BS 8674:2025

What is BS 8674:2025 - Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors about? 

BS 8674:2025 is a British Standard that sets out a framework for assessing and assuring the competence of individual fire risk assessors operating in the built environment. It provides performance-based criteria that can be used to determine whether an individual is suitably competent to carry out fire risk assessments in a wide range of occupied buildings.

The standard supports the professionalization of fire risk assessors by establishing three defined levels of competence - Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced - to reflect the complexity and risk associated with different building types and occupancy levels.

It does not outline the fire risk assessment process itself (which is addressed in standards like PAS 79-1 and the upcoming BS 9792), but instead focuses on what knowledge, experience, and behaviours an individual must have to be deemed competent to carry out those assessments effectively.

Who is BS 8674:2025 - Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors for? 

BS 8674:2025 is intended for a wide range of stakeholders across the built environment, particularly:

• Individual fire risk assessors who need to demonstrate and maintain competence.
  
• Responsible Persons under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Safety Act 2022, who are legally obligated to ensure those they appoint are competent.
  
• Employers, dutyholders, and building owners/managers seeking assurance that assessments are being carried out by qualified professionals.
  
• Certification and accreditation bodies assessing individuals against competency benchmarks.
  
• Training providers and academic institutions developing curricula to prepare assessors for real-world demands.
  
• Professional and trade associations that want to ensure their members meet recognized industry standards.

It is applicable across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, public venues, care homes, education, and healthcare facilities - anywhere that fire safety and building occupancy intersect.

What does BS 8674:2025 - Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors cover? 

BS 8674:2025 provides recommendations for assessing individual competence in undertaking general fire risk assessments for life safety purposes in occupied buildings. Specifically, it covers:

• A competency framework for non-invasive (i.e. visual, non-destructive) fire risk assessments.
  
• The interpretation and use of relevant building records and historical fire safety documentation.
  
• Criteria aligned with BS 8670-1:2024, focusing on life safety measures within buildings.
  
• Performance expectations across three defined levels of competence: Foundation, appropriate for simple, low-risk buildings with minimal occupancy; Intermediate, suited to buildings of moderate complexity and broader usage types; and Advanced, intended for high-risk, complex environments such as large residential blocks, care facilities, and public entertainment venues.

Note: BS 8674:2025 specifically does not cover the actual process of conducting a fire risk assessment, which is instead addressed in complementary standards such as PAS 79-1 and the forthcoming BS 9792. The scope of this standard is limited to individual competence and does not extend to invasive or destructive inspections that may be required for more detailed evaluations. It also excludes fire engineering activities or the design of specialized fire safety systems. 

Additionally, the standard does not address the competence of organizations, nor does it provide criteria for performing conformity audits or compliance assessments related to building design or maintenance procedures. Another area outside its scope is the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction (FRAEW), which is comprehensively covered in PAS 9980.

Why should you use BS 8674:2025 - Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors?

You should use BS 8674:2025 because it:

• Supports legal compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, which requires individuals appointed to carry out fire risk assessments to be competent.
  
• Provides measurable, verifiable benchmarks for competence, helping to reduce risk and ensure quality and consistency in fire risk assessments.
  
• Enhances public safety by ensuring that fire risk assessments are conducted by individuals with the necessary training, knowledge, and experience.
  
• Helps develop career pathways and recognition for fire risk assessors by aligning their skills with industry-recognized standards.
  
• Assists organizations in selecting, contracting, and auditing fire risk assessors based on an objective framework.
  
• Builds trust among residents, clients, and enforcement authorities that fire safety is being managed competently and professionally.

Ultimately, BS 8674:2025 contributes to a safer built environment by reducing the variability in assessor qualifications and elevating the standards of fire risk assessments industry-wide.