Fire safety legislation does not specify a mandatory qualification for fire risk assessors, but HSE and NFCC guidance consistently recommends using assessors registered on the BAFE SP205 scheme or members of the IFE register of fire risk assessors.
Why this matters
An FRA produced by an unqualified or inadequately experienced assessor is unlikely to withstand scrutiny from a Fire and Rescue Service inspector. If a fire occurs and your assessor's credentials cannot be verified, your liability position is significantly weakened.
What to do
- 1Before commissioning any FRA, check the assessor is listed on the BAFE SP205 scheme (bafe.org.uk) or the IFE fire risk assessor register.
- 2Request their professional indemnity insurance certificate and retain a copy with the completed FRA.
- 3Confirm they have specific experience in residential care settings not just general commercial premises.
Primary source
BAFE SP205 Fire Risk Assessor Competency Scheme
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