What to Look for in Fire Risk Assessment Software (UK, 2026)
Choosing Fire Risk Assessment Software That Actually Works for You
If you're a fire risk assessor shopping for software right now, you've probably noticed that pricing is all over the place, half the tools hide behind demo walls, and it's surprisingly hard to get a straight answer about what you're actually paying for.
Rather than naming names, this guide gives you a practical checklist for evaluating any fire risk assessment tool — including ours. Use it to compare options on merit and find what fits your workflow.
The Essential Feature Checklist
Before you sign up for anything, run the tool through these criteria. They're based on what actually matters when you're doing assessments day-to-day.
1. Structure Based on PAS 79:2020
Your reports need to follow the recognised standard. Any serious fire risk assessment software should guide you through the PAS 79:2020 structure without you having to build templates from scratch. If you're unfamiliar with the standard, we've written a full PAS 79 guide that breaks it down.
What to check: Does the tool follow PAS 79:2020 sections out of the box, or do you need to build your own template?
2. Speed of Completing an Assessment
Time on site is money. The tool should reduce your admin, not add to it. If you are currently losing hours to report formatting, see our guide on writing FRA reports faster for tips that apply whether you stick with Word or switch to software. Pre-populated fields, reusable templates, and quick photo attachment all make a real difference over dozens of assessments per month. If your software adds 20 minutes per report, that's hours lost every week you'll never bill for.
What to check: Can you complete a full assessment in under 30 minutes of admin time? Time yourself on a trial assessment.
3. Professional PDF Report Quality
Your clients judge your work by the report they receive. Clean formatting, your own branding, logical structure — these aren't optional extras. A professional PDF is table stakes.
What to check: Generate a sample report. Would you be confident sending it to a building manager or landlord as-is?
4. Transparent, Published Pricing
You shouldn't need a sales call to find out what a tool costs. Monthly pricing should be published on the website, and ideally there's a free tier or trial so you can actually test the workflow before committing. Hidden pricing usually means higher pricing.
What to check: Can you find the price on the website within 60 seconds? Is there a free trial or free tier?
5. Mobile and Tablet Friendly
Assessors increasingly work on tablets on site. The software needs to work properly on those devices — not just a desktop app with a responsive wrapper bolted on.
What to check: Open the tool on your tablet. Can you complete an assessment without pinching, zooming, or fighting the interface?
6. Built-in Action Tracking
Flagging fire safety deficiencies is only half the job. Tracking remedial actions, setting review dates, and chasing outstanding items should be built in, not managed in a separate spreadsheet.
What to check: When you flag a deficiency, does the tool automatically create a trackable action with priority and due date?
7. Review Scheduling and Reminders
Reassessment dates are a compliance requirement. Your software should remind you when reviews are due — not leave you to track them manually in a calendar.
What to check: Does the tool send automatic reminders before a review is due?
8. No Demo Wall
If a tool won't let you try it without a sales conversation, that tells you something about their sales model. Tools worth paying for let you evaluate them on your own terms.
What to check: Can you sign up and start using the tool today, without booking a demo call?
Quick Evaluation Scorecard
Use this table to score any tool you're considering. Rate each criterion as Yes, Partial, or No:
| Criterion | What "Yes" looks like |
|---|---|
| PAS 79:2020 structure | Sections pre-built, follows guidance |
| Fast assessment workflow | Under 30 minutes admin per report |
| Professional PDF output | Branded, clean, client-ready |
| Published pricing | Visible on website, no sales call needed |
| Free tier or trial | Test with a real assessment before paying |
| Mobile/tablet friendly | Full functionality on iPad or tablet |
| Action tracking | Auto-created from findings with priorities |
| Review scheduling | Automated reminders before due dates |
| Instant signup | No demo wall, start immediately |
| Data export | Download your data (CSV, PDF) any time |
A tool that scores "Yes" across the board is worth your time. Anything with multiple "No" answers should make you think twice — especially on pricing transparency and the ability to try before you buy.
What About Cost?
Based on published pricing from UK FRA tools (as of early 2026), annual costs typically range from under £500/year to over £1,500/year. That's a significant spread. For a sole trader, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive option could cover your PI insurance or a CPD course.
When comparing costs, consider:
- Monthly vs annual billing — most tools offer a discount for paying annually (typically 15–20% off).
- Per-user vs flat rate — if you work with subcontractors, per-user pricing can escalate quickly.
- Assessment limits — some plans cap monthly assessments. Make sure the limit matches your workload.
- Hidden costs — watch for charges for PDF downloads, additional sites, or premium support.
How AssessKit Measures Up
AssessKit is designed specifically for solo assessors and small firms who want professional PAS 79 reports without overpaying. Here is what we are building towards:
- PAS 79:2020 structure: Every assessment follows the standard sections.
- Action tracking: Auto-created from findings with priorities and due dates.
- Review scheduling: Automatic email reminders before reviews are due.
- Mobile friendly: Responsive web app that works on tablets, laptops, and desktops.
- Data export: Download your data any time.
Join the waitlist to be notified when AssessKit launches. We are building in public and would love your input on what matters most.
Not sure what to charge? Use our free FRA cost calculator to estimate fees based on building type and complexity.
Sources
- PAS 79:2020 — Fire risk assessment: Guidance and a recommended methodology — British Standards Institution
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