How it works
What happens during a fire risk assessment
Send details about your home or building and a specialist firm takes the enquiry. They assess what is needed, explain the steps involved, and carry out the work. Find out what happens from the first message to the finished report.
What shapes the scope of the work
Every building in Harrow differs in layout, age and use. The specialist firm looks at these details before deciding what needs checking and how long it will take.
- Size of the building
- A larger block of flats takes longer to walk through than a single shop, so the inspection requires more time on site.
- Type of occupancy
- Student accommodation and HMOs have specific legal duties that add steps to the assessment process.
- Age and layout
- Older homes often have hidden voids or altered walls, meaning a compartmentation survey takes more effort to complete.
- Number of services needed
- Combining a fire door inspection with staff awareness training changes the schedule compared to arranging each one separately.
The specialist firm explains the cost of the particular job before anything is agreed.
Questions people ask before getting in touch
If your question is not here, send it through the contact page for a direct answer. Ask a question.
- Who actually visits my home or building?
- A separate specialist firm carries out the work. Harrowfire takes the initial enquiry and passes the details to them. The specialist then arranges a visit, conducts the assessment or inspection, and produces the report directly for you.
- How long does a fire risk assessment take?
- For a small block of flats or a single shop, the specialist spends time on site examining escape routes, fire doors and alarms. Larger buildings or those with complex layouts take longer. You receive the written report after the visit.
- Do I need a fire risk assessment if I own just one flat?
- If you own a leasehold flat inside a larger block, the freeholder or managing agent holds the duty for the common parts. Read the guidance on responsible person duties to see where your obligations start and end.
- How often should fire doors be checked?
- In blocks of flats over 11 metres tall, regulations require checks every three months. For other buildings, an annual inspection is standard. The specialist firm examines seals, hinges, gaps and closers during each visit.
- What happens if something fails the inspection?
- The specialist records the fault in the report and states what needs fixing. They do not carry out repairs themselves but advise on the required standard so you can arrange the work with a contractor who holds third-party certification for that specific trade, such as FIRAS accreditation for fire stopping or BM TRADA Q-Mark for fire door installation.
- Can several services be arranged during one visit?
- Yes. If you need a fire strategy review alongside warden training, the specialist firm can often schedule both for a single visit. Mention everything you need when you first get in touch so they plan accordingly.
Tell us about your building in Harrow
Send a description of the problem or the service you need. A specialist firm reviews the details and replies with the next steps. Submitting this form does not commit you to booking any work.
- No obligation to proceed
- Direct reply from a specialist
- Details kept private