How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
If you already have a fire risk assessment in place, you may be wondering how long it remains valid and when you need to arrange another one.
One of the most common misconceptions is that every fire risk assessment simply “expires” after 12 months. In reality, UK fire safety legislation does not set one fixed annual renewal date for every premises.
Instead, your fire risk assessment should be kept under review and updated when necessary.
Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required Every Year?
There is no universal legal requirement stating that every fire risk assessment must be completely redone once every 12 months.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person is required to review the fire risk assessment regularly and where there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change affecting the premises.
That means the right review frequency will depend on the building, how it is used and whether anything has changed since the previous assessment.
For some properties, an annual review may be appropriate. Others may require attention sooner if circumstances change.
When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
There are several situations where you should consider reviewing your existing fire risk assessment.
Changes to the Building
Alterations to the layout, extensions, refurbishment work or changes to escape routes can affect the assumptions made in the original assessment.
Even relatively small alterations may change how people move through a building or how effectively existing fire safety measures work.
Changes in How the Premises Are Used
A building that was previously used as an office may present different risks if it becomes a shop, restaurant, warehouse or residential property.
Changes in occupancy numbers, working practices, opening hours or the activities taking place within the premises can also affect the level of fire risk.
Changes to the People Using the Building
Your assessment should consider the people who could be at risk in the event of a fire.
If the occupants change, particularly where there are people who may require additional assistance to evacuate, the existing fire safety arrangements may need to be reconsidered.
Following a Fire or Near Miss
If a fire, significant incident or near miss has occurred, the existing assessment should be reviewed.
The incident may highlight risks or weaknesses in existing arrangements that were not previously apparent.
Changes to Fire Safety Measures
Installing a new fire alarm system, replacing fire doors, changing emergency lighting or carrying out compartmentation works may all affect the building's fire safety arrangements.
These changes should be reflected in the fire risk assessment and associated records.
Who Is Responsible for Reviewing the Fire Risk Assessment?
The Responsible Person has responsibility for ensuring the assessment is completed and kept up to date.
Depending on the premises, this could be an employer, business owner, landlord, managing agent or another person with control of the building.
Government guidance also makes clear that fire risk assessments must be recorded, together with the fire safety arrangements in place.
Where the Responsible Person does not have sufficient knowledge or experience to assess the premises themselves, a competent fire risk assessor can be appointed to assist.
Does a Fire Risk Assessment Expire?
It is more useful to think of a fire risk assessment as a live document than something with a simple expiry date.
An assessment carried out several years ago may no longer accurately represent a building if significant changes have taken place.
Equally, simply reaching the anniversary of the assessment does not automatically mean every part of it needs to be started again from scratch.
The important question is whether the assessment remains suitable and sufficient for the premises as they are today.
What Happens During a Review?
A fire risk assessment review considers whether the information and conclusions within the existing assessment are still accurate.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve looking again at areas such as:
- fire hazards and sources of ignition
- people who may be at risk
- escape routes and emergency exits
- fire doors and compartmentation
- fire detection and alarm systems
- emergency lighting
- firefighting equipment
- fire safety procedures and management
- actions identified during the previous assessment
Where circumstances have changed significantly, a more detailed reassessment may be required.
When Should You Speak to a Fire Risk Assessor?
If you're unsure when your assessment was last reviewed, the building has changed or you don't know whether your existing report is still suitable, it makes sense to get professional advice.
At Fire Risk Assessments North West, we carry out fire risk assessments for commercial and residential premises across the North West.
We can review the circumstances of your property, establish what assessment is appropriate and provide a clear written report setting out any actions required.
Need your fire risk assessment reviewed? Get in touch to discuss your premises and request a quote.