Who Is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment?

August 7th, 2026

Last updated: July 23rd, 2026

Fire safety is a legal responsibility for almost every business in the UK. In fact, carrying out a suitable fire risk assessment is one of the most important steps in protecting employees, visitors and your property.

But who is responsible for a fire risk assessment?

In most cases, the answer is the Responsible Person. This is a legal role defined under UK fire safety legislation, and it comes with a number of important duties beyond simply arranging a fire risk assessment.

Do Businesses Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Almost all non-domestic premises in England and Wales require a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This includes workplaces, commercial buildings, premises that members of the public visit, and the shared areas of multi-occupied residential buildings. The assessment should identify potential fire hazards, who could be at risk, and the measures needed to reduce those risks. It must also be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes are made to the building or how it is used.

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation that has legal responsibility for fire safety within the premises.

Depending on the building, this may be:

• The employer.
• The business owner.
• The landlord.
• The occupier.
• A facilities manager, managing agent or another person with control over the premises.

In many workplaces, the employer is the Responsible Person because they control the working environment. However, responsibility can be shared if more than one organisation has control of different parts of the building. For example, in a multi-tenant office block, both the landlord and individual businesses may have fire safety responsibilities.

What Are the Responsible Person’s Duties?

Carrying out a fire risk assessment is only one part of the role.

The Responsible Person must ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place, maintain fire detection and warning systems, provide suitable means of escape, prepare emergency procedures and make sure employees receive fire safety information and training.

They are also responsible for reviewing the fire risk assessment regularly to ensure it remains suitable as the business changes. Alterations to the building or changes in occupancy may require the assessment to be updated.

Can Someone Else Carry Out the Assessment?

Yes. While the legal responsibility cannot be passed on, the assessment itself can be carried out by a competent person.

Many businesses choose to appoint an experienced fire risk assessor, particularly if they operate larger or more complex premises. A specialist can identify hazards, assess existing fire precautions and recommend practical improvements.

However, even if an external consultant completes the assessment, the Responsible Person remains legally accountable for ensuring it is suitable and that any recommended actions are carried out. Simply hiring someone else does not transfer legal responsibility.

What Happens if You Don’t Have One?

Failing to carry out a suitable fire risk assessment can have serious consequences.

Fire and Rescue Services have the power to inspect commercial premises and take enforcement action where fire safety duties have not been met. Depending on the circumstances, businesses may receive enforcement notices, prohibition notices, fines or, in the most serious cases, prosecution.

More importantly, an inadequate fire risk assessment could leave employees, customers and visitors at unnecessary risk if a fire occurs.

Fire Safety Doesn’t End With the Assessment

A fire risk assessment is the foundation of a business’s fire safety strategy. It should never be treated as a one-off exercise.

The findings need to be acted upon. Fire safety systems should be maintained throughout the year. This may include servicing fire alarms, inspecting emergency lighting, maintaining fire extinguishers, checking fire doors and ensuring escape routes remain clear at all times.

Regular reviews also help ensure the assessment reflects any changes to the building, workforce or business activities.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

For most UK businesses, the legal responsibility for a fire risk assessment rests with the Responsible Person. While they may appoint a competent specialist to carry out the assessment, they remain accountable for making sure it is completed properly and that appropriate fire safety measures are maintained.

Are you looking for a reliable fire protection services provider?

Get in touch for a free consultation to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can support you with all aspects of fire safety, including risk assessments.