• You are required to complete a fire risk assessment by law.
• It replaces the old fire certificate and all self catering properties must complete one.
• In small simple premises, this would cover all single self-catering properties, it can be completed by the owner. Assessment must, however, include any communal areas (stairs, corridors etc) and facilities that a guest would have access to.
• Any preventative or protective measures that are needed as a result of the risk assessment must be completed by a competent person.
• Whoever completes the assessment will be liable for any areas which are found to be incorrect. Magistrates are able to impose a fine of up to £5,000 for each offence. A Crown court can impose an unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment.
• Fire officers will carry out spots checks but they are risk based and premises like hotels that are seen as a greater risk are likely to be visited more often.
• You need to ensure that you display your assessment within the property. If your property is spot checked the assessor will need to see a copy. We will also make checking for a completed assessment part of your annual property inspection.
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives guidance to those carrying out fire risk assessments for 'Sleeping Accommodation' through its guidance book, produced by the Communities Department for £12. It can be downloaded for free but is 140 pages long. Order with ISBN 9781851128174 by post to Fire Safety Guides, P.O. Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. The Order also requires reference to the Building Regulations Approved Document B Volumes 1 and 2 to ensure properties meet Building Regulations.
• If you have an inspection it is important that you complete any changes they ask for in a timely manner.

More information on fire safety law and guidance documents, including a short form document for an assessment. An explanatory pamphlet is available here. Mark Evans of Firemaster has written a useful article.

Example of a blank fire risk statement

Example of a fire risk assessment

If you would like a professional to carry this out on your behalf then please contact the following;

Firewatch South West Ltd, tel 0800 783 4171






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