The Responsible Person must maintain ongoing fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A common query is whether a fire risk assessment expires after one year. Legislation does not set a fixed expiry date; instead, it requires the assessment to remain current and valid at all times.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), you must review your fire risk assessment regularly. It is not a "set it and forget it" document. If the Enforcing Authority (usually the Fire and Rescue Service) visits and finds your assessment does not reflect the current condition of your premises, you could face enforcement notices or prosecution.
The Legal Requirement for Review
Article 9 of the FSO requires the Responsible Person to review the fire risk assessment. Specifically, the law states that a review must be carried out regularly and, more importantly, immediately if you have reason to suspect it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates.
While the legislation does not explicitly state "every 12 months" for all premises, best practice guidance suggests that an annual review is the standard benchmark for most low-to-normal risk businesses. For higher risk premises, such as those involving manufacturing or storage of flammable materials, more frequent reviews may be necessary.
What Triggers an Immediate Review?
You must not wait for a scheduled annual date if circumstances change. The law requires an immediate update if there is a significant change. This ensures that the safety measures in place are suitable for the current risks.
Common triggers that require a review include:
- Structural or internal alterations: Changes to the layout, such as new partition walls or the removal of walls, can affect escape routes.
- Change of use: Converting an office space to a storage area, or opening the premises to the public.
- Changes to occupancy: An increase in the number of staff or the introduction of vulnerable persons (e.g., the elderly, people with disabilities).
- New work processes: Introducing machinery that generates heat or sparks, or storing flammable substances.
- Near misses or incidents: If a small fire occurs or a near-miss is reported, the assessment should be reviewed to see if control measures failed.
Recommended Review Timelines
While "regularly" is the legal term, industry standards and guidance documents (such as PAS 79) provide clearer frameworks. The frequency should be proportionate to the level of risk.
- Low Risk (e.g., small offices, shops): A review every 12 months is generally recommended.
- Medium/High Risk (e.g., factories, care homes, large public buildings): Reviews should be more frequent, typically every 6 months or even quarterly depending on the specific hazards.
It is vital to document the date of the review and the findings. Even if no changes are needed, you should sign and date the assessment to confirm that a review has taken place and that the existing controls remain adequate.
The Role of the Responsible Person
The duty to review lies with the Responsible Person. This is usually the employer, the owner, or the person in control of the premises. If you do not have the expertise or time to conduct a thorough review, you must appoint a competent person to assist.
A competent reviewer should have the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to understand the risks and the relevant safety measures. At HawkSwift, our assessors are NEBOSH-qualified, ensuring they have the technical expertise to identify hazards that might be missed during a generic internal check.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Keeping up with legislative changes and day-to-day business operations can make it difficult to find the time for a detailed review. An outdated assessment can leave you exposed legally and physically.
HawkSwift offers a streamlined service to help you stay compliant. We provide professional fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT. We understand that time is of the essence in business, which is why we deliver our comprehensive reports within 48 hours of the site visit. Whether you need a brand-new assessment or a detailed review of your existing one, we ensure your documentation meets the requirements of the FSO.
If you are unsure whether your current assessment is still valid or if it has been more than a year since your last review, it is safer to seek professional advice. To ensure your premises are compliant and your staff are safe, you can book a fire risk assessment with our team today.
Quick answers
Q: Does a fire risk assessment expire after 12 months?
There is no fixed legal expiry date, but the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to review the assessment regularly to ensure it remains valid. Best practice guidance suggests an annual review is suitable for most low-to-normal risk premises.
Q: When must I update my fire risk assessment immediately?
You must review the assessment immediately if you suspect it is no longer valid or if there has been a significant change, such as structural alterations, a change of use, or an increase in occupancy. This ensures safety measures remain adequate for the current risks.
Q: How often should I review a fire risk assessment for a high-risk premises?
For medium or high-risk premises, such as factories or care homes, reviews should be more frequent, typically every 6 months or quarterly depending on specific hazards. The frequency should always be proportionate to the level of risk identified.
