Services
Fire Risk Assessment Validation & Review
Independent review of existing fire risk assessments to identify gaps, omissions, non-compliance and areas where the documentation may not adequately reflect the premises or protect the responsible person.
Why independent validation matters
Not all fire risk assessments are equal. Quality, scope, methodology and currency vary considerably between assessors. An assessment that looks complete may contain significant gaps, fail to reflect current premises conditions, or not meet the standard required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Responsible persons who inherit existing documentation, or who have assessments produced by contractors as part of broader building works, may have no independent confirmation that those assessments are adequate. In the event of a fire, enforcement action or insurance claim, inadequate documentation can have serious consequences.
An independent validation review provides that assurance — or identifies clearly what needs to be addressed before the documentation can be relied upon.
Common issues found in existing FRAs
- —Out-of-date documentation not reflecting current premises
- —Generic or template assessments not site-specific
- —People at risk — vulnerable persons not identified
- —Compartmentation and passive fire protection not assessed
- —Evacuation strategy inadequate or not described
- —Action plans with no prioritisation or timescales
- —No management arrangements reviewed
- —Significant hazards or processes omitted
Who benefits from an FRA validation?
Newly appointed responsible persons
Taken on an existing building and unsure whether the fire risk assessment in place is adequate for your purposes.
Landlords and property managers
Where an FRA has been inherited, purchased with the property, or provided by a contractor and you need independent assurance.
Facilities managers
Managing a portfolio of premises where the quality and currency of existing assessments is uncertain.
Organisations seeking assurance
Where an existing FRA is in place but the responsible person wants independent confirmation that it meets regulatory requirements.
Premises following significant change
Where layout, occupancy, use or management has changed since the last assessment and the existing document needs review.
Organisations following a fire safety audit or notice
Where a regulatory body has raised concerns about the adequacy of existing fire safety documentation.
What the validation review covers
The existing fire risk assessment is reviewed against regulatory requirements and relevant guidance. The following elements are considered as part of the validation.
- Scope and methodology of the existing assessment
- Whether all significant fire hazards have been identified
- Assessment of people at risk — completeness and accuracy
- Review of existing fire precautions and controls
- Adequacy of the action plan — prioritisation and practicality
- Currency of the assessment — whether it reflects current premises conditions
- Management arrangements — adequacy and documentation
- Evacuation strategy — suitability for the premises and occupancy
- Compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Benchmarking against relevant guidance (BS 9999, PAS 79, sector-specific guidance)
- Clarity and usability of the report for the responsible person
- Identification of significant gaps, omissions or errors
What clients receive
- Independent written validation report
- Assessment of the existing FRA against regulatory requirements
- Identification of gaps, omissions and areas of concern
- Benchmarking against relevant guidance (BS 9999, PAS 79)
- Prioritised recommendations
- Clear recommendation on whether full reassessment is required
The FRA validation service reviews existing documentation against regulatory requirements and relevant guidance. It does not constitute a full fire risk assessment of the premises. Where the existing assessment is found to be significantly deficient, a full reassessment may be recommended.
How the process works
Submit existing documentation
Provide the existing fire risk assessment and any supporting fire safety documentation. A member of the team will review the materials and confirm the scope of the validation.
Desktop and site review
The assessment is reviewed against current regulatory requirements and relevant guidance. Where a site visit is required to verify conditions on the ground, this will be agreed as part of the scope.
Validation report
A written validation report setting out findings, compliance gaps, areas of concern and recommendations — including whether a full reassessment is required.
Follow-up discussion
Findings can be discussed with the responsible person to help interpret the outcome and agree next steps, including any follow-on reassessment or remedial action.
You may also need
Fire Risk Assessments
Where an existing FRA is found to be significantly deficient, a full reassessment may be required.
Fire Door Surveys
Fire door compliance is a common gap in existing assessments — a survey provides detailed condition data.
Passive Fire Protection Reviews
Compartmentation and fire stopping deficiencies are frequently missed in generic assessments.
Request an FRA Validation Review
Submit an enquiry with details of your premises and the existing fire risk assessment documentation. A member of the team will confirm the scope and approach.