An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a fire risk assessment is
A fire risk assessment systematically examines the premises to identify sources of ignition and fuel, judge the risk of fire, and record the measures that prevent fire and protect people if one occurs — including detection, escape routes and means of raising the alarm.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer or responsible person decides what their fire risk assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Identify fire hazards — sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen.
- Identify the people at risk, including any who need extra help.
- Record prevention, detection, warning and escape measures.
- Set out the actions needed to reduce the remaining risk.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer or responsible person.
- With knowledge of the building, its use and its occupants.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s or responsible person’s duty to ensure competence.
When it is used
- For workplaces and other relevant premises.
- When the building, its use, layout or occupancy changes.
- After a fire or a near miss.
- On a review cycle defined by the responsible person.
Typical fields
- Premises, areas assessed, date and assessor.
- Fire hazards — ignition sources, fuel and how they combine.
- People at risk, including those needing assistance to escape.
- Detection, warning, escape routes, lighting and signage.
- Actions, owners, target dates and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the premises and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Using a generic assessment that ignores the specific building.
- Overlooking people who need help to evacuate.
- Blocked or poorly maintained escape routes and equipment.
- Never reviewing it after changes to the building or its use.
Document workflow
A fire risk assessment underpins the building’s fire safety arrangements, informing the emergency plan, the fire safety checklist, evacuation procedures and personal evacuation plans. Actions are tracked to completion, and a change or incident triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a fire risk assessment.
Retention (high level)
Fire risk assessments are generally kept for as long as they are current, with previous versions retained for a period, in line with the responsible person’s obligations. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Fire risk assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside the emergency plan and fire records. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Assess the actual building, its use and its occupants.
- Make sure escape routes and equipment are usable and maintained.
- Plan for people who need help to evacuate.
- Track actions to completion and review after changes.
Worker notes
- Know the escape routes, alarms and assembly point for your workplace.
- Keep fire exits and routes clear at all times.
- Report fire hazards, blocked exits or faulty equipment.
Country considerations
Fire safety duties, who the responsible person is and what the assessment must contain vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer or responsible person is responsible for fire safety, the assessment and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.