A fire risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person; someone with the right training, knowledge and experience to identify risks and recommend proportionate measures. While the law allows a “responsible person” to conduct an FRA themselves, most organisations appoint specialist consultants. At Ark Workplace Risk, our accredited assessors deliver thousands of FRAs every year, ensuring they are regulator-ready and fully aligned with the Building Safety Act.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that FRAs are reviewed regularly to remain up to date. Best practice is:
- At least once every 12 months
- After any material changes to the building (layout, occupancy, systems)
- Following a fire incident or near miss
At Ark, we build FRA reviews into ongoing compliance programmes, supported by our QUOODA® platform, giving clients real-time assurance and proactive reminders.
Failing to carry out a compliant FRA can have serious consequences:
- Legal enforcement action by fire authorities
- Unlimited fines or even imprisonment for responsible persons
- Increased liability with insurers
- Reputational damage and, most importantly, increased risk to life
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, accountable persons face even greater scrutiny and personal accountability, making FRAs more critical than ever.