The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 treats fire risk assessment as an ongoing obligation rather than a single completed task. The responsible person must keep the assessment current through regular reviews and interim updates whenever material changes occur. This guide covers the statutory expectations and practical intervals for keeping your assessment valid.
What Does the Law Say?
The RRO 2005 places a clear duty on the responsible person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks from fire. However, the regulations do not specify a fixed timeframe for reviewing an assessment. Instead, the law requires that the assessment be reviewed by the responsible person "regularly" and updated if necessary.
The phrase "regularly" is open to interpretation, which can cause confusion for business owners. In practice, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fire safety guidance recommend that a formal review is conducted at least annually. This ensures that any gradual changes in the workplace, wear and tear of safety equipment, or updates to best practice are captured before they become a hazard.
When Must a Fire Risk Assessment Be Updated Immediately?
In addition to regular scheduled reviews, an assessment must be updated "as soon as practicable" if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, or if there has been a significant change to the premises.
Significant changes that trigger an immediate review include:
- Changes to the layout of the premises, such as installing new partition walls or altering internal doors.
- Changes in the use of the premises, for example, starting to store chemicals or flammable materials on-site.
- Changes to the number of occupants, or introducing vulnerable individuals (such as children or individuals with mobility impairments) who may need different evacuation strategies.
- Updates to work processes or equipment that could introduce new ignition sources.
- Following a fire incident or near-miss, which indicates that current fire safety measures may be inadequate.
- Changes to furniture, fixtures, or stock that could affect escape routes or fire loading.
If any of these apply to your business, your existing assessment is likely obsolete. It is your legal duty to revise it promptly to maintain compliance.
What Does a Good Review Look Like?
A review is not simply a quick glance at the previous document. A proper review involves a physical walk-through of the premises to verify that the existing control measures are still effective. The responsible person or assessor should check that fire doors still function correctly, emergency lighting is operational, and escape routes remain unobstructed.
The PAS 79 code of practice provides a widely recognised framework for conducting and documenting fire risk assessments. Following this standard helps ensure that your review is thorough, systematic, and acceptable to enforcing authorities such as the local fire and rescue service.
During a review, you should also check that staff training records are current and that fire drills have been carried out within the recommended timeframes. If your previous assessment included an action plan to fix certain deficiencies, the review is the time to verify that these actions have been completed.
Who Should Carry Out the Review?
Under the RRO 2005, the responsible person can conduct the review themselves, provided they have sufficient training, experience, and knowledge of fire safety principles. However, if the premises are complex or if the responsible person lacks confidence in their own competence, it is highly recommended to use a professional.
A competent assessor will not only identify obvious hazards but will also evaluate the structural fire protection measures, emergency plans, and the adequacy of fire detection systems. Using a professional ensures that your review aligns with current British Standards and HSE guidance, protecting both your occupants and your business from legal liability.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Keeping track of fire risk assessment review frequency can be a challenge for busy business owners. At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough, professional evaluations to ensure your premises remain compliant with the RRO 2005. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT, and we deliver detailed reports within 48 hours, giving you clear, actionable guidance without delay.
Whether your assessment is due for its annual review or you have recently altered your premises, do not leave compliance to chance. To ensure your business meets its legal duties, book a fire risk assessment with the HawkSwift team today.
Quick answers
Q: How often do I need to review my fire risk assessment?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does not set a fixed timeframe, but it legally requires the responsible person to review the assessment "regularly." In practice, the HSE and fire safety guidance recommend conducting a formal review at least annually to capture any gradual changes in the workplace.
Q: Do I need to update my fire risk assessment if I change my shop layout?
Yes, under the RRO 2005 you must update your assessment "as soon as practicable" if there is a significant change to the premises. Altering the layout, changing the premises' use, or introducing new ignition sources all make your existing assessment obsolete and require a prompt revision.
Q: What does a proper fire risk assessment review involve?
A proper review requires a physical walk-through of the premises to verify that existing control measures, such as fire doors and escape routes, remain effective. Following the PAS 79 code of practice helps ensure your review is thorough, systematic, and acceptable to enforcing authorities like the local fire and rescue service.
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