Why You Need a Fire Risk Assessment in Stockport
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on whoever is responsible for a non-domestic property, or the shared parts of a house in multiple occupation, to carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it under regular review. Stockport’s building stock includes a significant number of older terraces and commercial units converted for new uses over the years, and it’s exactly this kind of conversion where fire risk assessments most often reveal issues with escape routes, fire doors or compartmentation that weren’t properly addressed at the time.
A Reminder of Stockport’s Fire Risk
Stockport has seen how quickly a commercial fire can escalate overnight. In February 2021, a serious fire broke out at a commercial building on Moor Lane in Woodford, spreading across two storeys and covering an area of around 60 metres by 40 metres. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service sent four fire engines from Cheadle, Stockport, Marple and Offerton, with two further engines coming from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with aerial platforms and hand-held jets. Crews worked through the night and didn’t bring the fire fully under control until around 8:45am the following morning. It’s a clear demonstration of how fast fire can take hold in commercial premises, and why identifying and managing fire risk before an incident happens matters so much more than responding well after the fact.
Our Fire Safety Services in Stockport
Fire Risk Assessment
A comprehensive, structured inspection of your Stockport property covering fire hazards, means of escape, detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and the people most at risk, finished with a clear, prioritised action plan.
Fire Assessment Certificate
Documentation confirming your property meets its fire safety obligations, ready to show tenants, insurers, mortgage lenders or Stockport Council’s licensing team.
Fire Safety Inspection
Regular or one-off inspections to make sure fire doors, alarms, extinguishers and escape routes stay in good order between full assessments.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in Stockport?
You’re legally required to have a fire risk assessment if you are:
- A landlord letting a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
- A business owner or employer with premises in Stockport
- A managing agent responsible for the shared areas of a converted block or flats
- Running a shop, office, industrial unit or other non-domestic premises across the borough
Stockport Council requires an HMO licence for properties with five or more occupants from two or more households sharing amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom, with fees currently totalling £1,190 for a new application covering up to five bedrooms. Based on the council’s current published guidance, Stockport operates mandatory HMO licensing without a borough-wide additional or selective licensing scheme, though licensing policy can change, so it’s always worth confirming the latest position directly with the council. Either way, your fire risk assessment obligation under the RRFSO 2005 applies whether or not your property needs a licence.
How the Process Works
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your property, its use and any concerns you already have, then arrange a convenient time to visit.
2. On-Site Assessment
Our assessor carries out a thorough, room-by-room inspection of your Stockport property, checking everything from fire doors to escape routes.
3. Report and Action Plan
You receive a detailed written report with clear, prioritised recommendations, so you know exactly what needs doing and by when.
