Changes to Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) frequency

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We have conducted a review of our Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) approach against the new requirements in The Fire Safety Act 2021 and we have made changes to the frequency of our assessments. 

These changes ensure we are up to date and compliant with the latest legislation and guidance.

We used to carry out a full annual Fire Risk Assessment, however there is no legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 to do this. 

When we will do fire risk assessments

The focus has shifted to monitoring the actions. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 we will undertake fire risk assessments when there are relevant changes to the premises or activities. We will also undertake a reassessment if there are other reasons to believe the current assessment is not valid, 

Our fire safety policy

Following the National Fire Chief’s Council guidance we updated our fire safety policy (pdf, 857kb) which now includes an annual desktop review. We are working with an accredited external consultant who provides the annual desktop review service and tracking document which will sit alongside the current Fire Risk Assessment. 

The initial fire risk assessment provides sufficient information to determine whether any further, more invasive forms of assessment or survey will be necessary to adequately identify hazards and what control measures are required to ensure the safety, as far as is reasonably practicable, of relevant persons from the risk of fire. Whilst the existing Fire risk Assessment has a review date in the past, this is the current document.

Our property inspection regimes, planned preventative maintenance programmes and defect reporting arrangements have the effect of risks being constantly under review. However, all our fire risk assessments will be subject to regular formal reviews to ensure that they remain valid.

When we carry out a full Fire Risk Assessment 

A full assessment would be instructed where there has been:

• a fire
• arson attack or attempted arson attack/malicious damage
• significant change to the use of the property
• major change to the structure of the property
• Significant change affecting the passive or active fire precautions
• significant change to the needs of the person(s) occupying the property
• significant development in industry best practice relating to fire precautions
• Change in statutory requirements. 

More information

To discuss the building safety requirements where you live, contact us on 0300 131 7300 or email buildingsafety@isha.co.uk.

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