Fire risk assessments in Folkestone and Kent
Fire risk assessments for businesses, landlords and managing agents across Folkestone and East Kent. We're based locally, so we visit your premises in person, walk the building properly and give you a report you can act on, not a generic template.
Local, site-based assessments
Based in East Kent, not a national call centre. We come to you and see the building as it really is.
Second-reviewed reports
Every assessment is checked and signed off by a second, competent reviewer before it reaches you.
More than fire
DSEAR, health and safety audits and environmental compliance can be covered in the same visit.
Do you need a fire risk assessment?
If you're responsible for non-domestic premises in England, the law says yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person (usually the employer, owner, landlord or managing agent) must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it under review.
Since October 2023, changes brought in by the Building Safety Act 2022 mean every business must record its full fire risk assessment in writing, regardless of size. If you appoint someone to carry it out, you must also record who they are. In Folkestone and across the county, fire safety law is enforced by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who can issue enforcement or prohibition notices, and serious breaches can lead to unlimited fines.
Shops, offices and hospitality
Retail units, offices, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Hotels, guest houses and B&Bs
Premises where people sleep, with higher expectations on detection and escape.
HMOs and blocks of flats
Houses in multiple occupation and the communal areas of residential buildings.
Warehouses and industrial units
Storage, workshops and sites with machinery or flammable materials.
Community buildings
Halls, churches, clubs and other premises open to the public.
Care, schools and nurseries
Settings with vulnerable occupants who may need help to escape.
Fire safety in Folkestone
Folkestone has a real mix of buildings, and each brings its own fire risks. Older Victorian and Edwardian properties around the Leas and the town centre have often been converted into flats, guest houses or HMOs, and those changes don't always leave clear escape routes or proper fire separation.
The Creative Quarter and Old High Street have small independent businesses in older buildings with tight stairways and mixed uses above and below. Industrial units around Park Farm and Cheriton bring storage, machinery and sometimes flammable materials into the picture.
Because we know the area, we know what to look for, and we write recommendations that are practical for the property you actually have.
What our assessment covers
Every assessment is carried out on site. You'll receive a clear written report with findings ranked by priority, so you know what needs doing now and what can be planned in.
Fire hazards
Sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen, including electrical equipment, heating, cooking and storage.
People at risk
Staff, visitors, residents, and anyone particularly vulnerable such as lone workers or people with mobility needs.
Means of escape
Escape routes, travel distances, exits, fire doors and compartmentation.
Detection and warning
Fire alarm systems, emergency lighting and signage, and whether they suit the premises.
Firefighting equipment
Extinguishers and other equipment, their type and siting.
Management
Fire procedures, drills, staff training, testing and maintenance records.
How it works
1. Get in touch
Tell us about your premises and we'll give you a clear quote.
2. Site visit
We arrange a time that suits you and carry out the assessment in person.
3. Your report
Your written assessment is second-reviewed and sent to you with prioritised actions.
4. Ongoing support
Reviews, follow-up visits and help with any questions from the fire service.
Areas we cover
We carry out fire risk assessments throughout Folkestone and East Kent, including Hythe, Sandgate, Hawkinge, Cheriton, Dover, Deal, Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Romney Marsh and the surrounding villages. We also support clients UK-wide.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
The law says it must be kept under regular review. You should review it whenever something significant changes, such as building work, a change of use, new occupants, or after a fire or near miss. Many businesses choose an annual review as good practice.
Can I do my own fire risk assessment?
You can, if you're competent to do so. For larger, older or more complex buildings, HMOs and premises where people sleep, using a competent assessor is strongly recommended.
Who is the responsible person?
Usually the employer, building owner, landlord or anyone in control of the premises. In shared buildings there may be more than one, and they must cooperate with each other.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the building. Most small premises take a few hours on site. [ADJUST TO YOUR TYPICAL TIMES]
Book a fire risk assessment in Folkestone
Call [YOUR LOCAL NUMBER] or email us for a quote. We cover Folkestone, Hythe, Dover and the rest of East Kent.