Fire Risk Assessment Review In Leicester

What The Service Involves

A fire risk assessment review checks whether the existing assessment still reflects the premises and the people using them. It should consider changes, outstanding actions and whether the original conclusions remain reasonable. It is more than replacing the date on the front cover.

We ask for the previous report before defining the review. A useful review relies on knowing what was assessed, which limitations applied and what has happened since. If the original assessment is missing or no longer provides a sound starting point, a fresh assessment may be necessary.

What Needs Particular Attention

Changes that can matter include a new internal layout, increased occupancy, different storage, altered escape routes or new equipment. Changes in staff support needs may also affect the emergency plan. Consider planned work before it is introduced, while there is still an opportunity to adjust the proposal.

A fire, near miss or failure of a protection system can raise questions about the validity of the existing assessment. Completed remedial work also needs context. Replacing a door or moving a workstation does not necessarily resolve the whole issue identified in the original action plan.

The Fire Safety Order requires assessments to be kept up to date and reviewed regularly, particularly when there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid or following a significant change. There is no single statutory expiry date that applies to every commercial assessment. Set a review approach that reflects the risks, changes and management arrangements.

The Legal And Practical Framework

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 provides the main workplace fire safety framework for Leicester. The responsible person must assess risks and maintain appropriate precautions. Employing someone to help does not remove the duty to manage findings and coordinate with others who control parts of the premises.

Agree a scope that reflects the premises and the question being investigated. A report should make its evidence and limitations understandable, including any areas not inspected. Keep the document with the building’s fire safety records and connect recommended work to a named person or role.

Guidance: Workplace fire safety responsibilities.

How The Work Progresses

First, explain the property, the service needed and any known concerns. The scope should identify the areas included and the information required before attendance.

Next, arrange access and provide the records needed for the agreed inspection or review. The assessor should discuss relevant activities with someone familiar with the building and record limitations where evidence is unavailable.

Finally, use the findings to allocate actions, commission any necessary specialist work and retain completion evidence. If the report leaves a question open, establish who will obtain the missing information and how the conclusion will be updated.

Preparing For The Visit

Provide the complete previous assessment and its action plan, together with drawings, maintenance records and evidence of completed works. List changes since the last visit, including smaller alterations that may affect doors, routes or compartment walls.

Explain why the review is being commissioned and whether there is a planned occupation or fit-out date. Confirm that the assessor can access the areas affected by change. A remote document check may help scope the work, but cannot automatically replace a visit where current conditions need to be established.

What Affects The Cost

Review costs depend on the quality of the original report, the scale of changes and how much of the premises must be revisited. A limited change with good supporting evidence may need a different scope from an extensively refurbished property.

Ask whether the result will be an updated assessment, a documented review or a recommendation for further investigation. The output must be understandable alongside the previous report. New specialist surveys, repairs and design work should be identified separately rather than hidden within an assumed review fee.

Common Questions