Revised standard to strengthen fire risk assessments in housing sector

Detailed recommendations to guide professionals conducting fire risk assessments (FRAs) in housing premises have been issued by BSI, aiming to deliver enhanced clarity, consistency and assurance and ultimately help protect people.

The standard, Fire Risk Assessment – Housing – Code of Practice (BS 9792:2025) is an update to past guidance and provides a comprehensive framework and documentation examples for assessing fire risks in residential settings.

It is applicable to a wide range of residential environments, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats, specialized housing and student accommodation. It is designed to enable assessors to determine proportionate measures that can help protect occupants and those nearby from fire hazards.

BS 9792:2025 aligns with the latest legislation and fire safety standards, and marks a full revision and formal upgrade of PAS 79-2:2020, following its withdrawal in 2020. This revised standard introduces a clearer structure, streamlined commentary, and a refreshed pro forma for documenting fire risk assessments. It also includes updated guidance for individuals with specific evacuation needs.

BS 9792:2025 was developed by a separate, independent panel of experts, using PAS 79-2 as the base document while ensuring a clear focus on inclusivity, legal compliance, and modern best practice. BS 9792:2025 also complements standards such as PAS 9980 (external wall fire risk appraisals) and the forthcoming BS 8674 (competence for fire risk assessors).

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, said “The issue of fire risk in residential accommodation should be front of mind for the whole sector. To protect people it is critical that we ensure all standards reflect the latest evidence.

“The publication of this updated guidance marks a major step forward for residential fire safety. It is designed to deliver clarity, consistency, and assurance for housing providers, assessors, and all those committed to protecting lives. It sets a new benchmark for safety planning and reflects a strengthened and collaborative commitment to transparency and the needs of diverse housing communities”.

For further information on the standard, visit: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/fire-risk-assessment-housing-code-of-practice