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

--- title: How Often to Review Your fire safety, you must keep your fire risk assessment under constant review.

But what does "constant review" actually mean in practice? Is there a set date every year when you must redo it? This guide clarifies your legal obligations without the jargon, helping you stay compliant and your premises safe.

The Legal Requirement for Review

The RRO 2005 does not specify a rigid expiry date for a fire risk assessment, such as "every 12 months". Instead, the law places a duty on the responsible person to review the assessment regularly and update it as necessary. According to Article 9 of the Order, the responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed.

The key word here is "relevant persons". If your building usage changes, the number of people increases, or the layout is altered, the risks change. Consequently, the assessment must reflect the current state of the premises, not how it looked five years ago. Failing to update the document following significant changes is a breach of the RRO and can lead to enforcement notices or prosecution.

When is a Review Mandatory?

While a periodic check is good practice, there are specific triggers that legally require you to revisit your fire risk assessment immediately. You should review your document if any of the following occur:

• Change of building use: If you convert an office space into a retail unit, or a PAS 79 and current British Standards. They can spot deficiencies that an untrained eye might miss, such as issues with fire door compatibility, inadequate emergency lighting, or incorrect signage.

Keeping the Record Updated

If your business employs five or more people, you are legally required to record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment in writing. When you review the assessment, this record must be updated too. It is not enough to simply note that a review took place; you must document:

• What the current risks are.
• What new control measures have been implemented.
• When the next review is due.

This documentation is your first line of defence if an Fire and Rescue Service inspector visits your premises. It demonstrates that you are actively managing fire safety rather than treating it as a one-off administrative task.

Stay Compliant with HawkSwift

Navigating the specifics of the RRO 2005 and ensuring your assessment remains accurate can be time-consuming. If your current assessment is out of date, or if you have recently undergone changes to your premises, it is vital to act now. At HawkSwift, we provide professional, practical support to help you meet your legal obligations without confusion.

Our team of NEBOSH-qualified assessors can visit your site and produce a comprehensive, clear report within 48 hours. We focus on real-world risks and sensible solutions, ensuring your business is safe and compliant. With fire risk assessments starting from just £199 + VAT, achieving peace of mind is affordable and straightforward. Don't wait for an enforcement notice to remind you—book a fire risk assessment today.