Fire Risk Assessments in Croydon: Understanding Local Authority Expectations

If you manage a commercial building, block of flats, healthcare facility or other non-domestic premises in Croydon, arranging a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is one of your key legal responsibilities. Although the legislation is consistent across England, local authorities and enforcing bodies expect duty holders to demonstrate that fire risks have been properly identified, managed and documented.

A professional Fire Risk Assessment is more than a one-off exercise. It provides a clear understanding of fire risks, helps prioritise improvements and supports ongoing compliance with fire safety legislation. If you would like practical advice on your building’s compliance responsibilities, contact Change24 on 0800 654 6212 to discuss your requirements.

“A fire risk assessment should support informed decision-making, not simply satisfy a compliance checklist. Clear evidence and practical recommendations make ongoing fire safety management far more effective.”

Who is responsible for a fire risk assessment in Croydon?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises must have a designated Responsible Person. This may be an employer, landlord, managing agent, facilities manager or another person with control over the building. The legislation requires fire risks to be assessed and appropriate fire safety measures to be maintained.

For many organisations in Croydon, this responsibility extends beyond arranging an assessment. It also includes acting on recommendations, reviewing the assessment when circumstances change and maintaining records that demonstrate ongoing compliance with fire safety duties.

Buildings commonly requiring fire risk assessments include:

• Offices and commercial premises

• HMOs and purpose-built residential blocks

• Schools and colleges

• Healthcare facilities

• Warehouses and industrial units

• Retail premises

What do local authorities expect to see?

Although Croydon Council follows the same national fire safety legislation as other local authorities, duty holders are expected to show that fire risks are being managed effectively and supported by appropriate documentation.

A compliant assessment should identify significant fire hazards, evaluate the likelihood and consequences of a fire, assess existing control measures and recommend practical improvements where needed. Where legally required, the findings should be recorded and reviewed regularly, particularly after alterations, changes in occupancy or a fire incident.

Clear reports, photographic evidence and prioritised recommendations help demonstrate that fire safety is being managed systematically and provide a useful record for future reviews or inspections.

What does a professional fire risk assessment cover?

Every building presents different risks, so assessments should reflect how the premises are used rather than following a generic checklist. A competent assessor will typically examine:

• Means of escape and emergency routes

• Fire detection and alarm systems

• Emergency lighting

• Fire extinguishers

• Compartmentation and passive fire protection

• Housekeeping and storage practices

• Staff training and evacuation procedures

• Fire safety management arrangements

The assessment may also identify where further specialist inspections are appropriate. For example, damaged or poorly maintained fire doors may require dedicated Fire Door Inspection services, while larger or more complex properties may benefit from comprehensive Fire Door Surveys to establish an overall compliance position.

Why are fire doors and compartmentation so important?

One of the most common findings during fire risk assessments is that passive fire protection has deteriorated over time.

Fire doors may have damaged seals, incorrect gaps or unauthorised alterations. Service penetrations through walls and floors may also compromise compartmentation if they have not been properly protected.

Where issues are identified, further investigations or remedial works may include Fire Barrier Installation or repairs to restore fire-resisting construction. Addressing these issues helps maintain the building’s intended fire strategy and supports regulatory compliance.

How often should fire risk assessments be reviewed?

There is no fixed annual requirement in legislation for every building. Instead, the assessment should remain suitable and sufficient for the premises. Reviews are generally appropriate when:

• Significant building alterations take place.

• The building’s use changes.

• Occupancy levels increase.

• Fire safety measures are modified.

• A fire or near miss occurs.

• Previous recommendations have been completed.

Many organisations also schedule periodic reviews as part of wider compliance programmes to ensure documentation remains current and reflects the building’s actual condition.

Do higher-risk buildings require additional surveys?

Yes. Some buildings require further specialist assessments alongside a fire risk assessment.

For example, residential buildings with external wall systems may require External Wall Surveys where the construction or cladding needs further evaluation. Likewise, large estates often combine fire risk assessments with fire door inspections, compartmentation surveys and passive fire protection reviews to provide a more complete understanding of building safety.

An integrated approach often reduces duplication and helps responsible persons maintain a clear audit trail across multiple compliance activities.

Choosing a competent fire risk assessor in Croydon

Competence is one of the most important considerations when appointing a fire risk assessor. Look for a provider that can demonstrate relevant experience across similar building types, understands current fire safety legislation and produces structured reports that clearly prioritise actions.

Many duty holders also value providers who can support follow-up inspections and remedial works where required. This helps ensure recommendations are implemented consistently while maintaining clear records throughout the compliance process.

Change24 works with facilities managers, housing providers, healthcare organisations, developers and commercial property owners across London and the South East, delivering evidence-based assessments supported by clear reporting and practical compliance advice.

Keeping your Croydon property compliant

A fire risk assessment should not be viewed as a document that sits on a shelf until the next inspection. It should be reviewed whenever significant changes occur and used to guide ongoing fire safety decisions.

By combining competent assessments with accurate documentation and timely follow-up actions, organisations can maintain a clear understanding of their compliance position and respond confidently to inspections or audits.

If you need advice on fire risk assessments, fire door inspections or wider passive fire protection in Croydon, contact Change24 to discuss your building and arrange a professional assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement in Croydon?

Yes. The requirement comes from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies throughout England, including Croydon. Responsible Persons must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed and kept under review.

How long does a fire risk assessment take?

It depends on the size, complexity and use of the building. Smaller premises may be assessed within a few hours, while larger residential or commercial buildings often require more detailed inspections and reporting.

Can a fire risk assessment identify fire door defects?

Yes. Visible issues with fire doors are often identified during a fire risk assessment. Where a more detailed evaluation is required, a dedicated fire door inspection or survey may be recommended.

What happens after a fire risk assessment?

The assessor will usually provide a report outlining significant findings, identifying risks and prioritising recommended actions. The Responsible Person should review these recommendations and arrange any necessary improvements.

Do residential apartment buildings need fire risk assessments?

Yes. The common areas of blocks of flats are covered by fire safety legislation, and the Responsible Person must ensure suitable fire risk assessments are carried out and reviewed as required.