Fire Safety Services

Yes, absolutely. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales), the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and relevant Northern Ireland legislation, virtually all non-domestic premises must have a fire risk assessment. Crucially, recent changes to the law in October 2023 now mandate that all businesses in England and Wales must record their fire risk assessment in full, regardless of how many people they employ. The old rule of “only if you have 5+ staff” no longer applies for recording requirements—you need a written report. Bison Assist provides this comprehensive written document to ensure you are fully covered.

The “Responsible Person” is usually the business owner, employer, or the person who has control of the premises (like a landlord or managing agent). You are legally responsible for the safety of everyone who uses your building. If a fire occurs and you are found to have been negligent—for example, by having an outdated or poor-quality risk assessment—you can face prosecution, unlimited fines, and even imprisonment. By booking a Bison Assist professional, you demonstrate due diligence and protect yourself from these severe liabilities.

The law states that assessments must be reviewed “regularly” to keep them up to date. While there is no strict expiry date, industry best practice is to review your assessment annually. You must also trigger an immediate review if there are significant changes to your building (like a new layout or extension), changes to your staff (e.g., hiring young workers or those with disabilities), or if you have had a “near-miss” fire incident. Our team can schedule annual visits so you never fall behind on compliance.

The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a “Competent Person”—someone with the sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to identify risks properly. While you are technically allowed to do it yourself for very simple premises, it is risky. If you miss a hidden hazard (like improper fire stopping above a suspended ceiling), you are personally liable. New regulations are placing even stricter emphasis on “competence.” Using a qualified Bison Assist specialist guarantees that your assessment meets these rigorous professional standards.

Fire Certificates are a thing of the past; they were abolished in 2006. You can no longer rely on the Fire Brigade to come and “sign off” your building. Today, the burden of proof is entirely on you (the Responsible Person) to prove your business is safe through a live, written Fire Risk Assessment. If a Fire Officer visits your premises today, they will ask to see this specific document immediately. If you don’t have one, or if it’s incomplete, they can issue an enforcement notice or close your business down on the spot.