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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.

Fire safety refers to the measures that are taken to prevent and minimize the risk of fire and to ensure the safety of individuals and property in the event of a fire. Some important aspects of fire safety include fire prevention, early detection, fire suppression, and evacuation planning.

Here are some tips to improve fire safety:

1. Install smoke detectors: Smoke detectors are an important early warning system and should be installed on every level of your home or building. Make sure to test them regularly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
2. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources: Store flammable liquids and materials in a cool, dry place away from heat sources such as stoves and heaters.
3. Have a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location and make sure everyone in the building knows how to use it.
4. Have an evacuation plan: Develop and practice an evacuation plan with all occupants of the building. Ensure that everyone knows where the emergency exits are and what to do in case of a fire.
5. Keep electrical equipment in good condition: Check electrical equipment regularly to ensure it is in good condition and not frayed or damaged.
6. Avoid smoking inside: Smoking indoors is a leading cause of fires. If you must smoke, do so outside and properly dispose of cigarette butts.
7. Know when to call for help: If a fire breaks out, do not attempt to put it out yourself unless you are trained to do so. Call the fire department immediately and evacuate the building.
8. Remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility. By following these tips, you can help prevent fires and keep yourself and others safe.

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London Fire Risk Assessments (LFRAs) are assessments that evaluate the fire risks of buildings in London, UK. The assessments are carried out by qualified assessors who identify fire hazards and evaluate the likelihood of a fire occurring. The assessors also evaluate the potential consequences of a fire and recommend measures to minimize the risk of a fire and its impact on people and property.

The LFRAs are mandatory under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and apply to all non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, factories, warehouses, and communal areas of residential buildings. The assessments must be carried out by a competent person, who has the necessary training and experience to carry out the assessment.

The LFRAs typically involve the following steps:

1. Identify fire hazards: The assessor will identify all potential fire hazards in the building, including flammable materials, electrical equipment, and potential sources of ignition.
2. Evaluate fire risks: The assessor will evaluate the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences of a fire, including the potential for injury or loss of life, damage to property, and disruption to business operations.
3. Recommend measures to minimize risk: The assessor will recommend measures to minimize the risk of a fire, such as installing fire alarms and fire suppression systems, conducting regular fire drills, and training staff on fire safety procedures.
4. Review and update: The assessor will review and update the fire risk assessment regularly to ensure it remains accurate and up-to-date.

If you are a business owner or responsible for the safety of a non-domestic premises in London, it is important to ensure that you have an up-to-date fire risk assessment in place. Failure to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 can result in fines or even imprisonment in serious cases.

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Are the owner or the responsible person for a non-domestic property in London, then you are required by law to carry out a fire risk assessment. This requirement is outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic properties in England and Wales, including London.

A non-domestic property is any property that is not a private dwelling, such as an office, shop, factory, hotel, or communal areas of a residential building. The requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment applies to all non-domestic properties, regardless of their size or the number of people who occupy them.

The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to identify any potential fire hazards in your premises and evaluate the risks associated with them. The assessment will also help you to identify any measures you need to put in place to reduce the risk of fire, such as installing fire alarms and extinguishers, training staff on fire safety procedures, and conducting regular fire drills.

If you are unsure whether you need a fire risk assessment for your property in London, you should consult with a qualified fire safety professional who can advise you on your legal obligations and the steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants.

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A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a building or premises to identify potential fire hazards, assess the level of risk they pose, and determine appropriate measures to minimize or control those risks. The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to ensure the safety of occupants, protect property, and comply with fire safety regulations.

Here are some key aspects to understand about fire risk assessments:

1. Identification of hazards: The assessment begins by identifying potential fire hazards within the premises, such as flammable materials, electrical equipment, ignition sources, blocked escape routes, or inadequate fire safety measures.
2. Assessment of fire risks: Once the hazards are identified, the potential risks associated with those hazards are evaluated. This includes considering factors such as the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences if it does.
3. Evaluation of existing control measures: The existing fire safety measures in place, such as fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and evacuation procedures, are assessed to determine their effectiveness and compliance with relevant regulations.
4. Identification of additional control measures: If any deficiencies or shortcomings are identified in the existing control measures, recommendations are made for additional measures that should be implemented to reduce the identified risks. This may include improvements to fire safety equipment, staff training, or changes to building layout or materials.
5. Documentation and record-keeping: A fire risk assessment should be thoroughly documented, including details of the assessment process, identified hazards, risk evaluation, and recommended control measures. Regular reviews and updates should be conducted to ensure the assessment remains relevant and up to date.
6. Legal requirements: Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the legal responsibilities for carrying out fire risk assessments in non-domestic premises.

It's important to note that fire risk assessments may require the involvement of a competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience in fire safety. In more complex or high-risk premises, professional fire risk assessors may be employed to conduct the assessment.

It is always recommended to consult local fire safety regulations and guidelines specific to your region or seek professional advice to ensure compliance and the safety of your premises.