Reviewing your fire risk assessment every year isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s essential for keeping people safe, staying compliant with the law, and making sure your precautions actually work in real life.
First, things change more than people realise. The layout of a building might be altered, new equipment could be installed, or storage areas might gradually fill up with combustible materials. Even small changes—like rearranging furniture or adding electrical devices—can introduce new fire hazards or block escape routes. An annual review helps catch those risks before they turn into real problems.
Second, people change. Staff turnover means new employees may not be familiar with fire procedures, evacuation routes, or how to use equipment like extinguishers. A review ensures training is up to date and that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
There’s also the legal side. In the UK, fire safety is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This law requires the “responsible person” (like an employer or building owner) to keep the fire risk assessment up to date. While it doesn’t strictly say “every 12 months,” it does require reviews whenever necessary—and an annual review is widely accepted as good practice to demonstrate compliance.
Another key reason is that fire safety measures can degrade over time. Fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and signage all need to be checked regularly. An annual review helps confirm everything is still in working order and positioned correctly.
Finally, it’s about being prepared. In an emergency, there’s no time to figure things out. A current, accurate fire risk assessment ensures evacuation plans are realistic, escape routes are clear, and risks have already been considered.
In short, an annual review keeps your fire safety measures aligned with reality—not just what was true a year ago. If you want, I can walk you through what should actually be checked during a review.
Please email Whale Fire at info@whalefire.co.uk or call us on 0800 772 0738
