Posted By Crim If I use part of my home, i.e. study, as a place where I carry out admin tasks do I need a fire risk assessment? The offices and shops guide to the new Order states "The guide is intended for premises where the main use of the building or part of the building is an office or shop" I'm sure that lots of us work from home and while working at home the main use of the part of the building we work in could be classed as an office.

Posted By TBC I would have thought that as a H&S professional you would have carried out a 'risk assessment' around your home anyway. If your self employed and with less than five employees you only have to do it in your head i.e. you don't need to write it down.

Posted By Crim I work at home as self employed consultant. The question arose because of a client who has 1 employee, his wife, who works at home. I now believe that the local authority look after home workers so I will ask them, if I receive any good advice I shall post it on this thread. Thanks to all.

Posted By Crim I now have the answer. I spoke to a HSE inspector about a construction issue and then about the fire risk assessment, alas he was unable to help as he does not work in fire safety, he suggested the local authority may be able to help. I contacted my local authority who could not help either but directed me toward the local fire safety officer. The fire safety officer had the knowledge and answered my queery to my satisfaction. He said that as long as I was working in my own home and did not employ others to help me then a fire risk assessment is not necessary. Thanks to all who contributed.