Fire safety sits at the heart of responsible building management, whether you’re running a shop, operating a public venue, overseeing a workplace, or simply keeping your home safe. One of the most important steps in preventing fire incidents is maintaining a current and thorough fire risk assessment.
UK guidance doesn’t always give a simple answer. So how often should you actually schedule one?
Let’s break it down.
UK Requirements: What the Law Says
Under guidance from HM Government and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), every non-domestic premises and every residential building with communal areas must have a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment.
Unlike some regulations, the FSO doesn’t list a fixed timeframe (such as annually). Instead, it requires assessments to be reviewed regularly and updated whenever necessary.
For private homes, there’s no legal requirement-yet a fire risk review remains one of the most effective ways to reduce household fire hazards.
What “Regularly” Means in Practice
Although the law avoids fixed scheduling, many fire safety bodies, including the Fire Protection Association, suggest reviewing every 12 months as a best-practice baseline for most buildings, from shops to offices to community venues.
For homes, an annual check is also a sensible habit, ideally tied to something easy to remember, like the start of the year or your annual boiler service.
When You Should Review More Frequently
The real key in UK guidance is this:
You must update your fire risk assessment when anything changes.
A new assessment or review is recommended immediately if:
1. The Building Layout Changes
Refits, refurbishments, new shelving in a shop, new partitions in an office, or extensions in a home can all alter escape routes or fire behaviour.
2. New Equipment or Systems Are Installed
Kitchen appliances, heating systems, electrical equipment, fixed wiring changes, or machinery all affect fire risk.
3. Occupancy or Use Changes
A shop increases customer capacity
A public event space changes how it’s used
A workplace grows its staff
A home is converted into a rental or HMO
Any change in the way the space is used warrants a reassessment.
4. There Has Been a Fire or Near Miss
Any incident-no matter how small-should be followed by an immediate review.
5. Safety Regulations Update
Fire safety guidance evolves over time, especially as new technology, building methods, and evidence emerge.
6. Assessments Reveal Issues to Monitor
If a previous assessor noted risks requiring periodic review (e.g., ageing wiring), a more frequent schedule may be needed.
Higher-Risk Buildings May Need More Than Annual Checks
Certain buildings benefit from more frequent reviews, such as:
Large public spaces
Older or heritage properties
Buildings with vulnerable occupants (schools, care settings)
Sites with high fire loads (commercial kitchens, workshops)
In these cases, 6-monthly reviews are often recommended.
What About Private Homes?
Even though UK law doesn’t demand a formal fire risk assessment for most private dwellings, homeowners can still benefit from adopting the same approach:
- Check smoke alarms and escape routes at least once a year
- Review risks after home improvements
- Update your assessment if you add new electrical items or heating appliances
- Revisit it after any fire-related incident (including small electrical faults)
The Simple Rule of Thumb
If you’re unsure where to start, this guidance works across most buildings and households:
Review annually and reassess after any material change.
It’s practical, easy to adopt, and keeps you aligned with UK expectations for safe building management.
Why Being Proactive Matters
Scheduling regular fire risk assessments isn’t just about compliance-it’s about protection:
- Reducing the likelihood of a fire
- Catching hazards early
- Improving insurance resilience
- Demonstrating due diligence
- Keeping occupants, staff, customers, and family safe
Fire safety is one area where prevention isn’t just better than cure-it’s simpler, cheaper, and often lifesaving.