Posted By Joe Brannigan 2 these paragraphs are taken from guidance released last this month in Scotland by the Executive: 34. Employers, managers and any persons with control to any extent of the premises, including its owner(s) in some cases, have duties in respect of fire safety of the premises. It is a legal requirement to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. This forms a crucial element in the overall safety policy for the premises. It is essential that the risk assessment is specific to fire safety and to the premises concerned. An overall generic risk assessment will not be sufficient. It is essential that the person who undertakes this fire safety risk assessment is proficient to do so. 35. Persons can be considered proficient where they have sufficient technical training and experience or knowledge, both to carry out a fire safety risk assessment and understand fully the procedures and management involved, and to undertake properly the measures referred to in this guide. Risk assessment in complex premises may require the assessor to have a greater level of knowledge and expertise.-from sector specific guidance for offices shops and similar premises Question is has the standard required of people carrying out fire assessments changed? is it possible to carry out fire risk assessments in "low risk offfices" without technical fire knowledge e.g. compartmentation,fire spread on internal linings or structural fire protection