Increased Enforcement in 2026
Fire Risk Assessments remain a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. What has changed is how actively compliance is being monitored and enforced.
Fire and Rescue Services are carrying out more frequent inspections, with a stronger focus on whether assessments are current, accurate, and supported by completed actions.
Fire Risk Assessment services here
Higher Accountability for Responsible Persons
Recent legislation, including the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022, has reinforced the responsibility placed on duty holders.
Businesses are expected to demonstrate that their Fire Risk Assessment:
- Reflects the current use and layout of the building
- Identifies and prioritises risk effectively
- Is reviewed regularly
Failure to evidence this is a common trigger for enforcement action.
Where Businesses Are Exposed
Most compliance issues arise from gaps in execution rather than absence of an assessment. Typical risks include:
- Assessments that are no longer aligned to the building’s current use
- Actions that have not been completed or documented
- Reports lacking sufficient detail to support decision-making
These issues are routinely identified during inspections.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance can lead to enforcement notices, financial penalties, and operational disruption. More critically, it increases risk exposure in the event of a fire.
Maintaining an up-to-date and actionable Fire Risk Assessment is essential to reducing both legal and operational risk.
A Structured Approach to Compliance
An effective Fire Risk Assessment should deliver more than a report. It should provide:
- A clear evaluation of risk
- Defined, prioritised actions
- Ongoing visibility of compliance status
At Walker Fire, assessments are aligned with current standards and supported by direct guidance from a lead fire risk assessor following completion, ensuring actions are understood and implemented.
Request a Fire Risk Assessment here
Next Steps
If your Fire Risk Assessment has not been reviewed recently, or actions remain outstanding, it is advisable to reassess your current position.