Independent Fire Risk Assessments Ltd

Independent fire risk assessments for commercial and residential premises

Independent Fire Risk Assessments Ltd is a fire risk assessment business with offices in Bristol and London. The company states that it has more than 15 years of professional experience in the fire safety industry and that it is an affiliate organisation member of The Institute of Fire Safety Managers, a UK professional body. Its assessor is listed on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR).

The firm presents itself as fully independent, with no affiliations to fire safety suppliers, and states that it does not sell equipment or service contracts. Its stated aim is to provide independent fire risk assessment reports at competitive value.

Premises covered

The company assesses both residential and commercial properties. According to its own description, the scope ranges from communal areas of flats, HMOs and landlord properties to shops, offices, churches, leisure centres and warehouses, plus other types of premises. The site also lists examples such as office, business, building and commercial fire risk assessments, HMO assessments, assessments for flats and landlord assessments, and notes that the list is not exhaustive.

It further indicates that the requirement extends to vacant premises and to premises open to the public, including retail units, cafés, restaurants, pubs, gyms, village halls, churches, theatres, cinemas, leisure centres, nightclubs, museums, libraries and community centres. Educational buildings, hospitals, care homes, surgeries and accommodation for paying guests are also named among the premises types covered.

How the assessment is carried out

The company describes a fire risk assessment as the foundation of a fire safety management system rather than a simple checklist. The process, as set out on the site, involves gathering information about the people on the premises and about the building, assessing fire hazards and identifying who is at risk, with particular attention to those who are more vulnerable. It also covers existing fire protection measures and the means of escape.

The assessment is described as non-destructive. It determines the risk level of the premises and results in a report with prioritised findings and a stated review date. The report is produced in full and emailed to the client.

Legal framework and review requirements

The site refers to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, applicable in England and Wales, which requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, regular reviews and changes where necessary, including when processes, personnel or the premises are altered. It notes that fire certificates are no longer valid or issued by the Fire Authority, and that failure to comply can lead to prosecution, severe penalties or imprisonment.

On review frequency, the company cites the Fire Industry Association recommendation to update a fire risk assessment every three years. It also states that a new assessment is needed after material alterations to the building or significant changes to its use, contents, layout or fire risk precautions. For residential blocks, it notes that communal areas require a current fire risk assessment report, which may need to be included in an LPE1 form during the sale of a flat.

Coverage from the Bristol and London offices

The Bristol office covers Bath, Swindon, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil and Exeter, among other areas. The London office covers local areas and extends west to Slough and Reading. The site also lists Bath, Berkshire, Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnham-on-Sea, Cheltenham, Chippenham and Devon among its local locations.

Client feedback cited on the site

The material includes several client comments. One describes an exceptionally thorough survey in which the assessor explained the reasons for the fire precautions recommended. Another refers to an urgent assessment arranged shortly before Christmas, with the report completed within a day. A further comment mentions a comprehensive report with a detailed breakdown of required actions following an assessment at flats in St George. Other comments refer to quick booking, a report received in under 24 hours, clear communication and value for money.