A fire risk assessment examines how a fire could start, how it could develop, who could be harmed and whether the existing precautions are adequate. Its useful output is a prioritised action plan, supported by evidence and responsibilities. It is broader than counting extinguishers or issuing a service label.

For a business, the assessment should connect the actual operation to the building’s protection. That means looking at work as it is done, including busy periods, cleaning, contractors and after-hours activity.

Is a fire risk assessment the same as a compliance certificate?

No. They answer different questions. An assessment identifies and evaluates risks. A certificate records a defined statement about an installation, activity or approval. Neither should be assumed to replace the other.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides the employer-duty framework. Specific assessment, design and approval obligations depend on the activity and applicable requirements. There is no useful universal claim that one annual report called a “fire risk assessment” satisfies every South African business’s obligations.

For documentation and responsibility allocation, read the business fire compliance guide.

What should the assessment examine?

FPASA’s fire-risk training scope includes hazards, legislation, equipment, suppression, detection and organisational response. That breadth is useful when judging a proposed assessment scope; it is not a prescribed checklist for every premises.

Who should carry out the work?

Choose people with competence relevant to the premises and the questions being answered. A straightforward management walk-through and a complex engineered fire-safety assessment require different capabilities.

Ask for the assessor’s relevant experience, qualifications, professional registration where applicable, methodology and exclusions. Where the work involves rational fire design or changes to approved protection, establish the need for an appropriately competent fire-engineering professional.

A technician authorised to service extinguishers is not automatically qualified to approve every aspect of a warehouse design. Ask for evidence of the specific role, not just a general statement of industry experience.

What information should the business prepare?

• Floor plans, approved use and any existing fire strategy.
• Staff numbers, visitor patterns and shift arrangements.
• Equipment registers and recent service or fault reports.
• Details of storage, processes and hazardous substances.
• Safety data sheets where applicable.
• Incident, near-miss, evacuation and training records.
• Planned changes to layout, equipment or operations.

Arrange access to the full premises and include someone who knows the work. A review limited to reception can miss a locked plant room or temporary stock area that changes the risk substantially.

What should the report allow you to do?

It should let you understand and resolve each finding. Request a clear location, supporting observation, consequence, recommended action, priority and accountable person. Where a requirement is cited, the report should identify its source and applicability.

Distinguish urgent protection failures from planned improvements. A blocked escape route and a poorly organised filing system should not be given identical treatment simply because both appear on a checklist.

An illustrative action might read: “Delivery stock obstructs the rear escape route during unloading. Warehouse supervisor to change the receiving layout and verify the route remains clear throughout deliveries.” The action is specific enough to inspect again.

How often should the assessment be reviewed?

The formal interval depends on the applicable requirements and risk. As a management practice, review it after significant changes, an incident or near miss, or evidence that controls are ineffective. A date-based review alone will miss changes introduced between appointments.

Examples include higher stock, a new cooking process, battery storage, a mezzanine, changed occupancy or a new night shift. Ask the assessor to state both the planned review date and events that should trigger earlier attention.

How do you avoid a report that stays in a drawer?

Put findings into an action register, agree realistic responsibilities and check closure evidence. If a protection system is impaired, obtain competent advice on temporary measures and any necessary notifications. Do not treat a contractor booking as completion.

Use the equipment guide to prepare questions about proposed upgrades, and the extinguisher types guide for agent selection.

Businesses in Gqeberha can discuss fire-safety concerns with Aspigon Fire and establish what site survey, system review or separate specialist assessment is appropriate. Provide the existing report and planned changes when making the enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

Can staff identify fire hazards themselves?

Yes, staff observations are valuable and should feed the process. They do not replace specialist design or assessment where the risks or applicable requirements need that expertise.

Does the assessment have to include visitors?

The scope should consider everyone who may be affected, including visitors, contractors and people needing assistance. Their unfamiliarity with the premises can change warning and evacuation needs.

Can one report cover several branches?

A shared method can be useful, but the findings must reflect each site. Different layouts, occupants, equipment and local conditions can require different actions.

Sources and further reading

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993
• FPASA: fire risk assessment and prevention training scope
• General Safety Regulations amendment, GN 5954 (2025), regulation 13J

Sources checked 18 September 2026. Requirements must be applied to the actual premises, equipment and current applicable documents.