Fire Risk Assessments in Apartment Blocks and Estates

A fire risk assessment is a process involving the systematic evaluation of the factors that determine the hazard from fire, the likelihood that there will be a fire and the consequences if one were to occur. The main legislation behind fire safety is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

A fire risk assessment is required on nearly all buildings throughout England and Wales, excluding domestic dwellings.

In an apartment block, the fire safety in the common/shared parts of your building is the responsibility of the ‘responsible person’.

This ‘responsible person’ could be the Freeholder, a RMC (Residents’ Management Company), a RTM (Right to Manage company) or a Managing Agent.

The responsible person may carry out the fire risk assessment themselves or employ a company to complete this.

Unfortunately, the law does not say who can carry out a fire risk assessment. However, the person must be competent enough to complete a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment of the property.