BS 9792:2025 – A New Benchmark for Residential Fire Safety

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has announced the publication of BS 9792:2025, a significant new standard for fire risk assessment in residential buildings. This full revision marks the formal upgrade of PAS 79-2:2020, which was withdrawn in 2020, and reflects the latest legislation, best practice, and fire safety guidance.

A Fresh Structure and Clearer Guidance

BS 9792:2025 has been carefully developed to make fire risk assessment more consistent, transparent, and user friendly. The revised standard features:

• A clearer structure and improved organisation for easier navigation.

• Streamlined commentary to reduce ambiguity and improve understanding.

• A refreshed pro forma for documenting fire risk assessments, making reporting more consistent and comprehensive.

• Updated guidance for individuals with specific evacuation needs, ensuring inclusivity for all residents.

  
  

The new format aims to remove unnecessary complexity while still providing thorough, evidence based direction for those carrying out assessments.

Developed by Independent Expertise

The standard was produced by a separate, independent panel of fire safety experts, using PAS 79-2 as its foundation. However, BS 9792:2025 is far more than a simple update, it's a complete re-work, designed to ensure compliance with current legal requirements and to embed modern best practice in the sector.

Inclusivity was a key focus in its development, recognising the diverse needs within residential communities. From those requiring personal emergency evacuation plans to vulnerable residents needing additional support, the standard ensures that safety planning accounts for all occupants.

Working Alongside Other Key Standards

BS 9792:2025 is designed to work in harmony with other important standards in the fire safety landscape. It complements PAS 9980, which covers external wall fire risk appraisals, and will align closely with the forthcoming BS 8674, which will set out competence requirements for fire risk assessors. Together, these documents form a stronger, more cohesive framework for managing residential fire risks.

A Step Forward for the Sector

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, emphasised the importance of the new guidance:

"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"

What This Means for Housing Providers and Assessors

For housing associations, landlords, managing agents, and fire risk professionals, BS 9792:2025 provides a clear, reliable, and legally robust tool for assessing and managing fire risks in residential buildings. It ensures assessments are not only technically sound, but also fully aligned with current regulations and the latest evidence.

With this new standard, the sector takes an important step toward more consistent, inclusive, and effective fire safety planning, ultimately helping to protect lives and build safer communities for all.

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