how-often-must-a-fire-risk-assessment-be-reviewed-2026-08-05

--- title: How Often Must a office of the RRO, if you employ five or more people, or if your premises require a licence or registration, you must record the significant findings of your assessment. This includes recording your reviews.

You should keep a log of when the assessment was reviewed, who carried it out, and what was checked. If a fire inspector arrives, they will look for evidence that you are actively managing fire safety, rather than treating it as a one-off paperwork exercise.

If your last assessment was several years old and you have made changes to the building in the meantime, your current document is likely invalid. Relying on an outdated document is a common cause of non-compliance.

How HawkSwift Can Help

Keeping up with these legal requirements can be time-consuming, especially for busy business owners. At HawkSwift Ltd, we specialise in providing practical, UK-compliant fire safety support. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors understand the nuances of the RRO and British Standards, ensuring your documentation is robust.

We offer comprehensive fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT. We aim to deliver your detailed report within 48 hours, giving you clarity on your compliance status quickly. Whether you need a brand-new assessment or an urgent review due to a change in your premises, we are here to help.

To ensure your business remains safe and compliant, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

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Your duties under the RRO 2005 on review frequency

• Review at least annually and after any significant change to premises, occupants or activities.
• New equipment, layout changes or an incident all trigger a re-assessment.
• Keep the dated assessment on file — it is the document inspectors ask to see.

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.*

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What a competent fire risk assessment covers

A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:

• Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
• Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
• Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
• Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
• Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.

HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.