Fire Risk Assessment
in Chipping Sodbury

Building owners and managers responsible for commercial or residential property in South Gloucestershire often require a professional fire risk assessment in Chipping Sodbury to ensure their premises remain safe and compliant. The town is characterised by its historic broad high street with listed frontages, where independent shops, pubs, and hotels operate within structures that often date back centuries. These older buildings, particularly those within the BS37 postcode district, present unique challenges due to their traditional construction methods and layout. Whether you manage a retail unit, a local inn, or a block of flats, having a clear understanding of your fire safety obligations is essential. This service acts as a bridge between you and the professionals who carry out this work. We are an enquiry service that passes your details to a local firm, who will then contact you to discuss your requirements. A fire risk assessment in Chipping Sodbury typically costs £190 to £630 per assessment, though this figure depends entirely on the specific nature of the building and the quote provided by the firm we pass the enquiry to.

What the assessment covers

The fire risk assessment is a comprehensive look at your premises to identify potential fire hazards and determine the level of risk to people using the building. The assessor who contacts you will evaluate several physical and operational factors that influence the final cost and the complexity of the report. The total floor area and the number of storeys are primary considerations, as larger buildings naturally require more time to inspect. The company we put you in touch with will also look at whether anyone sleeps on the premises, such as in hotels or flats, which significantly increases the life safety risk compared to a standard shop.

Other factors include the number and complexity of escape routes, especially in Chipping Sodbury where historic buildings may have narrow corridors or shared exits. The way the building is used and the number of people typically present—whether they are employees, customers, or residents—will be factored in. Furthermore, the age of the building and whether it has been altered over the years will be examined, as modern extensions attached to listed frontages can create complex fire compartments. The local firm will use these details to provide a thorough report detailing necessary improvements or management actions.

How the enquiry works

We operate as a simple enquiry service to help you find a competent professional. The process follows these four steps:

1. You send your building details to us via our enquiry form.
2. We pass these details to a local fire safety firm covering the Chipping Sodbury area.
3. That firm contacts you directly to provide a quote and discuss their availability.
4. You deal with the firm directly to arrange the site visit and payment.

Please be aware that Bristol Fire Risk Assessment does not attend your site and does not carry out the assessments ourselves; we are not the ones doing the work.

The legal position for duty holders

The primary legislation governing fire safety in England and Wales is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This law places the responsibility for fire safety on the ‘Responsible Person’, who is typically the employer, building owner, or managing agent. Under this Order, the Responsible Person for almost every non-domestic premises must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. This includes shops, offices, hotels, and the common parts of residential blocks.

The legal landscape was further updated by section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2023. This amendment introduced stricter requirements for recording fire safety information. Since this section commenced, the Responsible Person must record the fire risk assessment in full, regardless of how many people are employed at the premises. Previously, businesses with fewer than five employees were exempt from the recording requirement, but this is no longer the case. The assessment must be reviewed regularly and whenever there has been a material change to the building or its use.

To ensure consistency and quality, assessments for non-domestic premises are normally carried out against the guidance in BS 9792:2025, while housing and residential buildings are assessed against PAS 79-1:2020. It is a legal requirement that the assessment is carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. Enforcement of these regulations in Chipping Sodbury typically sits with the local fire and rescue service or the local authority as appropriate. Please note that the information on this page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building.