How Often and Why Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Reviewed?
Fire safety is not a one-off exercise. Buildings, people, and working practices change over time, which means fire risks can also change.
Regularly reviewing your fire risk assessment is essential to protect occupants, comply with legislation, and ensure that fire control measures remain effective.
This article explains what a fire risk assessment is, the purpose of a fire safety risk assessment, and in detail, how often and why fire risk assessments should be reviewed.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured process used to identify fire hazards within a building, evaluate the level of risk they pose, and determine whether existing fire safety measures are adequate. It is a legal requirement for almost all non-domestic premises in the UK, including offices, shops, warehouses, and shared areas of residential buildings.
A suitable and sufficient fire and safety risk assessment considers the building’s layout, construction, and use. It also assesses the activities carried out on site, the people who may be at risk, and how safely they can evacuate in the event of a fire. The findings are recorded in a formal fire risk assessment report, which outlines recommended actions and responsibilities.
Professional fire risk assessment providers use a recognised fire risk assessment system and methodology to ensure assessments meet current legislation, British Standards, and fire authority guidance.
What Is the Purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment?
The fire risk assessment purpose is to reduce the likelihood of fire occurring and to limit harm if a fire does break out. It is a proactive tool designed to protect life, property, and business continuity.
A robust fire safety risk assessment ensures that fire hazards are identified early, control measures are appropriate, and emergency arrangements are clear and effective. It also helps organisations demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to manage fire safety, which is vital for legal compliance and accountability.
For workplaces, an office fire risk assessment or commercial fire risk assessment also supports staff training, emergency planning, and ongoing fire safety management.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
UK fire safety law does not specify a fixed review period, but fire risk assessment requirements state that assessments must be kept up to date and reflect current conditions.
As a general rule, a fire risk assessment review should be carried out at least once every 12 months. However, reviews must also take place whenever significant changes occur that could affect fire safety. This flexible approach to fire risk assessment frequency ensures that risks are continually managed rather than assessed once and forgotten.
When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
Annual Review
An annual review is widely recognised as best practice for most premises. Even if no major changes have occurred, this review ensures that fire precautions remain effective, documentation is current, and any gradual changes in risk are identified.
Annual reviews are particularly important for busy workplaces where occupancy levels, equipment use, or storage arrangements may change subtly over time.
After Building Alterations or Extensions
Any physical change to a building can significantly affect fire safety. Structural alterations, extensions, or refurbishment works may impact escape routes, compartmentation, fire doors, or fire detection systems.
A fire risk assessment review ensures that these changes have not introduced new hazards or compromised existing fire safety measures.
Changes in Layout or Use of the Premises
Reconfiguring office layouts, changing room functions, or introducing new activities can alter fire risks. For example, converting storage space into a work area or increasing occupancy levels can affect evacuation times and fire load.
Reviewing your fire risk assessment checklist ensures that escape routes, signage, and fire precautions remain suitable for how the building is actually used.
New Equipment, Processes, or Substances
The introduction of new machinery, electrical equipment, or flammable substances can increase the risk of ignition or fire spread. Even seemingly minor changes, such as additional heaters or charging equipment, can have a significant impact.
A fire risk safety assessment review ensures that these risks are identified and controlled before they lead to incidents.
Changes in Staff Numbers or Occupancy
An increase in staff, visitors, or vulnerable occupants can affect evacuation planning and fire safety management. New employees may also require fire safety training and familiarisation.
A review ensures that emergency procedures, staffing levels, and evacuation strategies remain appropriate for the number and type of people using the building.
Following a Fire, Near Miss, or Safety Incident
Any fire, near miss, or fire safety incident is a clear signal that existing measures may not be fully effective. Reviewing the fire safety risk assessment checklist after an incident helps identify what went wrong and prevents recurrence.
Changes in Legislation or Guidance
Fire safety legislation and guidance evolve over time. A review ensures your fire risk assessment report remains aligned with current legal expectations, Approved Documents, and British Standards.
Why Regular Fire Risk Assessment Reviews Are Essential
Legal Compliance
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that fire risk assessments remain suitable and sufficient. An outdated assessment can be viewed as non-compliance, leading to enforcement notices, fines, or prosecution.
Regular fire risk assessment reviews demonstrate that fire safety is actively managed rather than treated as a one-off exercise.
Adapting to Changing Risks
Fire risks are not static. Wear and tear, operational changes, and human behaviour can all affect safety over time. Reviewing your fire risk assessment system ensures that it reflects real-world conditions rather than outdated assumptions.
Improved Safety for Occupants
Regular reviews help identify weaknesses in fire detection, emergency lighting, fire doors, and evacuation procedures. Updating the fire risk assessment safety checklist improves protection for employees, visitors, and contractors.
Insurance and Liability Protection
Many insurers require evidence of a current and reviewed fire risk assessment report. Failure to keep assessments up to date may affect insurance cover or claims following a fire.
What Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment Review?
During a review, experienced fire risk assessment companies will revisit the original steps of fire risk assessment in detail. This includes reassessing fire hazards, evaluating who may be at risk, and checking the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures.
They will also confirm compliance with current guidance, inspect fire safety equipment, and update the fire risk assessment checklist as required. If changes are identified, the fire risk assessment report is revised to outline actions, priorities, and responsibilities clearly.
Fire Risk Assessments in Kent and London
For organisations in Kent and London, working with competent local fire risk assessment providers ensures assessments are practical, compliant, and site-specific. SAMS LTD is a trusted fire risk assessment company based in Kent, delivering professional fire risk assessment services for offices and commercial premises across the region.
Whether you require a new fire safety risk assessment, an annual fire risk assessment review, or support following changes to your premises, expert guidance helps keep your business safe and compliant.
Speak to SAMS LTD About Fire Risk Assessment Reviews
If you are unsure whether your assessment is still valid or need support from experienced fire risk assessment companies, SAMS LTD can help. Our consultants provide clear, compliant, and practical fire risk assessments tailored to your business needs.
Contact SAMS LTD today to arrange your fire risk assessment review and ensure your fire safety arrangements remain effective and legally compliant.