BS7 · Horfield
Fire Risk Assessment
in Horfield
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- PAS 79-1:2020 (premises other than housing) and, for housing, BS 9792:2025, which superseded PAS 79-2:2020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.
Managing a property requires a clear understanding of safety obligations, particularly when it relates to fire safety. If you are responsible for a building, arranging a fire risk assessment in Horfield is a necessary step to ensure the safety of occupants and the protection of the premises. The Horfield area, situated within the BS7 postcode district, features a diverse mix of building types that require professional oversight. This includes interwar semi-detached housing often converted into flats or HMOs, local shopping parades with residential units above, schools, sports grounds, and the significant prison site. Each of these premises presents unique risks based on their construction and usage. A fire risk assessment in Horfield typically costs £190 to £630 per assessment, although the final figure depends entirely on the specific building and its complexities. This quote will be provided directly by the local firm we put you in touch with. Our role is to facilitate the connection between building owners and the professionals who carry out the site inspections, so that you receive a price tailored to your specific property.
What a fire risk assessment covers
The purpose of the assessment is to identify potential fire hazards and determine the necessary measures to reduce risk. The company we put you in touch with will examine several factors that influence the scope and cost of the work. The total floor area and the number of storeys are primary considerations, as larger or taller buildings require more time to inspect. The assessor who contacts you will also look at whether anyone sleeps on the premises, which significantly changes the risk profile compared to a standard commercial unit.
The complexity of the escape routes is another critical factor. Buildings with simple, direct exits are generally more straightforward to assess than those with winding corridors or multiple stairwells. The way the building is used and the number of people typically present—whether staff, residents, or the public—will be factored into the final report. Furthermore, the age of the building and whether it has been altered over time can impact fire spread and compartmentation. An interwar property that has been extended or partitioned will require a more detailed look at how fire-stopping measures have been integrated into the newer sections.
How the enquiry works
We operate as an enquiry service to help you find a suitable provider for your fire safety needs. The process is designed to be straightforward:
- You provide the details of your property and your requirements through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm with experience in the Bristol area.
- That firm contacts you directly to discuss the specifics of your building and provide a formal quote.
- You deal with them directly for the site visit, the production of the report, and any subsequent payment.
Please be aware that Bristol Fire Risk Assessment does not attend your site or carry out the assessment ourselves; we are the link between you and the local contractor.
The legal position for duty holders
Fire safety in England and Wales is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation places the legal burden on the ‘Responsible Person’—usually the building owner, employer, or landlord—to ensure that the premises are safe. In addition to this primary order, section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2023, has introduced significant changes. The most notable change is that the Responsible Person for almost every non-domestic premises must now ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and must record the findings in full, regardless of the number of people employed. Previously, smaller businesses 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 standards provide a structured methodology for the competent person to follow. It is a legal requirement that the assessment is carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. Once completed, the document must be reviewed regularly and immediately after any material change to the building’s layout or use. Enforcement of these regulations in Horfield is the responsibility of the local fire and rescue service or the local authority, depending on the specific type of building. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices or prosecution. Please note that this information is provided for general guidance only 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 Horfield typically costs £190 to £630 per assessment. The exact price is determined by the local firm we put you in touch with, based on the size and complexity of your building. A small retail unit in a shopping parade will sit at the lower end of this range, while a large school, sports ground, or complex residential block will cost more due to the time required for a thorough inspection.
Who is the Responsible Person for a building?
The Responsible Person is usually the individual or entity that has control over the premises. This is typically the employer for a workplace, the landlord for the common parts of a block of flats, or the building owner. If you are a business owner in a rented unit, you likely share responsibilities with the freeholder. It is your duty to ensure a competent person carries out the assessment to meet legal standards.
How often does a fire risk assessment need reviewing?
There is no fixed expiry date for a fire risk assessment, but the law requires it to be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains valid. Most firms recommend an annual review. However, you must arrange a new assessment if there is a material change to the building, such as structural alterations, a change in the number of occupants, or a change in how the premises are used.
Does the fire risk assessment have to be written down?
Yes. Since 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 buildings covered by the Fire Safety Order, regardless of the number of employees or the size of the business. The assessor who contacts you will provide a written report that serves as this official record for your records and for inspection by authorities.
What happens if I do not have a fire risk assessment?
Failure to maintain a valid fire risk assessment is a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This can result in enforcement action from the local fire and rescue service. In serious cases, this may involve fines or prosecution. Beyond legal penalties, lacking an assessment means you may not have identified critical risks, potentially endangering the lives of those who live or work in your property.
Who carries out the assessment?
The assessment is carried out by a competent person from a local fire safety firm. Bristol Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service; we do not attend your premises or perform the inspection ourselves. When you submit an enquiry, we pass your details to a professional company that specialises in fire safety. They will contact you to arrange a site visit and will be responsible for the accuracy and quality of the final report.
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.