Fire risk assessments for flats and apartments in Devon and Cornwall
Fire risk assessments for flats and apartments need to consider more than the individual dwelling. Communal areas, escape routes, fire doors, alarm arrangements and the way the building is managed all contribute to the overall fire risk.
Why clients choose us
Residential buildings assessed properly
Fire Skills considers the building, its communal areas and the arrangements in place for managing fire safety.
BAFE SP205 Accredited
Assessments are completed under the BAFE SP205 scheme, helping provide a structured and robust approach to fire risk assessment.
Experienced Fire Safety Professionals
Assessments are carried out by carefully selected and qualified retired Fire Safety Officers with extensive practical experience.
Fire risk assessments for communal areas
In a block of flats or apartments, a fire can affect more than the room where it starts. Shared hallways, stairwells, entrance areas and other communal spaces need to be considered alongside the individual layout of the building. We assess the features and arrangements that could affect occupants, including escape routes, fire doors, alarms and other relevant fire safety provisions. The findings are then presented clearly so the responsible person can understand the actions required.
Understanding risk across the building
A residential building can have different risks depending on its layout, occupancy and management arrangements. Access to escape routes, the condition of fire safety measures and the way residents are informed can all form part of the wider assessment. Where buildings have multiple floors, shared access areas or more complex arrangements, the assessment needs to consider how these elements work together. Fire Skills provides a practical report that helps turn those findings into clear, manageable next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment in a block of flats?
The person responsible will depend on how the building is owned and managed. This can involve a landlord, managing agent, housing provider or another responsible person. A fire risk assessment helps establish the risks that need to be managed within the building.
Does a fire risk assessment cover the individual flats as well as communal areas?
The scope depends on the building and the assessment being undertaken. Communal areas and the wider building arrangements are important parts of assessing fire risk, while the individual layout and use of relevant areas may also need to be considered.
What should we provide before a fire risk assessment for our apartment building?
Previous fire risk assessments, building plans and relevant fire safety records can all be useful. Information about fire policies, testing, maintenance and staff or resident training can also help provide a clearer picture of how fire safety is currently being managed.