A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a workplace or premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk of fire occurring, assess the adequacy of existing fire safety measures, and recommend actions to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. The assessment examines fire detection and warning systems, fire fighting equipment, means of egress, fire hazards, persons at particular risk, and emergency evacuation procedures.

In the United States, workplace fire safety is regulated primarily by OSHA under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.39 requires employers to have a written Fire Prevention Plan that includes a list of all major workplace fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires a written Emergency Action Plan that includes procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies, procedures for emergency evacuation, and procedures to account for all employees after evacuation.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes the codes and standards that form the basis of fire safety regulation throughout the United States. NFPA 1 (Fire Code) provides comprehensive fire safety requirements for existing buildings. NFPA 10 establishes requirements for portable fire extinguishers. NFPA 13 governs automatic sprinkler systems. NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) establishes requirements for fire alarm systems. NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) provides requirements for means of egress, including exit capacity, travel distance, illumination, and signage.

State and local fire codes, typically based on the International Fire Code (IFC) or NFPA 1, impose additional requirements on building owners and operators. State fire marshals enforce these codes through inspections and may issue citations, fines, or closure orders for non-compliance.

A Fire Risk Assessment is needed by every employer and building owner or operator in the United States. Under OSHA regulations, every employer must have a Fire Prevention Plan (29 CFR 1910.39) and an Emergency Action Plan (29 CFR 1910.38). While OSHA does not explicitly require a formal written fire risk assessment for all employers, conducting one is the recognized best practice for identifying fire hazards and ensuring adequate fire safety measures are in place.

State and local fire codes, which are enforced by the fire marshal or fire department, typically require periodic fire safety inspections and may require documented fire risk assessments for certain occupancy types, particularly high-risk occupancies such as healthcare facilities, schools, assembly venues, and high-rise buildings.

A fire risk assessment should be conducted before a building is first occupied, whenever there is a significant change in the use, layout, or occupancy of the premises, whenever new fire hazards are introduced, following any fire or near-miss incident, and at regular intervals (at least annually for most occupancies). Insurance companies often require documented fire risk assessments as a condition of coverage.

The assessment is particularly important for buildings that house persons with disabilities who may need assistance evacuating. Under the ADA, employers must develop individualized emergency evacuation plans for employees with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments.

A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment must address several essential elements to comply with OSHA regulations, NFPA codes, and state fire code requirements.

The premises details section should identify the building type, address, maximum occupancy, and the responsible person. The assessor's name and qualifications should be recorded to demonstrate competence.

Fire detection and warning systems should be evaluated against NFPA 72 requirements, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, fire alarm control panels, and emergency lighting. Automatic sprinkler systems should be evaluated against NFPA 13.

Fire fighting equipment should be evaluated against OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 and NFPA 10, including the selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers appropriate for the classes of fire likely to occur.

Means of egress should be evaluated against OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36-37 and NFPA 101, including exit route capacity, travel distance, illumination, signage, and ADA accessibility. Exit routes must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.

Fire hazards should be identified and evaluated, including fuel sources, ignition sources, and oxygen sources. Persons at particular risk should be identified, including employees with disabilities, lone workers, visitors, and night workers.

The overall risk rating should be assigned based on the likelihood of fire and the severity of potential consequences. An action plan should identify specific corrective actions, responsible persons, and target completion dates.

Emergency action plan compliance should be evaluated against OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38, including evacuation procedures, fire drill frequency, and employee training. The review schedule and next review date should be specified.