Fire safety is one of the most heavily regulated areas of workplace health and safety.
Whilst a fire risk assessment is technically a type of risk assessment, it is fundamentally different from many other workplace assessments. Fire safety requirements can vary significantly depending on the building itself, how it is used, who occupies it and the industry in which the organisation operates.
At AfterAthena, we provide detailed fire risk assessments that help businesses understand their responsibilities, identify risks and make informed decisions about how best to protect people and property.
Whether you operate an office, warehouse, care facility, retail premises, residential accommodation or other commercial property, our assessments provide practical recommendations tailored to the realities of your building and business.
More than a compliance exercise
Many organisations underestimate the complexity of fire safety. Even relatively simple office environments can contain issues that create significant safety risks.
Fire risk assessments require specialist knowledge, attention to detail and an understanding of how multiple factors interact, including:
- Building design
- Occupancy levels
- Means of escape
- Fire detection systems
- Emergency lighting
- Fire compartmentation
- Building materials
- Operational activities
- Industry-specific requirements
Our role is to assess these factors and provide a clear picture of where improvements may be required.
What our fire risk assessments consider
Fire risk assessments need to be comprehensive. Ours span dozens of pages, tailored to you. They can never be a simple checklist.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Are systems appropriate for the building and nature of business?
Means of Escape
Can occupants evacuate safely and efficiently if an incident occurs?
Emergency Lighting
Are emergency arrangements sufficient to support safe evacuation?
Fire Extinguishers
Are the correct types of extinguishers provided in appropriate locations?
Housekeeping and Fire Prevention
Are day-to-day controls reducing the likelihood of a fire occurring?
Electrical Risks
Including EV charging points, battery storage and electrical equipment.
Building Construction
Consider all structural considerations.
People at Risk
Employees, contractors, visitors, residents and any other individuals.
What you get in a fire risk assessment report
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining:
Positive Findings
Areas where existing controls and arrangements are working effectively.
Areas of Concern
Issues requiring attention or further consideration.
Prioritised Recommendations
Actions ranked according to their importance and level of risk.
Practical Improvement Options
Potential solutions that take into account both legal expectations and operational realities.
The result is a clear roadmap to help improve fire safety and support informed decision-making.
Ways of working with AfterAthena's health and safety
Retained service plan
An annual or multi-annual commitment to you with ongoing support and regular services delivered
Project-based
A wider project spanning a few services
One off ad-hoc
A single service based on a specific need
Why choose AfterAthena?
- Specialist fire safety expertise
- Detailed and comprehensive reports
- Practical, risk-based recommendations
- Building-specific assessments
- Consideration of industry-specific risks
- Clear prioritised actions
- Commercially focused advice
- Ongoing support where required
Our aim is not simply to identify issues. We help organisations understand fire risks, prioritise improvements and make practical decisions that support both safety and business operations.
Technology-enabled support through the AfterAthena Hub
AfterAthena Hub is available as a paid app or offered free of charge to all retainer clients. The app provides practical resources to help support effective workforce management.
The Hub includes:
- Employment law resources
- Policy guidance
- Template libraries
- Legal updates
- Practical HR support materials
- Automated legally sound policy generation
- Access to specialist support
Combined with advice from our employment law specialists, these resources help employers manage documentation more efficiently and confidently.
What our clients say
"We have used AfterAthena for some time and would highly recommend them. Extremely thankful to [the team] supporting our Company with any HR or Health and Safety issues. Reacting quickly with their expert advice and guidance throughout the whole process. Definitely going above and behond!"
Jeanette Corner, Managing Director, Mike England Timber
Get in touch
FAQs
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a detailed evaluation of a building’s fire hazards, fire safety arrangements and emergency procedures. It helps identify risks and determine what measures may be required to protect occupants.
Is a fire risk assessment different from a standard risk assessment?
Yes. Whilst it is a type of risk assessment, fire risk assessments require specialist consideration of building design, fire safety systems, evacuation procedures and fire-related legislation and guidance.
What does a fire risk assessment cover?
Assessments may review fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, escape routes, fire extinguishers, housekeeping arrangements, electrical risks, building construction and the people who may be affected by a fire.
How detailed is a fire risk assessment report?
Fire risk assessment reports are often extensive and can run to dozens of pages depending on the size, complexity and use of the building being assessed.
Can small offices still have significant fire safety risks?
Yes. Even relatively simple office environments can present important fire safety considerations relating to evacuation, electrical equipment, emergency lighting and fire detection systems.
Will I have to implement every recommendation?
Our assessments identify risks and potential solutions. Where appropriate, we explain different options so organisations can make informed decisions based on risk, practicality and budget.
Can you assess buildings with EV charging points?
Yes. Fire risk assessments can consider a range of fire-related hazards, including electrical installations, battery charging arrangements and other emerging risks where relevant.
Do fire safety requirements vary between different types of buildings?
Yes. The guidance and expectations applicable to an office, warehouse, guest house, hotel, care facility or industrial premises can differ significantly depending on the nature of the building and its occupants.
What happens after the fire risk assessment is completed?
You’ll receive a detailed report outlining findings, areas of concern and prioritised recommendations to help improve fire safety and reduce risk.
Can AfterAthena help implement the recommendations?
Yes. We can provide ongoing health and safety support to help organisations understand recommendations, prioritise actions and improve fire safety management over time.
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