The start of August was a significant time for FRAs. We finally got the publication of a new British Standard, BS 9792:2025, to replace the old PAS 79-2:2020 guidance. It will have a significant impact on various stakeholders, including anyone conducting an FRA on applicable housing and people with any responsibility for the properties. We want to have a closer look at the new standard here. Then, if you need to arrange fire risk assessments in Hartlepool for different properties, you can speak to us.
Revision and conversion
The previous PAS standard made it a requirement to do a formal fire risk assessment for various types of housing. However, it was withdrawn in favour of creating a British Standard. The move allowed a full revision of the requirements. Most importantly, it ensures that BS 9792:2025 aligns with current legislation and best practice.
Most notably, the new standard means there are now clear recommendations and examples for FRAs in housing properties such as HMOs, maisonettes, flats, and relevant forms of student accommodation. Crucially, it also covers mixed use buildings, detailing requirements for access areas for the housing element.
Equally important, the standard explains which types of housing do not need FRAs. This includes private dwellings for individual families, short-term lets, care homes, and non-domestic properties. Plus, there is no requirement to do an FRA when buildings are being built; an assessment is necessary after occupation of the property.
What are the biggest changes?
There are some significant revisions in BS 9792:2025. It is important to look at them, especially before you arrange fire risk assessments in Hartlepool or other areas.
Most importantly, there is a new format for FRA documentation. It will streamline them, ensuring consistency and clarity. This will be very useful to people conducting the FRAs and anyone reading the findings.
Another major update is an expansion of evacuation guidance. This is a vital topic at the moment as it has a huge impact on health and safety and potential loss of life. Crucially, there is more focus on ensuring FRAs factor in that people have different evacuation needs.
Finally, the new standard features all industry standards and guidance since the 2020 version of PAS 79-2. It also aligns with legislation from the last five years.
Adopt the standard
The main goals with the new BS 9792:2025 standard are to ensure consistency, legal compliance, and improvements in fire safety. A vital thing to note is it will ensure it is easier for people to conduct and document FRAs for relevant types of housing. This is valuable for investors and housing providers that may not have fire expertise or knowledge of the risks.
Do you need help with fire risk assessments in Hartlepool?
ABC Fire Safety & Security achieves very high standards with all of our services. Crucially, we ensure we conduct FRAs in line with legislation and best practice guidance. We’ll do the right checks for every property, whether it is housing like HMOs or commercial premises. We even do assessments for vacant properties.
So, if you want fire risk assessments in Hartlepool to help you improve standards in a property and protect the lives of occupants, contact us. We can also provide useful solutions like fire door inspections and alarm installations if you want a comprehensive service.
