Fire risk assessment and service questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to common questions about responsibility, assessment scope, evidence, deliverables, review and commercial arrangements.
Assessment and legal duties
Understanding the purpose and limits of the assessment
These answers provide general information. The building, control arrangements and current evidence still determine the position for a particular premises.
Who is responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment?
The responsible person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out and kept up to date. The identity of the responsible person depends on who has control of the premises and may involve employers, owners, landlords, occupiers or more than one party.
Must the fire risk assessment be recorded?
Yes. The completed fire risk assessment and fire-safety arrangements must be recorded in full. Where another person is appointed to make or review the assessment, the responsible person must also ensure that person is competent and record the relevant information.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
There is no universal fixed expiry date. It must be reviewed regularly, where there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid and after a significant relevant change. The appropriate review point depends on the premises, complexity, risk and assessor's advice.
What should be available for the assessor?
Useful information includes the previous assessment, plans, action records, alarm and emergency-lighting information, maintenance evidence, evacuation arrangements, fire-door or compartmentation information, training records and details of relevant alterations or incidents.
How long does an assessment take?
The time depends on size, layout, occupancy, access, complexity, records and the areas included. J7 does not apply one standard duration to every premises; the quotation is based on the information available before booking.
What does the client receive?
The accepted scope normally provides a premises-specific written assessment recording relevant evidence, people at risk, existing precautions, significant findings, prioritised recommendations, limitations and an appropriate review point.
Service and commercial arrangements
Know what is being instructed before work proceeds
J7 confirms scope and terms in writing so assessment, consultancy and specialist work are not confused.
Can J7 assess commercial and residential premises?
J7 supports commercial workplaces, managed residential common parts, HMOs, landlords, managing agents, mixed-use buildings and suitable portfolio instructions. The quotation identifies the exact premises and areas included.
Does J7 complete invasive surveys or engineering design?
Not as part of an ordinary fire risk assessment. Where opening-up, detailed fire-door inspection, intrusive compartmentation investigation, electrical testing, engineering analysis or design is needed, the limitation and specialist requirement are identified.
Can J7 help with work identified by the assessment?
J7 can provide consultancy, policies, evacuation plans and selected related support. Equipment, engineering, installation, testing and certain training work may be coordinated through competent specialists with responsibilities and quotations kept clear.
When is payment required?
The quotation states the payment required on account, VAT treatment, due event, booking trigger and any balance condition. The instruction is not eligible for booking until that payment clears or approved written account terms are confirmed.
Is a website enquiry an accepted instruction?
No. An enquiry starts the scoping process. The service, premises, fee, VAT, payment terms, exclusions and booking arrangements are confirmed through the quotation and subsequent written acceptance.
Can a report be used for a different premises or purpose?
No. Assessment findings depend on the premises, use, occupancy, management evidence, date and stated scope. A report should not be treated as transferable to another building or relied on outside its defined purpose and limitations.
Authoritative guidance
Check the current official duty overview
The public guidance below explains the responsible-person duties and the need to record, review and update the assessment.
Clear next steps
Ask a question about your premises
Tell us about the premises, the service required and any deadline. J7 Fire Ltd will confirm the scope, fee, VAT and applicable payment or account terms before work proceeds.
