In the UK, fire risk assessments are required for a wide range of properties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Specifically, the requirement applies to all non-domestic premises and certain multi-occupied residential buildings. Here are the key categories of properties that require fire risk assessments:
1. Workplaces:
- Offices and retail premises
- Factories and warehouses
- Restaurants, pubs, and clubs
- Hotels and guest houses
- Healthcare facilities (hospitals, care homes)
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
- Construction sites
2. Residential Premises:
- Blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
- Shared houses and bedsits
- Student accommodations
- Sheltered housing (common areas)
- Any premises with shared common areas, such as staircases, hallways, or lounges
3. Public Buildings:
- Hospitals and medical centres
- Libraries, museums, and galleries
- Community halls and centres
- Places of worship
4. Commercial and Industrial Buildings:
- Shopping centres and malls
- Offices
- Factories and warehouses
5. Hospitality and Leisure Venues:
- Hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations
- Cinemas and theaters
- Sports centers and stadiums
6. Transport and Infrastructure:
- Airports and transport terminals
- Railway stations and bus depots
7. Other Types of Premises:
- Marinas and boatyards
- Campsites and holiday parks
Essentially, any property that is not a single-family dwelling typically requires a fire risk assessment. This includes mixed-use buildings (where part of the building is residential and part is commercial), as well as buildings with communal areas shared by multiple tenants or occupants. The goal is to ensure that fire safety measures are in place to protect all occupants and visitors to these premises.