Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

A fire risk assessment checklist provides a structured prompt for the key areas a fire risk assessment should examine. It doesn't replace the judgement of a competent assessor — fire risk assessment requires interpreting findings, not just ticking boxes — but it helps ensure no major area is overlooked and gives a consistent basis for recording.

Use this as a framework alongside the relevant fire safety legislation and guidance for your building. Fire safety is a life-safety matter; a competent person should carry out the assessment.

Building and assessment details

Premises address and description.
Use, occupancy, and approximate numbers.
Date, assessor, and review date.
Any vulnerable occupants identified.

Sources of ignition

Electrical installations and equipment in good condition and maintained.
Heating appliances safe and clear of combustibles.
Hot works controlled (permits where relevant).
Cooking facilities managed.
Smoking controlled / designated areas.
Arson risk considered (external security, waste storage).

Sources of fuel and oxygen

Combustible materials and waste managed and not accumulating.
Flammable liquids/gases stored safely.
Stock and storage arranged to limit fire spread.
Oxygen sources (e.g. medical, cylinders) controlled.

Means of escape

Adequate escape routes for the occupancy.
Routes and exits clear and unobstructed.
Final exits openable and not locked against escape.
Travel distances acceptable.
Escape route signage in place.
Emergency lighting provided and working.

Detection and warning

Fire detection and alarm system appropriate to the premises.
System maintained and tested, with records.
Manual call points accessible.
Alarm audible/visible throughout.

Fire-fighting equipment

Appropriate extinguishers provided and suitable for the risks.
Accessible, signed, and maintained.
Any fixed systems (sprinklers, suppression) maintained.

Passive fire protection

Compartmentation appears intact.
Fire doors present, in good condition, and not wedged open.
Fire stopping in place at visible penetrations.
Escape routes protected.

Management and procedures

Fire safety management arrangements in place.
Emergency/evacuation plan, including for vulnerable people (PEEPs where relevant).
Staff training and fire drills carried out.
Testing and maintenance records kept (alarm, lighting, extinguishers, doors).
Fire safety information available.

Recording and the action plan

For each area, record the finding, and for any deficiency: the risk, the action required, who's responsible, and a target date. The output is a prioritised action plan. Then:

Prioritise by risk (a locked final exit is critical; a minor signage gap is not).
Track each action to completion with evidence.
Schedule the review and re-assess when things change.

Why digital helps

A fire risk assessment produces findings, an action plan, and evidence that must be managed over time and across reviews — and a building portfolio multiplies this. A digital tool captures the assessment with photos, tracks every action to closure, schedules reviews, and maintains the documented history, keeping the FRA live and demonstrable.

Key takeaways

A fire risk assessment checklist covers ignition and fuel sources, means of escape, detection and warning, fire-fighting equipment, passive fire protection, and management and procedures — producing a prioritised, risk-rated action plan. It supports but doesn't replace a competent assessor. Record findings with evidence, track actions to closure, and review the assessment when the building or its use changes.

This is general information, not a substitute for a fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person under the regulations applicable to your building.