New BS 9792:2025 sets higher bar for Fire Risk Assessments

“BS 9792:2025 is not just an update; it represents a fundamental shift in how fire risk assessments must be carried out,” said David Hills(FRICS, FIIRSM, MIFireE, MSFPE, RSP), Director of Regulatory, Technical and Technology at Ark Workplace Risk. 

“It demands systematic methodology, integration with wider building safety management systems, and above all, demonstrable competence from assessors. For organisations, this means that FRAs should never be treated as a compliance tick-box, they are central to protecting people, reputations, and asset value.”

What the new standard means

• Competence and accountability: Clearer requirements for the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours of those conducting FRAs.

• Systematic approach: A structured methodology that aligns FRAs with broader health, safety and building compliance processes.

• Development of Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessments: developed for protecting vulnerable persons and supporting the development of personal emergency evacuation statements

• Integration with the Golden Thread: FRA findings must be recorded, auditable and accessible, supporting Safety Case Reports under the Building Safety Act.

Immediate steps for Duty Holders

Ark advises property professionals to:

• Review their current FRA methodology against BS 9792:2025.

• Verify that assessors are demonstrably competent and accredited.

• Integrate FRA outcomes into digital systems that maintain the golden thread of building information.

Ark’s role

Ark is already supporting housing providers, developers and managing agents to transition to the new standard. Through strategic consultancy, competency frameworks, training, and its market-leading QUOODA® platform, Ark enables clients to meet their obligations and embed a culture of safety and accountability.

“As we continue to respond to the lessons of Grenfell and the Building Safety Act, BS 9792 should be seen as a wake-up call,” added Hills. “The industry must raise the bar, and those who act quickly will be better placed to reassure residents, satisfy regulators and secure investor and insurer confidence.”

For expert commentary and guidance on aligning with BS 9792:2025, join Ark Workplace Risk’s webinar: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 – 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐒 9792 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮?, on Thursday 23^rd October -11am-12pm.

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