Fire Risk Assessments in South Africa

Fire Risk Assessments identify what could start a fire on your premises, who would be at risk and how well current measures would protect them, then set out actions in order of priority. Employers, landlords, schools and body corporates use them to plan fire safety and to answer insurer or inspector questions.

How an Assessment Is Done

1. Hazards. Ignition sources, fuels and how materials are stored.
2. People. Who is on site, including visitors, night staff and people who need help to evacuate.
3. Measures. Detection, equipment, escape routes, signs, emergency lighting and procedures.
4. Risk rating. How likely a fire is and how bad it would be.
5. Action plan. Prioritised actions and a review date.

Risk Assessment or Audit?

A risk assessment looks forward at what could go wrong and what to change. A fire safety audit checks existing equipment, records and documents against requirements. Many sites need both.

The Legal Position

No South African regulation uses the term fire risk assessment for ordinary workplaces. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to identify hazards and take precautions, and General Safety Regulation 13J covers fire precautions and means of escape. A written fire risk assessment is the usual way to show this has been done. Construction sites have their own rules under Construction Regulation 29.

Fire Risk Assessments Prices

What Affects the Price

• Site size and number of buildings.
• Complexity and hazards.
• Report detail.
• Follow-up visits.

What to Include in Your Request

• Town or suburb.
• Type of premises and activities.
• Number of buildings, floors and staff.
• Why you need it: insurer, inspection, new premises.
• Existing documents.

Where It Applies

Residential

Body corporates, estates, guesthouses and student housing.

Commercial

Offices, shops, restaurants, schools and clinics.

Industrial

Factories, warehouses and chemical stores.

Choosing a Provider

• Ask for the assessor's qualifications and experience with similar premises.
• Ask for a sample report.
• Check the action plan is specific and prioritised.
• Ask whether a review visit is included.

How the Enquiry Works

1. Request. Send your site details and what you need through the form.
2. Match. Your enquiry goes to independent fire risk assessors that may serve your area.
3. Assess. Providers ask questions or arrange a site visit before a firm price.
4. Compare. Check scope, standards, registrations, documents and price side by side.
5. Appoint or decline. There is no obligation.

Fire Protection South Africa sends one request to independent fire risk assessors.

Fire Risk Assessments FAQs

Is a fire risk assessment the same as an audit?

No. An assessment identifies and rates risks. An audit checks existing arrangements and records against requirements.

How long does an assessment take?

A small office can take a few hours on site. Large or complex sites take longer, plus report writing.

Does the assessor fix the problems?

No. You get an action plan, and contractors quote for the work.

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