What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

July 31, 2023

What do they do and why are they needed?

Conducting a fire risk analysis (FRA) is a crucial step in building management. These inspections help identify the potential fire hazards within a building, allowing for proper preparation and safety measures. In areas like England and Wales, it is mandatory for larger residences, including blocks of flats and multi-occupant houses.

Fire Risk Assessment Background

Prior to the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in 2005, fire safety was regulated through a complex array of laws and standards. The 2005 Order streamlined these regulations, shifting the responsibility from the fire authorities to the building's owner or manager, known as the "responsible person." This individual must carry out a fire risk assessment, identifying hazards and implementing suitable precautions. The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 further emphasized the vital importance of comprehensive fire risk assessments, leading to increased scrutiny and subsequent amendments, such as the Fire Safety Act 2021. The progression of fire risk assessment laws in the UK reflects a continual effort to enhance building safety, protect occupants, and respond to lessons learned.

Purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment

The purpose of an FRA is to create a comprehensive safety blueprint for the building, focusing on:

The likelihood of a fire occurring
The potential consequences if a fire were to break out
Necessary precautions to minimize the risks of ignition or fire spread

This analysis must be appropriately tailored to the building to comply with the law.

What Does a Fire Risk Analysis Encompass?

The FRA focuses on communal parts of a building accessible to all residents, such as entrance halls and stairways. Additionally, it looks at the building's overall fire safety practices in these shared spaces. Some key aspects it considers include:

Preventing the Onset of Fire: This might be placing 'no smoking' signs, inspecting electrical sockets, or checking lighting fixtures regularly.
Minimizing the Spread of Fire: Implementation of fire doors, for example.
Alerting Occupants: Ensuring properly functioning smoke alarms.
Ensuring Safe Evacuation: Creating clear and accessible escape routes.
Providing Fire Safety Instructions: Making emergency plans readily available.
Reducing Potential Damage: Installation of fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems.

All these measures aim to safeguard not only the occupants within the building but also those nearby who might be at risk if a fire were to start or spread. Conducting a fire risk analysis is a responsible and essential practice for building safety.

For more information check our Fire Risk Assessment Page.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.