Fire safety legislation in the UK continues to evolve, and staying compliant is essential for businesses, landlords, and organisations of all sizes. If your fire risk assessment hasn’t been reviewed recently, 2026 is a good time to make sure your premises still meet current safety standards.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes to the building, staff numbers, or fire safety equipment.
When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Updated?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed:
- Every 12 months as best practice
- After building alterations
- When layouts change
- After a fire incident or near miss
- When occupancy levels increase
- When new equipment is installed
Many businesses assume that once a fire risk assessment has been completed it will remain valid indefinitely. However, fire safety responsibilities are ongoing.
New Focus on Responsible Persons
Recent changes to fire safety legislation have placed more responsibility on the Responsible Person to ensure fire safety measures are properly managed.
This includes:
- Keeping fire risk assessments up to date
- Ensuring staff receive fire safety training
- Maintaining fire alarm systems
- Checking emergency lighting
- Keeping escape routes clear
Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecution.
Professional Fire Risk Assessments
A professional fire risk assessment provides peace of mind that your premises meet current fire safety standards.
At Approved Fire Risk Assessments Ltd, we provide clear and practical fire risk assessments for:
- Offices
- Schools
- Warehouses
- Shops
- Care facilities
- Industrial premises
Our assessments identify potential hazards and provide straightforward recommendations to keep your premises compliant and safe.
If you are unsure whether your fire risk assessment is still valid, we are happy to help.