How often should fire risk assessments be reviewed in the UK?

Fire safety is not a static concept; it’s an ongoing responsibility. UK law acknowledges this by making fire risk assessments a requirement for commercial buildings. These assessments are essential for building safety as they help to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards. However, the initial assessment is only the first step.

In this blog post, we delve into how often fire risk assessments should be reviewed and why it’s essential to ensure these are regularly reviewed. We’ll also look at the benefits of regularly reviewing a fire risk assessment along with the factors that can influence the review frequency.

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a building or workplace to identify potential fire hazards and those at risk. It involves evaluating, reducing, and removing those risks while providing recommendations for fire safety measures. These measures can include fire detection and warning systems like smoke alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and escape routes.

A well-executed fire risk assessment also provides solutions. It recommends appropriate control measures to mitigate the identified risks, such as installing fire safety equipment, implementing safe work practices, and developing a robust emergency plan.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that a ‘responsible person’, usually the building owner or manager, must ensure the fire risk assessment is suitable and sufficient. This requirement applies to almost all non-domestic properties and includes the common areas of residential buildings too. The responsible person must ensure the assessment is conducted by a qualified and certified professional.

The importance of regularly reviewing fire risk assessments

Under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it states that a fire risk assessment must be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains up to date, especially if there is reason to believe it’s no longer valid, or if significant changes occur to premises or how they’re used. As well as that, if dangerous substances are present in your building, then additional considerations should be taken into account.

A fire risk assessment is not a one-time exercise. Businesses and building layouts change over time. New equipment might be brought in, staff numbers might increase, or the use of certain spaces might be altered. All these factors can impact the fire safety of a building. Regular reviews of your fire risk assessments are crucial for offering peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to keep your building and its occupants safe.

With that in mind, it is strongly recommended that fire risk assessments are reviewed regularly, with reviews typically ranging from annually to every few years, depending on the type of building and its use.

By reviewing fire risk assessments on a regular basis, building owners and managers can identify any new potential hazards or risks that may have developed over time. This proactive approach ensures that appropriate measures are in place to protect people and property in the event of an emergency.

What are the benefits of regularly reviewing fire risk assessments?

Regularly reviewing fire risk assessments provides numerous benefits and it allows you to take a proactive approach to fire safety within your building and this preparedness can make all the difference in the event of a fire. Here are some notable benefits of regularly reviewing your fire risk assessment.

Staying proactive and prepared for emergencies

In the context of fire safety, being proactive is not just advisable; it’s essential. This proactivity begins with recognising that even seemingly insignificant changes in a building’s structure or use can introduce new potential fire hazards or alter existing ones. Regular reviews of your fire risk assessment are a cornerstone of this proactive approach. During these reviews, you can systematically reassess potential fire hazards, ensuring that previous control measures remain effective, and that new risks haven’t emerged.

Identifying and addressing potential hazards

The very purpose of a fire risk assessment is to identify potential risks and hazards that could contribute to a fire or hinder escape. However, these risks can evolve. A regular review of your assessment enables you to proactively identify these evolving risks. This approach is critical, as it allows you to implement control measures before a hazard escalates, preventing a potential fire rather than reacting to one. These reviews also provide an opportunity to gauge the effectiveness of existing control measures to ensure continuous efficacy of your current safety measures.

Keeping occupants and property safe

The primary goal of any fire safety strategy is to ensure the well-being of a building’s occupants and protect the property itself. Regularly reviewing fire risk assessments is central to this goal, providing peace of mind that you are taking all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of fire. Ultimately, a comprehensive and regularly reviewed fire risk assessment minimises the risk of fire and its potentially devastating consequences. This proactive approach translates into safer buildings, more resilient businesses, and most importantly, the preservation of life.

Key triggers for reviewing fire risk assessments

While regular reviews are crucial, certain events or changes should trigger an immediate review of your fire risk assessment. These triggers signal a shift in the fire safety dynamics of your building, potentially identifying new risks or altering existing ones. Ignoring these changes can have serious consequences, jeopardising the effectiveness of your fire safety strategy.

Some common triggers include:

• Significant changes to the building’s structure or layout like extensions, refurbishments or alterations
• A change in the building’s use or the activities conducted within it
• A significant change in the number of occupants
• After a fire incident (small or large) or a near miss incident
• The introduction of new fire safety measures or equipment in the building
• Any amendments to key UK fire safety legislation

Remember, you should keep a record of any risk assessment or reviews you conduct. By staying proactive and keeping your fire risk assessment up to date if any of these triggers occur, you can continue to create a safe environment for everyone in the building and the building itself.

Speak to us to learn more

‘How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?’ is a question we get asked a lot, and we hope we’ve been able to answer this in our blog. Ultimately, regularly reviewing a fire risk assessment is crucial for maintaining building and occupant safety and upholding overall safety standards.

At the LS Fire Group, not only will we conduct a tailored and thorough inspection of your premises as part of your fire risk assessment, but we’ll also provide ongoing support that goes beyond your assessment to help guide you through the complexities of fire safety.

If you have any questions regarding fire risk assessments, or to learn more about how we can help with your assessment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for expert guidance.