Fire Risk Assessments - Manchester Businesses

Public Safety England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Businesses in Manchester, England must assess and manage fire risk for premises, staff and visitors. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets the core duties for the "responsible person" to carry out or commission a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and to put in place and maintain appropriate prevention, detection and escape measures[1]. Local fire and rescue services and council regulators carry out inspections and may serve notices, require remedial work or prosecute where duties are unmet.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement powers derive from the Fire Safety Order and are carried out locally by the fire and rescue authority and, in some cases, by the local authority. Authorities may issue enforcement notices, prohibition notices that restrict use of premises, and may prosecute offences in court. Exact monetary penalties are not specified on the cited pages; prosecutions can result in fines or other sanctions as determined by the court[1][2].

  • Enforcers: Greater Manchester fire and rescue service and Manchester City Council regulatory teams (building control, environmental health) handle inspections and enforcement[2].
  • Common non-monetary remedies: enforcement notices requiring remedial works; prohibition notices stopping use of part or all of a building.
  • Prosecution: where offences are proven, courts decide penalties; the cited guidance does not list fixed fine amounts or statutory ranges.
  • Inspections & complaints: report concerns to the local fire and rescue service or Manchester City Council via their official reporting pages.
  • Appeals & reviews: appeal routes are through the courts or by requesting internal review with the enforcing authority; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Failure to act on an enforcement or prohibition notice can lead to prosecution and further court-ordered sanctions.

Applications & Forms

The Fire Safety Order does not require a prescribed central form for the assessment itself; the "responsible person" must record and keep a written record where five or more people are employed or where the authority requires it. Local authorities or fire services may publish checklists, guidance and voluntary templates for fire risk assessments[1][2].

  • No single mandatory national form is required for most premises; use the official guidance checklist or locally provided templates when available.
  • Keep records of the assessment, any significant findings and the steps taken to mitigate risk; retain records for as long as reasonably necessary.
Document your risk assessment and review it whenever the premises, staff or use change.

Practical Compliance Steps

  • Identify the "responsible person" (owner, employer or occupier) and confirm who will carry out the assessment.
  • Survey the premises to identify ignition sources, combustible materials and people at risk (staff, visitors, residents).
  • Record significant findings and implement measures: detection, alarm, escape routes, signage and training.
  • Set review dates and review after changes such as new layout, processes or personnel.
  • If inspected or issued with a notice, follow the steps in the notice, keep evidence of compliance and, if necessary, seek legal or professional advice.
Early consultation with the local fire authority can reduce the risk of enforcement action.

FAQ

Who must carry out a fire risk assessment?
The "responsible person" for the premises must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out; this may be done in-house or by a competent external adviser.
Are there fixed fines for non-compliance?
Specific monetary fines are not listed on the cited guidance pages; enforcement may include notices, prohibition and prosecution with penalties decided by the courts[1][2].
How do I report a fire safety concern in Manchester?
Report concerns to Greater Manchester fire and rescue service or Manchester City Council via their official contact pages; provide location, nature of the risk and any supporting evidence.

How-To

  1. Assign the responsible person and gather existing safety documents and building plans.
  2. Walk the premises to identify hazards, people at risk and current controls.
  3. Write the assessment: note hazards, risk levels, actions required, responsible person and target dates.
  4. Implement controls: prevention, detection, escape, training and maintenance.
  5. Review the assessment regularly or after significant changes and retain records of reviews and actions.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire risk assessments are mandatory duties under the Fire Safety Order; keep them up to date.
  • There is no single national form; record significant findings and retain evidence of compliance.
  • Local fire authorities and Manchester City Council are the enforcement contacts for inspections and complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - legislation.gov.uk
  2. [2] Workplace fire safety: your responsibilities - GOV.UK

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