The Evolution of Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)

Fire risk assessments (FRAs) are nowadays recognised as the cornerstone of building safety. What started for many as a compliance tick-box exercise has become a critical part of responsible building management, protecting lives, safeguarding assets, and enabling accountable persons to meet ever-stricter legal duties. 

At Ark Workplace Risk, we’ve been delivering fire risk assessments for over 30 years, supporting more than 200 clients and protecting 10,000+ buildings across the UK. From high-rise residential towers to mixed-use developments and commercial portfolios, our team of competent fire risk assessors ensures that every FRA is robust, regulator-ready, and integrated into the golden thread of building safety. 

The History of Fire Risk Assessments in the UK 

The roots of fire safety legislation stretch back more than a century, driven by the need to prevent devastating urban fires. In the UK, landmark tragedies such as the Ronan Point tower collapse (1968) and the King’s Cross fire (1987) exposed weaknesses in safety management and accelerated reform. 

The Fire Precautions Act 1971 was the first major milestone, requiring businesses to implement fire safety measures. From there, fire risk assessment gradually became embedded in workplace regulations and building management, laying the foundation for today’s frameworks. 

Fire Risk Assessment Legislation: Key Milestones 

The regulatory landscape has steadily evolved to strengthen accountability and embed risk-based approaches: 

• Fire Precautions Act 1971 – Introduced mandatory fire safety measures. 
• Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 – Extended FRA requirements to more businesses, aligning with European standards. 
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RR(FS)O) – Placed clear responsibility on “responsible persons” for ongoing fire risk assessment. 
• Fire Safety Act 2021 – Expanded scope to include individual dwellings within multi-occupied buildings. 
• Building Safety Act 2022 (Section 156) – Mandated more comprehensive, continuous approaches, making FRAs a central component of safety case reports. 

At Ark, we’ve guided clients through every phase of this regulatory journey, ensuring their FRAs not only comply with legislation but withstand regulator and insurer scrutiny. 

Competence and Standards: From PAS 79 to BS 9792 

For years, PAS 79 provided a structured methodology for FRAs. With its withdrawal in 2021, the development of BS 9792 is raising the bar further. 

BS 9792 integrates fire safety into wider health & safety systems, reflects modern building technologies, and places greater emphasis on assessor competence, a theme Ark has championed for decades. 

Our assessors are highly trained, accredited, and backed by Ark’s Competency Framework and CPD programmes, ensuring every FRA is delivered to the highest professional standard. 

The Building Safety Act and Fire Risk Assessments 

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents one of the most significant shifts in the evolution of FRAs. Under Section 156, duty holders must now demonstrate that fire safety is embedded into the overall management of their buildings, with real legal repercussions for neglect. 

At Ark, we’ve supported clients like Rendall & Rittner drafting fire risk assessments that formed part of successful Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) submissions. With over 75% of BAC applications being refused nationally, our track record proves that we know what it takes to get approval. 

Technology and the Future of Fire Risk Assessment 

The future of FRAs is being shaped by digital innovation: 

• Smart building technologies and IoT sensors enabling real-time fire safety monitoring. 
• Predictive analytics providing early warnings before risks escalate. 
• Integration with Ark’s QUOODA® platform, ensuring every FRA is part of a live, auditable golden thread of building information. 

At the same time, sustainability is influencing fire risk assessment. Competent assessors must now evaluate the fire performance of innovative materials and designs, ensuring that safety keeps pace with modern construction methods. 

Why Choose Ark for Your Fire Risk Assessments? 

• 30+ years’ experience across residential, commercial, BTR, and public sector portfolios. 
• 200+ clients, 10,000+ buildings protected, from single sites to nationwide portfolios. 
• Competence you can trust; accredited assessors, rigorous CPD, and Ark’s Competency Framework. 
• Technology advantage: FRAs integrated into QUOODA®, giving you real-time visibility and audit-ready assurance. 
• Proven results: our FRA work has underpinned multiple BAC successes, even as the majority of applications are rejected. 

Conclusion 

The evolution of fire risk assessments tells a clear story: what began as prescriptive compliance has become a vital part of responsible building management. Today, FRAs demand not only competent professionals and robust frameworks, but also the integration of digital tools and a culture of continuous safety. 

At Ark Workplace Risk, we combine unrivalled expertise, a proven track record, and our powerful QUOODA® platform to ensure your fire risk assessments stand up to scrutiny, protecting your occupants, your reputation, and your assets. 

Arrange a fire risk assessment consultation with Ark today.