Fire risk assessment checklist: what assessors cover on site

Why assessors work from a structured checklist

A fire risk assessment stands or falls on completeness. A structured checklist — such as the section structure in PAS 79 — ensures nothing is missed between sites, makes different assessors’ work comparable, and gives the resulting report a logical shape that responsible persons and enforcing authorities can follow. It also disciplines the evidence: every "No" answer should lead to an observation, a photograph where practical, and an action-plan entry.

The core checklist areas

While templates differ, a thorough assessment works through these areas:

• Electrical ignition sources — fixed installation condition, portable appliance regime, overloaded sockets, charging practices.
• Smoking, arson and heating — smoking policy and evidence, external combustibles near the building, security against deliberate ignition, portable and fixed heating.
• Cooking and processes — commercial kitchens, ductwork cleaning, hot work controls.
• Housekeeping and combustible materials — storage practices, waste management, escape routes kept clear.
• Dangerous substances — flammable liquids and gases, quantities, storage and DSEAR considerations.
• Means of escape — travel distances, number and width of exits, inner rooms, dead ends, door fastenings, external escape routes.
• Compartmentation and structural fire protection — fire doors and their condition, walls and floors, service penetrations, ceiling voids.
• Fire detection and alarm — category of system, coverage, testing and servicing records.
• Emergency lighting and signage — coverage of escape routes, monthly and annual testing, directional signage.
• Firefighting equipment — extinguisher types, siting, servicing, staff familiarity.
• People at special risk — lone workers, sleeping occupants, disabled occupants and PEEPs.
• Management of fire safety — fire safety policy, training and drills, maintenance records, previous incidents, emergency plan.

Evidence: photographs, locations and notes

For each deficiency the assessor records where it is, what it is, why it matters and what should be done about it — with a photograph wherever practical. The discipline of tying every observation to a checklist reference and a location is what turns site notes into a defensible report. This is also where digital tools earn their keep: capturing a photo, dictating a note and tagging it to the checklist item in one motion on site removes hours of matching-up back at the desk.

From checklist to action plan

The checklist output feeds the risk rating and the action plan. Each adverse finding is typed (for example major non-conformity versus opportunity for improvement), prioritised, and given a recommended timescale. A good report separates what must happen immediately from what belongs in planned maintenance, so the responsible person can act proportionately.

Frequently asked questions