A fire risk assessment checklist can be a helpful way to understand what needs to be considered when assessing fire risk. However, under UK fire safety law, a checklist alone is not sufficient. Fire risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient, reflect the premises, and be carried out by a competent person. A checklist is Read more »
The term “suitable and sufficient” sits at the heart of UK fire safety law, yet it is one of the most misunderstood requirements. A fire risk assessment is not judged by its length, format, or how quickly it was completed — it is judged on whether it is adequate for the premises, the risks present, Read more »
One of the most common compliance questions is how often a fire risk assessment should be reviewed. The answer is not as simple as a fixed timescale. UK fire safety law does not set a specific review period. Instead, it requires fire risk assessments to be kept under review and updated whenever necessary to remain Read more »
The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation legally responsible for fire safety in premises covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In practice, this can include employers, owners, landlords, occupiers, freeholders, managing agents, building managers, facilities managers and others with control of the premises. Understanding who the Responsible Person is matters because Read more »
One of the most common questions Responsible Persons ask is how long a fire risk assessment takes. The short answer is that there is no fixed time set out in law. The duration depends on the size, complexity, and use of the building, as well as the level of risk present. UK fire safety legislation Read more »
A fire risk assessment is a fundamental legal requirement for most non-domestic premises in the UK. It is a structured, systematic review of a building and how it is used, designed to identify fire hazards, assess risks to people, and ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place. The process is structured and proportionate, and Read more »
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 came into force in England on 6 April 2026 and introduced additional legal duties for those responsible for certain residential buildings. The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce formal requirements for identifying residents who may struggle to evacuate during a fire and for Read more »
BS 9792:2025 is the current British Standard that provides guidance for carrying out and recording fire risk assessments in housing. It replaces the withdrawn PAS 79-2:2020 and reflects updated expectations for residential fire safety following changes to legislation, enforcement practice, and risk understanding. If you are responsible for residential premises such as blocks of flats Read more »
The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a significant overhaul in building safety regulations across England, aiming to enhance the safety and standards of buildings. A pivotal component of this legislation is Section 156, which amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to strengthen fire safety measures. Understanding and complying with these changes is Read more »
In the event of a fire, seconds matter. A well-designed and thoroughly tested fire alarm system can save lives, protect property, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we specialise in Fire Alarm Cause and Effect Testing, a crucial process that ensures your fire alarm systems function as intended, providing Read more »
