What a Good Fire Risk Assessment Actually Looks Like

Property managers hear the phrase fire risk assessment all the time, yet there is a surprising amount of confusion about what a good one actually includes. We review a wide range of assessments across Chester and the wider region and the quality can vary dramatically. A strong assessment is not a tick box exercise. It is a structured investigation that gives you clarity, confidence and a plan you can act on.

This article explains what good looks like and what property managers should expect.

1. Clear evidence that the assessor has understood the building

Every building is unique. Layout, occupancy patterns, age, construction and daily use all influence risk. A good assessment reflects the real building, not a generic template.

What to look for

  • Notes that reference specific parts of your building

  • Recognition of how residents or staff actually move and live in the space

  • Awareness of heritage features, unusual layouts or previous alterations

If an assessment reads like it could belong to any building in the country, that is a warning sign.

2. A structured and logical approach

A good fire risk assessment follows a clear method. It identifies hazards, evaluates the current fire precautions, reviews management arrangements and assesses how people would evacuate in practice.

What to look for

  • A visible methodology

  • Logical progression from findings through to recommendations

  • Clear separation between observations and actions

This structure is what makes the report useful instead of overwhelming.

3. Honest identification of issues without exaggeration

Strong assessments are balanced. They highlight genuine risks without being alarmist. They also avoid glossing over issues to keep the report short or convenient.

What to look for

  • Transparent explanation of why something is a risk

  • Proportionate recommendations

  • No vague phrases like “may need review at a later stage” without detail

Balanced reporting helps responsible persons prioritise sensibly.

4. Practical recommendations you can actually act on

An assessment is only valuable if it turns into action. The best reports include clear, achievable steps with appropriate timelines.

What to look for

  • Recommendations grouped by urgency

  • Specific actions rather than generic advice

  • Sensible timeframes and clear reasoning

  • Distinction between maintenance issues, management actions and system upgrades

This gives property managers a realistic roadmap for improvement.

5. Evidence of compliance checks

Good assessments check the things that matter. Fire doors, alarms, signage, compartmentation, escape routes, electrical risks and management arrangements all feature in a thorough review.

What to look for

  • Photographs or notes showing real site checks

  • Details of any non conforming fire doors

  • Comments on alarm coverage and maintenance

  • Observations on escape route condition and clarity

If these elements are missing or very light, the assessment is incomplete.

6. A clear explanation of the level of risk

Responsible persons need to understand the overall risk picture, not just a list of problems. A quality assessment explains the risk level in plain language and sets it in context.

What to look for

  • A clear risk rating

  • Explanation of the factors influencing that rating

  • How the recommended actions will reduce it

This is often the most valuable section for decision making.

7. Good record keeping and audit trail

Assessments increasingly support insurance renewals and fire service enquiries. A well structured report creates a strong audit trail that shows responsible management.

What to look for

  • Assessment date and assessor credentials

  • Version control

  • References to previous assessments and completed actions

  • Evidence that the assessor is competent and independent

Good documentation now forms part of your compliance story.

Conclusion

A strong fire risk assessment gives you clarity, not complexity. It identifies real risks, explains them clearly and sets out a practical plan that protects your building and the people in it. This is especially important for older buildings, heritage properties and mixed use sites, where risks can be harder to see without experience.

Fletcher Risk carries out detailed fire risk assessments for homes, businesses and heritage sites across Chester and the wider region. If you would like support reviewing your building, we are always happy to help.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. It does not provide legal advice or replace a formal fire risk assessment. Every building is different and responsible persons should seek professional guidance tailored to their property. Fletcher Risk accepts no liability for actions taken based on this summary without a full assessment of the site.

Fletcher Risk Team - 4 December 2025

Tim Fletcher