Fire Risk Assessor

Axion Consultancy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Pension scheme

Healthcare benefits

Bonus scheme

Professional development support

Professional membership fees

Job summary

A professional fire safety consultancy is seeking a Fire Risk Assessor to undertake systematic fire risk assessments in accordance with BS 8674:2025. The role involves identifying hazards, evaluating fire risks, and ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation at various competency levels. Candidates will require relevant fire safety qualifications. This position offers opportunities for progression through a three-tier competency framework based on demonstrated competence, experience, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in fire safety, fire engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Foundation Level: Seeking recognised fire safety qualifications.
• Intermediate Level: NEBOSH Fire Certificate or higher-level qualifications.
• Advanced Level: Qualifications with recognised body like IFE.

Responsibilities

• Undertake systematic fire risk assessments in accordance with BS 8674:2025.
• Identify hazards and evaluate fire risks for building safety.
• Assess adequacy of existing fire risk assessments.
• Provide recommendations for improving compliance and risk mitigation.

Skills

Fire safety legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Attention to detail

Understanding of building construction

Problem-solving

Experience with fire risk assessment tools

Education

Qualification in fire safety or related discipline

Tools

Fire risk assessment software

Job description

Role

The Fire Risk Assessor will undertake systematic fire risk assessments in accordance with BS 8674:2025, identifying hazards and evaluating fire risks to secure life safety in buildings. The role encompasses three competency levels (Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced), with responsibilities and scope varying according to the assessor's demonstrated competence level. The assessor will work within their competency limits to assist duty holders in achieving compliance with fire safety legislation whilst maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

Core Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Apply recognised fire risk assessment methodologies (PAS 79-1, BS 9792) to complete comprehensive assessments appropriate to competency level.
• Identify fire hazards and risks, evaluating probability and consequences of fire.
• Assess adequacy of existing fire risk assessments and associated records.
• Provide clear recommendations for improvements to achieve statutory compliance and mitigate risks.
• Identify situations where fire risk is intolerable and immediate action is required.
• Create clear, proportionate reports and action plans understood by .

Fire Safety Legislation and Guidance

• Apply relevant legal framework including Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended) and equivalent legislation across UK jurisdictions.
• Assist dutyholders in meeting their legal obligations.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory bodies and enforcing authorities' roles.
• Stay current with legal developments and approved codes of practice.

Fire Development and Spread

• Assess combustion mechanisms, fire spread patterns, and products of combustion.
• Analyse hazardous situations with potential for fire occurrence.
• Evaluate existing fire safety measures and recommend proportionate controls.
• Assess building structures, materials, and external wall systems for fire risk.

Building Design, Construction and Maintenance

• Assess passive and active fire protection systems.
• Review means of escape provisions and fire safety signage.
• Evaluate maintenance measures across fire precautions.
• Assess fire safety management systems, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate human factors in maintaining fire safety effectiveness.
• Review emergency planning and evacuation procedures.

Level-Specific Responsibilities

• Undertake fire risk assessments in premises with low occupancy (approximately 60 persons), buildings up to 4 storeys (11m), simple layouts with direct escape routes, conventional construction materials, and minimal hazardous substances (<50L controlled products).
• Work under supervision when developing competence.
• Maintain detailed records of assessments for professional development.
• Seek guidance when approaching competency limits.
• Demonstrate learning through practical experience and formal training.
• Identify individuals with specific evacuation requirements.
• Undertake fire risk assessments in premises with medium occupancy (up to 500 persons), buildings up to 6 storeys (18m), complex means of escape (BS 9999/BS 9991), various construction materials including framed structures, and larger quantities of controlled substances (50-1000L).
• Provide practical fire safety advice with implementation timescales and costs.
• Determine when specialist assessments (e.g., FRAEWs) are required.
• Supervise and mentor Foundation level assessors where applicable.
• Manage resources for fire risk assessment projects.
• Evaluate resource requirements and provide practicable projections.
• Apply various methods for data gathering and organisation.

Advanced Level (High-Risk Premises)

• Undertake fire risk assessments in high-risk premises with complex fire strategies, buildings requiring specialist knowledge, specialised housing and higher-risk buildings, and premises with fire engineered solutions.
• Critically evaluate fire strategies and complex influencing factors.
• Develop innovative assessment approaches and methodologies.
• Lead multi-disciplinary collaborations.
• Provide strategic fire safety planning.
• Mentor Foundation and Intermediate level assessors.
• Contribute to development of guidance and standards.
• Evaluate socio-economic constraints on building occupancy and fire safety strategies.
• Contribute to research projects and multi-disciplinary working.

Professional Development and Ethics

• Maintain professional competence through continuous professional development (CPD).
• Operate within personal competency limits.
• Follow professional code of conduct and ethical principles.
• Identify and pursue relevant training and development opportunities.
• Maintain professional indemnity insurance or equivalent protection.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Relevant qualification in fire safety, fire engineering, or related discipline preferred. Level of qualification should align with competency level sought.

Professional Qualifications

• Foundation Level: Working towards recognised fire safety qualifications. Evidence of structured learning in fire risk assessment.
• Intermediate Level: Recognised fire safety qualifications (e.g., NEBOSH Fire Certificate). Working towards higher-level professional qualifications.
• Advanced Level: Advanced qualifications with recognised body (e.g., IFE membership). Additional specialist certifications beneficial.

Experience

• Foundation Level: Demonstrable understanding of fire risk assessment principles. Experience in low-risk premises under supervision. Evidence of applying BS 8674:2025 principles.
• Intermediate Level: Typically 3-5 years' experience in fire risk assessment. Proven track record in moderate-risk premises. Experience in various building types and occupancies.
• Advanced Level: Typically 10+ years' extensive experience. Proven expertise in complex and high-risk premises. Leadership experience in fire safety projects. Track record of developing fire safety solutions.

Skills

• Understanding of UK fire safety legislation and regulations.
• Knowledge of fire science and behaviour.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of building construction and fire protection systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in fire risk assessment software and tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Additional Skills for Intermediate Level

• Project management capabilities.
• Mentoring and supervisory skills.
• Advanced knowledge of fire protection systems.
• Ability to evaluate resource requirements.
• Conflict resolution and relationship management.

Additional Skills for Advanced Level

• Strategic planning and leadership skills.
• Expert knowledge of fire engineering principles.
• Ability to innovate and develop new methodologies.
• Contribution to professional development of others.
• Membership of professional bodies (IFE, IFSM, etc.).
• Experience with specialised sectors (healthcare, education, industrial).
• Knowledge of fire engineering approaches (BS 7974).
• Understanding of external wall systems and cladding.
• Experience with regulatory engagement.
• Commercial awareness and business development skills.
• Experience in developing cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Home-based with extensive site visits for assessments.
• Travel throughout assigned region/territory required.
• Occasional evening/weekend work for specific assessments.
• Physical ability to access all areas of buildings.
• Use of technology for assessments and reporting.
• Competitive salary package based on competency level and experience, along with a benefits package (e.g., pension, healthcare, bonus scheme, professional development support, professional membership fees).

This role offers clear progression through the three-tier competency framework established in BS 8674:2025, with opportunities for advancement from Foundation through Intermediate to Advanced level based on demonstrated competence, experience, and professional development.