What is the new “BS 9792:2025 – Fire risk assessment” about?

BS 9792:2025 is a totally new British Standard that provides recommendations and example documentation for conducting and recording fire risk assessments (FRAs) in housing premises. It offers a structured and risk-proportionate methodology for assessing fire risks in residential settings, aiming to determine the necessary fire prevention and protection measures to safeguard occupants and those in the immediate vicinity.

This standard represents a full revision and formal conversion of the previously withdrawn PAS 79-2:2020, marking a major step in aligning fire risk assessment practices with current legislation and industry needs.

Who is BS 9792:2025 – Fire risk assessment for? 

This standard is aimed at:

• Competent persons conducting fire risk assessments (i.e., individuals with suitable fire safety knowledge and training).
• Fire risk assessment companies.
• Freeholders, managing agents, and management companies responsible for housing premises.
• Housing providers needing to meet obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005and/or the Building Safety Act 2022.

What does BS 9792:2025 – Fire risk assessment cover? 

It applies to fire risk assessments in the following types of residential premises:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Blocks of flats or maisonettes (purpose-built or converted).
• Specialized housing (as defined in the standard).
• Student accommodation in any of the above forms.
• Access areas to residential spaces in mixed-use buildings.

However, it does not cover:

• Single-family private dwellings.
• Short-term letting units (e.g., Airbnb-type).
• Non-domestic premises.
• Residential care homes.
Construction-phase premises (before occupation).

It does include vacant housing premises, and while it addresses external wall risks, it excludes specialist external wall assessments (handled via PAS 9980).

Importantly, this standard is not intended to address:

• Firefighter safety.
• Protection of property or business continuity.
• Environmental protection.

Why should you use BS 9792:2025 – Fire risk assessment?

The benefits of adopting this standard include:

• Consistency: Establishes a unified and consistent approach to carrying out and documenting FRAs in housing.
• Legislative compliance: Supports responsible parties in fulfilling legal obligations under current UK fire safety legislation.
• Improved fire safety: Aims to reduce fire risk for residents and enhance occupant protection.
• Terminology and clarity: Promotes common understanding among assessors and stakeholders.
• Holistic, proportionate approach: Encourages a pragmatic view of risk, tailored to the specific building and occupancy type.
• Documentation quality: Provides clear templates and formats to record assessments thoroughly.
• Education and guidance: Helps housing providers, even those without fire expertise, better understand and manage fire safety.

What are the changes introduced in BS 9792:2025?

BS 9792:2025 is a new British Standard. It replaces PAS 79-2:2020 which was withdrawn. BS 9792:2025 introduces significant changes compared to PAS 79-2:2020, including:

• Restructured content: Clause 15 is subdivided; various FRA types are aligned with the principles and scope section.
• Copyright cleanup: Removal of third-party copyrighted material.
• New pro forma: A streamlined, standardized format for assessment documentation.
• Clearer commentary: Less verbose, more direct language throughout.
• Expanded evacuation guidance: Enhanced focus on people with specific evacuation needs, with a new informative annex.
• Updated references: Incorporates the latest industry guidance and other British Standards issued since December 2020.
• Legal alignment: Updates reflect new legislation affecting fire safety introduced post-2020