fire-risk-assessment-for-flats-building-safety-act-duties

--- title: fire safety and the Building Safety Act 2022. For the responsible person — usually the landlord, managing agent or freeholder — understanding how these requirements apply to flats and apartment blocks is an ongoing obligation. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment** forms the foundation of compliance

• Maintain a clear residents' engagement strategy

The Building Safety Case Report is distinct from a fire risk assessment, but the two are closely linked. The fire risk assessment addresses day-to-day fire safety management, while the safety case report demonstrates how building safety risks are managed holistically across the structure.

PAS 79 and BS Standards for Residential fire risk

The recommended methodology for residential fire risk assessment is PAS 79:2020, which provides a structured approach for housing premises. This guidance helps assessors evaluate:

• Construction and compartmentation between dwellings and common areas
• Smoke control systems and ventilation in escape routes
• Fire-resisting doors and self-closing devices
• Emergency escape lighting and fire exit signage
• evacuations-compliance of the RRO**, the responsible person must review the assessment regularly and particularly when there has been a significant change to the premises, the persons using them, or the organisation of work. Changes to building layout, new fire doors, alteration of escape routes or a change in the occupancy profile all trigger a review.

For higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act, the Accountable Person must also keep the Building Safety Case Report under review and update it when material changes occur.

How HawkSwift Can Help

HawkSwift provides fire risk assessments for flats and apartment blocks, delivered by NEBOSH-qualified assessors. Our reports are issued within 48 hours and follow the PAS 79:2020 methodology to support your compliance under the RRO 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022. fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT. To arrange an assessment for your block, book a fire risk assessment.

This article is general guidance and not formal legal advice.

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Your duties under the RRO 2005

• Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it current (Art. 9, RRO 2005).
• Identify people at risk, including those who need assistance to evacuate.
• Put general fire precautions in place — detection, warning, escape routes, fighting equipment (Art. 11).
• Maintain those measures in efficient working order (Art. 17).
• Provide staff with fire-safety instruction and training (Art. 21).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.

*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*