Technical Governance MetadataStatus: CURRENT
Author: Louanne Lanahan (CMIOSH · OSHCR · MIFSM · AIFireE · NFRAR)
Jurisdiction: England & Wales (UK Statutory Guidance)
Published: 2024-04-10
Last Technical Review: 2026-09-15
Primary Statutory Sources:
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Home Office Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guides
### No Automatic Annual Expiry
A common misconception is that a fire risk assessment expires after 12 months. In fact, the Responsible Person must keep the assessment under review — there is no single statutory expiry period.
### Change Triggers
A review should be carried out when:
* The premises use or layout changes
* The number or profile of occupants changes
* New hazards are introduced
* Significant findings remain outstanding
* There has been a fire or near miss
* Building works or alterations occur
### Regular Review
Even without change, a regular review is good practice — typically annually for most premises, and more frequently for higher-risk or complex buildings.
### LRMS Approach
We record the actual review recommendation based on the premises and findings — not a blanket annual expiry.
LL
About Louanne Lanahan
Founder & Director · CMIOSH · OSHCR · MIFSM · AIFireE · NFRAR
Chartered Safety Practitioner (CMIOSH), registered on OSHCR, MIFSM, AIFireE, and NFRAR. Founder and Director of Lanahan Risk Management Services Ltd.
