Ron Fellowes MIFSM, GIFireE, CertNCRQ

Fire Safety Manager

Role & Responsibilities: Experienced Fire Safety Manager delivering fire risk assessments, consultancy, compliance support, and fire safety management across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and specialist environments

Expertise: Specialises in complex and high‑risk buildings, including student accommodation and healthcare, with strengths in intrusive surveys (Type 2 & 4), compartmentation, fire door assessments, and BS 5839 system evaluation

Notable Achievements: Holds Level 5 and Level 6 fire and safety qualifications, provides NSI/BAFE SP205 (Silver) standard validation, and brings extensive practical experience in enforcement support, training delivery, and developing compliant fire safety strategies

Articles by Ron Fellowes MIFSM, GIFireE, CertNCRQ

A Guide to HMO Fire Risk Assessment Requirements

Many HMO landlords understand they have fire safety responsibilities, but fewer are clear on exactly what the law requires. Misunderstanding those duties can lead to compliance issues, licensing problems, and increased risk to residents. This guide explains the fire risk assessment requirements that apply to HMOs and what landlords and managing agents need to do in practice.
A Guide to Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords

Not every landlord needs a fire risk assessment, but misunderstanding where the legal duty applies can create significant compliance risks. Discover which properties require an assessment, the legislation involved, and what landlords need to do to meet their fire safety responsibilities.
What Does a Fire Door Inspection Include?

A fire door can appear compliant, while hidden defects reduce its ability to resist fire and smoke. Discover what a fire door inspection includes, what inspectors check, and how inspection findings help Responsible Persons prioritise remedial works and demonstrate compliance.
What Is a Fire Door Inspection?

Fire doors can deteriorate over time without obvious signs of damage, creating compliance and safety risks. Learn what a fire door inspection is, when it should be arranged, and how it helps Responsible Persons manage fire safety across residential buildings.
Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment (PCFRA) vs Standard Fire Risk Assessment: What’s the Difference?

A standard Fire Risk Assessment and a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment serve different purposes, but many organisations need both. This guide explains the key differences, when each assessment is appropriate, and how they work together to support effective fire safety management and compliance.
When Does a Fire Risk Assessment Recommend a Variation Order?

Costly fire alarm upgrades are not always the most appropriate outcome of a Fire Risk Assessment. Learn when a Fire Alarm Variation Order may provide a proportionate, risk-based solution and how it supports residential fire alarm compliance.
What Should a Fire Risk Assessment Include?

A fire risk assessment that overlooks key risks can leave organisations exposed to significant compliance and safety issues. This guide explains what a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment should contain and how to identify whether an assessment provides the information needed to manage fire safety effectively.
How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Last?

Many organisations assume a fire risk assessment remains valid until the next scheduled review. In reality, building changes, evolving risks, and regulatory expectations can all affect whether an assessment remains suitable and sufficient. This guide explains when a fire risk assessment should be reviewed and the warning signs that it may no longer reflect the building’s current risks.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Carried Out?

Many organisations review fire risk assessments on a fixed schedule. The challenge is that review frequency should reflect the building’s risks, not simply the calendar. This guide explains how Responsible Persons can develop review programmes that support effective fire safety management and compliance.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

Meeting the minimum legal requirements is not always enough to demonstrate effective fire door management. This guide explains how often fire doors should be inspected, when additional checks may be appropriate, and how housing providers can take a risk-based approach to compliance.