Prepare
Confirm scope, access, building use, dutyholders, occupants and available records.
Professional assessment process
What happens during a fire risk assessment?
A professional assessment combines preparation, an on-site inspection, discussion with people who know the premises, evidence review and a written action plan.
Assessment walkthrough
From preparation to a usable action plan
A competent FRA is more than a brief walk-round or certificate. It combines evidence, inspection, discussion and judgement for the actual premises.
Review evidence
Examine previous assessments, plans, strategies, testing, training and relevant change records.
Inspect the premises
Follow hazards, people at risk, warning, escape, compartmentation and management arrangements.
Evaluate and discuss
Test whether precautions are suitable and raise urgent concerns without waiting for the final report.
Report and follow up
Record significant findings, prioritise actions, verify completion and review when circumstances change.
Scope note: The exact sequence and depth vary with the premises and assignment. Limitations, inaccessible areas and further investigation should be recorded clearly.
Stage one
Before the assessor arrives
The provider should confirm the address, use, size, storeys, occupancy, access and reason for the assessment. The written scope should identify relevant buildings and areas, expected records, price basis and report output.
You may be asked for plans, the previous FRA, fire strategy, emergency plan and test or maintenance information. These help the assessor prepare but do not replace inspection of the actual premises.
- Confirm the named premises and areas included
- Explain sleeping risk, vulnerable people and unusual activities
- Arrange keys, escorts and access to agreed areas
- Gather current plans and fire-safety records
- Identify other responsible persons and shared systems
- Tell the assessor about changes, incidents and known defects
Stage two
Opening discussion and premises briefing
The visit normally begins with a short discussion about the building, people, activities and fire-safety arrangements. The assessor should confirm scope, limitations and any change since quotation.
A person with practical knowledge should be available. On larger or shared sites, facilities, maintenance, security, HR, care staff or tenants may hold different parts of the necessary information.
Building
Construction, layout, uses, alterations and shared areas.
People
Occupancy, visitors, lone working, sleeping and assistance needs.
Management
Roles, emergency arrangements, defects, contractors and change control.
Evidence
Previous findings, fire strategy, system records, drills and training.
Stage three
The on-site inspection and walkthrough
The assessor walks the agreed areas and escape routes, observing how the premises actually operates. A standard FRA is normally visual and non-destructive unless a different scope has been commissioned.
They may take notes, measurements and photographs, subject to privacy and security arrangements. Locked or inaccessible areas should be recorded as limitations and followed up where they prevent a reliable conclusion.
- Ignition sources, combustible materials and housekeeping
- Occupants and locations where assistance may be needed
- Escape routes, exits, stairs and final-exit security
- Detection, warning, emergency lighting and signs
- Fire doors, compartmentation indicators and smoke spread
- Extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke control and other systems
- Plant, storage, charging, cooking and dangerous substances
- Fire-service access and facilities where relevant
Stage four
Questions, records and management checks
An FRA is not only a visual survey. The assessor should test whether emergency arrangements, training, maintenance and responsibilities work in practice. Records help establish what happens between visits.
Missing evidence does not automatically prove a system has failed, but it can prevent assurance and lead to an action or further investigation. Be honest about informal practice and recurring faults.
- Emergency plan, evacuation strategy and calling 999
- Assistance arrangements for disabled and vulnerable people
- Alarm, lighting, door and equipment inspection records
- Training, induction, drills and lessons learned
- Fire-safety roles and cooperation with other dutyholders
- Defect reporting, impairments and interim controls
- Contractor, hot-work and alteration controls
Stage five
End-of-visit discussion and urgent findings
The assessor may summarise important observations and confirm missing information before leaving. They should make urgent life-safety concerns clear promptly rather than wait for routine report delivery.
A verbal discussion is not the final assessment. Conclusions may change when evidence is checked and the report is quality-assured. Ask when the written report is due and how factual queries will be handled.
Stage six
Report, action plan and follow-up
The written report should describe the premises and scope, record findings and limitations, evaluate precautions and provide a prioritised action plan. It should identify the assessor and any organisation involved.
The responsible person should check factual details, seek clarification where necessary, assign actions and retain evidence of completion. The assessor assists with the assessment; accountability for managing the resulting risk remains with the responsible person.
- Check address, use, occupancy and scope
- Read findings and limitations, not just the headline rating
- Control urgent risks and assign every action
- Commission competent specialist work where required
- Verify outcomes and update relevant records
- Review the FRA after significant work or new information
Apply the guidance
Connect the requirement to your premises
Use a property-specific guide for the risks relevant to your building, or go directly to local assessor and enquiry support across London and Surrey.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during a fire risk assessment? FAQs
How long does a fire risk assessment take?
It depends on floor area, storeys, occupancy, complexity, access and record quality. A small straightforward premises may take a relatively short visit; large, residential or complex buildings may require substantially longer inspection and reporting.
Will the assessor need access to every room?
They need sufficient access for the agreed scope. Restrictions should be planned in advance and recorded as limitations. Some residential assessments intentionally sample flats, while ordinary commercial scope may require access throughout the workplace.
Can staff remain in the building during the assessment?
Usually yes. Normal operation often helps the assessor understand real conditions, provided inspection can be completed safely and agreed areas remain accessible.
Will equipment be tested during the FRA?
The assessor considers equipment suitability, condition indicators and records, but an FRA is not automatically a service visit. Alarm, lighting, extinguisher and other specialist testing should be separately defined.
Do I receive a certificate after an FRA?
You should receive a written assessment and action plan, not a universal pass certificate. The responsible person must manage the findings and necessary precautions.
London and Surrey support
Ask about a professional assessment
Tell us what premises you are responsible for and what prompted your enquiry. Your details can be reviewed and passed to an assessor serving your area.
- No obligation to book
- Telephone number required
- Use the details box for risks, changes or deadlines
Sources and limitations
Guidance reviewed 3 August 2026
This page provides general information for England. It is not legal advice or a building-specific assessment. Fire Safety Services is independent and is not affiliated with the Government, enforcing authorities, BAFE, NFRAR or IFSM.