Workplace fire safety guidance
When should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should continue to reflect the premises, people, activities and precautions. A dated report is not useful if important conditions have changed.
Review after change—and at sensible intervals
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service advises that a fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes have been made that would affect it. The review should ask whether the existing findings and precautions remain valid, not merely change the date on the document.
Changes to the building or layout
- Extensions, refurbishments or temporary construction work.
- Changed partitions, doors, escape routes or room use.
- New storage areas, racking or increased fire loading.
- Alterations to alarm, emergency lighting, suppression or ventilation systems.
- Temporary cabins, compounds or access restrictions.
Changes to people or occupancy
Review the assessment when the number, location or needs of occupants change. This includes members of the public, lone workers, sleeping occupants, people unfamiliar with the premises and anyone who may need assistance to recognise a warning or evacuate.
Changes to work activities or materials
- New plant, processes, heating or charging equipment.
- Introduction or increased quantity of combustible or flammable materials.
- Hot work, contractors or maintenance activities.
- Different operating hours or reduced supervision.
- Changes to housekeeping, waste or storage practices.
After an event or warning sign
A fire, alarm activation, evacuation problem, equipment failure or significant near miss may show that assumptions or arrangements need review. Relevant findings from drills, maintenance, inspections and staff concerns should also feed into the assessment.
When information or guidance changes
New design information, enforcement advice, technical findings or relevant guidance may affect the assessment. Changes in who controls the premises or manages fire safety should also prompt a clear handover and review.
What should the review record?
- What triggered the review and which areas were considered.
- Whether hazards, people at risk or fire precautions changed.
- New actions, their priorities, owners and target dates.
- Any specialist information or testing still required.
- The next planned review point and events that should trigger an earlier review.
Official Northern Ireland guidance
See the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service fire risk assessment guidance for current public information on assessment and review.
This article is general information and does not assess a particular premises or determine legal compliance. Follow current official guidance and obtain competent specialist input where the premises or fire risks require it.