Fire Safety Consultancy
Fire Risk Assessments & Existing Building Fire Safety Assessments
This service covers fire risk assessments for premises in occupation,as well as broader assessments of existing buildings to help clients understand the current fire safety condition, compliance position, or key areas of concern.
Service Overview
A fire risk assessment considers the fire hazards present, the people who may be at risk, the adequacy of existing fire safety arrangements and the actions needed to reduce risk. Broader existing building fire safety assessments can also be used to review older, altered or operational premises where a more strategic understanding of current condition and compliance concerns is required.
When You May Need This Service
You may need this service when you are the responsible person, when an occupied building requires a fire risk assessment, or when a property is being reviewed before acquisition, refurbishment, occupation, or change of use. It is also useful where an older building needs a practical fire safety condition review rather than a narrow checklist exercise.
Regulatory Context
Fire safety duties for occupied and non-domestic premises differ across the UK. In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies. In Scotland, duties arise principally under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. In Northern Ireland, the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 sets out the relevant fire safety duties. Assessments should be carried out and reviewed in line with the applicable jurisdiction, premises type and dutyholder responsibilities.
Scope of Service
- Type 1 fire risk assessments where appropriate
- Type 3 fire risk assessments where appropriate
- Review of means of escape
- Review of alarm and detection arrangements
- Review of emergency lighting provision
- Review of signage and fire safety equipment
- Review of management arrangements and housekeeping
- Consideration of occupancy profile and risk factors
- Identification of significant findings
- Prioritised recommendations
- Broader existing building fire safety review where required
Deliverables
- Fire Risk Assessment report
- Significant findings schedule
- Prioritised action plan
- Existing building fire safety assessment note
- Recommendations for further specialist review where required
Who This Service Is For
- Offices and workplaces
- HMOs and residential blocks
- Mixed-use premises
- Managed residential buildings
- Commercial premises
- Buildings being refurbished, re-let or reviewed for compliance
How RSCP Engineering & Consultancy Adds Value
We aim to provide fire risk assessments that are clear, balanced and useful in practice. The objective is not simply to list defects, but to help the client understand the significance of the findings and the next steps required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a fire risk assessment legally required?
Where you have fire safety duties for relevant premises, a fire risk assessment is generally required and should be reviewed regularly in line with the applicable legal regime.
What is the difference between a Type 1 and a Type 3 assessment?
A Type 1 assessment is generally non-destructive and covers the common parts. A Type 3 assessment extends to the common parts and, where relevant, to a sample of private accommodation.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed regularly and updated where there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or where a significant change has occurred.
Can you review an existing building before refurbishment or acquisition?
Yes. This service can be adapted to provide a broader existing-building fire safety assessment where that is more useful than a routine FRA alone.
What happens if issues are identified?
The report will prioritise the findings and set out recommendations, including whether any further intrusive or specialist review is advisable.
Who is usually responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment?
This is typically the responsible person or dutyholder for the premises, such as an employer, landlord, owner, managing agent or person in control of the building.
Do you provide an action plan as part of the assessment?
Yes. The report can include prioritised recommendations to help the client understand what to address and in what order.
Can the assessment be updated following refurbishment or material change?
Yes. Where the building or its use has changed, the assessment can be reviewed and updated to reflect the revised circumstances.
RSCP Engineering & Consultancy is an independent consultancy bringing together expertise in fire safety, health & safety, and commercial project support.
RSCP Engineering & Consultancy Ltd. Registered in England and Wales under Company No. 09386967. Registered Office: Vision Offices, Saxon House, 27 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HT.
Contact Info
Vision Offices, Saxon House, 27 Duke Street
Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT