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If you’re a business owner, facilities manager, or landlord in the UK, you’ve likely asked:
“Do I need a fire risk assessment every year?”

It’s a common and important question that carries legal weight. Fire risk assessments are not just best practice; they are a legal responsibility. This blog explains how often assessments should be carried out, who is responsible, and what happens if you do not comply.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a structured evaluation of your premises that identifies fire hazards, assesses the level of risk to occupants, and recommends measures to improve safety.

It is required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to nearly all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

For more detail, visit our Fire Risk Assessment service page.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Carried Out?

Legally

There is no fixed timeframe stated in law. However, the assessment must be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. A review should be carried out when:

  1. The layout or use of the premises changes
  2. The number or type of occupants changes
  3. A fire incident or near miss occurs
  4. Fire systems or equipment are upgraded or altered
  5. A significant amount of time has passed since the last assessment (12 months is generally considered best practice)

Best Practice

Fire safety professionals and many Fire and Rescue Services recommend annual reviews. This is particularly important for:

  1. Offices and commercial buildings
  2. Care homes, schools, and healthcare settings
  3. HMOs and residential blocks

You can read more about specific responsibilities for landlords here.

Who Is Responsible?

The person responsible for fire safety is known as the Responsible Person. This is usually the employer, building owner, landlord, or a designated facilities manager.

They must ensure that:

  1. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out
  2. The assessment is conducted by a competent individual
  3. All required actions from the assessment are implemented

Failure to comply can lead to:

  1. Fines up to £5,000 for minor offences
  2. Unlimited fines or imprisonment for serious breaches
  3. Legal liability in the event of injury or death

To help stay compliant, see our Compliance Testing services.

What Happens During a Fire Risk Assessment?

A qualified assessor will:

  1. Identify fire hazards and ignition sources
  2. Assess existing control measures
  3. Check escape routes, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting
  4. Review training records and fire safety documentation
  5. Provide a written report with an action plan

We also offer a helpful fire risk assessment checklist to understand what to expect.

Why Choose Total Safe?

At Total Safe, we provide professional fire risk assessments across Essex, London, and the South East. Our assessors are fully trained, experienced, and knowledgeable in UK fire safety regulations.

We offer:

  1. Initial and follow-up assessments
  2. Annual reviews and re-certification
  3. Fire logbooks and compliance documentation
  4. Ongoing support and staff fire safety training

Explore all of our Fire Safety Services to see how we can help protect your people and property.

Final Thoughts

Although not always legally required every 12 months, an annual fire risk assessment is the most reliable way to remain compliant and protect your building. A lot can change in a year, and keeping your assessment up to date reduces your legal risk and keeps occupants safe.

Need a fire risk assessment? Contact Total Safe to book yours today.