BS 9792 set to strengthen housing sector risk assessments

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’s applicable to a wide range of residential environments, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats, specialised housing and student accommodation.

The Code of Practice is designed to enable assessors to determine proportionate measures that can help to 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 British 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.

PAS 9980 and BS 8674

BS 9792:2025 also complements documents such as PAS 9980 (focused on external wall fire risk appraisals) and the forthcoming BS 8674 (targeting competence for fire risk assessors).

Anne Hayes, director of sectors and standards development at the BSI, commented: “The issue of fire risk in residential accommodation should be front of mind for the whole sector. In order to protect people, it’s critical that we ensure all standards reflect the latest evidence.”

Hayes added: “The publication of this updated guidance marks a major step forward for residential fire safety. It’s 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.”

*Further information is available online at https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/fire-risk-assessment-housing-code-of-practice