Many organisations know they need a fire risk assessment, but fewer are sure when it should be reviewed.
A common misconception is that a fire risk assessment is something you complete once and file away. In reality, it is a living document that should reflect the current condition, use and risks of your building.
Whether you manage social housing, commercial offices, public buildings or mixed-use developments, keeping your fire risk assessment up to date is an essential part of managing fire safety responsibilities.
Is there a legal review period for fire risk assessments?
UK fire safety legislation does not specify that fire risk assessments must be reviewed every year. Instead, the requirement is that they remain suitable and sufficient for the building and its current use.
That means assessments should be reviewed whenever circumstances change or if there is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer accurate.
While there is no fixed legal timescale, many organisations choose to review assessments annually as good practice, particularly where buildings are occupied by the public or contain higher-risk residents.
Events that should trigger a fire risk assessment
There are several situations where a new fire risk assessment (or at least a formal review) should be carried out.
Building alterations
Even relatively minor refurbishment works can affect fire safety.
Examples include:
- New internal partitions
- Changes to escape routes
- Installation of new services
- Fire door replacements
- Compartmentation works
Any alteration that changes how people escape or how fire may spread should be reflected within the assessment.
Change in building use
A building used as offices presents different risks from one used as supported housing or temporary accommodation.
Similarly, increasing occupancy levels or changing the type of residents can alter evacuation strategies and fire precautions.
If the purpose of the building changes, the assessment should too.
Following a fire or near miss
If a fire incident has occurred (even if damage was minimal) it is important to understand why it happened and whether existing controls remain effective.
A review allows recommendations to be updated based on lessons learned.
Significant changes in occupancy
Changes such as:
- Increased resident numbers
- Vulnerable occupants
- New staff arrangements
- Different operating hours
can all influence fire risk and emergency procedures.
Changes to legislation or guidance
Fire safety legislation and industry guidance continue to evolve.
Keeping assessments current helps ensure your organisation continues to demonstrate compliance and adopts recognised best practice.
Why regular reviews matter
Fire risk assessments are not simply compliance documents.
An up-to-date assessment helps organisations:
- Identify emerging risks before they become incidents
- Prioritise maintenance and improvement works
- Demonstrate due diligence
- Support insurers and regulators
- Protect residents, visitors and staff
For housing providers in particular, maintaining current fire risk assessments also supports wider building safety and asset management responsibilities.
Who should carry out the review?
Simple buildings may only require a review of an existing assessment.
More complex premises (or buildings that have undergone significant change) often require a new inspection carried out by a competent fire risk assessor.
An independent assessment provides confidence that risks have been identified objectively and that recommendations remain appropriate for the building.
Don’t wait until something changes
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is assuming no visible changes mean no review is needed.
Buildings evolve over time. Maintenance issues develop, occupancy changes, refurbishment takes place and regulations move forward.
Reviewing your fire risk assessment regularly helps ensure your fire safety arrangements continue to protect the people who use your building.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
PM+ provides independent fire risk assessments for housing providers, landlords and commercial property owners across the UK.
Our experienced surveyors identify risks, prioritise actions and provide practical recommendations that support both compliance and safer buildings.
If your assessment is due for review, our team can help. Book Your FREE Consultation today
