Fire risk assessments are the foundation of fire safety in the UK. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises, including schools, care homes, offices, warehouses, retail units, and blocks of flats, must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place.
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we provide comprehensive fire risk assessments across Yorkshire and nationwide. Our team of fire engineers helps clients understand their legal duties, identify fire hazards, and implement proportionate measures to achieve full fire safety compliance.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured process that identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates the risk of harm, and sets out measures to control those risks. It is not a box-ticking exercise but a live document that evolves with the building, its use, and its occupants.
Our assessments follow the five-step method recommended by the Fire Safety Order and the PAS 79-1:2020 methodology, ensuring consistency, clarity, and compliance.
Key elements of a fire risk assessment
Our fire risk assessments cover:
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Identification of ignition sources such as hot works, electrical installations, or smoking areas
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Review of combustible and flammable materials present in the building
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Evaluation of fire detection and alarm systems (BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6)
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Assessment of emergency lighting provisions (BS 5266-1)
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Escape route design, signage, and accessibility for mobility-impaired occupants
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Compartmentation integrity and fire door performance
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Firefighting equipment, including extinguishers and hose reels
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Training and emergency procedures for staff and occupants
Fire compliance beyond the risk assessment
A fire risk assessment is only one part of overall fire compliance. We also support clients with:
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Fire door surveys to ensure that escape routes are protected
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Compartmentation surveys to confirm that fire and smoke cannot spread unchecked
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Emergency lighting testing and fire alarm servicing
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Ongoing fire safety consultancy to adapt to changes in building use, staffing, or occupancy
Sectors we support
We provide fire risk assessments and compliance support for:
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Schools and universities
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Care homes and healthcare premises
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High-rise residential buildings
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Offices and commercial spaces
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Industrial and warehouse facilities
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Public sector buildings including libraries and leisure centres
The benefits of working with J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants
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Full compliance with the Fire Safety Order 2005
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Clear, proportionate recommendations tailored to each building
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Support for Responsible Persons to meet their legal duties
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Reduced risk of enforcement notices, fines, or prosecutions
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Improved safety for staff, residents, visitors, and contractors
Conclusion
Fire risk assessments are the legal and practical foundation of fire safety. But compliance is about more than one document — it is about creating a culture of safety, backed by evidence and ongoing management.
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we provide fire risk assessments, fire door surveys, compartmentation reviews, and full compliance support. Our goal is to give clients confidence that their buildings are safe, compliant, and cost-effective.