
A Fire Risk Assessment required in a Clinic or Surgery in the United Kingdom
Yes. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for a clinic or surgery (GP practice, dental practice, medical centre or similar) in the United Kingdom. These are non-domestic workplaces, so fire safety law applies in full.
The duty sits with the responsible person (usually the employer/practice partners, or the person who has control of the premises). You must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the fire risks to people, put appropriate precautions in place, and keep the assessment under review.Legislation by nation
CQC inspectors in England routinely ask for the current fire risk assessment, action plan, maintenance records and drill records under Regulation 15 (premises and equipment) as part of the “Safe” key question. Equivalent regulators in the other nations also expect evidence of fire safety arrangements.What the assessment must coverUse the standard five-step process:
Related duties you will also need
- England and Wales: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended). From 1 October 2023 (section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022) the assessment must be recorded in writing regardless of the number of employees. Fire safety arrangements must also be recorded.
- Scotland: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The duty holder must assess fire risk. Significant findings must be recorded if there are five or more employees (or other specified conditions apply); recording is still strongly recommended in all cases.
- Northern Ireland: Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. Similar “appropriate person” duties apply.
- Identify fire hazards (ignition sources such as electrical equipment, heating and cooking; fuel such as furniture, paper and waste; oxygen sources including medical gases).
- Identify people at risk (staff, patients, visitors and anyone who may need help to evacuate — for example people with limited mobility, those undergoing treatment or using oxygen).
- Evaluate the risks, remove or reduce them where possible, and decide what fire precautions are needed (detection and alarm, means of escape, emergency lighting, extinguishers, compartmentation, signage, etc.).
- Record the findings, prepare an emergency plan and train staff.
- Review the assessment regularly and whenever there is a significant change.
- Vulnerable or dependent patients who cannot self-evacuate quickly.
- Medical oxygen and other oxidising gases (these also engage DSEAR considerations).
- Converted buildings that may have inner rooms, single staircases or inadequate fire doors.
- Need for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) where relevant.
- Written emergency plan and staff training (including fire wardens where appropriate).
- Regular fire drills (at least annually) with records.
- Maintenance and testing of alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers and fire doors, with a log book.
- Clear escape routes that are never blocked.
If the premises are shared or leased, clarify in writing who is responsible for which parts of the building. A generic or outdated assessment will not meet the “suitable and sufficient” legal test.
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