Plain-English definition
A significant finding is something material to fire safety
The term is used for the important outcomes of the assessment: hazards identified, people especially at risk, fire-safety measures already in place, deficiencies, the evaluator’s judgement and the actions needed to protect people.
Significant does not mean only catastrophic or urgent. A finding is significant where it contributes materially to understanding or managing risk. Suitable records also show satisfactory arrangements so that later reviewers can understand the basis of the conclusion.
Hazard
A material source of ignition, fuel, oxygen or fire spread.
People
A group or individual whose location or capability affects risk.
Existing control
A precaution relied on in reaching the risk judgement.
Deficiency
A weakness, failure or uncertainty affecting protection.
Action
A measure needed, with priority, owner and target.
Limitation
Unavailable evidence or areas that affect confidence in the conclusion.
Current law
England now requires the full FRA to be recorded
Section 156 of the Building Safety Act changed the Fire Safety Order requirements from 1 October 2023. Responsible Persons must record the fire risk assessment in full, including all findings, and record their fire-safety arrangements in all circumstances.
The former limitations—such as recording only significant findings where five or more people were employed, licensing applied or an alterations notice was in force—no longer describe the current position in England. The identity of the assessor or organisation assisting with the FRA must also be recorded.
Report quality
What a useful finding should contain
A vague statement such as “fire doors need attention” is difficult to manage. A useful finding identifies the location and condition, explains why it matters, distinguishes observation from uncertainty and states what outcome is required.
The report should allow the responsible person to allocate work and later demonstrate closure. Where a specialist must design the solution, the FRA should define the performance problem without pretending to provide a specification outside the assessor’s competence.
- Unique reference and exact location or affected area
- Evidence or observation supporting the finding
- Relevant people and credible consequence
- Existing measures and why they are insufficient or satisfactory
- Risk priority with an explained timescale
- Required outcome and responsible action owner
- Interim measure where delay leaves material risk
- Closure evidence and verification status
Action planning
Risk ratings should guide action—not create false precision
Many reports use high, medium and low priorities or numerical matrices. The label is useful only where the method is explained and the recommended timescale matches the life-safety significance. Two differently worded findings may depend on one root-cause action and should be coordinated.
Urgent findings can require immediate restrictions or interim controls rather than waiting for the final report. Lower-priority management improvements still need owners and target dates. Cost or convenience does not by itself reduce the underlying risk.
| Priority concept | Typical response |
|---|---|
| Immediate or intolerable | Act now; consider restricting use and obtain competent advice. |
| High | Put interim controls in place and complete permanent action urgently. |
| Medium | Plan and complete within a justified short programme. |
| Lower | Manage through a recorded programme and verify completion. |
| Further investigation | Define the question, competence, access and interim assumption. |
From report to evidence
A finding is not closed because someone typed “done”
Closure should demonstrate that the required outcome was achieved. Evidence might include an invoice, but an invoice alone may not show where work occurred, what standard was used or whether installation interfaces were satisfactory.
Keep photographs, certificates, updated drawings, commissioning results, inspection notes and approvals proportionate to the action. A competent person should verify safety-critical or specialist work. Update the FRA where the completed work changes its assumptions, evacuation plan or reliance on other measures.
- Assign a named owner and target date
- Record interim controls and review them
- Check contractor competence and specification
- Collect location-specific completion evidence
- Verify safety-critical work independently where appropriate
- Update plans, logbooks and the FRA
- Communicate changes to affected people