A persistent misconception suggests that a Fire Risk Assessment is only legally required once an organisation employs five or more people. This is incorrect. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a statutory duty on the responsible person to conduct and maintain a fire risk assessment for virtually all non-domestic premises, regardless of headcount. The five-employee threshold relates only to whether the significant findings must be formally recorded in writing; the assessment obligation itself applies to every premises, including sole traders and volunteer-run operations. PAS 79 supplies the recognised methodology for conducting these evaluations, while the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 layered additional duties onto responsible persons for high-rise residential blocks. General guidance, not formal legal advice. Book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.
Quick answers
Q: Do I only need a fire risk assessment if I have five or more employees?
No, this is a dangerous myth. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is required for virtually all non-domestic premises regardless of staff numbers. The five-employee rule only dictates whether you must physically record your significant findings.
Q: Does a sole trader or volunteer-run shop need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, the duty to assess the premises applies to everyone, including self-employed sole traders and small volunteer-run shops. You must carry out and maintain a fire risk assessment even if you are exempt from writing it down.
Q: How should a fire risk assessment be carried out?
PAS 79 provides a structured methodology for conducting fire risk assessments. Additionally, you must be aware that the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced extra duties for high-rise blocks of flats.
