Fire Risk Assessment Review Period – What is Correct?

May 9th, 2025

Last updated: May 9th, 2025

What is a standard and acceptable fire risk assessment review period?

A fire risk assessment is more than just a tick-box exercise. It is a legal obligation and a vital part of ensuring safety in any commercial building. Whether it’s an office, warehouse, retail space, or factory, business premises must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places the responsibility for fire safety firmly on the shoulders of the “responsible person.” But once the initial fire risk assessment is completed, how often should it be reviewed?

That’s the question many business owners and facilities managers find themselves asking. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but it’s essential to get it right. Reviewing your fire risk assessment at the correct intervals not only keeps your workplace compliant but also protects people, property, and your business continuity.

What Does the Law Say?

Under the Fire Safety Order, commercial buildings must have a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment in place. It needs to outline the ways that fire stopping is utilised as well as how companies and commercial properties handle things like fire alarms.

While there is no legally defined review period set in stone, the order does require that the assessment be reviewed and updated regularly, especially when circumstances change.

The government’s fire safety guidance suggests that reviews should be carried out:

• Regularly (e.g., annually)
• When there is reason to believe it is no longer valid
• After significant changes, including to the building, the layout, occupancy, processes, or equipment

So while there’s no legal requirement to review a fire risk assessment every 12 months exactly, this has become something of an industry standard, and for good reason.

Why Annual Reviews Are a Good Rule of Thumb

For most commercial premises, an annual review is widely accepted as best practice. This doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Instead, it means examining the current assessment and checking whether it’s still accurate and effective.

Here are a few reasons why annual checks are considered good practice:

• Staff turnover: If people come and go, particularly fire marshals or responsible persons, the fire strategy may need updating.
• Operational changes: If the business introduces new processes, machinery, or storage methods, the fire risk may increase or change. The same can be said for different fire stopping methods.
• Regulatory compliance: Fire regulations and standards evolve. An annual review keeps businesses aligned with any updates.
• Peace of mind: Regular reviews offer reassurance that you are fulfilling your legal and moral duties to protect staff, customers, and visitors.

Who Should Carry Out the Review?

The review should be conducted by a competent person. This can be the original fire risk assessor, someone else within the business with suitable training, or an external fire safety consultant. Whoever takes the lead, they need to understand the workings of the building, the fire hazards present, and how to evaluate risk.

For many businesses, especially those in larger or higher-risk premises, it’s wise to bring in a professional. They will have up-to-date knowledge of fire safety legislation and can provide an unbiased review.

Keeping Records

It’s not enough to carry out reviews—you also need to keep a record of them. Document what was checked, what changes were made (if any), and when the next review is due. This audit trail is crucial for demonstrating compliance if an inspection is carried out by the Fire and Rescue Service.

It’s also a useful internal tool, helping to ensure continuity in fire safety planning, especially if there’s a change in staff.

Summary

In summary, the frequency of fire risk assessment reviews for commercial buildings depends on a variety of factors. As a general rule:

• Review at least once a year
• Review immediately after any major change or incident
• Keep clear records of each review and any actions taken

Staying proactive about fire risk assessments isn’t just about ticking off a legal requirement. It’s about ensuring that staff, customers, visitors, and your business itself are as safe as they can be. Fire doesn’t wait for calendar reminders—so staying on top of reviews is one of the smartest, simplest ways to stay protected.

Get a fire risk assessment with Robinsons Facilities Services. Our expert technicians have decades of experience in all fire safety and protection services. We’ll work with you to create a completely bespoke plan to follow in the event of a fire in your building. Your tailored fire risk assessment will keep your building safe and compliant, ensuring everyone knows what to do if the alarm sounds.

We offer a range of services across Yorkshire and the entire UK, including planned preventative maintenance, reactive repairs and emergency call-outs.

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