Workers in hi-vis vests on a construction site
ABBE Qualified · BS 8674:2025

Fire Risk Assessments

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every responsible person for a non-domestic premises must hold a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Our ABBE-qualified assessors operate across Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Kent and Suffolk — fully aligned with BS 8674:2025, the new national competence framework for fire risk assessors.

BS 8674:2025

Published by BSI in 2025, BS 8674 establishes the competence framework for individual fire risk assessors in the built environment. It defines the knowledge, skills, experience, and ongoing professional development required to conduct fire risk assessments to a recognised national standard. All Blackwater Fire Solutions assessors are fully aligned with this framework — giving you confidence that your assessment is carried out by a demonstrably competent professional.

Our Approach

Bespoke Assessments. Not Tick-Boxes.

Here at Blackwater Fire Solutions, we believe a fire risk assessment is only valuable if it reflects the actual risks present on your specific site. Every building is different — the occupancy, layout, construction, and how people use the space all matter. That's why we never rely on generic templates.

As a responsible person, you have a legal duty under the FSO 2005 — and that duty is not met by a superficial tick-box exercise. Our reports are detailed, readable, and built around your premises. We'll walk you through the findings, explain the priorities, and make sure you genuinely understand your obligations — not just hand you a document and disappear.

Site-Specific Reports

Every report is written for your building — your risks, your occupants, your controls. No copy-paste from another job.

Prioritised Action Plans

Findings are risk-rated and prioritised so you always know what needs addressing immediately and what can be planned over time.

Readable, Plain-English Findings

Our reports are written to be understood by the people responsible for fire safety, not just fire safety professionals.

Assessor Continuity

We aim to provide the same assessor for your review visits so they know your building and you know them.

Assessment Types

The Right Assessment for Your Premises

Residential Buildings (Types 1-4)

Fire risk assessments for multi-occupancy residential buildings - from visual inspections of communal areas to comprehensive destructive surveys including individual dwellings. Assessment scope tailored to your building's risk profile and construction.

Commercial & Industrial

Tailored assessments for offices, retail units, warehouses, factories, hotels, and HMOs. Covers all requirements under the FSO 2005 with clear, prioritised action plans.

Healthcare, Education & Care Homes

Specialist assessments for hospitals, care homes, schools, and universities. Enhanced consideration of occupant vulnerability, evacuation strategy, and HTM compliance where applicable.

How It Works

Our Assessment Process

01

Consultation

We discuss your premises, occupancy type, and any existing fire safety measures. We confirm the assessment scope and agree a visit date.

02

Site Survey

A BS 8674:2025-qualified assessor carries out a thorough on-site inspection, recording hazards, existing controls, and any compartmentation deficiencies.

03

Risk Evaluation

Identified hazards are evaluated for likelihood and consequence, producing a risk rating. We also assess the adequacy of existing fire precautions.

04

Written Report

You receive a clear, comprehensive report with a prioritised action plan, timescales, and specific recommendations to achieve compliance.

05

Ongoing Review

We schedule periodic review assessments to keep your FRA current with any changes to premises, occupancy, or legislation — including any future updates to BS 8674.

Coverage

Fire Risk Assessment Specialists in Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Kent & Suffolk

Based in Essex, our assessors cover a wide area across the South East and East of England. Whether you manage a single commercial unit in central London or a portfolio of residential blocks across Kent, we can accommodate your needs promptly.

Nationwide contracts considered subject to approval.

  • Central London & Greater London
  • Essex (Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, Basildon)
  • Hertfordshire (St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Harlow)
  • Kent (Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Dartford)
  • Suffolk (Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft)
  • East of England
100s
Assessments completed
10+
Years' experience
5
Regions covered
100%
ABBE qualified
Get in Touch

Ready to Make Your Premises Safer?

Contact our team of fire safety specialists today for advice and assessments tailored to your specific requirements.