The assessment will analyse existing fire precautions and identify the need for additional measures to bring fire precautions up to a suitable standard. They help prevent material losses and business interruption, but the main reason for carrying one out is to keep people safe.
In the UK, all non-domestic sites are required by law to complete a fire risk assessment, including workplaces and any place the public have access to; as well as the common areas within multi occupancy residences.
The 'responsible person' (as defined by legislation) must make sure fire risk assessments and improvements are completed by a suitable person. This person must have sufficient training, knowledge, experience for the premises involved, and keep up-to-date records of all related activities.