A Review Starts With The Previous Assessment
A fire risk assessment review tests whether the existing record still reflects the building and its use. We need to understand its scope, findings, assumptions and outstanding actions before deciding what has changed. Sending the full report with associated plans is more useful than providing only its cover page or risk rating.
A review is not simply changing the date on an earlier document. It should consider whether the information remains reliable and whether conditions on site support the previous conclusions. If the original assessment is incomplete or the premises have changed substantially, a new assessment may be the better instruction.
Changes That Should Prompt A Review
Altered escape routes, new partitions, increased occupancy and changed work processes can affect the assessment. Other triggers include a fire or near miss, concerns about precautions and information showing an earlier assumption may be wrong. Tell us about temporary arrangements as well as completed construction work.
Management changes can also expose gaps in the fire safety arrangements. A new tenant, different shift pattern or revised evacuation procedure may change who needs information and assistance. Keep a brief change log so the assessor can see what happened and why the review is being commissioned.
Review Intervals And Legal Duties
The Fire Safety Order requires the assessment to be reviewed regularly and when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change. There is no universal statutory annual expiry date for every assessment. The appropriate review arrangements depend on the premises and their circumstances.
A planned review date remains useful as a management prompt, but it should not prevent an earlier review after material change. Record the review and the resulting fire safety arrangements. The government assessment guidance explains the ongoing review duty.
Check Actions And Remaining Questions
Provide evidence of actions completed since the last assessment. Installation records, maintenance reports and photographs may help establish what was done, while an on-site check may still be needed to understand the result. An invoice alone does not describe whether the original concern has been resolved.
Unresolved actions should remain visible, with responsibility and next steps recorded. Where work has changed the building, check whether the fire strategy, plans and staff instructions also need updating. Closing an action in a spreadsheet should follow evidence rather than substitute for it.
Agree The Right Scope And Cost
Review cost depends on the quality of the existing assessment, the changes made and the extent of inspection required. Several linked buildings or unresolved technical questions may need more work than a straightforward update. The quotation should explain which areas are included and whether further surveys are separate.
Before the visit, gather the earlier report, current plans, change log and action evidence. Arrange access to altered areas and a contact who can explain operational changes. After the review, communicate revised arrangements to the relevant people and keep the current record available for management and future handovers.
An Agreed Inspection Process
First, describe the premises and share the records relevant to the instruction. Next, agree the inspection boundary, access arrangements and the report you expect. During the visit, provide a contact who can explain the building and answer operational questions.
After the findings are issued, ask about anything that is unclear before organising follow-up work. Allocate responsibility for actions and keep the supporting evidence with your fire safety records. Any change affecting the assessment should be considered through the appropriate review process.
Questions About This Service
What Does Fire Risk Assessment Review Involve?
Fire Risk Assessment Review starts by agreeing the premises, scope and available information. The visit and report should address the specific instruction and explain limitations. Send the building use, postcode and reason for your request so the proposed work can be matched to the premises before you make a booking.
Will The Quotation Include Remedial Work?
The quotation for this service should describe the inspection or review and its reporting scope. Remedial work, equipment testing and specialist investigations are separate unless expressly included. Ask the firm to explain any exclusions and how additional recommendations will be handled before accepting the instruction or arranging access.
What Information Helps With Booking?
Booking this service is easier with the premises postcode, building use, approximate size and details of your concern. Include earlier reports or registers where available and explain any restricted access. Let the firm know who controls shared areas and whether a landlord or other occupier needs to be involved.