The Importance of Regular Fire Risk Assessments in Dorset
Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter
Fire safety is not just a box to tick—it’s a legal requirement and a vital part of protecting your people, premises, and reputation. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises in England, including those in Dorset, Yeovil, and Taunton, must carry out a "suitable and sufficient" fire risk assessment. The findings must be documented, no matter how few employees you have.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment involves a thorough review of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the level of risk, and implement measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. It covers things like:
Ignition sources (e.g., heaters, wiring, cooking equipment)
Combustible materials (e.g., paper stock, furniture, packaging)
People at risk (e.g., employees, visitors, contractors)
Means of detection and warning (fire alarms, smoke detectors)
Means of escape (fire doors, signage, lighting)
Legal Updates You Need to Know
Since January 2023, amendments via the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require responsible persons to document all fire risk assessments in full, not just a summary. This especially impacts responsible persons managing:
Multi-occupancy buildings
Shared offices and retail units
Public venues or educational sites
Common Findings in Dorset Premises
Our team at Pinks Fire Safety regularly conducts fire risk assessments across Dorset. We often find:
Out-of-date or incomplete assessments
Blocked or poorly maintained fire exits
Inadequate fire detection in older buildings
Fire doors wedged open or missing seals
Each of these issues could result in enforcement action or worse, a preventable fire incident.
Why Choose a Professional?
Fire safety law places the responsibility on the "responsible person," but if you lack the expertise or confidence to complete an assessment yourself, you must appoint someone competent. That’s where Pinks Fire Safety steps in. Our assessors are fully qualified and understand the unique challenges facing businesses in coastal towns like Weymouth and busy centres like Dorchester and Yeovil.
Final Thoughts
Fire risk assessments aren’t one-off tasks. They must be reviewed:
Annually
After significant changes to the premises or workforce
Following a fire or near miss
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Book your professional fire risk assessment today with Pinks Fire Safety. Serving all of Dorset, Yeovil and Taunton with fully compliant, practical fire safety guidance.