, as part of your safety strategy. Failing to have an assessment means you have no baseline to prove you took reasonable steps to protect staff and visitors.
How to Ensure compliance
To avoid these consequences, you must ensure your assessment is up to date and suitable. A review is required regularly and whenever there is a significant change to the premises or working practices. If you lack the time or expertise to do this yourself, you must appoint a competent assessor.
At HawkSwift, we provide professional fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT. Our assessors are NEBOSH-qualified, ensuring they have the technical knowledge to identify risks accurately. We aim to deliver your comprehensive report within 48 hours, allowing you to demonstrate compliance quickly.
If you are unsure whether your current assessment meets the standards set by the RRO 2005, it is safer to seek professional advice. You can book a fire risk assessment through our website to secure your compliance.
*This article is for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice.*
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Your duties under the RRO 2005
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it current (Art. 9, RRO 2005).
- Identify people at risk, including those who need assistance to evacuate.
- Put general fire precautions in place — detection, warning, escape routes, fighting equipment (Art. 11).
- Maintain those measures in efficient working order (Art. 17).
- Provide staff with fire-safety instruction and training (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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