BS48 · Backwell
Fire Risk Assessment
in Backwell
The Responsible Person for almost every non-domestic premises must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and, since section 156 commenced, must record it in full regardless of how many people are employed. It must be reviewed regularly and after any material change.
Duty summary
England & Wales
- Duty
- Fire Risk Assessment
- Instrument
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Also
- section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, in force since 1 October 2023
- Standard
- PAS 79-1:2020 (premises other than housing) and, for housing, BS 9792:2025, which superseded PAS 79-2:2020
- Frequency
- Reviewed regularly, and after any material change to the building or its use
- Carried out by
- A competent person
- Enforced by
- Avon Fire and Rescue Service
- Guide price
- £190 – £630 per assessment
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
Building owners and managers responsible for commercial or residential property need to ensure their premises remain compliant with current safety legislation. If you require a fire risk assessment in Backwell, our enquiry service is designed to connect you with a local firm capable of conducting a thorough inspection. Backwell is a large village characterised by a diverse range of property types, from the central school campus and local shops to traditional pubs and various surrounding farm premises. Whether you manage a retail unit on Farleigh Road or a multi-occupancy building within the BS48 postcode district, the duty to manage fire risk remains a constant legal requirement. These assessments are necessary for almost all non-domestic buildings to identify potential hazards and protect the people who use them. Regarding the financial aspect, a fire risk assessment in Backwell typically costs £190 to £630 per assessment. This figure is a guide only, as the final cost depends entirely on the specific nature and size of the building. The firm we pass your enquiry to will provide you with a formal quote based on your individual requirements.
What the assessment covers
The fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards and determine the likelihood of a fire occurring. The assessor who contacts you will look at the physical measures in place to prevent fire and the arrangements for so that people can escape safely. Several factors influence the scope of the work and the eventual price quoted by the local firm. The total floor area and the number of storeys are primary considerations, as larger buildings require more time to inspect thoroughly. The complexity and number of escape routes also play a significant role, particularly in older buildings or those that have been previously altered.
The way the building is used and the number of people typically present are also critical. For instance, premises where people sleep, such as residential blocks or care facilities, require a more intensive level of scrutiny than a simple lock-up shop. The age of the building is another factor, as older structures may have different fire-stopping requirements compared to modern developments. The local firm will evaluate these elements to ensure the final report is suitable and sufficient for your specific circumstances.
How the enquiry works
Our role is to act as a bridge between building managers and fire safety professionals. We do not carry out the assessments ourselves, nor do we attend your site. The process follows four straightforward steps:
- You submit your property details through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm covering the Backwell area.
- That firm contacts you directly to discuss your needs and provide a quote.
- You deal with the firm directly to arrange the site visit and receive your report.
This service allows you to find a competent professional without having to contact multiple companies yourself.
The legal position for duty holders
Fire safety in England and Wales is governed primarily by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation places the legal burden on the ‘Responsible Person’—usually the employer, owner, or landlord—to ensure that the premises are safe. Furthermore, section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2023, introduced significant changes. It is now a requirement for the Responsible Person to record the fire risk assessment in full, regardless of the number of employees or the size of the business. Previously, smaller organisations were exempt from the recording requirement, but this is no longer the case.
Assessments are normally carried out against established industry guidance, specifically BS 9792:2025 for housing and BS 9792:2025 for non-domestic premises. These Publicly Available Specifications provide a structured methodology for the assessor to follow. The law dictates that the assessment must be carried out by a competent person who has sufficient training and experience. It is important to note that the assessment is not a one-time event; it must be reviewed regularly and immediately if there is a material change to the building’s layout or use. Enforcement of these regulations in Backwell is the responsibility of the local fire and rescue service or the local authority. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices or prosecution. Please note that the information on this page is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building.
Questions duty holders ask
6 answers
How much does a fire risk assessment cost?
A fire risk assessment in Backwell typically costs £190 to £630 per assessment. This range reflects the difference between a small, simple premises and a larger or more complex building. The final price is determined by the local firm we put you in touch with, based on factors such as the size of the property, its usage, and the number of occupants. They will provide a specific quote after reviewing your details.
Who is the Responsible Person for a building?
The Responsible Person is usually the individual or entity that has control over the premises. In a workplace, this is typically the employer. In other buildings, it may be the owner, landlord, or a managing agent. This person carries the legal duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is completed and that all fire safety measures are maintained. If you are unsure of your status, you should check your lease or management agreement.
How often does the assessment need reviewing?
The law does not set a rigid expiry date, but it requires that the assessment is reviewed regularly to keep it valid. It is common practice to review the document annually. However, a new assessment must be conducted if there is a significant change to the building, such as structural alterations, a change in the type of business being conducted, or a significant increase in the number of people using the premises.
What happens if I do not have a fire risk assessment?
Failure to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If the local fire and rescue service inspects your premises and finds you are non-compliant, they can issue an enforcement notice requiring improvements. In serious cases, they have the power to issue a prohibition notice, which can close the building entirely, or pursue criminal prosecution against the Responsible Person.
Does the fire risk assessment have to be written down?
Yes, following the commencement of section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 on 1 October 2023, all fire risk assessments must be recorded in full. This applies to all premises covered by the Fire Safety Order, regardless of the number of employees. Previously, businesses with fewer than five employees were not required to record the findings, but that exemption has been removed to ensure greater transparency and safety.
Do you carry out the fire risk assessment yourself?
No, we are an enquiry service and not a fire safety consultancy or firm of assessors. We do not attend your site or produce the reports. Our role is to take your enquiry and pass it to a local firm that operates in the Backwell area. That firm will then contact you directly to provide a quote and, if you choose to instruct them, they will carry out the work.
Sources and review
Checked against Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Safety Act 2022 s.156, PAS 79-1:2020 and BS 9792:2025 on . We recheck this page against the legislation quarterly, and sooner if the law changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at enquiries@bristolfireriskassessment.co.uk and we will correct it.
Fire Risk Assessment nearby
Other duties at the same premises
This page is general information about fire safety law in England and Wales. It is not a fire risk assessment and it is not legal advice. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person must ensure an assessment is carried out by a competent person.