Fire hazards
Ignition sources, fuel load, electrical risks, heating, hot work, cooking, smoking, waste, arson exposure, dangerous substances and relevant process hazards.
Pembrokeshire • Wales • UK
Fire Risk Assessments
Independent, site-specific fire risk assessments for commercial premises, workplaces, hospitality, accommodation and other suitable premises. The assessment identifies fire hazards, people at risk, existing fire precautions and actions required to reduce risk.
Purpose
What the assessment is trying to establish
A fire risk assessment is not simply a list of extinguishers and fire doors. It considers how a fire could start, how it might develop, who could be exposed, whether occupants can receive warning and escape, and whether management arrangements are sufficient to keep precautions effective.
For premises governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is undertaken. In Wales, current Welsh Government guidance following section 156 changes requires Responsible Persons to record the fire risk assessment in full and to record their fire safety arrangements.
Important: appointing an external assessor does not transfer the Responsible Person's legal duties. The report provides competent assistance, evidence and a prioritised basis for action.
Assessment scope
What Vulcan examines
People at risk
Employees, visitors, contractors, guests, sleeping occupants, lone workers, disabled persons, young people and anyone who may need assistance to evacuate.
Escape
Exit availability, travel routes, door operation, final exits, route protection, obstructions, escape lighting, signage and factors affecting evacuation.
Detection & warning
Fire detection and alarm arrangements, coverage, audibility, manual call points where appropriate, testing and maintenance evidence.
Fire protection
Extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire doors, observable compartmentation, penetrations, fire-resisting construction and other relevant safeguards.
Management
Procedures, training, drills, maintenance, contractor control, housekeeping, testing records, fire safety information and action management.
Deliverable
What you receive
- Premises and occupancy description
- Persons at risk and vulnerability considerations
- Fire hazard evaluation
- Means of escape and fire-protection findings
- Management and maintenance findings
- Photographic evidence where appropriate
- Prioritised action plan
- Limitations, assumptions and review triggers
Typical premises
OfficesRetailRestaurantsPubsHoliday letsGuest housesCaravan & holiday parksWarehousesWorkshopsCommercial unitsSmall industrial sites
Complex or specialist premises are considered at scoping stage to ensure the work falls within competence.
Site visit
How the inspection is carried out
Pre-visit information
Existing assessments, plans, occupancy information, alarm/lighting records, fire door information, maintenance records and known issues are requested where relevant.
Walk-through inspection
The assessment follows the likely fire scenarios and evacuation routes rather than relying only on a room-by-room tick sheet.
Management discussion
Fire procedures, training, testing, contractor arrangements, occupancy and operational changes are checked with the person who understands the premises.
Report and action plan
Findings are written in a form that enables the client to understand what requires action, why it matters and what evidence can be used to close it.
Technical references
Key legislation and guidance
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — primary fire-safety legislation for relevant non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
Welsh Government fire safety guidance — current guidance on Responsible Person duties and section 156 changes, including recording requirements.
Authoritative sources: GOV.WALES fire safety guidance • Fire Safety Order 2005.
Fire risk assessment FAQ
Questions clients commonly ask
What does a fire risk assessment cover?
The exact scope depends on the premises, but typically includes fire hazards, people at risk, means of escape, fire detection and warning, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, fire doors, compartmentation where observable, management arrangements, maintenance, training and significant findings.
Who remains responsible after an external assessor is appointed?
The Responsible Person or relevant dutyholder retains legal responsibility for fire safety. An external assessor provides competent assistance and documented findings but does not take over the dutyholder's legal responsibilities.
When should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed regularly and when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, including significant changes to the premises, occupancy, processes, fire precautions or following relevant incidents or new information.
Do fire risk assessments need to be recorded in Wales?
Current Welsh Government guidance states that Responsible Persons must record the fire risk assessment in full and record fire safety arrangements.
Can you assess holiday lets and hospitality premises?
Yes, suitable holiday accommodation, hospitality and commercial premises can be assessed where the building and scope fall within demonstrated competence.
Page reviewed: 25 September 2026.
Need a fire risk assessment?
Send the premises type, location, approximate size, occupancy and any existing fire-safety information. Vulcan will confirm whether the work is within scope and provide a quotation.