J7 Fire Ltd technical guidance
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A fire risk assessment has no universal expiry date. The responsible person must keep it up to date and arrange review at a frequency appropriate to the premises and when relevant circumstances change.
Regular review is a continuing duty
A fire risk assessment is not a one-off document. The responsible person must review it regularly so that it continues to reflect the building, occupation, people at risk and fire-safety arrangements. The Fire Safety Order does not prescribe one fixed interval for every premises.
The appropriate review point depends on complexity, risk, rate of change, management performance and the assessor's advice. Current Home Office guidance recognises an annual review as good practice for small and simple premises, but that does not make twelve months a universal legal expiry date or mean a more complex building should simply wait for an anniversary.
Events that should prompt an earlier review
A review is particularly important where there is reason to suspect that the assessment is no longer valid or there has been a significant relevant change. Examples include:
- alterations to layout, construction, compartmentation or escape routes;
- a change of use, occupancy, sleeping risk or numbers of people;
- new work processes, equipment or dangerous substances;
- changes to alarm, emergency lighting, smoke control or other fire precautions;
- changes in landlord, tenant, employer or management responsibilities;
- a fire, near miss, enforcement concern or evidence that an existing control failed;
- deterioration, unresolved actions or records showing that maintenance and management are not operating as assumed.
Review does not always mean starting again
A competent review may confirm that previous findings remain valid, that actions have been completed and that no significant change has occurred. In other circumstances the change may require revision of particular sections or a new assessment. The decision should be recorded, including the date, information checked, person undertaking the review and any action arising.
The practical question
Do not ask only whether the document is a year old. Ask whether the assessment still represents the premises and whether the significant findings are being managed. If the answer is uncertain, provide the current assessment, action status and details of any change so the appropriate review scope can be confirmed.
Authoritative source
Home Office guide for persons with duties under fire-safety legislation
Apply the guidance to the premises
This article provides general information. It does not replace a competent assessment of the particular building, work, people or responsibility arrangements.
Clear next steps
Discuss the requirement with J7 Fire Ltd
Tell us about the premises, the service required and any deadline. J7 Fire Ltd will confirm the scope, fee, VAT and applicable payment or account terms before work proceeds.
