A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for most types of premises in the UK.
It allows property owners, landlords, and managers to:
- Identify potential fire hazards within your property or building.
- Assess who is at risk from these hazards.
- Remove or reduce these hazards.
If you’re wondering how often your fire risk assessment should be reviewed and updated, you’ve come to the right place, as our clients frequently ask us this question.
Whilst the answer isn’t entirely straightforward, we’ve put together some general guidance to steer you in the right direction.
(For specific advice about your circumstances, you’re welcome to talk to our friendly team on 0151 665 0124 or submit your query here.)
It’s strongly recommended you review your fire risk assessment at least once a year, or sooner if your building changes in terms of structure, use, personnel numbers, or anything else that may have increased the fire risk.
The longer you leave between assessments, the more likely fire hazards and risks can go unnoticed.
Let’s explore the above in more detail.
In this article
What are the legal requirements for fire risk assessments?
Which factors influence fire risk assessment frequency?
Who is responsible for conducting fire risk assessments?
What are the legal requirements for fire risk assessments?
The fire safety term “Responsible Person (RP)” refers to an individual or entity (Ltd company, club, organisations, etc…) who is responsible for ensuring that the premises comply with fire safety regulations and that adequate fire safety measures are in place.
If you are or represent the RP, you must ensure that any fire risk assessment carried out at your building or property is suitable, sufficient, and carried out by a competent person.
The assessment helps property owners or managing agents understand potential fire hazards and take appropriate action.
There are no official laws that specify exactly how often a fire risk assessment must be reviewed.
The longer the period you leave between assessments, the more likely that fire hazards and risks can go unnoticed.
Every 12 months is a good rule of thumb, but the review frequency depends on a whole number of factors, which we’ll explain further down.
The piece of legislation which all property or building owners and managing agents need to be familiar with is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation is designed to provide a framework for regulating fire safety in non-domestic properties in England and Wales.
The consequences of failing to follow this legislation can range from minor penalties of up to £5,000 to major penalties such as unlimited fines and up to two years in prison.
But what does this legislation state, and which factors determine the frequency with which your fire risk assessment should be reviewed?
Which factors could trigger a new fire risk assessment?
Article 9, (3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that your fire risk assessment must be reviewed and kept up to date if:
- There is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid; or
- There has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates, including when the premises, special, technical and organisational measures, or organisation of the work undergo significant changes, extensions, or conversions.
Let’s unpick the second bullet point and translate it into plain English, starting with the point around your premises.
Building changes
If your premises or building has been extended, converted into something else, and/or changed in its use, you need to review your fire risk assessment.
You also need to review your assessment if personnel or occupancy numbers have significantly changed. In other words, if there are more or fewer people in your building, whether it be more or fewer residents or office users.
Any other significant building renovations or structural changes will also trigger the need for a review, as these changes might alter how the building responds to a fire.
Let’s say the walls within your building were repositioned, or materials containing combustive properties were introduced. These instances will alter the premises’ fire dynamics and necessitate a reevaluation of potential hazards and risks.
A building modification does not need to be substantial to warrant a reassessment. Even small changes, such as new partitioning in a room or alterations to electrical systems, can significantly alter how a fire can spread or be detected.
Special, technical and organisational measures
- Special measures refer to any additional actions or precautions that are specific to a particular building. For example, a building that houses highly flammable materials might require specialist fire suppression systems.
- Technical measures refer to the addition of fire safety technology and equipment, such as fire detection and alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers.
- Organisation measures refer to the policies, procedures, and practices put in place to manage fire safety, such as fire safety training for employees and emergency evacuation plans and drills.
In a nutshell, if you make significant changes to any of the above, you need to review your fire risk assessment.
Being proactive in such instances keeps you legally compliant and ensures that your building keeps up to speed with the evolving changes in safety legislation.
Just as importantly, it underscores your commitment to preserving the wellbeing of your building’s occupants.
Who is responsible for conducting fire risk assessments? Can I do a fire risk assessment myself?
Technically speaking, if you’re the ‘Responsible Person’ for your building — i.e., the landlord, freeholder or managing agent — then you can carry out the fire risk assessment for the building yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.
But you need to ask yourself whether you have the necessary experience, expertise, or time to do this. Unless you’re a qualified fire safety consultant, there’s a risk you could miss some very important details, which could lead to unthinkable consequences further down the line. You have to ask yourself – “Is it worth taking the risk to save the money?”
Specialist fire risk assessments from North West Fire Solutions
Our specialist fire risk assessors all possess a Level 4 Fire Safety Diploma or above and have many years of experience in providing fire risk assessments, which are carried out in accordance with government guidelines.
We provide fire risk assessments for many different types of buildings, whether you own commercial, industrial or educational premises.
To arrange for us to carry out a fire risk assessment at your building, reach out to us on 0151 665 0124 or email info@nwfiresolutions.co.uk.