Identifying Fire Risks in Large Organisations: Why External Expertise Matters

Compiled By: Schalk W. Lubbe

Fire risk is one of the most significant threats facing large organisations today—threatening not only physical assets, but also business continuity, employee safety, and financial stability. With complex operations, multiple stakeholders, and varying levels of internal fire safety awareness, large organisations often find themselves navigating a minefield of potential hazards without a clear map. This is where the value of an external fire engineering consultant becomes critical.

While many organisations have internal safety teams or rely on standard compliance checks, these often focus on minimum legal requirements. A qualified external consultant brings a different lens—one that combines deep technical understanding with a broader view of industry best practices, performance-based design strategies, and evolving risk profiles. Crucially, when that consultant also understands insurance requirements, the value multiplies.

Beyond Compliance: Fire Risk Through the Insurance Lens

Insurers don’t just look at whether your building has fire extinguishers or a working alarm system—they assess the total risk exposure. This includes the potential scale of loss, the resilience of your fire protection systems, and the likely business interruption in the event of a fire. A consultant who understands these criteria can help align your fire risk strategy with what insurers care about most.

This alignment can:

Improve your risk profile and strengthen your position during insurance negotiations.

Reduce premiums or secure broader coverage by demonstrating a proactive, data-backed approach to fire mitigation.

Identify gaps between perceived safety and actual risk—especially in areas like storage configurations, fire loading, or outdated suppression systems.

The Advantage of an Independent Eye

An external consultant brings a level of objectivity that is difficult to achieve internally. They're not influenced by organisational blind spots or siloed thinking. Instead, they assess the full fire risk landscape: from the adequacy of passive protection (like compartmentation) to the effectiveness of active systems (like sprinklers and smoke control), right through to emergency procedures and staff readiness.

They can also facilitate integrated risk assessments—taking into account operational realities, building design, occupancy types, and critical processes. This ensures that fire mitigation strategies are not just technically sound, but also practical, insurable, and aligned with business goals.

Conclusion

In large organisations, fire risk isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a strategic one. Investing in an external fire engineering consultant who also understands insurance requirements is not just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s about protecting your people, your assets, and your ability to recover and continue operating after a fire. That kind of foresight is not a cost—it’s an essential part of resilient business planning.

Ready to assess your fire risk and strengthen your insurance position?

Contact us today and one of our experienced fire consultants will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment tailored to your business.