Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Services

“The single most important document for your safety and survival.”

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) isn’t just a piece of paperwork, it is the foundation of your entire safety strategy. In Scotland, the “Responsible Person” is legally mandated under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to ensure a “suitable and sufficient” FRA is in place. At HF, we provide the technical depth and legal rigor required to move your business from “at risk” to “fully compliant.”

The Foundation of Your Safety Strategy

A legally compliant and comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is the single most important document for any business owner or property manager. In Scotland, the “Responsible Person” is legally obligated to ensure that a suitable and sufficient FRA is in place to protect occupants and the building itself.

At HF, we provide professional, detailed, and legally sound FRA services for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. We ensure your assessment is carried out by highly competent assessors in strict accordance with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

The Five-Step Assessment Process

Our assessors follow a systematic, five-step examination of your premises to identify fire risks and determine the necessary safety measures:

Identify Fire Hazards: Pinpointing ignition sources (electrical, heat processes) and fuel sources (waste, storage).
Identify People at Risk: Determining the vulnerability of employees, visitors, contractors, and specific high-risk groups.
Evaluate and Act: Evaluating the likelihood of fire and comparing current protection (alarms, extinguishers, smoke vents) against the risk. We then recommend remedial actions.
Record and Plan: Documenting findings, formalising an Emergency Action Plan, and advising on staff training requirements.
Review and Update: Setting a formal review date and advising on updates following building alterations or changes in occupancy.

Why a Professional FRA is Non-Negotiable

Legal Compliance: Non-compliance can lead to prosecution, unlimited fines, and even imprisonment. Our documentation provides the definitive evidence of your due diligence.
Life Safety: We critically assess your means of escape, ensuring fire separation, alarm coverage, and smoke ventilation (AOVs) are adequate for a safe evacuation.
Business Continuity: In the event of a fire, insurers will scrutinise your FRA. A robust, up-to-date assessment is vital for successful claims and maintaining operations.

Our Sector-Specific Expertise

HF Fire & Security offers tailored assessment services across a wide range of environments:

Commercial & Retail: Offices, hospitality venues, and mixed-use buildings.
Industrial & Logistics: Factories, manufacturing sites, and high-volume warehouses.
Residential Blocks: Common areas in multi-occupancy flats, tenements, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Complex Facilities: Specialist sites involving hazardous materials or high-risk industrial processes.

Key Areas of Analysis

Your FRA report will provide a forensic look at:

Detection & Alarms: Compliance with BS 5839 and verification of maintenance logs.
Compartmentation: Vital checks on fire doors, walls, floors, and fire-stopping seals to prevent the spread of smoke and flame.
Smoke Control Systems: Verification of design and maintenance records for Smoke Vent Systems (AOVs) in line with SDI 19 best practice.
Firefighting Equipment: Assessment of the location and suitability of extinguishers, dry risers, and wet risers.

Beyond the Assessment: Integrated Mitigation

Unlike standalone consultants, HF doesn’t just identify your risks, we provide the certified solutions to mitigate them. If your FRA identifies a deficiency, our in-house teams are qualified to carry out the necessary remedial works: