A fire risk assessment has five steps: identify the fire hazards, identify the people at risk, evaluate, remove or reduce the risks, record your findings and prepare an emergency plan and training, then review and update the assessment regularly. The responsible person for any workplace must carry one out and keep a written record of it. You can do it yourself using the government's free guides, or appoint a competent person. Staff who understand the findings are part of step four, which is what the Lift College Fire Safety Training course is for.
Step 1: Identify the fire hazards
A fire needs three things: a source of ignition, fuel and oxygen. List what could start a fire (heaters, cooking, electrical equipment, smoking, hot work) and what could burn (paper, packaging, furniture, waste, flammable liquids and gases).
Step 2: Identify people at risk
Think about everyone who could be on the premises: staff, visitors, contractors and members of the public. GOV.UK says to consider "the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities", and anyone working alone or in isolated areas. Some people may need a personal emergency evacuation plan.
Step 3: Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
Remove or reduce hazards where you can, then decide what protection is needed. GOV.UK lists what to consider:
- emergency routes and exits
- fire detection and warning systems
- fire fighting equipment
- the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
- an emergency fire evacuation plan
- providing information to employees and other people on the premises
- staff fire safety training
Step 4: Record, plan and train
You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment. Prepare an emergency plan showing clear passageways to all escape routes, clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible, enough exits, emergency doors that open easily, emergency lighting where needed and a safe meeting point. Then train staff so they know the plan and the escape routes.
Step 5: Review and update
Review the assessment regularly, and whenever something significant changes: new staff with particular needs, a change of layout or use, new equipment or processes, or after a fire or near miss. Regular checks of alarms, emergency lighting, escape routes, fire doors and exit signs should feed into the review.
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment
GOV.UK says you can do it yourself with the help of the government's standard fire safety risk assessment guides, which cover premises such as offices and shops, factories and warehouses, sleeping accommodation, residential care, educational and healthcare premises. If you do not have the expertise or time, appoint a competent person, such as a professional fire risk assessor. Your local fire and rescue authority may give advice but cannot do the assessment for you.
Learning the basics
Lift College Risk Assessment Training covers the general method for any workplace hazard, and Fire Safety Training covers how fires start, the fire risk assessment and what staff must do in an emergency. Both are online with a CPD Standards Office accredited certificate the same day you pass.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there in a fire risk assessment?
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?
Who can do a fire risk assessment?
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
What are the three elements of fire?
Can the fire service do my fire risk assessment?
Sources checked
- GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace, fire risk assessments (checked 10 November 2026)
- GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace, fire safety and evacuation plans (checked 10 November 2026)
- GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace, equipment, drills and training (checked 10 November 2026)
- legislation.gov.uk: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (checked 10 November 2026)
- Lift College: Fire Safety Training (checked 10 November 2026)
- Lift College: Risk Assessment Training (checked 10 November 2026)