Who is the "responsible person" for fire safety in a tattoo studio?

In a workplace it is the employer, plus anyone else with control of the premises (the studio owner, and sometimes the landlord). They hold the legal duty to assess and manage fire risk.

Does the fire risk assessment have to be written down?

Yes. Since October 2023 all fire risk assessments must be recorded in full, regardless of how many staff you have.

Fire Risk Assessment for Tattoo Studios: A Simple UK Guide

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

Yes - a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for your studio under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. As the "responsible person" (usually the owner/employer) you must assess the fire risks, act on them, and - since October 2023 - record the assessment in full, even with just one or two staff. Here is how to do it.

The 5-step fire risk assessment

Identify the fire hazards - Sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen - autoclaves and electrical equipment, alcohol-based cleaners, paper and packaging.
Identify people at risk - Staff, clients in the chair or under treatment, lone workers and visitors.
Evaluate, remove/reduce and protect - Fire detection and alarms, extinguishers, clear escape routes and signage.
Record, plan, inform and train - Record the assessment in full, prepare an emergency plan and brief/train staff.
Review - Review regularly and re-do after any significant change (new equipment, layout, refit).

Does a small tattoo studio really need one?

Yes. The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including a tattoo studio. Since 1 October 2023 (a change made by the Building Safety Act 2022), the old "5 or more employees" threshold was removed - so even a one- or two-person studio must now record its fire risk assessment in full. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate but broadly equivalent regimes.

Free templates and help

The free, authoritative starting points are the GOV.UK "Fire safety risk assessment: 5-step checklist" and your local fire and rescue service website, which often publishes a simple "small premises" form. For complex premises or any doubt about competence, consider a professional assessor.

Keep your assessments and reviews in one place

InkReady stores your fire, COSHH and treatment risk assessments and reminds you when a review is due - alongside your consent, hygiene and waste records.

Start free - no card needed

Frequently asked questions

Who is the "responsible person" for fire safety in a tattoo studio?: In a workplace it is the employer, plus anyone else with control of the premises (the studio owner, and sometimes the landlord). They hold the legal duty to assess and manage fire risk.
Does the fire risk assessment have to be written down?: Yes. Since October 2023 all fire risk assessments must be recorded in full, regardless of how many staff you have.

This guide is general information for UK tattoo studios, not legal advice. Council byelaws and Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme criteria vary - always confirm the exact requirements with your local authority's Environmental Health team.