How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

A few years ago, a study indicated that over a third of businesses (38%) don’t have a suitable fire risk assessment in place.

This is a lot, without question. We believe this is because many business owners in the UK don’t know when they need to review their fire risk assessment.

 

Legal Requirements for Reviewing Fire Risk Assessment

In the UK, there isn’t any legally mandated time period for reviewing a fire risk assessment.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states, however, that it should be reviewed “regularly” by the responsible person to ensure it remains up-to-date, especially if:

  • There’s a reason to think it’s no longer valid.
  • Significant changes have included alterations to a building or its layout, updates to fire safety measures or equipment, and changes in how the premises are used or organised.

Additionally, a review may be required if any updates to business fire safety rules and regulations affect your premises.

Because of this vagueness, many businesses and building owners hire an assessor to determine the review date. This ensures the building stays compliant with UK fire safety rules and regulations.

 

Recommended Review Frequencies

Though there is no specific date for reviewing a fire risk assessment, there are recommended review frequencies.

As a general best practice, it is recommended that you review your assessment annually. This yearly check helps ensure that the assessment remains current and accounts for any changes that may have occurred.

You should, however, get immediate reviews if any circumstances change significantly.

 

Factors That Should Trigger a Fire Risk Assessment Review

Several factors initiate an immediate review of a fire risk assessment. The main ones are:

  • Alterations in building use
  • Fire incidents in the building
  • Updates to fire safety legislation
  • Changes in personnel or occupancy
  • Significant changes to the building structure

Any of these changes could impact fire safety. Because of this, you must get an immediate review if they occur.

 

Specific Guidelines for Different Building Types

Back in June 2021, the Home Office published specific guidance for purpose-built blocks of flats.

The document states that a low-risk or rise block (for example, a block up to three storeys built within the last twenty years) should be reviewed every two years and redone every four years.

For higher-risk or taller buildings (e.g., blocks with certain social factors, the age of the building, and blocks over four storeys), an annual redo is recommended. A new fire risk assessment should be conducted every three years.

In some cases, for the “highest risk premises”, an annual assessment is recommended.

 

Best Practices for Fire Risk Assessment Reviews

how often fire risk assessment

Keeping Records

Maintaining detailed and up-to-date records of fire risk assessments is one of the best ways to remain fire-safe and compliant.

These records should include:

  • Date of assessment
  • Name and qualifications of the assessor
  • Identified hazards and risks
  • Recommended control measures
  • Actions taken to mitigate risks
  • Data of implementation for control measures
  • Any changes to the premises or its use since the last assessment

Proper record-keeping not only helps keep track of progress. It also serves as evidence of compliance during inspections and audits.

 

Use Assessors

When a fire risk assessment should be reviewed is a bit vague. Because of this, many businesses and property owners use assessors to determine the review dates.

If you hire an assessor, just be sure they’re third-party accredited with an approved accrediting body in the UK. At Fire Safety & Compliance, all of our assessors are accredited by a third party.

 

Stay Updated

The ‘responsible person’ of your property should also stay updated on the property and new fire safety rules and regulations. Updates to either the property or the rules and regulations can trigger an immediate review to ensure compliance.

 

Recent Legal Updates

As of October 1, 2023, new UK fire safety regulations mandate businesses to have a written fire risk assessment and maintain records of fire safety arrangements, regardless of the number of employees they have.

 

Conclusion

Though there isn’t a set review date for a fire risk assessment review, it should be reviewed if:

  • You think it’s no longer valid.
  • There have been updates to fire safety rules and regulations
  • There have been big changes to the building, its fire safety measures, and how the premise is used.

As a business owner, however, keeping track of everything mentioned can be difficult. Because of this, we recommend contacting us at Fire Safety & Compliance. We’ll take this task away from you so you can focus on running and managing your business.