What Does a Fire Risk Assessor Look for During an Inspection?

Why a fire risk assessor inspection is required for every workplace

Every commercial property in the UK must undergo a fire risk assessor inspection to ensure fire safety regulations are met. The Responsible Person is legally required to identify risks, provide suitable fire protection measures, and demonstrate effective fire risk management. A qualified assessor examines both the physical building and the safety management processes to confirm that people can detect a fire and evacuate safely.

Regular inspections ensure that fire safety remains active and compliant — not just paperwork on a shelf.

What does a fire risk assessor inspection include?

A competent assessor will review all structural and protection measures that support fire safety, including:

• Fire doors – seals, gaps, closers, certification and signage

• Escape routes – distance to exits, protected lobby arrangements

• Fire alarm system – testing records, audibility, detection coverage

• Emergency lighting – correct placement and maintenance history

• Fire extinguishers – correct type, servicing tags, accessibility

• Compartmentation – how well the building prevents smoke spread

• Electrics – PAT testing, fixed wiring test intervals

The purpose of a fire risk assessor inspection is to locate any weaknesses that could compromise evacuation in a real fire.

Record-keeping and fire safety management

You may have the right equipment, but if the management system is weak, the building will still fail compliance.Assessors evaluate:

• Fire alarm test logbooks (weekly and quarterly records)

• Training records and evacuation drill results

• Staff competency and understanding of their fire roles

• Housekeeping conditions and flammable storage

• Contractor competence for servicing and testing

A fire risk assessor inspection ensures that fire safety operates daily — not just once a year.

Who is at risk? Assessing vulnerable occupants

Assessors must ensure that:

• persons with reduced mobility can evacuate safely

• visitors unfamiliar with the building are guided

• lone workers can raise the alarm effectively

• staff understand the building’s evacuation procedures

If required, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) must be in place.A fire risk assessor inspection always checks whether everyone can escape in time.

The inspection report and compliance status

You will receive a prioritised action plan that highlights:

• high-risk issues requiring urgent attention

• improvements needed to achieve compliance

• future recommendations to maintain safety standards

The fire risk assessor inspection report is a legal evidence document and should be kept available for enforcing authorities and insurers.

Proactive inspection prevents real incidents

A fire risk assessor inspection helps you discover safety weaknesses before a fire exposes them. It guides you to maintain compliance, protect lives, and avoid penalties or business disruption.

Do you need a certified fire risk assessor inspection for your building in London? Contact us today to schedule your survey.