FEATURE • Updates to a relevant fire safety guidance or standard.
If any of these apply, an existing assessment may no longer be valid, even if it was completed recently.
What does a fire risk assessment review involve? A review is not always a full reassessment, but it must be meaningful and documented. In 2026, a compliant review will usually include confirmation that:
• The building layout and use remain accurate.
• Fire detection, alarms and emergency lighting are suitable and maintained.
• Escape routes, signage and fire doors remain compliant.
• Staff fire safety training and drills are up to date. • Testing and maintenance records are complete. • Previously identified actions have been addressed.
Where significant changes or gaps are identified, a full new fire risk assessment is normally required.
Common compliance mistakes Fire authorities regularly identify the same issues during audits and inspections.
• Assuming a fire risk assessment expires after a set number of years.
• Filing an assessment away without reviewing it. • Relying on generic or template-based documents. • Failing to complete or evidence remedial actions.
• Using assessors without appropriate competence or experience.
These failures can result in enforcement notices, prosecution and serious insurance implications. For guidance on professional standards, refer to BSI and Fire Industry Association resources.
Who is responsible for reviewing the
assessment? Legal responsibility sits with the responsible person. This is usually the employer, business owner, landlord or managing agent.
While very low-risk premises may carry out simple internal reviews, most businesses benefit from using a competent, third-party risk assessor, particularly where the building is complex or involves sleeping risk.
What happens if a fire risk
assessment is out of date? An out-of-date or invalid fire risk assessment is treated the same as having no assessment at all. Potential consequences include: Fire authority enforcement notices; unlimited fines or prosecution; invalidated insurance cover following a fire; or increased civil and criminal liability.
www.tomorrowsfm.com TOMORROW’S FM | 35
Fire risk assessment reviews from Sygma Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical provides professional fire risk assessment and review services for commercial premises across the UK. If you are unsure whether your current assessment remains compliant in 2026, Sygma can carry out a professional review or full reassessment, with clear reporting and prioritised actions.
https://sygma.co.uk
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