If you’re responsible for a building, one of the first questions you’ll ask is who can carry out a fire risk assessment. I often see this confusion, especially among small business owners, landlords, and managing agents who want to stay compliant without overcomplicating things.
The short answer is this: the law does not demand a specific job title, but it does require the assessment to be completed by someone who is competent. Understanding what “competent” actually means is where most people get stuck.
Let me break it down in a simple, practical way.
Who is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment?
Under UK fire safety law, the responsibility sits with the “responsible person”. That’s not a consultant or a fire service. It’s usually:
- The business owner
- The employer
- The landlord or freeholder
- The person in control of the premises
So when people ask who is responsible for fire risk assessment, the answer is almost always you. Even if you appoint someone else to carry it out, the legal responsibility does not disappear.
This applies to offices, shops, warehouses, HMOs, and shared residential areas.
Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment in the UK?
UK law allows flexibility. A fire risk assessment can be completed by:
- The responsible person themselves
- An in-house team member
- An external fire safety risk assessment assessor
However, whoever does it must be a fire risk assessment qualified person in terms of knowledge and experience, not just confidence.
This is where the idea of a competent person for fire risk assessment comes in.
What Does “Competent Person” Actually Mean?
A competent person is someone who understands:
- Fire hazards and ignition sources
- How fire spreads through a building
- Escape routes and evacuation planning
- Fire doors, compartmentation, and alarms
- UK fire risk assessment legal requirements
They must also know how to identify risks and recommend realistic controls.
This is why many people ask, “Do I need a professional fire risk assessment?” The honest answer depends on the building.
Can a Business Owner Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes, a business owner can carry out a fire risk assessment — but only if they are genuinely competent.
For very small, low-risk premises, this can be reasonable. For example, a small office with few staff, a simple layout, and no sleeping risk.
Once you’re dealing with:
- Multiple escape routes
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Shared residential areas
- Higher occupancy or vulnerable people
A professional assessment is strongly advised.
For buildings with fire doors, I often see risks missing that later show up during inspections. Issues like poor installation or lack of maintenance can undermine safety. This is why professional input often ties in with services such as fire door installation and ongoing fire door maintenance.
Fire Risk Assessment Competent Person Requirements
There’s no single licence issued by the government, but competence is usually demonstrated through:
- Fire safety qualifications
- Recognised industry training
- Proven experience with similar buildings
- Understanding of current guidance and standards
Many professional assessors also follow third-party certification schemes, which adds confidence. You can learn more about assessor standards and compliance through certification and qualification guidance.
This matters because if something goes wrong, enforcement officers will ask how you decided that person was competent.
Who Is Legally Allowed to Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
Legally, anyone can carry it out, but only a competent person can do it properly and defensibly.
That distinction is crucial.
If the assessment is found to be unsuitable or insufficient, enforcement action still falls on the responsible person. Fines and prosecution are real risks, especially where poor assessments overlook issues like fire spread through walls, ceilings, or façades. This is why services such as fire compartmentation services and facade recladding compartmentation are often highlighted during professional reviews.
Fire Risk Assessment for Small Businesses
Small businesses often assume they are exempt. They are not.
Even a small shop or office needs an assessment that reflects how the space is used. Many choose a professional because it saves time and removes uncertainty. It also links naturally with wider fire protection measures, such as passive fire protection for walls, ceilings, and service penetrations.
When Professional Support Makes Sense
If your building includes fire doors, shared areas, structural fire protection, or has had recent alterations, professional input is usually the safest route. I regularly see assessments upgraded after improvements such as passive fire protection works, especially where compliance expectations are closely monitored.
Practical Fire Safety Advice You Can Trust
At Original Fire, I help responsible people understand not just what the law says, but what actually keeps people safe. I carry out clear, practical fire risk assessments that stand up to scrutiny and link directly to real solutions when improvements are needed.
The average price for a professional fire risk assessment typically starts from £150 to £400, depending on the size and complexity of the building. There are no hidden extras, just straightforward advice you can act on.
If you’re unsure whether your current assessment is enough, or if you need one done properly from scratch, get in touch with us today.
