Are Tick-Box Fire Risk Assessments Leaving You Non-Compliant?

The implementation of Section 156 of the Building Safety Act and its amendment of the Fire Safety Order (FSO) represents a seismic shift in how fire risk assessments (FRAs) are conducted and documented. This amendment requires property managers and owners to maintain comprehensive records detailing not only the results of fire risk assessments but also the reasoning behind their fire safety precautions and why they are deemed fit for purpose. However, the widespread use of “tick-box” approaches to fire risk assessments leaves many properties exposed to non-compliance-especially where no justification or commentary is provided – and the potential legal, financial, and reputational risks that come with it.

If you’re still relying on oversimplified FRA methods that reduce complex fire safety needs to checklists and drop-down menus, it’s time to rethink your strategy Let’s break down why this approach is no longer sufficient and how a more thorough and detailed method can safeguard your properties and your reputation.

The risks of tick-box fire risk assessments.

Tick-box assessments are tempting because they promise speed and perceived cost savings. However, they often fail to address the intricacies of individual properties or provide a sufficient level of detail to demonstrate compliance with the new requirements under the FSO and Section 156. Here’s why they fall short:

1. Lack of justification for safety 

Under the FSO and Section 156, it’s no longer enough to note that a precaution, for example, a fire door, is in place. You must document why that fire door is fit for purpose: Does it meet the required standards? Has it been tested and certified? A tick-box assessment without this justification or commentary doesn’t provide the detailed reasoning now required by law.

2. Failure to identify property-specific

Every property is unique, with its own layout, use, and risk profile. A tick-box approach can often overlook these nuances, applying generic safety measures that may not be suitable for a particular building. This not only leaves gaps in compliance but could compromise safety.

3. Inadequate documentation for legal

In the event of an audit, insurance claim, or-worse-a fire incident, your fire risk assessment will be closely examined. Without robust documentation and a clear rationale for safety measures, you could face significant penalties or liability.

What does section 156 require?

Section 156 amends the FSO and mandates that Responsible Person- i.e. property management organisations and/or commercial tenants:

• Maintain comprehensive records: Fire risk assessments must include detailed findings, recommendations, and a justification for all safety measures implemented.
• Prove that measures are fit for purpose: This requires documentation of compliance with relevant standards and evidence of ongoing maintenance and
• Ensure competent oversight: The law places increased emphasis on the qualifications and expertise of those conducting the assessments.

These requirements reflect the government’s broader commitment to improving building safety standards in the wake of high-profile failures such as Grenfell Tower. Tick-box only assessments simply can’t meet this standard of rigor.

How to ensure compliance with section 156.

To avoid the pitfalls of tick-box only assessments and ensure your FRAs are suitable and sufficient, consider the following best practices:

1. Partner with experienced fire safety

Compliance begins with competency. Choose a provider with proven expertise in fire risk assessments, who understands the nuances of the FSO and Section 156 and can deliver tailored advice.

Ark Workplace Risk, for example, combines deep regulatory knowledge with decades of experience. Unlike many competitors, we document the full details of our FRAs, including thorough reasoning for every safety measure. This ensures our clients’ assessments are not only compliant but also court-ready. Ark are also certified under the BAFE SP205 scheme.

2. Adopt comprehensive documentation

Your FRA should include:

• A full risk analysis, detailing specific vulnerabilities and hazards unique to the property.
• A list of safety measures in place, along with an explanation of their suitability.
• Recommendations for improvements, supported by evidence or references to relevant standards.
• An ongoing maintenance and inspection

3. Invest in compliance management

The complexity of documenting and maintaining compliance across multiple properties can be overwhelming. A platform like QUOODA®can streamline this process, providing real-time visibility into compliance metrics, simplifying record-keeping, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

4. Train your 

The effect of Section 156 isn’t just about changing paperwork; it’s about fostering a culture of compliance. Invest in training for your property managers and fire safety personnel so they understand the importance of thorough fire risk assessments and how to implement them effectively.

5. Audit

Make regular audits a cornerstone of your compliance strategy. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

The reality is tick-box assessments aren’t cheaper – they’re riskier.

Many property management organisations are drawn to tick-box only assessments because they seem cost-effective and efficient. But the truth is, they’re a false economy.

Non-compliance with the FSO and section 156 can result in:

• Fines and legal penalties: Failure to meet the documentation requirements could lead to significant financial repercussions.
• Insurance claims denied: If your FRA doesn’t meet the required standards, insurers may refuse to cover fire-related damages.
• Reputational damage: In an industry where trust is critical, being exposed as non-compliant can have long-term consequences for your business.

By investing in detailed, high-quality fire risk assessments, you’re not just meeting legal requirements, you’re protecting your tenants, your properties, and your business.

Why Ark Workplace Risk stands out. 

At Ark Workplace Risk, we’ve always gone beyond the bare minimum. Our fire risk assessments are built on a foundation of meticulous detail, comprehensive documentation, and decades of expertise. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Expertise you can trust: Our team includes leaders who sit on government steering groups, ensuring we’re at the forefront of regulatory changes.
• Tailored solutions: We understand that one size doesn’t fit all. Our assessments are bespoke, addressing the specific needs and risks of each property.
• Proactive support: With us, compliance isn’t a one-off We work with you to maintain standards over time, providing ongoing advice and support.

We are also BAFE SP205 certified giving you comfort that we are competent and have systems in place to secure this.

The future of fire safety compliance.

The introduction of Section 156 and the amendment of the FSO marks a new era in property compliance. It’s not enough to tick boxes and hope for the best. Property management professionals and commercial tenants must embrace a more thoughtful, detailed, and proactive approach to fire risk assessments.

By doing so, you not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate your commitment to the safety of your tenants, the integrity of your properties, and the reputation of your organisation.

Are you ready to leave the tick-box approach behind? At Ark Workplace Risk, we’re here to guide you through this. Contact us today to learn more.