Full Fire Risk Assessments for Offices
Every office needs a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, whether it’s a single-floor suite or a multi-storey, multi-tenanted block. JBR Fire Compliance carries out office fire risk assessments for landlords, managing agents and businesses across Lancaster, Preston, Kendal, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool and the wider North West.
We are also a Nationally Accredited Fire Risk Assessor Register (NFRAR) Tier 3 Registered Assessor. NFRAR registration is awarded through the demonstration of competency, experience, qualifications and ongoing professional development. Tier 3 is the highest level of registration available, recognising assessors who are considered competent to undertake assessments of complex and higher-risk premises.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person for an office must make sure a fire risk assessment is carried out and kept up to date. That’s usually the employer, the landlord, or whoever controls the premises.
Since 1 October 2023, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 has required every Responsible Person in England and Wales to record their full fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in writing, whatever the size of the business. This includes the name (and organisation) of anyone engaged to carry out or review the assessment. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement action, prosecution and unlimited fines.
If you’d like to find out more information or to find out more about the requirements of your office or commercial space, please call us on 07742 105 368 or email info@jbrfirecompliance.co.uk
We provide a wide range of services including Fire risk assessments, fire safety consultancy, fire door inspections, fire evacuation planning & fire sign inspections as well as a wealth of other services.
Tell us about your property and requirements and we will provide a clear, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.
Single-occupier and multi-tenanted office blocks
Who is responsible for what depends on how the building is occupied
- Single-occupier offices: one business usually controls the whole building and is responsible for the whole assessment.
- Multi-tenanted office blocks the landlord or managing agent is normally responsible for the common parts, such as the entrance, stairs, corridors, plant rooms, risers and roof. Each tenant is responsible for its own demise.
In a shared building, the Fire Safety Order requires Responsible Persons to co-operate and share information. A tenant’s evacuation plan won’t work if the landlord’s alarm or escape stair doesn’t support it. We assess landlord and tenant areas and ensure the assessments align so everyone knows where their responsibilities start and end.
- Quote: Tell us about the building, its size, how it's used and who occupies it, and we'll send you a clear quote.
- Information Review: We look at what's already in place, such as previous assessments, certificates and plans, so the visit is focused. If you don't have them to hand, that's fine. We'll pick it up on site.
- Site Visit: We walk the whole premises, checking escape routes, fire protection, evacuation arrangements and day-to-day management.
- Report: A clear written assessment with prioritised actions and timescales, recording everything the Fire Safety Order requires.
- On-going Support: We're on hand to answer questions and help you close out actions.
How often should an office fire assessment be reviewed?
The law requires you to review your assessment regularly and whenever there’s reason to believe it’s no longer valid. For most offices, we recommend a review every year and a full reassessment every few years. You should also review it straight away after:
- A refurbishment, fit-out or change of layout
- A new tenant moving in, or a change in how the space is used
- A significant increase in staff numbers
- A fire or near miss
I rent an office suite. Is the landlord's assessment enough?
No. The landlord’s assessment normally covers the common parts only. You’re responsible for your own space, and the two assessments need to work together.
Can I do the assessment myself?
The law allows it if you’re competent, but office blocks, especially multi-tenanted ones, often involve fire doors, compartmentation and alarm systems that need specialist knowledge. Since October 2023 you must also record who carried out the assessment.
Do you need access to every room?
We need access to all areas in the scope of the assessment, including plant rooms, risers and roof spaces where it’s safe to enter. We’ll agree access with you before the visit.
Can you assess out of hours?
Yes. We can work early, late or at weekends to avoid disrupting your staff.
How much does an office fire risk assessment cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the building and whether it’s single or multi-occupied. Contact us for a clear, no-obligation quote.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
The purpose of the process is to leave the responsible person with a clearer understanding of the premises and the priorities that need to be managed.
01
Establishing the scope
We gather information about the premises, its use and the people who occupy it.
02
Inspecting the premises
Potential hazards, people at risk and existing fire safety measures are assessed.
03
Evaluating the risks
The different findings are considered together to determine whether the existing arrangements are appropriate.
04
Recording the findings
A written report provides a clear record of the assessment.
What We Look For When Doing A Fire Risk Assessment
- Means of escape: travel distances, protected stairs and lobbies, final exits, and whether routes stay clear and usable.
- Fire Doors: condition, self-closers, seals, signage, and doors wedged or held open.
- Detection & Alarm: system category, coverage, call points, testing and servicing records.
- Emergency lighting and signage: coverage, testing and whether signs lead people the right way.
- Ignition sources: electrical installations, EICRs, portable appliances, server rooms and kitchens.
- Fire-fighting equipment: extinguisher types, locations and servicing.
- People: evacuation procedures, fire wardens, training, drills and PEEPs for anyone who needs help to escape
- Management: records, maintenance contracts, contractor control and how fire safety is run day to day.
Common issues with find in offices
There are often many common issues that we find when undertaking a fire risk assessment within an office or office building.
- Fire doors propped open, or damaged so they no longer close fully into the frame
- Daisy-chained extension leads and multi-way adaptors under desks
- Storage, recycling or deliveries left in stairwells and corridors
- Gaps around cables and pipes where fit-outs have broken through fire-resisting walls and ceilings
- Overdue alarm, emergency lighting or electrical servicing
- Out-of-date evacuation plans after a change of layout or tenant
- Lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, charged inside the building
- No PEEPs for staff or visitors who would need help to evacuate
Most of these are quick and low-cost to fix once they’re spotted. Our reports prioritise actions, so you know what to deal with first.