Yes — vehicle repair garages are required to have a Fire Risk Assessment in place under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This applies to almost all non-domestic premises, including workshops, MOT centres, bodyshops and recovery depots, regardless of size.
The responsibility sits with the “responsible person”, which is typically the business owner, employer or person in control of the premises. They must ensure that fire risks are identified and that suitable fire safety measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of fire and ensure safe evacuation if one occurs.
A Fire Risk Assessment for a garage will consider common workshop hazards such as flammable liquids, electrical equipment, hot works like welding, vehicle storage, charging batteries and general workshop housekeeping. It should also take into account escape routes, fire detection, fire-fighting equipment and how staff and visitors would evacuate safely.
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