Why You Need a Fire Risk Assessment in Ashton-under-Lyne
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, anyone responsible for a non-domestic building, or a rented property with shared facilities, must carry out and keep up to date a fire risk assessment. In Ashton-under-Lyne that covers everything from mill buildings converted into flats and workspace to the terraced houses split into HMOs around Smallshaw, Waterloo and the town centre.
Older buildings in particular tend to carry hidden risks: ageing wiring, escape routes altered over the years, or fire doors that no longer close properly. A proper assessment finds these before they become a problem, not after. Get in touch if you’re not sure whether your property needs one.
Fire Safety in Ashton-under-Lyne: A Look at the Risk
Ashton-under-Lyne has seen just how serious a large fire can be. On the night of 22-23 October 1971, Texas Mill went up in flames in one of the biggest fires the North West has seen, with around 40 fire pumps called in to fight it. Fireman Norman Nolan of Blackley fire station died when a wall collapsed during the operation, and the mill itself was destroyed.
More recently, in May 2022, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service sent seven engines to a commercial building fire on Smallshaw Lane, rescuing two people from a neighbouring property. Both incidents, fifty years apart, show the same thing: fire risk in a town built on mills and terraced streets doesn’t go away with age, it just changes shape.
Our Fire Safety Services in Ashton-under-Lyne
We cover the full range of fire safety work that landlords, business owners and property managers in Ashton-under-Lyne actually need, from the first assessment through to certification.
Fire Risk Assessment
A full inspection of your property, covering hazards, people at risk, and the condition of escape routes and fire safety equipment, finished with a clear written report and action plan. See how our fire risk assessment service works.
Fire Assessment Certificate
Once any recommended work is done, we issue a certificate confirming your property meets current fire safety standards, useful for insurers, letting agents and council licensing checks alike. More on our Fire Assessment Certificate service.
Fire Safety Inspection
A shorter check of alarms, extinguishers, signage and exit routes, ideal for keeping on top of safety between full assessments. Find out more about fire safety inspections.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in Ashton-under-Lyne?
Anyone responsible for a non-domestic building or shared rented accommodation in Ashton-under-Lyne needs a fire risk assessment in place, including:
- HMOs and houses split into flats
- Offices, salons and clinics
- Shops, cafés and takeaways around the town centre and indoor market
- Industrial and storage units
- Places of worship, schools and community buildings
If you let out an HMO in Ashton-under-Lyne, there’s an extra layer to be aware of: Tameside Council operates mandatory HMO licensing for any property housing five or more people from two or more households sharing facilities. A licence application needs a current fire safety inspection, and operating without one can mean a fine of up to £20,000. We can time your assessment to fit your licence renewal.
How the Process Works
Step 1 – Book Your Assessment
Get in touch through our contact form or by phone, and we’ll find a time that works for your property.
Step 2 – On-Site Inspection
An assessor visits your Ashton-under-Lyne property, checks it against the relevant fire safety standards, and notes anything that needs attention.
Step 3 – Report and Certification
You’ll have your written report within 48 hours. Once any actions are complete, we issue your Fire Assessment Certificate.
