What Actually Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment?

For many people, a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) sounds intimidating — something involving clipboards, technical jargon, and a long list of things to fix.

But in reality, a fire risk assessment is simply a structured look at how your building would protect people if a fire broke out — and what can be improved.

At Fletcher Risk, we carry out hundreds of assessments each year across offices, shops, schools, factories, and heritage buildings across the North West. And most of the time, clients are surprised by how straightforward and practical the process really is.

Here’s what actually happens during a Fire Risk Assessment — step by step.

👣 Step 1: Understanding your building

Every good FRA starts with a conversation.

We begin by learning how your building is used:

  • Who’s inside — staff, customers, residents, or visitors?

  • What activities take place day to day?

  • Have there been any recent changes in layout, use, or occupancy?

An open-plan office and a light-industrial workshop face very different risks. By understanding the people, equipment, and routines that shape your space, we can make sure our assessment is realistic — focused on how your building really works, not just what’s on paper.

This first step sets the tone: cooperative, practical, and specific to you.

👀 Step 2: Walking the site

Next, we carry out a thorough visual inspection of your premises.

We look at:

  • Escape routes and exits — are they clear, accessible, and properly signed?

  • Fire doors — do they close, latch, and provide proper separation?

  • Signage and emergency lighting — is it visible, illuminated, and well maintained?

  • Alarm and detection systems — are they suitable for the building type and layout?

  • Extinguishers and suppression systems — are they positioned correctly and serviced?

  • Storage and housekeeping — are combustibles kept safely away from ignition sources?

This stage isn’t about catching people out. It’s about understanding how the building would perform in a real emergency and identifying where improvements would make a meaningful difference.

🧠 Step 3: Identifying risks and solutions

Once we’ve seen the site, we identify potential hazards and assess how likely they are to cause harm.

Each risk is rated and explained in plain language — what the issue is, why it matters, and how to fix it.

Recommendations can range from simple, low-cost measures like:

  • Replacing damaged signage, or

  • Clearing obstructions from escape routes

…through to more complex actions, such as:

  • Upgrading alarm coverage, or

  • Improving compartmentation in older buildings.

The key is proportionate advice — no unnecessary upgrades or jargon, just practical steps that reduce risk and improve compliance.

📝 Step 4: Producing your report

The Fire Risk Assessment report is your written record of compliance.

It includes:

  • A clear summary of your building’s current fire safety performance

  • Identified risks and recommendations

  • An action plan with priority ratings and realistic timescales

  • Supporting evidence and photographs where needed

We design every Fletcher Risk report to be readable and useful — not a technical mystery or a tick-box form.

You should come away with a document you understand, can act on, and can show confidently to regulators, insurers, or your local Fire Authority if required.

♻️ Step 5: Review and follow-up

Fire risk assessments aren’t a one-time exercise.

Your building, occupancy, and equipment change — and so does your risk profile.

That’s why we recommend reviewing your FRA:

  • At least once every 12 months, and

  • Whenever significant changes occur (such as layout alterations, new tenants, or system upgrades).

Many of our clients choose an annual review with us. It keeps documentation up to date, supports insurance requirements, and provides peace of mind that nothing has slipped through the cracks.

🔑 The key takeaway

A Fire Risk Assessment isn’t a test you pass or fail — it’s a snapshot and an action plan for keeping people safe.

When done well, it’s an empowering process that gives you clarity:

  • What’s working,

  • What needs improvement, and

  • How to stay compliant with confidence.

By understanding what really happens during an FRA, you’re already ahead of most Responsible Persons.

If you’re planning your first assessment or need to update an older one, Fletcher Risk can help — no jargon, no panic, just clear, professional advice.

✅ Learn more

To book a Fire Risk Assessment or request a quote, visit fletcherrisk.co.uk or contact our team directly.

We’ll help you protect your people, property, and peace of mind — with assessments that are compliant, practical, and built around how your building actually works.

Fletcher Risk Team - 31 October 2025

Disclaimer:
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, fire-safety requirements may vary depending on your building and local authority. For specific guidance or a formal Fire Risk Assessment, please contact Fletcher Risk or a qualified fire-safety professional.

Tim Fletcher