Current position
Which PAS 79 document is current?
BSI lists PAS 79-1:2020 as current. It covers fire risk assessment methodology and reporting for premises other than housing, including many workplaces and commercial or public premises.
Housing requires different guidance. PAS 79-2:2020 was withdrawn and has now been succeeded by BS 9792:2025 for specified housing premises. A page that presents PAS 79-2 as the current housing standard is out of date.
| Document | Current use |
|---|---|
| PAS 79-1:2020 | Current code of practice for premises other than housing. |
| PAS 79-2:2020 | Withdrawn; do not present it as the current housing method. |
| BS 9792:2025 | Current code of practice for fire risk assessment in its defined housing scope. |
| PAS 9980:2022 | Separate specialist methodology for external-wall fire risk appraisals. |
Law and standards
Is PAS 79 a legal requirement?
No. A PAS is a standard, not an Act or statutory instrument. The legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order is for a suitable and sufficient assessment; the Order does not prescribe PAS 79-1 as the only acceptable format.
Using a recognised methodology can help demonstrate a systematic approach, but a technically neat report can still be unsuitable if the assessor lacks competence, the scope is wrong, evidence is missing or the conclusions do not reflect the premises.
Assessment process
What does a PAS 79-style assessment address?
The method takes a holistic view of fire prevention, fire protection and fire-safety management. It supports a structured record of premises information, occupants, hazards, precautions, risk evaluation and recommended actions.
The assessor should state the scope, information relied on and significant limitations. Risk evaluation is professional judgement informed by evidence—not a score produced mechanically by a template.
Premises and occupants
Describe use, construction, occupancy and people particularly at risk.
Hazards
Examine ignition, fuel, oxygen and relevant dangerous substances.
Protection
Assess escape, compartmentation, warning, lighting and firefighting provisions.
Management
Review maintenance, training, procedures, records and change control.
Risk evaluation
Reach a reasoned conclusion about likelihood, consequences and adequacy.
Action plan
Prioritise proportionate improvements and identify further investigation.
Using the report
What a good report should make clear
A useful report lets a responsible person understand what was inspected, what evidence was unavailable, why conclusions were reached and what must happen next. It should distinguish observed facts from assumptions and recommendations from mandatory legal wording.
Since 1 October 2023 the Fire Safety Order requires every responsible person to record the FRA in full. A PAS 79-style report can support that record, but the responsible person must also record fire-safety arrangements and ensure actions are implemented.
- Named premises, dutyholder and assessor
- Clear scope, exclusions and limitations
- Building, occupancy and management information
- Findings for hazards, people and general fire precautions
- Reasoned risk conclusion and prioritised action plan
- Review triggers and evidence of action closure
Competence
Choose competence for the premises, not a template
PAS 79-1 is intended for competent fire-safety professionals. The more complex the building, occupants, construction or fire strategy, the greater the required knowledge and experience.
Check the individual as well as the company. Third-party certification or registration can assist due diligence, including BAFE SP205 arrangements and individual assessor registers such as NFRAR, but no badge removes the need to check relevant experience, scope, insurance and independence.
- Ask for comparable premises experience
- Verify the individual assessor’s competence and register entry where claimed
- Check BAFE and NFRAR claims directly with the relevant body
- Agree whether invasive or specialist matters are excluded
- Require a sample structure, action priorities and clear limitations