BS31 · Keynsham
Fire Risk Assessment
in Keynsham
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- PAS 79-1:2020 (premises other than housing) and, for housing, BS 9792:2025, which superseded PAS 79-2:2020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
- £200 – £660 per assessment
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
Managing a commercial property or residential block requires a clear understanding of safety obligations, including the requirement for a professional fire risk assessment in Keynsham. The town presents a diverse range of building types, from the traditional retail units along the high street to the modern riverside residential developments situated on the former chocolate factory site. Further out, the business park provides contemporary office units that house a variety of professional services. In the BS31 postcode district, any premises used for business, industrial, or multi-occupancy residential purposes must have a valid assessment to ensure the safety of occupants and the protection of the structure.
This enquiry service is designed to simplify the process of finding a competent professional. We do not carry out the inspections ourselves; instead, we take your details and pass them to a local firm that specialises in this field. A fire risk assessment in Keynsham typically costs £200 to £660 per assessment, though the final figure depends entirely on the specific characteristics of your building. The firm we put you in touch with will provide a bespoke quote after reviewing your requirements. Whether you manage a small shop or a large industrial unit, so that your documentation is current is a fundamental part of property management.
What the assessment covers
The fire risk assessment is a comprehensive review of a building to identify potential fire hazards and determine the necessary measures to keep people safe. The company we put you in touch with will examine various factors that influence the overall risk profile of the premises. A primary consideration is the floor area and the number of storeys, as larger or taller buildings naturally present more complex challenges for detection and evacuation. The assessor who contacts you will also look at the number and complexity of escape routes, so that they are sufficient for the volume of people expected to use them.
The price of the assessment is influenced by how the building is used and by how many people are typically on-site. For instance, premises where people sleep, such as blocks of flats or hotels, require a more intensive review than a standard daytime office. The age of the building and whether it has been altered over time are also critical factors; older structures or those with recent extensions often have hidden voids or non-standard layouts that affect fire spread. The assessor will evaluate existing fire doors, alarm systems, and emergency lighting to ensure they are fit for purpose.
How the enquiry works
We act as a bridge between building owners and local specialists. The process follows these four steps:
- You send the details of your property through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm covering the Keynsham area.
- That firm contacts you directly to discuss the site and provide a formal quote.
- You deal with them directly to arrange the site visit and receive your report.
Please be aware that Bristol Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service and not a consultancy. We do not attend your site, and we do not employ the individuals who carry out the work.
The legal position for property owners
Fire safety in England and Wales is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation places the legal burden of safety on the ‘Responsible Person’, which is usually the employer, building owner, or managing agent. Under this Order, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out to identify hazards and protect life. It is important to note that the assessment must be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to evaluate the specific risks of the building.
The legal requirements were recently strengthened by section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2023. Previously, small businesses with fewer than five employees were not always required to record their assessment in writing. However, since this section commenced, the Responsible Person for almost every non-domestic premises must record the fire risk assessment in full, regardless of how many people are employed or the size of the business. The work is normally carried out against established guidance, specifically BS 9792:2025 for housing and BS 9792:2025 for non-domestic premises, which provide a structured methodology for the reporting process.
The fire risk assessment is not a one-time task; it must be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains valid. A review is also legally required whenever there is a material change to the building, such as structural alterations, a change in the way the premises are used, or a significant increase in the number of occupants. Enforcement of these regulations in Keynsham 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 page provides general information 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 Keynsham typically costs £200 to £660 per assessment. The exact price is determined by the firm we put you in touch with, based on the size, age, and complexity of your building. A small high street shop will generally be at the lower end of this scale, while a large multi-storey office block or a residential complex with sleeping risks will naturally cost more due to the time required for a thorough inspection.
Who is the Responsible Person?
The Responsible Person is the individual or entity that has control over the premises. In a workplace, this is usually the employer. In buildings that are not workplaces, such as the common parts of a block of flats, it is typically the owner or the managing agent. This person holds the legal duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is completed and that all safety measures are maintained to a high standard to protect occupants.
How often does the assessment need reviewing?
There is no fixed expiry date written in law, but the assessment must be reviewed regularly to remain 'suitable and sufficient'. Most firms recommend an annual review, or a full new assessment every three years. However, you must arrange a review immediately if there is a material change to the building, such as a change in layout, a change in the type of business operating there, or if you have reason to suspect the current assessment is no longer valid.
What happens if I do not have a fire risk assessment?
Failure to provide a valid 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 lack the proper documentation, they can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to take action. In serious cases involving significant risk to life, they have the power to issue prohibition notices that close the building down or to pursue criminal prosecution against the Responsible Person.
Does the assessment have to be written down?
Yes. Following the commencement of section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 on 1 October 2023, the law now requires that all fire risk assessments 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 premises. Keeping a written record is essential for demonstrating compliance to the authorities and for so that all identified risks are managed correctly.
Will Bristol Fire Risk Assessment visit my building?
No, we do not attend sites or carry out assessments ourselves. We are an enquiry service that connects building managers and owners with local fire safety companies. Once you submit your details, we pass them to a local firm who will then contact you directly to provide a quote and, if you choose to proceed, they will send their own competent person to carry out the physical inspection of your premises.
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.
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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.