Fire Safety FAQs
Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Doors & Compliance FAQs
This FAQ section provides clear answers to the most common questions asked about fire risk assessments, fire door inspections and fire safety compliance under UK legislation.
Whether you need guidance on fire risk assessments, fire door inspections or your legal duties under UK fire safety law, this section helps you understand what is required and how IPC can support you.
If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact us – our team is always available to provide professional advice.
General Fire Safety Questions
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured review of your building to identify fire hazards, evaluate risks to people, and determine the measures required to keep the premises safe and legally compliant.
All non-domestic buildings and residential blocks with shared areas must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place.
What buildings legally require a fire risk assessment?
All non-domestic buildings, HMOs, blocks of flats with communal areas and any premises where the Fire Safety Order applies must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place.
Who is responsible for fire safety in a building?
Under the Fire Safety Order 2005, the Responsible Person is typically the landlord, freeholder, managing agent, employer, or building owner.
In residential buildings, this includes anyone responsible for the common areas.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Your assessment should be reviewed annually, or sooner if:
- There is a significant change to the building
- The use of the building changes
- Occupants change or new risks are introduced
- A fire or serious incident occurs
- Any major works take place
Do I need a written fire risk assessment?
Yes. If you employ five or more people, or your building contains communal areas (such as a block of flats), you must keep a written assessment.
Do you cover the whole UK?
We operate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Fire Door Questions
Who is responsible for ensuring fire door inspections are carried out?
The Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order is legally required to ensure all fire doors are inspected and kept in efficient working order.
How often do fire doors need to be inspected in residential buildings?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require:
- Quarterly inspections of all communal fire doors
- Annual inspections of all flat entrance fire doors
- All inspections must be carried out by a competent person.
Do commercial buildings have fire door inspection requirements?
Yes. The Fire Safety Order requires all fire safety measures, including fire doors, to be kept in working order. Regular inspections by a competent person are essential.
What is the purpose of a fire door?
A fire door slows the spread of smoke and fire through a building. This protects escape routes, supports compartmentation and provides vital time for occupants to evacuate safely.
How do I know if a fire door needs replacing?
A door may need replacing if it has major damage, incorrect installation, excessive gaps, missing components, incompatible hardware, or failed self-closing devices.
We provide clear guidance on your fire doors based on a comprehensive inspection.
Do you provide replacement fire doors?
Yes. We manage full fire door replacement projects, including the supply and installation of certified FD30S and FD60S door sets.
Compliance and Legal Duties
What happens if my building fails a fire risk assessment?
You must act promptly on all identified risks. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action from the Fire and Rescue Service.
Instant Protect Control can manage all remedial works and bring your building back into compliance through our project management service.
What is an enforcement notice?
An enforcement notice is issued by the Fire and Rescue Service when a building fails to meet fire safety requirements. It sets out mandatory actions that must be completed within a fixed timeframe.
Can you help if I receive an enforcement notice?
Yes. We offer full enforcement notice consultancy, including action planning, remedial management and liaison with inspectors.
Are your assessors competent?
Yes. IPC’s assessors are trained to the BS 8674:2025 national competency standard and are accredited through Secured by Design and the Fire Protection Association.
Do you provide the repairs identified in the assessment?
We do not carry out repairs directly. Instead, we manage the entire process by specifying works, coordinating contractors and overseeing completion to ensure everything is done correctly.
Booking and Services
How quickly can you attend?
We offer fast response times and will arrange visits promptly based on your building, risk level and legal requirements.
What do I receive after the assessment or inspection?
You receive a clear, detailed report with photographs, findings, and recommended actions. For fire door inspections, each door receives an individual record and digital audit trail.
Do you work with managing agents and portfolio owners?
Yes. We regularly support managing agents, RMCs, landlords and property companies responsible for multiple buildings.
How do I book a fire risk assessment or fire door inspection?
You can contact us by phone or email:
T: 0330 633 1270
E: contact@instantprotectcontrol.com
Speak to an accredited fire safety consultant today to arrange your fire risk assessment, fire door inspection or full compliance support
For expert support with fire risk assessments, fire door inspections, or full compliance management, contact us today.