How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
18th Aug 2026
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment Review?
A fire risk assessment review is a formal check of whether the existing assessment still suits the premises, the people who use it, and the fire precautions currently in place. It confirms whether the document remains suitable and sufficient for the actual conditions on site.
The review complements the original assessment and together with the original acts as evidence of a history of compliance with fire safety legislation/guidance.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Must Be Reviewed Regularly
Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly because buildings, processes and occupancy levels rarely stay the same for long. A new tenant, a revised layout, increased storage, changes to staff numbers or alterations to evacuation routes can all affect fire risk. If the assessment is left unchanged, it may no longer match the way the premises is actually used. That can leave critical hazards unmanaged and emergency arrangements out of date.
An example of an emerging risk is the increase in use, storage and charging of equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries in all types of buildings with an absence of any risk control applied in many of the premises we visit.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
There is no single fixed review period that applies to every premises. The appropriate frequency depends on the building, its use, occupancy, complexity and overall risk profile. A small low-risk office may not need the same level of scrutiny as a care home, warehouse or production facility.
Even where nothing significant appears to have changed, the assessment should still be checked at planned intervals. This confirms that it remains suitable and sufficient, rather than assuming it is still correct simply because no incident has occurred. Planned reviews help catch slow changes that may otherwise be overlooked. They also ensure that fire safety management remains active rather than reactive.
Who Is Responsible for Keeping the Assessment Up to Date?
The responsible person is legally accountable for fire safety in the premises and must ensure the assessment stays current. That means they cannot simply commission an assessment once and then leave it untouched indefinitely. They must take reasonable steps to make sure the review process happens when it should. Ultimately, the responsibility sits with the person who has control over the premises or the relevant fire safety arrangements.
Keeping Records of Fire Risk Assessment Reviews
A review record should clearly show the date of the review, what changed, who completed it and what the findings were. It should also record any actions required.
How Red Box Fire Control Can Help
Red Box Fire Control can carry out initial fire risk assessments and reviews and our assessors will recommend solutions for any deficiencies identified.
The review and report will be conducted in line with national best practice standards by highly experienced and competent assessors (our fire risk assessors are all ex-local authority fire officers).
Whether conditions have changed or a planned check is due, we can help ensure the assessment is accurate and relevant. Our approach is designed to be straightforward, informative and based on the real conditions in the building. That support helps businesses keep fire safety management under control.
Looking to book your fire risk assessment? Contact us today.
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