Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment for My Business in Cornwall?

If you own or manage a business in Cornwall, one of the most common questions you may ask is:

“Do I actually need a fire risk assessment?”

For the vast majority of businesses, the answer is yes.

Whether you run a small café in St Ives, a warehouse in Pool, an office in Truro, a farm near Helston, a holiday park in Newquay or a retail shop in Penzance, the law places responsibilities on the person in control of the premises to manage fire safety.

At Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments by JCH Safety, we’re often contacted by businesses that simply want to know what is required, whether their existing assessment is still suitable and how they can remain compliant. This guide explains the basics.

What Does the Law Say?

The main piece of legislation covering fire safety in most non-domestic premises is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

It requires the Responsible Person to carry out, or arrange for, a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

The Responsible Person is usually:

• The employer.

• The business owner.

• The landlord (for common areas).

• A managing agent.

• The person who has control of the premises.

The assessment must be kept under review and updated whenever there are significant changes to the building, the way it is used or following a fire or near miss.

Which Businesses Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Almost every workplace outside the domestic home requires one.

This includes:

• Offices

• Shops and retail premises

• Restaurants, cafés and public houses

• Warehouses

• Industrial and manufacturing premises

• Hotels and guest houses

• Holiday lets with communal areas

• Holiday parks

• Schools and colleges

• Churches and places of worship

• Community buildings

• Medical and dental practices

• Care settings

• Sports clubs

• Village halls

• Commercial units

• Mixed-use buildings

• Blocks of flats (communal areas)

If members of the public, employees, contractors or residents use the premises, there is a very good chance a fire risk assessment is required.

I’m a Small Business – Does the Law Still Apply?

Yes.

Many people mistakenly believe that fire risk assessments are only required for larger businesses.

In reality, even a small office with two or three employees must assess its fire risks.

The size of the assessment should reflect the size and complexity of the business, but the legal duty remains.

What About Holiday Accommodation?

Cornwall has thousands of holiday properties, many of which have fire safety responsibilities.

Hotels, guest houses, hostels and holiday parks will almost always require a fire risk assessment.

Depending on the type of accommodation, communal areas, escape routes and shared facilities also require careful consideration.

Owners should ensure suitable fire precautions are in place to protect guests who may be unfamiliar with the building.

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Look At?

A professional fire risk assessment considers much more than simply checking for fire extinguishers.

Typically, it will examine:

• The construction of the building.

• Fire hazards.

• Sources of ignition.

• Storage of combustible materials.

• Means of escape.

• Fire doors.

• Emergency lighting.

• Fire alarm systems.

• Fire signage.

• Housekeeping.

• Staff training.

• Fire procedures.

• Maintenance records.

• People especially at risk.

• General fire safety management.

The aim is to identify significant findings and recommend practical improvements where necessary.

Is It Just a Tick Box Exercise?

Absolutely not.

A good fire risk assessment should help you understand your building.

It should explain where risks exist, how those risks are controlled and whether additional precautions are needed.

Unfortunately, some assessments consist of little more than a checklist.

At Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments by JCH Safety, we believe every report should provide practical advice that helps clients improve fire safety, not simply satisfy a legal requirement.

Why Choose a Competent Fire Risk Assessor?

Not all fire risk assessments are created equal.

The quality of an assessment depends on the competence, experience and professionalism of the assessor carrying it out.

Current government guidance encourages Responsible Persons to ensure anyone undertaking a fire risk assessment has suitable knowledge, training and experience.

Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments is supported by JCH Safety, an established independent consultancy with extensive experience carrying out fire risk assessments across commercial, industrial, educational, religious and residential premises.

Our work is supported by recognised professional registrations, chartered status and ongoing professional development, ensuring assessments remain aligned with current legislation, recognised guidance and British Standards.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

There is no fixed legal timescale.

However, it should be reviewed:

• Regularly as part of normal fire safety management.

• Following significant building alterations.

• Following changes in occupancy or use.

• After a fire.

• Following a serious near miss.

• If legislation or guidance changes.

• Whenever it is no longer considered suitable.

Many organisations choose to review their fire risk assessment annually as good practice, even where no major changes have occurred.

Fire Safety Is About Protecting People

The purpose of a fire risk assessment is not simply to comply with legislation.

It is about protecting employees, customers, visitors, residents and your business itself.

Early identification of fire risks can prevent injuries, reduce business interruption and help ensure people can escape safely should a fire occur.

Looking for a Fire Risk Assessment in Cornwall?

Whether you operate a single shop, a manufacturing business, a school, a church, a warehouse or manage a residential building, Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments by JCH Safety provides professional, independent fire risk assessments throughout Cornwall.

We pride ourselves on delivering practical advice, clear reports and a friendly, professional service that helps organisations meet their legal responsibilities while improving fire safety.

If you’re unsure whether your premises require a fire risk assessment, or your existing assessment is due for review, we’re always happy to provide straightforward advice without obligation.