Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, people at risk, and the measures needed to keep everyone safe. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every care home must have a written fire risk assessment that is reviewed regularly.
The Responsible Person
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” is the employer, the person who has control of the premises, or the owner. In a care home, this is typically the registered manager or the organisation that employs the staff. The Responsible Person must:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment and review it regularly (at least annually, or whenever there are significant changes)
- Put in place fire safety measures identified by the assessment
- Provide fire safety training to all staff, including induction training and regular refresher training
- Prepare an emergency plan and ensure staff are familiar with it
- Ensure PEEPs are in place for every resident who needs assistance to evacuate
- Maintain fire safety equipment (alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire doors)
Four Key Assessment Categories
A care home fire risk assessment should systematically cover these four categories. For each category, identify hazards, assess who is at risk, evaluate existing measures, and record actions needed.
Fire Hazards (Sources of Ignition)
Identify anything that could start a fire within the care home.
Areas to assess:
- Smoking areas — designated, supervised, with sand buckets and butt bins
- Kitchen — cooking equipment, grease build-up, extraction filters
- Electrical equipment — PAT testing up to date? Overloaded sockets? Damaged leads?
- Heating — portable heaters, boilers, open fires
- Laundry — tumble dryer lint build-up, iron equipment
- Candles, matches, or lighters in residents' rooms
- Hoist chargers and medical equipment
- Hot works (if any maintenance activities)
Fire Hazards (Sources of Fuel)
Identify materials that could burn and feed a fire.
Areas to assess:
- Paper, cardboard, and general waste storage
- Furniture and soft furnishings — fire retardant ratings?
- Cleaning chemicals and flammable substances
- Laundry — large volumes of textiles
- Oxygen cylinders or concentrators
- Medical supplies packaging
- Residents' personal belongings
People at Risk
Identify who is at risk and their specific vulnerabilities.
Areas to assess:
- Residents with limited mobility — can they evacuate without assistance?
- Residents with sensory impairments — hearing or sight loss affecting alarm awareness
- Residents with cognitive impairment — may not understand alarms or instructions
- Residents who use oxygen or are bed-bound
- Staff working alone or in isolated areas
- Visitors and contractors unfamiliar with the building layout
- Night-time staffing levels — fewer staff available for evacuation
Fire Protection Measures
Assess existing fire safety measures and identify gaps.
Areas to assess:
- Smoke detectors and fire alarm system — tested weekly, serviced annually?
- Emergency lighting — tested monthly, full discharge test annually?
- Fire extinguishers — correct types, serviced annually, accessible?
- Fire doors — self-closing, no wedging open, intumescent strips and smoke seals intact?
- Fire escape routes — clear, signed, illuminated?
- Fire assembly point — clearly designated and known to all?
- PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans) — drawn up for each resident?
- Sprinkler system (if fitted) — maintained and tested?
Fire Risk Assessment Template
Use this template to record your fire risk assessment findings. Each section should be completed by the Responsible Person or a competent person appointed by them. Print this page to create a working document for your care home.
Assessment Information
Significant Findings
| Identified Hazard | People at Risk | Risk Level (Low/Med/High) | Existing Measures | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Action Plan
| Action | Responsible Person | Priority | Target Date | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign-Off
Official Resources
⚠️ Important Notice
The fire risk assessment guidance on Care Handbook is for informational purposes only and does not replace a professional fire risk assessment. You must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Always engage a competent person to carry out your fire risk assessment and consult your local Fire and Rescue Service for premises-specific advice.