PAS 79 Explained: The Fire Risk Assessment Methodology

If you are responsible for a commercial premises in the UK, you are legally required to carry out and maintain a written fire risk assessment. While the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) dictates what you must achieve, it does not prescribe exactly how you must do it. This is where PAS 79 comes in.

PAS 79 is a publicly available specification that provides a standardised methodology for conducting fire risk assessments. It gives business owners and fire safety professionals a structured framework to follow, ensuring all necessary hazards and risks are evaluated systematically.

What is PAS 79?

PAS 79 was developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to provide a recognised framework for fire risk assessments in non-domestic premises. It is not a legal requirement to use PAS 79, but it is widely accepted by enforcing authorities, insurers, and fire safety professionals as the benchmark for a thorough assessment.

The document sets out a step-by-step process for evaluating fire risks, recording findings, and producing an actionable fire risk assessment report. By following PAS 79, responsible persons can demonstrate that they have taken a reasonable and structured approach to identifying fire hazards and protecting building occupants.

How PAS 79 Aligns with UK Law

Under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed. In workplaces, this duty also ties into the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), which require employers to conduct suitable risk assessments for health and safety hazards, including fire.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) provides the overarching duty for employers to ensure the safety of their employees and the public so far as is reasonably practicable. A PAS 79-compliant assessment helps responsible persons satisfy these legal duties by ensuring no aspect of fire safety is overlooked.

The methodology is designed to produce a report that clearly separates the assessment of physical fire hazards from the evaluation of the building's structural and procedural fire precautions. This structured separation makes it easier for building managers to action specific recommendations.

The PAS 79 Assessment Process

The PAS 79 methodology breaks the fire risk assessment down into logical steps. This structured approach ensures that the assessor evaluates both the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential consequences for people in the building.

The typical steps in a PAS 79 assessment include:

• Gathering information: Details about the premises, the occupants (including vulnerable individuals), and the processes carried out within the building.
• Identifying fire hazards: Locating potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
• Evaluating risks: Assessing the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential harm to occupants.
• Evaluating existing controls: Reviewing current physical fire precautions, such as fire doors, alarm systems, and emergency lighting.
• Assessing management systems: Reviewing staff training, fire drills, and maintenance schedules for fire safety equipment.
• Formulating an action plan: Producing a clear report that prioritises remedial actions based on the level of risk identified.

Who Should Use PAS 79?

PAS 79 is intended for use across a wide range of non-domestic premises. This includes offices, retail units, warehouses, care homes, and educational establishments. It is suitable for both simple and complex buildings, though highly specialised premises may require additional considerations alongside the standard methodology.

For the responsible person—whether that is an employer, landlord, or facilities manager—requesting a PAS 79-compliant assessment provides assurance that the evaluation meets a high professional standard. It also makes it easier to review and update the assessment over time, as the structured format remains consistent.

Competence and Professional Assessors

The RRO 2005 requires that the fire risk assessment be carried out by a competent person. While there is no statutory definition of competence in the Order, using an assessor who follows PAS 79 and holds recognised qualifications is a strong indicator of competence.

At HawkSwift Ltd, our fire risk assessments are carried out by NEBOSH-qualified assessors who use a structured methodology aligned with PAS 79 principles. We provide clear, actionable reports within 48 hours of the site visit, helping you address any identified risks promptly. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT, making professional compliance accessible for UK businesses.

Maintaining Your Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off exercise. Under the RRO 2005, the assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated if there are significant changes to the premises, the activities carried out, or the number of occupants. A PAS 79-compliant report makes this review process straightforward, as the structured format allows assessors to compare previous findings against current conditions easily.

If you need an initial assessment or a review of your current fire safety documentation, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

*This article is provided as general guidance and is not formal legal advice.*