how-often-to-review-a-fire-risk-assessment

--- title: How Often to Review a shop.

• Work processes: Introducing new machinery, chemicals, or flammable materials that increase the fire load.
• Staffing changes: A significant turnover in staff where fire safety training may have lapsed.
• Building use: Changing the use of part of the building, such as converting an office to a storage area.

If you ignore these changes, your current assessment may no longer reflect the reality of the premises, leaving you non-compliant and potentially unsafe.

The Role of Routine Reviews

Because fire risks can evolve slowly without obvious "significant changes," best practice dictates a routine review. The Joint Code on Fire Prevention and industry standards generally recommend a review every 12 months for low-risk premises. This ensures that minor issues—such as a blocked fire exit that has become a habit or a fire extinguisher that hasn't been serviced—are identified and corrected.

For higher-risk premises, such as those involving manufacturing or chemical storage, more frequent reviews may be necessary. Many responsible persons find that aligning their review with their annual insurance renewal or safety audit is an effective way to stay on track.

What to Do If a Review Identifies Issues

A review is not just a paperwork exercise; it is a check to ensure your fire safety measures are working. If the review highlights deficiencies, you must act on them.

This might involve updating your emergency plan, arranging for new fire alarms, or ensuring staff receive refresher training. If the review identifies that the original assessment is fundamentally flawed or the premises have changed drastically, you may need a completely new fire risk assessment rather than a simple update.

Professional Assessments from HawkSwift

Keeping up with changing regulations and identifying subtle hazards can be challenging. At HawkSwift, we provide professional fire risk assessments carried out by NEBOSH-qualified assessors. We ensure your documentation is accurate, compliant with UK law, and easy to understand.

We offer fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, with reports delivered within 48 hours of our site visit. Whether you need a new assessment or a professional review of your existing safety measures, we are here to help.

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

<!-- expanded-by-hawkswift-bot -->

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.*