Introduction 

Online Form and Self Completed Fire Risk Assessments: Why They Put Your Compliance at Risk

The recent updates to the Building Safety Act, including Section 156 amendments to the Fire Safety Order, mean Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) now require more than a simple checklist approach.

Property owners and managers must maintain clear, detailed documentation showing both the fire safety measures in place and the reasoning behind them.

Online forms or self-completed Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs), still common in many organisations, can leave you exposed. They often lack depth, fail to identify unique property risks, and provide insufficient evidence for compliance.

With regulators expecting robust justification, these minimal assessments can result in enforcement action, reputational damage, or insurance complications.

Key Risks of Tick-Box FRAs:

• No clear explanation or justification for actions taken.

• Oversight of property-specific hazards.

• Inadequate detail when facing legal action.

What the Law Now Demands:

• Comprehensive records of fire safety provisions and their rationale.

• Evidence that measures meet both legal and operational standards.

• Confirmation that FRAs are conducted by qualified, competent, and independent professionals.

Raising the Standard:

A compliant FRA should be evidence-based, site-specific, and detailed. Achieving this means engaging experienced professionals, documenting decisions thoroughly, and integrating FRA data into ongoing safety management systems.

It also means training inspectors, regularly auditing safety measures, and addressing issues proactively.

An online and self-completed form may seem convenient, but the consequences of non-compliance are far costlier than investing in a high-quality FRA. A thorough, well-justified assessment is a vital safeguard for your people, assets, and business continuity.

At Risk Vigil, we can help you navigate these complex issues and build lasting confidence in your safety and compliance frameworks. Contact us today to learn how we can support your building safety journey.